Tanukikoji Shopping Guide: Sapporo’s 900m Covered Arcade Street

WOW: Tanukikoji Highlights

Snow-Proof Shopping: A huge roof covers blocks 1 through 6, making it the perfect place to shop during Sapporo’s heavy snows.
The “Vibe Shift”: Blocks 1-6 are modern, but 7-Chome retains a distinct, old-school retro atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
The “Shinsaibashi” of the North: Often compared to Osaka’s Shinsaibashi, it is packed with drugstores, fashion, and restaurants.
Sweet Discovery: Don’t miss Ringo-dou, a specialty candy apple shop with beautiful, handcrafted desserts.

🛒 Quick Look: Tanukikoji Essentials

🏮 What is Tanukikoji?

Tanukikoji is one of the oldest and largest shopping streets in Hokkaido. Stretching approximately 900 meters from East to West, it houses nearly 200 stores.

The Best Feature: The Arcade Roof

A massive arcade roof covers 1-Chome to 6-Chome. This structure perfectly shields you from Sapporo’s heavy snow and rain, providing a comfortable walking environment regardless of the weather.

The Mystery of “7-Chome”

When you cross into 7-Chome, the atmosphere changes instantly. The arcade roof here looks much older, creating a nostalgic “retro” air that transports you back decades. Unlike the modern polished feel of 1-6, the 7th block has a unique, aged charm that even many locals wonder about.

🛍️ Shopping Guide: What to Buy

Tanukikoji has everything from daily necessities to trendy fashion.

1. Drugstores & Don Quijote

• Don Quijote (24 Hours): Located conveniently in the arcade, it is open 24 hours—perfect for late-night shopping for snacks and souvenirs.
• Drugstores: You will find major chains like Tsuruha Drug, stocking all the popular Japanese cosmetics and medicines.

2. Fashion & Trends

• Fast Fashion: Major brands like Uniqlo and GU have large stores here.
• Independent Shops: There are also many unique boutiques selling independent designs for fashion lovers.

3. Budget Shopping (100 Yen Shops)

• Shops like Seria and DAISO are treasure troves for fun, practical, and cheap items.

4. Hokkaido Souvenirs

• 4-5 Chome Area: This section concentrates many souvenir shops and food spots. You can find “Shiroi Koibito” pop-up stores and limited-edition Hokkaido milk products here.

🎵 Hidden Gems: For Music Lovers

Tanukikoji hides some incredible underground record stores. Here are two spots you must check out.

1. Fresh air (7-Chome)

• Location: Right at the entrance of 7-Chome (the retro block).
• The Vibe: A very authentic, Japanese-style record store. It is usually filled with local Sapporo music fans.
• What to Buy: They have a massive stock of classic Japanese vinyl and Classical music.
• Tip: The prices are great, but the collection is huge. Be prepared to spend some time “digging” through the crates to check the condition and find your treasure.

2. Beat record (4-Chome)

• Location: Near 4-Chome.
• Access: It’s a bit of a hidden gem. Look for the sign and boldly walk down the narrow stairs into the basement.
• What to Buy: This is paradise for 80s J-Pop, City Pop, and Vaporwave enthusiasts. If you are looking for that nostalgic Japanese sound, this is the place.
• ⚠️ Important Rule: No Photography. Taking photos inside the shop is strictly prohibited. Please respect the owner’s rules.

🚇 Access Tips

Getting to Tanukikoji is incredibly easy.

• Underground Access (Best for Winter):You can walk directly into Tanukikoji from the Sapporo Underground Shopping Street (Pole Town). This is a lifesaver on snowy days as you don’t have to walk outside until you reach the covered arcade.
• Subway:
  • Susukino Station (Nanboku Line): 3-minute walk.
  • Odori Station (Odori Park): 5-minute walk.

Next Spot: Sapporo TV Tower & Odori Park Guide: Best Views, “First Love” Spot & Seasonal Events