Top 10 Things to Do or Eat at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade (Winter Edition)

Tanukikoji Shopping Street (Chrome 4)
Photo: nei ryu (Google Reviews)

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade in Sapporo is a fantastic destination year-round, but visiting during winter adds a magical touch. The arcade’s covered structure offers a comfortable respite from the chilly Hokkaido weather, making it a haven for tourists. Here’s a winter-optimized guide to the top 10 things to do or eat at this lively shopping street.

1. Enjoy a Warm Bowl of Ramen at Ganso Ramen Yokocho Sapporo

Photo: Ganso Ramen Yokocho Sapporo

• Winter Appeal: Nothing beats a steaming bowl of miso ramen in winter. Many shops at Ramen Yokocho offer winter-exclusive options with hearty toppings like butter and seasonal seafood.

• Address: Japan, 〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 3 Chome−8番 Ｎ・グランデビル ラーメン横丁

• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Winter Note: Wear warm layers for your walk to the arcade, as the surrounding streets can be icy.

• Website: http://www.ganso-yokocho.com/

2. Shop for Warm Clothing at Don Quijote

Photo: Gate to Hokkaido

Photo: Gate to Hokkaido

• Winter Appeal: Don Quijote stocks winter essentials like heat packs, thermal wear, and cozy blankets. It’s also a great place to pick up gloves or scarves if you need extra layers.

• Address: 4-2-11 Minami nijonishi Chuo-ku Sapporo-shi Hokkaido,JAPAN, 060-0063

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

• Winter Note: Arrive early to avoid the late-night tourist rush and slippery sidewalks.

• Website: https://www.donki.com/en/store/shop_detail.php?shop_id=555

3. Savor Hot Seafood Dishes at a Local Izakaya

Photo: 山口隆史 (Google Reviews)

• Winter Appeal: Winter in Hokkaido means the freshest seasonal seafood, including snow crab and sea urchin. Pair your seafood with warm sake for a truly local experience.

• Recommended Spot: Izakaya Aiyo TanukiKouji

• Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 4 Chome−10−2 清水ビル B1

• Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM

• Winter Note: Book a reservation in advance, as izakayas are particularly popular during winter evenings.

4. Warm Up in a Japanese Gaming Arcade

Photo: t s (Google Reviews)

Photo: Soonjung Kwon (AGR) (Google Reviews)

• Winter Appeal: Stay warm indoors while enjoying Japan’s retro and modern gaming culture. It's a fun activity when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing.

• Recommended Spot: Round1 Entertainment

• Address: 3 Chome-6-1 Minami 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0805, Japan

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

• Winter Note: Wear comfortable shoes as gaming arcades involve a lot of standing or moving.

5. Relish Warm Sushi at SAI KAKU Tanukikoji

Photo: 鮨処 西鶴 狸小路店 (Google Reviews)

• Winter Appeal: Sushi made with seasonal Hokkaido fish like snow crab, salmon, and scallop tastes even better during the colder months.

• Address: Japan, 〒060-0001 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 6 Chome−3番3 ジャラン狸小路 1階 (1 minute from Odori Station, 3 minutes from Susukino tram station)

• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30PM - 10:30PM (Closed on Thursday)

• Winter Note: Many shops provide warm oshibori (hand towels) to help you thaw out after the cold.

• Website: https://saikaku-tanukikoji.com/

6. Take a Break at a Japanese Café

Photo: Trent Perrin (Google Reviews)

• Winter Appeal: Sip hot matcha tea paired with warm wagashi, like mochi filled with red bean paste, in a cozy café setting.

• Recommended Spot: Mermaid Coffee Roasters

• Address: 1 Chome-12-12 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0063, Japan

• Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)

• Winter Note: Look for winter-limited menu items, such as hot chestnut desserts.

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/mermaid_coffee_roasters_spr/

7. Buy Stylish Winterwear from Fashion Boutiques

Photo: Live Japan

• Winter Appeal: Find trendy winter jackets, boots, and hats to stay stylish while keeping warm in Sapporo’s snowy streets.

• Recommended Spot: WEGO

• Address: 1 Chome-3 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0063, Japan

• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Winter Note: Check for end-of-season winter sales starting in late January.

8. Feast on Hokkaido’s Creamy Soft Serve (Yes, Even in Winter!)

Photo: Kinotoya Bake

• Winter Appeal: Brave the cold and enjoy rich Hokkaido dairy products like soft-serve ice cream or creamy cheese tarts. The cold air enhances the flavors!

• Recommended Spot: Kinotoya Bake

• Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 3 Chome, さっぽろ地下街ポールタウン内

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Winter Note: Pair the cold dessert with hot coffee or tea to balance the chill.

• Website: https://www.kinotoya.com/shop_list/poultown/

9. Rent a Kimono with a Winter Twist

Photo: Mayg Chen (Google Reviews)

• Winter Appeal: Many kimono rental shops offer thick, layered kimonos suitable for winter, along with fur stoles for added warmth. Strolling in a kimono against a snowy backdrop is an Instagram-worthy moment.

• Recommended Spot: Kimono Rental, 美月桜

• Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 5 Chome, 大王ビル６階 ２３番１ 狸小路

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)

• Winter Note: Wear thermal undergarments to stay warm while taking photos outdoors.

10. Visit Tanuki Shrine for Winter Blessings

Photo: Japan Travel by Navitime

• Winter Appeal: This small shrine feels especially tranquil when surrounded by snow. Participate in traditional Japanese rituals for good luck.

• Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 2 Chome−５ 狸COMICH

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

• Winter Note: Be cautious of icy steps around the shrine.

Winter Travel Tips for Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

1. Wear Non-Slip Shoes: Sapporo streets can be icy, so wear boots with good traction to avoid slipping.

2. Dress in Layers: The arcade is covered but unheated, so dress warmly with removable layers for comfort indoors.

3. Plan for Early Evenings: Days are shorter in winter, and some shops may close earlier than usual during heavy snowfalls.

4. Use Public Transport: Roads can be slippery, so taking the subway or buses to the arcade is a safer and more convenient option.

How to Get There in Winter

• By Subway: Take the Sapporo Municipal Subway to Odori Station or Susukino Station. Both stations are connected to the arcade via covered paths, minimizing exposure to the cold.

• By Taxi: Ensure the driver uses winter tires for safer rides on snowy roads. Mention "Tanukikoji Shotengai" as your destination.

Visiting Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade in winter is an enchanting experience. With its festive decorations, cozy dining spots, and seasonal offerings, it’s a must-visit during your Sapporo trip!