It’s said that Hokkaido, known as a summer travel destination and a popular summer retreat, also attracts countless tourists during the National Day holiday. And in the cooling autumn of Hokkaido, there are still such breathtaking scenic spots. Places like Toyohira Dam and Jozankei Onsen on the outskirts of Sapporo are covered with fiery red maple leaves—so vivid, so passionate, layer upon layer, truly a sight to behold.
However, besides enjoying the magnificent autumn foliage in Hokkaido, shopping at drugstores is definitely an important experience not to be missed when traveling to Japan. And when it comes to must-visit drugstores in Hokkaido, Sapporo Drugstore is the one. According to our in-depth investigation, among many stores, the most favored by Japanese tourists are the Sapporo Tanukikoji 2-chome Store and the Sapporo NORBESA Store. So, what are the secrets of these two popular stores? Let us tell you all about it:
Sapporo Drugstore Tanukikoji 2-chome Store
First up is the Sapporo Tanukikoji 2-chome Store. From the intersection at Tanukikoji 3-chome, enter the arcade of Tanukikoji 2-chome, and not far ahead you’ll see a blue signboard with a huge “?” symbol hanging above it, prominently displaying the store name Sapporo Drugstore. Once you step inside, you’ll be amazed by the wide array of products and neatly arranged shelves—all stocked with currently popular bestsellers.
For example, there’s the beloved “Pore Cotton White Rice Hydrating Mask.” This bestselling mask often sells out at other drugstores, but Sapporo Drugstore has ample stock, easily solving the problem of not being able to buy it even if you queue. Also, the quantity each person can purchase is greater than at other drugstores. In addition to popular face masks, there are also many daily necessities that girls can’t do without, such as cotton pads, lip balm, and stockings.
The store also sets up seasonal product shelves depending on the time of year, such as antiperspirant sprays and sunscreens commonly used in summer, and hand creams and moisturizers frequently needed in autumn and winter.
Compared to other drugstores along Tanukikoji, Sapporo Drugstore offers a more spacious shop area, with better-organized and logically arranged goods, and a wider selection within each category. There are not only best-selling items placed near the entrance for the convenience of tourists, but also baby products and baby food shelves for those traveling to Hokkaido with little ones.
With a vast range of products, if you can think of it, they probably have it—this is the Sapporo Tanukikoji 2-chome Store that keeps so many people coming back. The address is: 060-0063 Sapporo, Chuo-ku, Minami 3-jo Nishi 2-chome 16-7, Sato Building. Business hours: 10:00–22:00. Beauty lovers, don’t miss this spot!
Sapporo Drugstore Norbesa Store
Next up is the Sapporo Drugstore Norbesa Store. Just walk one street further south from Tanukikoji 5-chome, and you’ll see the Norbesa building. On the first floor of Norbesa, you’ll find signs for both Sapporo Drugstore and Hokkaido KURASHI Department Store. Inside Hokkaido KURASHI, it’s worth mentioning their Hokkaido ice cream, which has been loved by many visitors.
A relaxing daily routine could be strolling around Sapporo Drugstore while enjoying a scoop of Hokkaido specialty ice cream. Like other Sapporo Drugstore outlets, the Norbesa branch labels each shelf in four languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English, indicating the types of products sold there.
Each product also comes with a Chinese description. For instance, in the over-the-counter medicine section, even cold medications are carefully categorized by symptom and clearly labeled to help customers make their purchases. Likewise, for cosmetic products like Kosé eye masks, their different effects and uses are thoughtfully indicated.
Next to the cosmetics counters, mirrors and tissues are provided for customers to try out the products. Being located in the highly competitive drugstore market area of Tanukikoji, Sapporo Drugstore stands out from others. First, it offers more Hokkaido-exclusive products, such as horse oil items, as well as Sapporo Drugstore exclusives: the Golden Horse Oil Cosmetic Series. Of course, there are also many local Hokkaido specialty foods: Yubari melon jelly series, Hanada Ranch caramel milk candies, and more.
The exact address of this store is: 060-0063 Sapporo, Chuo-ku, Minami 3-jo Nishi 5-chome 1-1, NORBEA 1F. Business hours: 10:00–23:00.
All Sapporo Drugstore locations offer a standardized one-stop service system. Checkout and tax exemption are completed in one go, with the fastest possible processing of duty-free procedures, and they support WeChat Pay at favorable exchange rates. For the autumn sales event, spend 30,000 yen (tax excluded) or more to enjoy a 7% discount + 8% tax exemption. Any amount spent qualifies you for an immediate 5% discount + 8% tax exemption.
On your autumn trip to Hokkaido, besides encountering the fiery red maple leaves, don’t miss the shopping paradise that is Sapporo Drugstore!