🏮 In-depth Introduction to Tanukikoji Shopping Street (Sapporo)

Besides the must-try food and must-see attractions in Sapporo, Hokkaido, I think the most unmissable thing is the vibrant Tanukikoji Shopping Street ! This shopping street is Sapporo's shopping and food paradise, boasting over a century of history. It's not only a must-see for tourists, but also a popular spot for locals to shop and hang out. Walking into it is like walking into a "shopping avenue where it never rains," with surprises at every step. ✨

🏙️ The location and history of Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is conveniently located in Sapporo's Chuo Ward , adjacent to Odori Park and Susukino. Dating back to the Meiji era (around the 1870s) , the area was home to a cluster of taverns and theaters, gradually developing into a commercial hub. Over the past century, Tanukikoji has become one of Sapporo's busiest shopping streets.

The shopping street stretches approximately 900 meters , divided into 1-chome to 7-chome , with over 200 shops clustered on both sides. Its transparent roof allows for comfortable shopping even in the snow or rain of winter.

🛍️ Shopping Street Features and Store Categories

I think the charm of Tanukikoji Shopping Street lies in its diversity and fun. Whether it's shopping, food, or entertainment, you can find it all here:

• 👕Fashion clothing and drugstores

  • Large chain drugstores such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Don Quijote offer affordable and convenient souvenir shopping.
  • We have all kinds of trendy clothing and sports brands to satisfy shopping addicts.

• 🍜Restaurants and food

  • There are many ramen restaurants, izakayas, sushi restaurants, and yakiniku restaurants.
  • I especially recommend the branch at Sapporo Ramen Yokocho, where their rich miso ramen is a must-try.
  • There are also many specialty dessert shops and cafes, perfect for a break.

• 🎮Entertainment facilities

  • There are game centers, karaoke bars, and cinemas, and the night is still lively.

• 🏨Accommodation options

  • Many affordable business hotels and youth hostels are concentrated here, making it very convenient for tourists.

🍣 Recommended must-try foods in Tanukikoji

Besides shopping, my favorite thing about Tanukikoji Shopping Street is the delicious Hokkaido cuisine:

• Sapporo Miso Ramen 🍜
  • The rich soup and thick curly noodles are super heartwarming to eat in winter.
• Genghis Khan BBQ 🐑
  • A Hokkaido specialty dish, mainly based on lamb, with a fragrant aroma.
• Seafood Donburi🦀
  • Using fresh Hokkaido catch, the portions are generous.
• Desserts and ice cream 🍦
  • The soft serve ice cream and cheesecake made with Hokkaido milk melt in your mouth.

🎭 Unique atmosphere and cultural elements

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is not only a shopping paradise, but also has a rich cultural atmosphere:

• 🦝 The raccoon cat is the mascot of this place. You can see raccoon cat statues everywhere on the road, symbolizing wealth and protection.
• 🎉 Occasional events and festivals are held here, such as the Tanukikoji Festival in summer, which makes the whole street bustling with activity.
• 🏮 The atmosphere after lighting up at night is particularly romantic, perfect for taking a walk and taking photos.

🚋 Basic traffic information

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is easily accessible and is a must-see when visiting Sapporo:

• Subway 🚇
  • Take the Sapporo Municipal Subway to Odori Station or Susukino Station and walk about 5 minutes to the destination.
• Tram 🚋
  • Take the Sapporo tram and get off at Tanukikoji Station , which is directly at the entrance to the shopping street.
• Self-driving 🚗
  • There are many paid parking lots in the surrounding area, but they are often full during peak hours.

📸 Editor's Personal Tips

1. It is recommended to visit at night because the lights and crowds at night are the most atmospheric.
2. Some shops in the shopping street are open until very late , making it a great place to have a late-night snack after visiting the attractions.
3. If you want to buy all the souvenirs at once, Tanukikoji is definitely the best choice, as it has everything from cosmetics, snacks, and local specialties.
4. Remember to take a photo with the raccoon cat statue , it is one of the cutest features of Tanukikoji.

🌺 Summary

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is Sapporo's most classic shopping and food destination, blending history, culture, entertainment and modern trends .
Here, you can:

• 🛍️ Shopping spree for souvenirs
• 🍣 Taste local Hokkaido cuisine
• 🎮 Experience the lively nightlife
• 📸 Experience the civet cat culture and street atmosphere

I think if you haven’t visited Tanukikoji Shopping Street, you haven’t truly experienced the vitality of Sapporo! ✨