Hey there, welcome to Sapporo! I’ve lived in Sapporo for quite a while now, and today I want to introduce you to the “Tanukikoji Shopping Street” (Tanukikōji Shōtengai). It’s a popular spot, especially for travelers from overseas, and I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it too!
I’ll guide you from a local’s perspective, sharing the real charms of Tanukikoji, maybe even spilling some honest, unfiltered thoughts. Hope this helps you out!
What Exactly is Tanukikoji Shopping Street? An Arcade Fun to Just Walk Through!
First off, what is Tanukikoji Shopping Street? Simply put, it’s a loooong covered shopping arcade right in the heart of Sapporo. It’s actually said to be one of the oldest shopping arcades in Hokkaido, stretching for about 900 meters (that’s almost 0.6 miles!) from Block 1 (1-chome) to Block 7 (7-chome).
The biggest draw is definitely the all-weather arcade roof. Sapporo is nice and dry in the summer, but we get a lot of snow in the winter, and while we don’t have a rainy season like mainland Japan, it does rain sometimes. But with Tanukikoji, you can enjoy shopping and dining comfortably anytime, without worrying about the weather. That’s incredibly convenient, you know.
The location is also fantastic, right between Sapporo’s two major entertainment districts, “Susukino” and “Odori Park“. Subway stations are nearby too, making it super accessible, which is a big plus.
- Tanukikoji Shopping Street Official Website:https://tanukikoji.or.jp/
- (You can switch languages in the top right corner of the site, so check it out in whatever language works best for you!)
What’s There? A Mix of Old and New! The Chaotic Charm of Tanukikoji
The really interesting thing about Tanukikoji is the sheer variety of shops.
- Food: You’ll find Hokkaido specialties like ramen, soup curry, and Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), plus izakayas (Japanese pubs) serving fresh seafood. But there are also trendy cafes, old-school coffee shops, and fast food joints – pretty much everything. Many places stay open late, so it’s also recommended for those looking to enjoy the “Sapporo nightlife”. Exploring around Blocks 6 and 7, where more unique bars are popping up, can be fun.
- Shopping: Of course, there are souvenir shops selling Hokkaido classics like Shiroi Koibito cookies and Royce’s chocolate. You’ll also find plenty of drugstores (seems many search for “Sapporo drug store Tanukikoji”!), 100-yen shops, fashion boutiques, general stores, and even game arcades lining the street. You might see a long-established kimono shop or a classic喫茶店 (kissaten – old-style coffee shop) right next to a huge discount store like Don Quijote. This mix of old and new creates the unique atmosphere of Tanukikoji.
- Other: Recently, more hotels have opened up, and it seems many visitors enjoy staying right in Tanukikoji while sightseeing in Sapporo.
Honestly, as a Local ①: Tips for Walking Around & Crowds
You can basically enjoy Tanukikoji anytime, but yeah, it can get crowded depending on the time and season.
- Peak Crowding Times: Weekday evenings and weekend afternoons tend to be the busiest. Popular restaurants might have lines.
- Better Times to Visit: If you want to browse the shops at a leisurely pace, weekday mornings to early afternoons are relatively less crowded.
- Seasons: During the winter Snow Festival season and summer event seasons, it gets particularly lively with tourists from both Japan and abroad.
The Downsides…? What Locals Might Find Less Appealing
Tanukikoji is super charming, but as a local, there are a couple of things that honestly make me go “hmm…”
First, shops tend to change quite often, especially newer restaurants. Sometimes you find a favorite spot, and the next thing you know, it’s gone… Well, you could say that’s proof the arcade is vibrant and evolving.
Also, and forgive me for being blunt, it’s become so popular with international visitors that sometimes you see more tourists than Japanese people (haha)! Seriously, sometimes I walk down the street, see almost only non-Japanese faces, and think, “Whoa, when did Sapporo become such an international city? (haha)” or “Wait, am I still in Japan? Aren’t there too many foreigners?!” What I mean is, it feels less like a place reflecting Sapporo locals and more like an internationally flavored street. This might be a minus for those seeking a more traditional, uniquely Sapporo vibe.
And, just my personal opinion, but the souvenir shops often feel a bit… similar in their offerings. They’re convenient for grabbing the standard stuff, sure, but finding truly unique, “only-available-here” souvenirs might be a bit challenging.
But hey, there’s comfort in the familiar classics, and recently, more unique craft shops and select stores have been popping up little by little, so Browse around like a treasure hunt can still be fun! And being internationally popular also means it has attractions that appeal to many different people.
Honestly, as a Local ②: Unexpected Ways to Enjoy?
Shopping and eating are great, but looking at it this way might also be interesting:
- Look for Historic Buildings: If you look closely, you can find old signs and retro building decorations still remaining. Even the design of the arcade pillars varies slightly from block to block. Paying attention to these small details can be a more “in-the-know” way to enjoy your walk.
- Explore the Side Streets: Ducking into the alleys off Tanukikoji can lead you to hidden bars and unique eateries. It might take a little courage, but you could discover something new. Just be a bit careful in the alleys at night!
Getting to Tanukikoji (Access)
Access is super easy.
- By Subway:
- Take the Namboku, Tozai, or Toho Line to “Odori” Station. Walk south through the Pole Town underground shopping mall.
- Take the Namboku Line to “Susukino” Station. Walk north through the Pole Town underground shopping mall.
- It’s just a few minutes’ walk from either station. Keep an eye out for the overhead signs in Pole Town; they’re easy to spot and will guide you.
- By Streetcar (Tram):
- Get off at the “Tanukikoji” stop. You’ll be right in front of Tanukikoji Block 4.
Honestly, it’s close to other tourist spots like the Sapporo TV Tower and the Clock Tower, so it’s hard to get lost. If you just walk south or north in the city center, you’ll eventually run into it (haha). You can easily walk and visit multiple spots in one go, so don’t worry too much about access.
Honestly, as a Local ③: Tanukikoji Might Be Sapporo in Microcosm
Tanukikoji is this jumble of new and old, shops for tourists and shops locals use daily. In a way, I think it kind of symbolizes Sapporo itself right now.
It might not be perfectly polished, but that’s part of its human charm, and maybe why it never gets boring to walk through. I’m sure you’ll find your own favorite spot or shop there.
When you come to Sapporo, definitely take a stroll down Tanukikoji Shopping Street and experience its energy and chaotic charm firsthand! Eat delicious food, find interesting things – I bet you’ll make some wonderful memories.
