Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Tracing its history back to 1869, Tanuki Koji is the oldest shopping district in Hokkaido. The origins of this famous shopping arcade developed organically when stores and restaurants began to spontaneously gather on the spot. Over time, the arcade architecture was constructed to shield shoppers from the elements. Nowadays, the district is almost a kilometer long and boasts over 200 shops lining both sides of the covered shopping area! There is sure to be something for everyone here with restaurants, bars, used clothing shops, souvenir stores, curios, and more. Best of all, the roofed area means you can stay warm and dry while you window shop no matter the time of year!

The Tanuki Koji Market, located in a miniature shotengai (traditional shopping arcade), is nestled in the heart of Sapporo. The market is a collection of unique restaurants on the south side of Tanuki Koji 6-chome, serving a range of local cuisines. The mix of shops – some representative of modern Japanese eateries; others with an older, more nostalgic atmosphere – offer an opportunity to do a little restaurant hopping and sample the many tastes of Sapporo. Cuisines included on the roster are robata-yaki (charcoal seafood BBQ), jingisukan (grilled lamb), and good old-fashioned soba (buckwheat noodles). Just be sure to bring a full stomach!