Tanukikoji Shopping Street: Sapporo’s Iconic Arcade (2025 Travel Guide)​

As one of the largest and oldest shopping streets in Hokkaido, Tanuki Koji Shopping Street covers 7 blocks and 900 meters (0.55 miles), with 200 stores. The shopping street is covered with an arcade roof, which allows you to shop comfortably without considering strong sunlight or stormy weather.

If you intend to bring some souvenirs for families or friends, but have no idea about what to buy in Tanukikoji Shopping Street, this shopping arcade will give you an answer.

Strolling on Tanuki Koji Shopping Street can be one of the best things to do in Sapporo. Put the Tanukikoji Shopping Street on your travel list for your Hokkaido trip, which will enrich your travel experience.

History of Tanukikoji Shopping Street

From the Meiji Era to Modern Day

The history of Tanukikoji Shopping Street needs to be traced back to 1869. During the Meiji period, the Hokkaido Development Commission was founded in Sapporo City, when a variety of shops and restaurants were gathering around today’s Tanukikoji 2-chome and 3-chome to sell goods. When it came to 1873, the area was named Tanukikoji.

In 1927, every block tended to install streetlights from 5-chome of Tanukikoji, shaped like lilies of the valley; since then, this became the new sign of this shopping street.

When it came to the Sino-Japanese War in 1937, the symbol of Tanukikoji was called up, and the shopping street was also faced with challenges. And it survived during World War II. In 1949, the street lights and their prosperity were restored. The fully roofed arcade was first built in 3-chome of Tanukikoji, and other blocks were later installed as well.

Today, it has become an arcade street with a history of more than 150 years [2025], and is popular among residents and tourists due to its comfortable shopping experience under the vaulted roof.

The Meaning behind the Name “Tanukikoji”

Tanukikoji is named after two Japanese words, tanuki combined with koji. “Tanuki” refers to a Japanese raccoon dog, and “koji” means a narrow street in Japanese culture. Its exact origins are actually unknown, which could possibly be from the prevalent culture in the local area.

Top Things to Do at Tanukikoji Shopping Street

District-by-District Guide

1 Chome: As the beginning of this Shopping Street, it can be your first stop on the Tanukikoji strolling. The famous seafood market, Sapporo Nijo Market, sits around. You can choose to have breakfast in Nijo Market, then start your Tanukikoji journey, or have breakfast right in the shopping street, where Majisand, mainly selling fresh fruit sandwiches, can be on your breakfast list.

2 Chome: Being popular among locals and tourists, a myriad of food stores exist here, providing various authentic Hokkaido food flavors for people. It can be a perfect choice to have lunch or dinner. 狸COMICHI is considered the most typical one, and a home to over 20 restaurants, where you can not only taste Hokkaido delicacies, but also enjoy western food while savoring fresh beer or coffee.

3 Chome: Different from two in the front, many drugstores here can offer visitors many beauty products or health food. Besides, a complex facility, named Moyuk Sapporo, also lies here, where you can appreciate penguins and natural aquarium views.

4 Chome: This busiest area boasts many popular restaurants, and the mascot doll, called “Dakkopon” of Tanukikoji Shopping Street. A variety of souvenir shops, food stores, and discount stores are also located here. MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Main Store can be the most iconic discount store, with a wide range of items, like clothing, daily necessities, and home appliances, at great prices.

5 Chome: The Honjin Tanukikoji Shrine is situated right here, which was originally built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Tanukikoji. It is said that people who touch different parts of the shrine in different ways can be blessed in various aspects. In addition, for make-up seekers, it is top recommended to visit 5 chome together with 3 chome to get a rich shopping experience.

6 Chome: This area belongs to a hidden hot zone because many delicacies hide here. Few shops open during the daytime, while more than 10 restaurants open at night, where people can enjoy nightlife and feel its unique vibe.

7 Chome: 7 Chome retains the original arcade style and promotes a nostalgic ambience. Historic record store, tea shop, and cafeteria, known as omu-rice, remind people of the Shōwa era. If you intend to experience the unique shops and nostalgic street view, 7 Chome must be a perfect destination.

Shopping Highlights

From taking souvenirs to tasting authentic local dishes, diverse kinds of shops in Tanukikoji can meet tourists’ various desires, including clothing shops, food stores, drugstores, etc. For instance, you can get traditional Hokkaido crafts, like woodwork, Ainu embroidery, and glassware. There are many quirky stores, where you can buy various anime goods, vintage kimono shops, and tax-free outlets. Besides, don’t miss Sapporo Ramen Alley, located within the arcade, to taste authentic Hokkaido flavor.

Must-Try Foods

When proceeding with your Tanukikoji visit, many Hokkaido cuisines deserve your trying, such as soup curry, Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), fresh seafood, dairy soft-serve, Hokkaido style ramen, etc.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

There are different kinds of events and festivals held here. From summer festivals to winter illumination, every event offers you a unique experience.

When summer comes, Tanukikoji comes alive, featuring street festivals. As the main feature of the Summer Festival in Sapporo, summer street performances are welcomed by people, which provides a chance to showcase the richness of Japanese culture to foreign tourists.

As a part of the Sapporo Summer Festival, Tanuki Festival (Tanuki Matsuri, 狸まつり) includes cultural performances, food stalls, and sales, which are usually held from mid-July to mid-August. The street will be lit up by festive lights, and Sapporo City will be decorated when Winter Illuminations come, offering a winter wonderland with a unique vibe.

Insider Tips for Visiting Tanukikoji

How to Get to Tanukikoji Shopping Street

From Sapporo Station

By Walk: It is about a 20-minute walk from Sapporo JR Station. Move forward along the underground pathways linking to Sapporo Station and Odori Park. Ascend the staircase leading up to Odori Park. The Tanukikoji sits right next to the street.

By Metro: Take the Sapporo Municipal Subway to Odori Station. It is about a 5-minute walk from Odori Station. When you exit the station, you can choose to walk above the ground or go underground, which directly leads to the Tanukikoji.

By Taxi: It is about a 2-minute drive from Sapporo Station. Remember to set the Tanukikoji Shotengai as your destination.

Best Time to Visit

It is recommended to pay a visit to Tanukikoji in the mornings due to fewer crowds, which is also convenient for people’s leisure exploration. Or you can choose to stroll around at night to fully enjoy the nightlife, when the street gradually becomes lively with a variety of stalls.

Owing to the covered arcade of Tanukikoji Shopping Street, it is a cozy tourist destination all year round. If preparing to experience and feel a unique cultural ambience, you are advised to come in summer or winter, which can bring you seasonal events to gain a rich travel experience.

Shopping Tips

Ready to explore the shopping street fun at Tanukikoji? Here are some tips to help you shop like a local and hunt more hidden gems.

You are advised to carry cash in case some shops don’t accept cards, especially for some street food. And for some shops at Tanukikoji 4-chome, claiming tax refunds is acceptable.

Bargaining is uncommon here. But for some individual stores and items, it is accepted.

Figure out the opening hours of shops. Some stores open early, while others open late but stay until the evening. Some of the vendors may close early; therefore, you’d better check the business hours and plan your schedule in advance.

Nearby Attractions

Sapporo TV Tower

As a landmark of Sapporo welcomed by native people and tourists, Sapporo TV Tower can offer you a panoramic view from its observatory at a height of 90 meters above the ground. Here you can also see the highest shrine in Sapporo, honoring a popular character, “TV Dad”.

Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower was the original landmark of Sapporo, then turned into a museum, which underwent a series of large-scale restorations from 1995 to 1998. Cultural assets and relevant materials of a clock are displayed inside the tower, and the area on the second floor is sometimes rented for giving lectures, holding weddings, and concerts.

Odori Park

Situated in central Sapporo, Odori Park is surrounded by various trees and plants of 92 species, which is the reason why it is named the urban oasis. In this relaxing park, you can observe locals and tourists of different ages performing various activities. Moreover, it is also the main venue for seasonal events in Sapporo. From sparkling lights decorated on the street to fresh beer, it attracts numerous visitors to feel a unique liveliness in different seasons.

Nijo Market

Nijo Market is a fish market with a history of over 150 years, where you can not only discover diverse kinds of seafood but also savor authentic local flavor. In addition to the public kitchen for locals, visitors also enjoy exploring this market to hunt for fresh seafood and processed products for souvenirs.

Former Hokkaido Government Office

The government building used to serve as the center of Hokkaido’s politics. Known as the red brick building, it was built with 2,500,000 bricks. Visitors can catch a glimpse of past history through the nostalgic architecture. The former Sapporo Development Commissioner’s office stands there as well, which used to make a contribution to local industries.

In addition to its political function, this office building is also renowned for its natural scenery, presenting various natural beauties in each season, like lush greenery in summer and fall foliage in autumn. Tulips, lilacs, and cherry blossoms can also be admired in springtime.

FAQs about Tanukikoji Shopping Street

1. How long does it take to explore Tanukikoji Shopping Street?

Suggested visit time specifically depends on your aim to come here. It is recommended to spend 1–2 hours for casual shopping and half a day for food and deeper exploration.

2. Is Tanukikoji wheelchair-friendly?

Tanukikoji in Sapporo is not wheelchair-accessible. But it has many flat pathways for strolling.

3. Are there English-speaking staff in the shops?

Yes. Many staff here can speak English, Chinese, and Japanese. Some of them may not speak fluently, but English menus or signs in many stores are prepared for foreign customers.

4. Is Tanukikoji open year-round?

Yes, it is. But individual shops’ opening hours vary.

5. Is it crowded during the Sapporo Snow Festival?

Yes. As one of the most popular shopping areas, it will be high-traffic during the Sapporo Snow Festival, when numerous people will be attracted here.

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