Tanukikoji is Sapporo's oldest covered shopping street, stretching 900 metres and dating from 1869. While mainly a retail street, it has numerous small food stalls, takeaway shops, and street food counters offering yakitori, takoyaki, fried dumplings (gyoza), crab cream croquettes, and Hokkaido snacks. A good rainy-day street for grazing between sights.
Tanukikoji is Sapporo's oldest covered shopping arcade, a 900-metre pedestrian street stretching from Chuo-ku's 1-chome to 7-chome, dating from 1869 — the same era in which Sapporo was being established as Hokkaido's administrative capital. The arcade's length, continuous roof, and variety of shops make it the most practical all-weather shopping and eating destination in central Sapporo, a city that experiences some of Japan's heaviest snowfall from November through March.
The food dimension of Tanukikoji is distributed throughout its length: small takeaway counters, food stalls in the arcade walkways, permanent shops specialising in Hokkaido products, and casual eat-in restaurants on the upper floors. Street food clusters at the busiest sections — particularly around the 3-chome and 4-chome blocks — and includes yakitori (chicken skewers grilled over charcoal), takoyaki (octopus balls popular throughout Japan), crab cream croquettes, and various skewered items.
The crab cream croquette (kani korokke) deserves particular mention: a deep-fried béchamel croquette enriched with Hokkaido snow crab meat, with a thin crunchy exterior and a creamy, generous crab-flavoured filling. This is one of the most distinctive street food items specific to Hokkaido and is available at several stalls along the arcade and at similar counters throughout the island.
Beyond individual stalls, several Hokkaido specialty food shops in Tanukikoji sell premium products for eating immediately or taking home: fresh Hokkaido milk chocolate, dried scallop snacks, mentaiko onigiri, and Sapporo soft cream. The arcade's restaurants — soup curry shops, ramen counters, and izakayas on the upper floors — make it possible to spend an entire meal circuit within the 900-metre length.
The arcade is most lively in the early evening (17:00-20:00) when stalls set up and locals mix with tourists. In winter, the covered structure makes it a welcome refuge from Sapporo's substantial snow.
Good to know
- Known for
- Japanese street food variety
- Reservations
- Not applicable
Highlights
- 900-metre covered shopping arcade
- Operating since 1869
- Mix of retail and street food stalls
- Good shelter on rainy days
Tips for visiting
- The crab cream croquette is a Hokkaido street food specialty
- Most interesting in early evening when stalls set up
- Good for cheap snacks between sightseeing
Accessibility
The Tanukikoji arcade is a fully paved, level-surface covered pedestrian street with no steps along its main length. The wide central walkway is easily navigable by wheelchair. Access from the surrounding streets is via step-free ramps at most of the arcade's many entrance points, making it one of Sapporo's most wheelchair-friendly shopping and eating environments.
Frequently asked questions
What is a crab cream croquette and where is it available in Tanukikoji?
A crab cream croquette (kani korokke) is a deep-fried cylindrical croquette filled with snow crab meat and béchamel-style cream sauce inside a crunchy breaded exterior. Multiple stalls along Tanukikoji sell them hot as takeaway snacks, particularly near the 3-4 chome sections.
Is Tanukikoji open in winter?
Yes. The fully covered arcade makes Tanukikoji one of Sapporo's primary winter shopping destinations. The roof covers the entire 900-metre length, providing complete shelter from snow and wind. Food stalls and shops operate year-round.
What is the approximate cost of eating in Tanukikoji?
Individual street food items — yakitori, takoyaki, croquettes — are priced ¥150-¥400 each. A sit-down meal at one of the arcade's restaurants typically costs ¥800-¥1,800 for lunch. The arcade is one of central Sapporo's most budget-friendly eating areas.
Is Tanukikoji close to other Sapporo attractions?
Tanukikoji runs parallel to the Odori Park (one block to the north) and connects directly to the Susukino entertainment district at the eastern end. The TV Tower, Clock Tower, and Sapporo Station are all within a 10-15 minute walk.
Are there food souvenirs available in Tanukikoji?
Yes. Multiple Hokkaido food specialty shops sell mentaiko, chocolate confectionery, dried seafood, Hokkaido dairy products, and local snacks suitable for travel. These tend to be priced slightly lower than airport souvenir shops.