Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo!
So, you’ve made it to Sapporo, and maybe you’re itching to do some shopping, right? If you’re hunting for brand-name goods or just some great deals, then Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima is definitely a spot worth checking out.
I’ve lived in Sapporo for a long time, and trust me, this place is pretty popular even among us locals. This time, I thought I’d give you the inside scoop – the kind of stuff you won’t find in just any guidebook – talking honestly about what makes this outlet mall appealing, along with a few pointers from a local’s perspective.
What Exactly is Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima?
Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima is one of the largest outlet malls in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions, located in Kitahiroshima City, just a bit southeast of central Sapporo. You’ll find a huge variety of popular domestic and international brands here, covering everything from fashion, sportswear, outdoor gear, and lifestyle goods to cosmetics.
It’s quite spacious, so trying to see everything might just take up your whole day, you know? Even just window shopping is fun, and sometimes you stumble upon those “Wow, this cheap!?” kind of deals, making it feel a bit like a treasure hunt.
Friendly for International Visitors Too!
I’ve noticed more and more visitors from overseas lately. Because of that, you’ll find plenty of signs and information available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Plus, many shop staff are quite used to helping international customers, so you probably don’t need to worry too much about language barriers.
And of course, many stores offer tax-free shopping, so don’t forget to bring your passport!
Plenty of Delicious Food Court Options!
Shopping can really work up an appetite, right? One of the great things about this place is its fantastic food court. It’s called the “Hokkaido Loco FARM VILLAGE,” and it serves up everything from Hokkaido specialties like ramen, soup curry, butadon (pork bowl), and seafood bowls, to popular chain restaurants. You definitely won’t have trouble finding something to eat.
There’s ample seating too, making it easy for families and groups to use.
【A Local’s Honest Take ①】It Gets Busy, Especially on Weekends
Okay, gotta be honest here – this place is seriously popular with locals too. So, on weekends and public holidays, it can get pretty crowded. Especially during sale seasons, the parking lots can fill up fast, and you might find lines at the registers for popular stores.
If you want a more relaxed shopping experience, I’d recommend going on a weekday morning or maybe shifting your visit time a bit. But hey, the crowds are kind of proof that the place has its charms, right?
Taking a Little Break – My Personal Favorite Treat
Feeling tired from all the walking? How about something sweet? This is just my little personal indulgence, but I quite like the chocolate drinks and soft-serve ice cream they sell at the Godiva store here. It’s rich and feels like the perfect way to soothe shopping fatigue. If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend giving it a try.
Being Honest about Access… It’s Not Super Central
Hmm, to be perfectly frank, it is a bit of a distance from central Sapporo. It’s not really the kind of place you can reach by taking a train and then walking from the nearest station.
However, there are direct buses running from Sapporo Station and New Chitose Airport. Hopping on one of those makes it an easy, transfer-free ride. This is especially handy on the way back when you might have a lot of shopping bags, you know? It takes a bit of time, but I think it’s worth the trip.
Extend Your Trip? Visit ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO
If you have some extra time and you’re a baseball fan, there’s a new ballpark called ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO relatively close to the outlet mall. It’s the home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters baseball team. Even on non-game days, you can enjoy stadium tours, restaurants, and shops inside the facility. It’s reachable from the outlet by bus or taxi, so visiting both could be a fun plan.
Check out the ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO Visitor Guide too.
【A Local’s Honest Take ②】Best Timing? Maybe the Change of Seasons?
This might apply to any outlet mall, really, but I feel like you’re more likely to find great bargains during the change of seasons, especially at sales right before the season ends. Like finding winter gear in early spring, or summer stuff in early autumn.
Also, something people might overlook is the selection at the outdoor brands. Maybe because Hokkaido is big on outdoor activities, the range seems quite substantial here. From serious gear to stylish items you can wear around town, just Browse can be pretty fun.
How to Get There: Access Information
The main way to get there is by bus.
- From Sapporo Station:
- Hokkaido Chuo Bus operates direct buses.
- Travel Time: Approx. 50 minutes
- Fare: 540 JPY (Adult, one-way)
- Hokkaido Chuo Bus
- From New Chitose Airport (CTS):
- Hokkaido Chuo Bus also runs direct buses from here.
- Travel Time: Approx. 30 minutes
- Fare: 1,100 JPY (Adult, one-way)
- Hokkaido Chuo Bus
Please note that fares and travel times are approximate as of when this article was written. ALWAYS check the latest information on the official websites.
Consider Adding it to Your Sapporo Itinerary!
So, there you have it – a local’s perspective on Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima.
It might be a little way out from the city center, but the selection is vast, the food options are great, and it’s welcoming to international visitors. If you’re looking to dedicate a day to serious shopping, I’d highly recommend it.
Why not consider adding it to your Sapporo travel plans? I think you’ll have a great time!
