Japan Food Series: Specialty Store Finds in Sapporo Part 2 (Daiichi Susukino, Daikoku Drug, and Tanukiya)
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Table of Contents
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. This post is focused on the specialty stores in Sapporo.
Continuing my Japan Food Series, I wanted to highlight a few more specialty shops and stores I visited in Sapporo that stood out for their snacks, sweets, and drinks. Unlike the major convenience store chains like FamilyMart or Lawson, these places felt more local and unique—offering products you might not find anywhere else in Japan.
This post focuses on three of them: Daiichi Susukino, Daikoku Drug, and Tanukiya. Each had its own personality, from small local selection to recognizable regional souvenirs.
Daiichi Susukino
Daiichi Susukino is a small shop located in the Susukino district of Sapporo. It’s not a large chain or department store—more like a compact convenience-style store that stocks a bit of everything: snacks, drinks, and sweets from various brands. The area itself is lively and full of small eateries, bars, and shops that stay open late, so this spot fits right in as a quick grab-and-go place.
While it doesn’t specialize in any one category, Daiichi Susukino offered a few interesting items worth trying, even if the overall quality was hit or miss.
White Daifuku
This one didn’t impress. The mochi was dry and lacked that signature soft, stretchy texture that makes daifuku enjoyable. It felt like it had been sitting out too long and lost its moisture. The red bean filling was fine, but the texture of the outer mochi overshadowed any good qualities it had. Overall, not something I’d pick up again.
Buy again? No.
Sesame Daifuku
Unfortunately, this had the same issue as the white version—the mochi itself was dry and firm rather than soft and chewy. The saving grace was the sesame filling, which had a pleasant nuttiness and deeper flavour. Still, the overall experience fell short of what you’d expect from fresh mochi.
Buy again? No.
Meiji Kajyu Gummy – Strawberry
These gummies had a firmer chew than I expected. On the back of the package, there’s actually a small scale showing the softness or chewiness level, ranging from 1 to 5. This strawberry version was rated a 4—meaning it leaned toward the firm side. It wasn’t bad, but I personally preferred the softer ones, like the orange flavour, which had a rating of 2. Still, it’s a neat detail that Japanese candy makers include such specific information right on the packaging.
Buy again? No.
Peanut Chocolate Wafers
A decent snack overall. It immediately reminded me of Hanuta wafers, which are popular in Europe. The combination of crunchy wafers and chocolate-peanut filling worked well, though I preferred Hanuta’s richer flavour and smoother texture. These were fine but didn’t leave a lasting impression.
Buy again? No.
Daikoku Drug
Daikoku Drug is a popular drugstore chain in Japan that sells everything from medicine and skincare to snacks, candies, and drinks. You’ll find them all over major Japanese cities, and they’re great places to pick up packaged food or beverages at lower prices. The atmosphere is more functional than fancy—bright, slightly crowded, but full of hidden gems if you take time to browse.
Langue de Chat Cookies & Matcha Chocolate
These were quite good and exactly what I expected from this style of cookie. The langue de chat biscuits were crisp and buttery, while the matcha chocolate sandwiched in between added a delicate bitterness that balanced out the sweetness. The combination of flavours worked well, and the cookies had the smooth, refined matcha taste that’s very popular in Japan.
Buy again? Yes.
Oi Ocha Green Tea with Matcha
A surprisingly enjoyable instant tea. Even though it’s pre-packaged and quick to make, the flavour felt authentic. It had the earthy notes of green tea and a touch of richness from the added matcha. This was great for making at home during the afternoon—refreshing but with enough depth to feel like a quality tea.
Buy again? Yes.
Tanukiya
Tanukiya is a well-known Japanese confectionery brand that focuses on sweets and snacks made with care and regional flair. Founded in 1955, the company specializes in combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with flavours that appeal to modern tastes. Their products are widely available in department stores and airports, and they’re especially known for their souvenir-friendly packaging and famous confections like Shiroi Koibito.
Fruit Wafers
These looked promising but turned out differently than I expected. Instead of being light and crispy like typical wafers, the texture was more crumbly—closer to a soft cookie than a crisp wafer. The flavours (strawberry, apple, and orange) were decent, each distinct enough to tell apart, but the overall experience didn’t match what I was hoping for. The lack of crunch made it feel less satisfying.
Buy again? No.
Shiroi Koibito
This is one of Hokkaido’s most famous souvenirs and a must-try for anyone visiting the region. The cookie consists of two thin, buttery langue de chat biscuits with a layer of smooth white chocolate in the middle. The texture is crisp yet delicate, and the flavour is balanced between creamy sweetness and buttery richness. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular—both as a treat and as a gift. Personally, I enjoyed it, though it wasn’t particularly groundbreaking. I mainly wanted to try it for its reputation, and I’m glad I did. The white chocolate filling was smooth and the cookies themselves were excellent.
Buy again? Yes.
Final Thoughts
Each of these spots—Daiichi Susukino, Daikoku Drug, and Tanukiya—offered a different glimpse into everyday snacking in Sapporo. Daiichi Susukino felt like a small, local store where you might grab something random on your way home; Daikoku Drug showed how much variety Japanese drugstores have beyond just essentials; and Tanukiya highlighted how regional treats and souvenirs maintain a sense of tradition and craftsmanship.
Not everything was a hit, but that’s part of the fun of exploring. The mochi from Daiichi Susukino didn’t quite meet expectations, but the matcha cookies from Daikoku and the Shiroi Koibito from Tanukiya stood out. Together, these small discoveries helped round out my food experience in Sapporo. Even though this post is far removed from my usual Ottawa restaurant reviews, it captures what I love about travel—finding memorable flavours in the most unexpected places.
Check out Part 1 of specialty store finds here!