Japan is well known for its impressive shopping malls, with shops of such variety where you can find amazing products you didn’t even think of. Sapporo is no let down either. There are several malls and stores in the city that you must visit if shopping is your cup of tea. Here is a list of 15 places to shop at in Sapporo.
1. Sapporo Factory
Sapporo Factory is big commercial complex having over 160 stores and facilities. The complex is constructed in the place where Japan’s first beer brewery used to be. It includes clothing shops, toys shops, souvenir stores, restaurants, a museum and a cinema. There are many tax free stores for foreign visitors. There is also a large hall where many events are held every year.
Information
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Bus Center Mae Station
2. Tanukikoji
Tanukikoji is a 1 kilometer long arcade lined with more than 200 shops. The arcade starts with Nishi 1 chome and ends at Nishi 7 chome and is the perfect place to do some shopping during rainy weather because the whole street is covered with a roof. There are many clothes and souvenir shops, game centers, restaurants and supermarkets. It is one of the oldest shopping areas in Hokkaido, with the first shops being established more than 130 years ago.
Information
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Susukino Station
3. Sapporo JR Station
Sapporo JR Station is a huge complex consisting of thousands of shops which make it one of the biggest shopping centers in the city. Visitors can buy clothes, shoes, souvenirs, cosmetics, jewelry and electronics. There are also game arcades and a cinema. The information center gives international tourists 1000 yen coupons and a limited time free wifi connection if presenting their passports.
Information
- Access: Sapporo Station
4. Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park created by Ishiya, a local sweets company. They are famous for their Shiroi Koibito cookies, which consist of two butter biscuits with a layer of chocolate in between. The name translates as “white lovers”. Besides various chocolate related exhibitions, visitors can also shop for products made by the Ishiya Company.
Information
- Access: a 20 minute walk from Hassamucho Station
5. Rera Chitose Outlet Mall
The Rera Chitose Outlet Mall spreads over an area of 112,000㎡ and consists of over 400 shops. “Rera” means “wind” in the Ainu language and the mall was created to represent this name, with large spaces that give the impression of a soft wind passing through. There are a number of shops that allow visitors to come in with pets, making it a perfect destination for a family escapade.
Information
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Minami Chitose Station
6. Stellar Place Sapporo
Stellar Place Sapporo is a big shopping center connected to the Sapporo Station. It has over 200 shops selling clothes for men and women, toys and souvenirs. There are also many cafes and restaurants for people to sit back and relax. There are 68 tax free shops for foreign tourists. Besides shopping, visitors can enjoy several artwork pieces that are scattered inside the mall.
Information
- Access: a 15 minute walk from Odori Station
7. Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima
Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima is an outlet with thousands of shops selling clothes for women, men and kids, shoes, bags, fashion goods and accessories. After shopping, visitors can unwind at one of the many restaurants inside the establishment. There is also a stage where various events are held often. Most shops accept credit cards, so foreign visitors can shop with a peace of mind!
Information
- Access: by bus from Sapporo Station
8. Akarenga Terrace
Akarenga Terrace is a newly opened mall right in the center of the city, between Sapporo Station and Odori. It doesn’t have as many shops as the other malls presented in this article, but the atmosphere and the central location makes it worth paying a visit. Besides shopping, visitors can enjoy having a meal in the open air on the terrace. It can be accessed from the Sapporo-Odori underground passage, which is convenient during cold winter months.
Information
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Sapporo Station
9. Pole Town and Aurora Town
Pole Town and Aurora Town are two underground shopping lanes in Odori. Pole Town runs north to south, while Aurora Town runs east to west. The long corridors have a bit of everything: fashion shops, souvenirs, boutiques, supermarkets, galleries, cafes, restaurants and bakeries. Most of the other big stores in Odori have underground access to the two shopping corridors, making them quite popular during bad or cold weather.
Information
- Access: a 5 minute walk from Odori Station
10. Sapporo Jyogai Market
Located close to the JR Sapporo train station, Sapporo Jyogai Market will welcome you with 30 shops and restaurants that sell fish related products. The freshest seafood can be found here, such as crabs, scallops, sea urchins, shells and shrimps. This is a must visit place for foodies! You can choose to have a meal at one of the restaurants at the market or buy some fish to cook at the place you are staying at if there is a shared kitchen that allows you to.
Information
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Nijyuyonken Station
11. Lafiler
Directly connected to Susukino subway station, Lafiler is a big mall that offers a variety of fashion goods and daily goods. It is the largest shopping center in the Susukino district, with over 150 stores. The 7th and 8th floors consist of a gourmet area with many restaurants and cafes where visitors can relax. The Iyo Yokado supermarket in the basement is duty free, perfect for foreign visitors.
Information
- Access: just outside Susukino Station
12. Norbesa
The Norbesa shopping district is located in Susukino and is well known for its big Ferris Wheel at the top of the building. It consists of several fashion stores as well as entertainment shops and game arcades. There are also a variety of restaurants. The best part of the place is that visitors can enjoy seeing the city from above after they finish shopping. The views are spectacular, especially after sunset.
Information
- Access: just outside Susukino Station
13. Sapporo Paseo JR Tower
Another shopping area connected to the Sapporo Station, the Paseo JR Tower has several shops that sell clothes, souvenirs, toys, cosmetics, books, music and other goods, as well as cafes and restaurants. Foreign visitors carrying their passports will be given a 100 yen off coupon that can be used for every 2000 yen purchase. Free internet is available through the building.
Information
- Access: just outside Sapporo Station
14. Daiso Odori
Daiso is a well known 100 yen shop that can be found in many spots in the country. The biggest one in Sapporo is the Odori store, with five floors full of cheap items. If you never went to a 100 yen shop before, you should definitely visit it! There are all kinds of interesting small items that can be bought as souvenirs or which can be of use in daily life. Each floor has its own specific: stationery, kitchenware, hygiene items, food and gardening tools.
Information
- Access: just outside Odori Station
15. Ario Sapporo
Just right next to the Sapporo Factory Mall, Ario Sapporo is another shopping complex that contains various stores and also a spa, fitness and entertainment facilities. There is also an Ito Yokado supermarket with many unique foods that can only be found in Hokkaido, perfect to buy as souvenirs. The place offers many activities opportunities and is a good destination on days with bad weather.
Information
- Access: a 15 minute walk from Naebo Station
Enjoy Shopping in Sapporo! Have a good trip and travel!
