Sapporo

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 department store food sections worth exploring. These aren’t quite the same as konbini, but they share the same attention to detail, freshness, and variety that Japan’s food culture is known for.

During my time in Sapporo, I came across three spots that stood out: Kita Kitchen, Mitsukoshi, and Shinmart. Each offered something unique, from local Hokkaido sweets to department store meals and imported snacks.

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.

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 on Ottawa food establishments, I wanted to share this special post, which will be one of several Japan Food Series posts, highlighting the unique items I tried from Lawson during my trip to Sapporo.

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 the quality. It’s remarkable to walk into what looks like a regular convenience store and come out with items that taste freshly prepared, unique, and worth remembering.