These are the best places to go shopping in Sapporo

Sapporo may be best known for its world-class ski resorts and snow festivals, but the chilly capital of Hokkaido has a vibrant shopping scene that deserves its own mention. From the historic Tanukikoji strip to mazes of connecting underground malls and crafty stores, these are the best shopping spots in Sapporo for your next visit.

1. Tanukikoji covered arcade

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is Sapporo’s answer to Tokyo’s famed Ameyoko or Shinsaibashi-suji in Osaka. Named after the Japanese raccoon dog, or tanuki – a lucky creature in national folklore – the covered arcade runs through seven city blocks and is home to more than 200 stores. Established in 1869 and conveniently located between Odori and Susukino metro stations, it remains the city’s most popular shopping experience. Expect to uncover everything from souvenir shops to vintage boutiques – stock up on take-homes like Hokkaido snacks, local cosmetics and handcrafted gifts.

2. Depachika food courts

On the basement floor of many major department stores you’ll find high-end food markets – known as depachika – invariably packed with customers and offering a wide selection of freshly prepared deli items, bento boxes, artisanal sweets and premium Hokkaido milk products. Look out for homegrown delights including Sapporo’s Shiroi Koibito cookies, LeTao’s signature cheesecakes from Otaru and Snaffle’s “catch cakes” from Hakodate. Pay a visit when you’re passing through well-known malls such as Daimaru and Stellar Place at Sapporo Station, or Marui Imai and Mitsukoshi at Odori Station. 

3. Underground shopping malls 

When the cold winter chill sets in, smart Sapporo folk seek warmth underground in the long subterranean tunnels that link metro stations – which also double as shopping destinations. Among the best known is the 400-metre-long Pole Town, which stretches south from Odori Station to Susukino. Meanwhile, Aurora Town goes east, connecting Odori to the iconic Sapporo TV Tower. No matter the weather, there will be a great array of boutiques, cafés and souvenir shops waiting to be explored.

4. Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo-Kitahiroshima

Half an hour from Chitose Airport, Mitsui Outlet Park houses an enormous selection of brands for exercise, casual wear and more. Time for a snack? The food court beckons with regional specialties like kaisendon, Hokkaido beef and matcha-flavoured sweets. Don’t miss Hokkaido Loco Farm Village, full of domestic goods including produce, seafood and even soft serve. Until the end of April, Cathay members can earn 2X Asia Miles and enjoy even more offers when shopping here.

5. Gendaiya sandals

On the second floor of Okada Building sits this heritage brand specialising in traditional Japanese footwear. Founded in 1933, Gendaiya offers finely crafted geta, zori and setta sandals, which are not only practical but also serve as meaningful souvenirs. Keeping craftmanship alive, Gendaiya allows customers to choose between materials such as cowhide, reptile leather, horse’s mane and silk. Each custom-made pair of sandals takesa full day to complete to ensure top quality.  

2/F, Okada Building, Minami 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo

6. Toyu ceramics

Toyu is a veritable pottery lover’s paradise, showcasing about 4,000 pieces from dozens of different artists from across Hokkaido. In this serene showroom, each shelf is thoughtfully arranged to highlight an individual artist’s work, often inspired by the prefecture’s landscapes. Pieces on display include premium tableware – bowls, cups, plates and decorative items – but prices remain affordable, making this a perfect stop for anyone looking to pick up some conversation-starting ceramics to enhance their home’s aesthetic. 

7. Sapporo Central Wholesale Curb Market

A must-visit for seafood lovers, the thriving Sapporo Central Wholesale Curb Market is famous for its array of Hokkaido specialities such as crab, sea urchin, scallop and squid. One must-visit vendor is Sato Suisan – easily recognisable by the huge crab display at the front – known for its salmon and salmon roe. Shoppers will also find numerous restaurants serving kaisendon rice bowls and sashimi. The best part? Many vendors offer tastings, letting you check the freshness of their products before you dig in. 

8. Miyabun knives

With more than 100 years of history under its belt, Miyabun is one of the oldest shops in Tanukikoji. The business began selling razors and later expanded to offer premium kitchen knives and tools. Maintaining a knack for sharpness through the generations, today Miyabun also offers gardening shears and scissors, handcrafted kitchen and carving blades, and ice chisels used by artisans to create the impressive sculptures displayed at the annual snow festivals. Some 60,000 knives are sharpened here every year – a service offered even for tools purchased elsewhere.