Hey everyone! Welcome to Sapporo! Enjoying the Hokkaido air? As a Sapporo local of 40 years, today I’m excited to share the wonders of Sapporo’s drugstores, especially for my friends visiting from overseas. Whether you’re looking to make travel memories or just need to pick up some daily essentials, I’m sure you’ll find this info super helpful, so stick معانا (with me) till the end!
So, What’s the Big Deal About Sapporo Drugstores? Let Me Tell You!
Japanese drugstores aren’t just for medicine, you know. They’re like treasure chests packed with everything from cosmetics and snacks to daily necessities. And Sapporo’s drugstores have a few key points that travelers absolutely shouldn’t miss.
- Amazing Selection of Products!: You can find pretty much anything here – the latest Japanese cosmetics, popular medicines, Hokkaido limited snacks, and useful daily necessities. It’s fun just to browse, really.
- Tax-Free Shopping Benefits: Many drugstores offer a tax-free service for international tourists. Don’t forget your passport, and you’ll get a chance to shop zweiten günstiger (even cheaper – a little German flair for fun, assuming a diverse audience!). The process has gotten much simpler than it used to be, so definitely give it a try.
- Convenient Locations: You’ll find tons of drugstores around major tourist hubs like Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino. This makes it super easy to pop in while you’re out sightseeing.
Popular Drugstore Chains in Sapporo and Their Vibe!
As you walk around Sapporo, you’ll probably spot a few familiar drugstore signs. Here are some of the main chains and what I think makes each one a bit special:
- Satsudora
- https://satudora.jp/taxFree/ko/ (The official site is in Japanese, but it’s good for store info. Try using your browser’s translation feature!)
- This chain is local to Hokkaido, so it has a special place in my heart. They have a good range of private brand products, and you might even find some real gems. Some stores also have a “Hokkaido Living Department Store” section, which focuses on souvenirs and is particularly interesting for travelers, I think.
- Tsuruha Drug
- https://www.tsuruha.co.jp/en/
- This is a major nationwide chain, and you’ll see their stores all over Sapporo. They have a reliable stock, so you can usually find what you’re looking for. I feel like they have a strong selection of pharmaceuticals and health foods.
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi
- https://www.matsukiyococokara-online.com/store/ (This is the store locator for Matsumotokiyoshi Cocokara & Co. It’s handy for finding a store near you. The page is in Japanese, but give your browser’s translate function a go.)
- You can’t miss their bright yellow signs! This is another super famous drugstore chain all over Japan. They tend to be in urban centers and have a huge selection of cosmetics and medicine, making them pretty popular, especially with younger people, I’d say. They also have their own original brand products that often get a lot of buzz.
There are other drugstores too, of course, but if you know these, you’re pretty much set.
A Local’s Secret Tips! Smart Ways to Use Drugstores
Alright, now for some local insights on how to make the most of your drugstore visits.
- How to Find Specific Japanese Products?
- Japanese product names can be tricky, especially for visitors. If there’s something specific you’re after, the quickest way is probably to show a picture of the product on your phone to a staff member. “Kore arimasuka?” (Do you have this?) will usually do the trick. Translation apps are also super good these days, so make use of them!
- Shopping for Deals: Check for Sales and Points
- Some drugstores have sales on weekends or specific days, or they might have point-up campaigns. If you have some time to spare, checking for these deals could save you some yen. But, you know, you’re on vacation with limited time, so don’t stress too much about it.
- Avoiding Crowds in Sapporo Drugstores?
- Yeah, they tend to get crowded in the evenings and on weekends. Popular stores during peak tourist season can have long lines at the checkout. If you want to browse at your own pace, try going on a weekday morning when it’s relatively quiet.
【A Local’s Honest Take ①】Unexpected Finds and Souvenir Ideas
Drugstores aren’t just about medicine and cosmetics, you know. I personally like to check out the travel-sized skincare sets and the snack aisle. Hokkaido-limited flavor snacks are great because they don’t take up much space and make perfect little gifts for friends back home. Also, don’t overlook things like high-quality Japanese toothbrushes, eye masks, or those cooling leg patches – they can be a real lifesaver for soothing tired travel muscles! Definitely worth a look.
Maybe Find These? Hokkaido-Exclusive and Noteworthy Items in Sapporo Drugstores
Since you’re in Sapporo, you’ll probably want to look for some Hokkaido-specific items, right? You might be surprised what you can find at a drugstore.
- Local Hokkaido Cosmetics Brands: Lately, there’s been a rise in natural cosmetics using Hokkaido-sourced ingredients – things with lavender, adlay, or horse oil. Bigger drugstores might even have a dedicated section for them. They’re often gentle on the skin, so they could make great souvenirs.
- Hokkaido Limited Snacks and Health Foods: You might find Hokkaido-limited snacks or health supplements selected from a drugstore’s unique perspective, a bit different from what you’d find in typical souvenir shops. Many use local ingredients, so they’re worth checking out.
Just a Few Heads-Ups… But No Worries!
Even the most convenient drugstores have a couple of things to keep in mind.
- Popular items might be out of stock… This is really just down to timing, but especially items trending on social media can disappear супер быстро (super fast – a little Russian for variety!). But don’t be disheartened! If you ask the staff, they might be able to check stock at nearby stores or tell you when the next shipment is due. So don’t give up, just ask!
- Allow plenty of time for tax-free procedures. Especially during busy times like evenings, you might have to wait a bit at the tax-free counter. It’s a good idea to allow a little extra time, keeping your flight schedule in mind, just to be safe. But most of the time, it’s a smooth process, so no need to worry too much.
【A Local’s Honest Take ②】Communicating with Pharmacists
Japanese drugstores often have a pharmacist on duty. If you’re not feeling well or want to ask about medication, don’t hesitate to talk to them. Of course, there might be a language barrier, but more and more pharmacists understand some simple English these days. And with gestures and translation apps, you can often get your point across. However, if you’re feeling really unwell, please don’t push yourself. Talk to your hotel staff or consider visiting a medical institution. This is just for when you need a bit of quick advice.
To Sum It Up: Sapporo Drugstores Are Your Travel Lifesavers!
So, what did you think? Tempted to check out Sapporo’s drugstores? From medicine and cosmetics to souvenir hunting and solving little everyday problems, they’re sure to be a big help on your trip.
Please remember that prices and opening hours are as of when this article was written, so treat them as a guide. Before you go, be sure to check the store’s official website or similar sources yourself.
Use them wisely and enjoy your stay in Sapporo even more! Have a great trip!
