Hokkaido is a prefecture that is blessed with an abundance of nature, home to a number of renowned agricultural products including seafood, wine, and local sake. Gourmet items and local sweets are the must-buy gifts for souvenirs. Besides gourmet food items, there are also items unique to Hokkaido such as their folk crafts. We will introduce you to the top recommended souvenirs in Hokkaido!
Where to Buy Hokkaido Souvenirs?
"New Chitose Airport" is an incredibly convenient spot to buy souvenirs in Hokkaido! There are many souvenir shops, with over 60 different types. Among them are tourist shops where sundry goods and wood carving folk crafts are sold, as well as those selling sweets and other food made from dairy products, seafood, and agricultural crops from Hokkaido. The 2nd floor of New Chitose Airport's terminal is a shopping world, filled with people choosing souvenirs on a daily basis. And in the city center of Sapporo, you will find many department stores and Hokkaido specialty shops. Since there are many samples offered, you can taste before you buy and choose your favorite!
Spot information
- Spot name: New Chitose Airport
- Street address: 987-22 Bibi, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido
- Access: Take the train from JR Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport
What Hokkaido Souvenirs Should You Buy?
Sapporo Ramen
There are many gourmet items to try in Hokkaido’s capitol, Sapporo, but among them, Sapporo Ramen, which originates from its namesake city, is one of the most famous. This ramen features soup thick with miso flavor, complemented with firm, thick noodles. There are also other kinds of ramen that bring to mind the flavors of Hokkaido, using ingredients such as butter and corn. There are several famous shops in Sapporo where you can buy souvenirs that allow you to enjoy the taste of Hokkaido easily in your own home. The ramen shop “Sumire” is a place where even celebrities are known to drop by to buy souvenirs. The rich, dense soup has a heavy taste due to the lard-covered the surface. The “Ramen Set” contains freshly-made noodles, soup, and menma all in one bag. You can enjoy all four flavors varieties: miso, soy sauce, and salt.
Ainu Souvenir
The Ainu race is an indigenous tribe from ancient times in Hokkaido, with their own culture and language. You can still touch Ainu culture through traditional arts and crafts. Among the various Ainu crafts that are produced are wood carving decorations and embroidered cloth products. The embroidery patterns and wood carvings in particular are characterized by patterns. Take some time looking for a all sorts of fun handicraft items such as woodcraft and accessories.
Wooden Bear
The wooden bear figurine is a type of wooden folk craft featuring a bear. It is well known throughout Japan as a typical souvenir of Hokkaido. Even the fur coat is also carved finely, reproducing a realistic-looking bear figure. As a representative design, the brown bear holds a salmon, but there are many other designs as well. Each handmade souvenir has a unique personality all its own. Why not search to find your new favorite item?
Sea Urchin
Sea urchin (uni) is one of Hokkaido’s most famous marine products. From mid-June to August, when the fishing ban is lifted, sea urchin is season, so please take some time to appreciate them! Sea urchins collected in Hokkaido are generally divided into two types: murasaki-uni and bahun-uni. Murasaki-uni is the most popular sea urchin in Hokkaido. It is rich in taste and easy to eat. Uni-don, a sea urchin rice bowl, is highly recommend. Bahun-uni is a thick orange and richer than murasaki-uni. Eating this sea urchin sashimi-style is highly recommended. However, their price is higher than murasaki-uni. As souvenirs, there are sea urchins sold in a plastic packs and immersed in salt water. They are sold at morning markets and souvenir shops.
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