We often hear foreign visitors say, “My tour was so packed with plans that I didn’t have enough time for choosing things to buy”, or “There’s something my friend recommended that I want to get. He visited Hokkaido and loved it!”

What is the best way to find good gift items in Hokkaido? We interviewed Ms. Akiko Okanishi, chief concierge at Sapporo Grand Hotel and president of the Japan Concierge Association.

Let’s listen to what she had to say:

“Some of the things foreign visitors to Hokkaido often buy are electrical appliances, cosmetics, marine products, and sweets, all of which are available in downtown Sapporo.

When our guests want electrical appliances, we often suggest they have a look at Yodobashi Camera or Big Camera, both near JR Sapporo Station.

　If they are looking for some cosmetics, I will tell them to go to Ainz or Sapporo Drug Store, both of which have convenient locations in the Odori area. For late-night shoppers, Sapporo Drug Store in Susukino is my choice because it stays open until 3:00 am. My guests often ask me to help them find Matsumoto Kiyoshi, because it is famous in foreign countries.

As for fish markets where you can get fresh marine products, I recommend Central Wholesale Market in the morning and Nijo Fish Market in the afternoon. Some visitors from Asian countries want to carry their purchases back with them. If specially packed, fresh seafood generally keeps for up to 12 hours, except in summer. However, it is best to check with the shop before buying fresh marine products.“

Various sweets also make popular gifts from Hokkaido. Many of the most famous, such as Shiroi Koibito or “Snow Lovers”, can be purchased at gifts shops and department stores throughout the city. If guests want to stroll the city looking for gift items, I tell them to go to Tanukiya, an interesting shop in Tanukikoji Shopping Mall that sells everything from popular sweets to vegetables, dairy products and marine products.

For late-night shoppers I recommend Don Quijote, which stays open until 5:00 in the morning. And for those looking for traditional Japanese items, the one-hundred-yen shop Daiso is my choice.

Horse-oil cosmetics are another popular item that people often ask me to help them find. Each store carries only certain products, so if you have a particular brand name product in mind, it may be better to ask the manufacturer of your favorite horse-oil cosmetics in advance.”

 

I am sure these tips from Ms. Okanishi will be of use to you when planning your trip to Hokkaido. When traveling in Japan, you may have questions or need help. Please consult the concierge at your hotel or at Tourist Information offices. They will answer your questions and help solve any problems you may have. We hope you enjoy exploring the city of Sapporo and satisfy your curiosity!

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