Japan Food Series: Seicomart Convenience Store Finds in Sapporo

Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa

Introduction

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. I wanted to share these experiences because Japan’s convenience store culture is something truly unique, and Seicomart perfectly represents that local, everyday charm.

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 it operates mostly within the region, stepping into one feels instantly familiar.

When I first visited a Seicomart in Sapporo, it looked and felt just like any other convenience store I had been to in Japan. The bright lighting, neatly organized aisles, and shelves full of colourful snacks and drinks were all there. If you didn’t look at the sign outside, you might not even realize you weren’t inside a Lawson or FamilyMart. But what sets Seicomart apart is its strong local identity. It sources and produces many of its own items, especially under its private “Secoma” brand, and often highlights ingredients or products from Hokkaido.

Doritos – Taco Flavour

This was the standout snack from Seicomart. I was genuinely impressed with how much these Doritos captured that “taco flavour.” It wasn’t like a freshly made taco you’d find at a restaurant—it was that nostalgic, seasoned-taco-kit kind of taste, and I mean that in the best way. You could pick up notes of spiced ground meat, taco seasoning, and even a hint of lettuce or tomato powder that gave it depth. The balance of salty and savoury was spot on. It’s rare for a flavoured chip to capture multiple layers of a dish so clearly, and these managed to do exactly that.

Buy again? Yes.

Doritos – Avocado & Cheese

Unfortunately, this one didn’t land as well. Doritos are known for their great crunch, and that part didn’t disappoint, but the flavour combination just felt off. The avocado flavour was muted, and the addition of cheese overwhelmed what little freshness the avocado could have brought. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it also wasn’t something I’d crave again. It made me wish they had gone for a pure avocado flavour instead of trying to blend the two. Still, it’s always fun to see unique flavours like this that never make it to North American shelves.

Buy again? No.

Wasabi Chips

This one surprised me. From the very first bite, there’s a strong hit of wasabi that hits your nose instantly. It’s intense—but only for a moment. The sharpness fades quickly, leaving behind a clean, crisp chip flavour that keeps you reaching for another. It’s one of those snacks where the first chip makes you hesitate for a second, and by the third, you’re hooked. I liked that the wasabi flavour didn’t feel artificial or too salty. It was a solid balance of heat and savoury flavour. I probably wouldn’t eat these often, but they’re definitely worth trying at least once for the experience.

Buy again? No.

Onigiri – Crispy Plum

Seicomart’s onigiri were a pleasant surprise. The rice quality was excellent—moist, soft, and slightly sticky without being heavy. The crispy plum version was especially nice. It had the tart sweetness you expect from plum, but with added texture that gave it a bit of crunch. The combination of soft rice and crisp plum made each bite interesting. It was a flavour that felt both familiar and refreshing, a nice twist on the standard ume (plum) onigiri you find in most convenience stores.

Buy again? Yes.

Onigiri – Beef Kalbi

If the plum onigiri was the gentle one, the beef kalbi was the bold counterpart. The beef filling was tender and rich, packed with that soy-based savoury sauce that defines kalbi flavour. It had depth and sweetness that balanced perfectly against the plain rice. What really surprised me was how soft the beef was—it didn’t have that dry or stringy texture that you sometimes get in convenience store fillings. This one stood out as one of the best onigiri I tried in Hokkaido overall.

Buy again? Yes.

Final Thoughts

Seicomart might not look different from other convenience stores on the surface, but it’s a big part of what makes Hokkaido feel distinct. You’ll find one almost anywhere you go in the region, and while it carries many of the same types of items as Lawson or FamilyMart, there’s a quiet sense of pride in how it presents itself. The products often feature local ingredients, and even the packaging sometimes highlights “Made in Hokkaido.” It’s also worth noting that some larger Seicomart locations have a small “Hot Chef” counter where they serve freshly prepared meals like bento boxes and fried chicken—a detail that really shows their focus on convenience and quality.

Overall, I was genuinely impressed. The Doritos Taco chips were a standout snack that somehow recreated the flavour of a taco mix perfectly. The wasabi chips offered an exciting kick, and both onigiri options—the crispy plum and the beef kalbi—showed how something as simple as rice and filling can still surprise you with texture and balance. Not every item was a winner (I’d probably skip the avocado and cheese Doritos next time), but everything felt well thought out and made with care.

For travellers, Seicomart is worth visiting even if you’ve already tried the other big convenience store chains. It’s part of Hokkaido’s everyday rhythm, and there’s something satisfying about experiencing a store that locals rely on daily. This review may be a departure from my usual Ottawa restaurant posts, but exploring Seicomart gave me a whole new appreciation for the small, everyday foods that define travel experiences—and that’s something I think is worth sharing.