This post is part of my Japan Food Series—a special set of reviews that’s quite different from the Ottawa restaurant content I normally post. This post is focused on the specialty stores in Sapporo. While Japan’s convenience stores like Lawson, FamilyMart, and Seicomart are already impressive, Sapporo also has plenty of smaller specialty shops and…

Seicomart is a name you’ll hear often when you’re in Hokkaido. Unlike Lawson, FamilyMart, or 7-Eleven—which can be found across Japan—Seicomart is mainly located in the Hokkaido region, and it’s actually one of Japan’s oldest convenience store chains. It’s so common in Hokkaido that locals often describe it as part of daily life. Even though…

One of the most enjoyable parts of travelling in Japan is exploring stores like Lawson. These convenience stores (konbini) are everywhere and carry an incredible variety of snacks, drinks, and ready-to-eat meals. They’re nothing like what we have in Ottawa—Lawson elevates even the simplest foods, making them fun to explore. While my site usually focuses…

FamilyMart is one of the most iconic convenience store chains in Japan, alongside Lawson and 7-Eleven. These stores, often called konbini, are everywhere—you’ll find them on busy city corners, tucked away near train stations, and even in quiet neighbourhoods. What makes them special isn’t just the sheer variety of food and drink available, but also…