Shopping in Sapporo

Shopping in Sapporo is definitely not as exciting as major cities like Osaka and Tokyo. While there are a few shopping malls near our hotel at JR Sapporo, the range of merchandise available is rather limited and designs are not as trendy.

Still, I manage to get these at Daimaru. The branded towels are cheap in Japan and it is something I never fail to buy. The towel pouch is useful for small cosmetics items like compact powder and lipstick withouth adding bulk to our handbags.

Celine hand towel, Laura Ashley towel pouch 

Got the tissue holders and Hello Kitty pen at souvenir shop at JR Sapporo station. The candies with the Chinese name is made of herbs and very soothing for the throat !

Snacks. Most notable is the cheese scallops. Yummy! 

Don't forget to try the Sapporo Beer. Hokkaido is the birthplace of beer in Japan and Sapporo Beer is one of the oldest and most popular beer brands in the country.

Along the way to various places of interest like the farm, we had the opportunity to try more of the local fares. I would strongly recommend having the Sapporo corn and potatoes. They are so sweet and fresh.

Usually available at the rest stops between trips and at Farm Tomita. 

Potatoes in butter. Simple dish but you got to try it to know how good it tastes! 

It was Summer when we visited in August and the season for melons. So we had a lot of melon stuff. 

Melon juice with real melon bits 

Melon Pudding 

Another area to shop is at Susukino, the Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade, Sapporo's oldest shopping area. Most of the shops sell goods made in China.

Shopping alley

There is a large sourvenir shop selling Hokkaido snacks. And our favourite 24/7 store Donki is here too. Here's what I bought :

Tiramisu Chocolates - our favourite ! 

Green Tea Kit Kat - tasty !

The Green Tea Kit Kat is not too sweet and rather addictive. I just learnt that it is also available at NTUC Finest at S$5.90.

Kit Kat Passion Fruit. Interesting but not unforgettable.

Sapporo is well-known for its diary products as well as potatoes and vegetables. Don't forget to bring these instant soup home. They are really creamy. 

A visit to Japan is not complete without cosmetics and skincare shopping. I found Matsukiyo, one of the largest drugstore chain in Japan at Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade. There are a few drugstores but I feel Matsukiyo still offers the best value.

I simply love Yuskin A handcream

Yuskin A moisturiser is one of my must-buy items when visiting Japan. It is super moisurising and keeps my hands smooth and soft. Downside is that it has a slightly waxy smell. Very popular with Taiwanese too. Check our their Taiwan website.

Another must-buy product - the eye mask that heats up to 40 degree celcius to relax your eyes

Other things I would recommend buying will include Jill Stuart and Laduree cosmetics as they are not available in Singapore.

It is possible to walk back to the JR Sapporo area from Susukino as there are many underground linkways as well. This is excellent for the winter season when it gets too cold to walk above ground. We were surprised to see this.

Surprised to see Kuan Yin on top of the building. Apparently it is a shop selling Buddhist prayer supplies.

We took a stroll back and passed by the Odori Park, as well as Sapporo Clock Tower, which is the symbol of Sapporo.  It’s in downtown Sapporoand stretches 1.5 km from east to west in 12 blocks. 

Sapporo Ramen

Sapporo is famous for its ramen and there are two famous ramen places in Sapporo. When we first for to the hotel, we were so hungry and headed straight to the Sapporo Ramen Republic at the 10th floor of Esta shopping east of the JR Sapporo station's south entrance.

Sapporo Ramen Republic

There are eight ramen restaraunts here.

We settled for this restarant as we were too hungry to shop around

Overall, the ramen is better than the ones in Singapore but we were not bowled over.

And here's our review of the Sapporo Ramen Yokocho （元祖さっぽろラーメン横丁）in Susukino, and known as the birthplace of miso ramen.

How to get to Susukino:

Map of Susukino

We had the most delicious ramen at "Teshikaga" famous for seafood broth! It is just a simple place with counter and stools to have a quick meal. Just put your coins into the vending machine and choose the ramen of your choice. Value-for-money with each ramen set costing around Y1000 only.

Crab Ramen, absolutely yummy with thick broth and fresh crab and scallops. Thick broth to go with it! 

LeTAO and Kitaro Otaru

LeTAO Otaru 

There are two LeTAO cafes in Oatru. We visisted the newer one, LeTAO Pathos.

You have to register at the booth and take a seat to wait for your turn. 

Animation video at the waiting area to keep you entertained

Cafe is packed to the brim, be prepared to wait 

Each cake set is Y840 (SGD$10.70) with a cup of coffee. I usually don't like Japanese coffee but the one here tastes fine. 

Most popular cheese frommage cake ! Yummy! Must-try ! I really love it ! 

Strawberry cake has a very nice light texture 

We bought the LeTAo strawberry home 

Kitaro 

Time to buy home some snacks and titbits and Kitaro is the place to do so. 

Freshly baked apple cake 

We bought the apple cake back home for our family. The foodstuff generally expires in about 2 weeks so they have to be consumed soon.

To die-for cream puff ! Another must-try !

Shopping in Seoul

I am a BBG so can forget about shopping for clothes in Korea. Unless I want those ahjumma looking attire! So here's what I bought :

From Congeehouse, sea salt seaweed. I realise prices are cheaper at Seoul Mart down the street but different brand 

Lots of rave about this but I didn't find it so great after all 

Super Junior Calendar 2014 is out ! 

Etude House BB Cream

Many positive reviews about this Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel. Too heavy so I bought only one. It's cooling and nice to put on as a mask on a hot day.  

Freebies from all the different shops. I realise that the shops have cut back on freebies since my last visit in 2009 

Nice stationery from Kosney Life Style Shop

Really comfy Made in Korea socks for sleeping in the air-con room

Jetso Tip : 
If you are going to Seoul before 31 December, go to Visit Korea Year to download to get discounts on airport shuttle, cosmetics and skincare and food outlets.


Incheon Airport - Hello Kitty lounge 

Lovely Hello Kitty Cafe at the Incheon airport. The gallery is really cute with reproduction of the various impressionist paintings by Renior, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh and so on.