9 Shopping Spots in Hokkaido

Because Hokkaido isn't just about beautiful nature and seafood, it also has shopping spots that rival other major cities in Japan. You can find souvenirs or treat yourself to a wide range of clothing, shoes, snacks, and top Japanese cosmetics at affordable prices. If you want to shop but aren't sure where to go, try these 9 shopping spots.

1. Tanuki Koji, Sapporo

Tanuki Koji Shopping Street is an old market that has served both tourists and locals for over 100 years. Its main feature is a roof covering the entire arcade, so you can shop comfortably whether it's raining, sunny, or snowing. Visit during summer from July to August for the Tanuki Festival, when the area is beautifully decorated. Tanuki Koji has around 200 shops along a stretch of about 1 kilometer, selling clothes and shoes from well-known brands like Uniqlo, New Balance, Adidas, and Puma. Don't miss the Daiso store, where everything costs 100 yen, or Don Quijote, which sells everything from electronics to cosmetics at surprisingly low prices. If you need a break from walking, there are several popular restaurants here too.

Access : Take the train to Susukino Station (Exit 1).

2. Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street, Otaru

Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street is located not far from the Otaru Canal, where many tourists enjoy the romantic atmosphere. The street preserves a traditional Japanese townscape, with shops and museums side by side, offering both shopping and insight into this small port town. Highlights include fresh seafood and glassblowing workshops where you can make your own glassware.

Access : Take the train to Otaru Station or Minami-Otaru Station.

3. Susukino, Sapporo

Susukino is close to Tanuki Koji, so you can easily walk from one to the other. The area is well known among tourists for its "Ramen Alley," since it's packed with ramen shops serving miso ramen, shio ramen, curry ramen, and more, starting from just 750 yen a bowl. You don't need to worry about picking the wrong shop - the quality is consistently good, and the ramen looks just like the pictures on display. Simply walk into whichever shop catches your eye.

Access : Take the train to Susukino Station. From Sapporo Station, take the Nanboku Subway Line for 2 stops.

4. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Hakodate

This building dates back to the Meiji era, when it was used as a red-brick warehouse. It has since been renovated into today's shopping complex, home to more than 50 shops focused mainly on souvenirs and home decor, along with restaurants and a beer garden where you can relax. Visit in December to see the area decorated for Christmas, adding a beautiful and warm atmosphere.

Access : Take the train to Jujigai Station, then walk toward the seaside for about 350 meters.

5. JR Tower , Sapporo

The JR Tower area is very popular with tourists since it's right next to the train and bus station. This area is filled with major Japanese department stores, such as Daimaru, which brings together well-known Sapporo shops and restaurants like Tadumura Tonkatsu; Stellar Place, which focuses on affordable Japanese fashion and is home to Nemuro Hanamaru sushi.

Access : Take the train to Sapporo Station and exit through the south gate.

6. Hakodate Morning Market, Hakodate

Hakodate Morning Market mainly sells fresh seafood, perfect if you want to cook your own meal. The market isn't very large (though it's still the biggest morning market in Hokkaido), and it operates from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM. One of its biggest draws is squid fishing: you can catch your own squid and eat it fresh. There are also plenty of affordable seafood restaurants to choose from.

Access : Take the train to JR Hakodate Station, then walk to the right and cross the street to reach the market.

7. Sapporo Factory , Sapporo

Sapporo Factory is a large, elegant shopping complex in central Sapporo. The site was once a beer factory, later converted into one of Sapporo's best-known shopping destinations. Its highlight is a large glass-roofed atrium that's perfect for photos. The shops here mostly sell home decor and miscellaneous goods, and there are cafes and beer halls where you can relax while the rest of your group shops.

Access : Take the train to Odori Station, or take the train to Sapporo Station and then transfer to Chuo bus line 88.

8. Rera Outlet Mall

Rera Outlet Mall is the largest outlet mall in Hokkaido, just a 30-minute drive from Sapporo. As you'd expect from an outlet mall, you can find discounted brand-name goods such as Gucci, Coach, Adidas, Seiko, and Gap. It's also a good place to pick up skincare products and supplements.

Access : Take the JR train to Minami-Chitose Station, or take the shuttle bus from the airport.

9. Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo

Mitsui Outlet Park is another outlet mall with just as many brand-name products as Rera. It offers popular clothing brands and nearly every shoe brand, including Onitsuka Tiger at lower prices than elsewhere. The best part about this outlet mall is that discounts can go up to 70%, with new promotions rotating in regularly.

Access : Take the train to Fukuzumi Station, then transfer to a bus to Inter-Village Omagari. Alternatively, take the train to Oyachi Station and transfer to a bus to Mitsui Outlet Park.

If you're looking for souvenirs or just want to spend some leftover yen, take the time to visit these shopping spots. Whether you're shopping for others or treating yourself, there's plenty to choose from - or simply stop by for a stroll if you have time to spare.

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