Japan Food Series: Specialty Store Finds in Sapporo Part 1 (Kita Kitchen, Mitsukoshi, and Shinmart)
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.
While Japan’s convenience stores like Lawson, FamilyMart, and Seicomart are already impressive, Sapporo also has plenty of smaller specialty stores 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.
Kita Kitchen (Shin-Sapporo Station)
Kita Kitchen is a specialty store located inside Shin-Sapporo Station. It focuses on regional Hokkaido products—everything from sweets to drinks to local delicacies. The layout feels more curated than a typical convenience store, but still approachable enough to make quick purchases before catching a train.
Mochi with Strawberry
Unfortunately, this didn’t leave a great impression. The mochi texture was off—dry and firm, as if it had been sitting out too long. It lacked the signature softness and stretchiness that make fresh mochi so enjoyable. The strawberry filling didn’t stand out either; it was generic in flavour and didn’t have that burst of freshness or sweetness you’d hope for. Overall, it was underwhelming and not something I’d buy again.
Buy again? No.
Melon Jelly Cup
This was a pleasant surprise. The jelly had the subtle flavour of Hokkaido melon—light, mildly sweet, and refreshing. It’s not overpowering like artificial melon candy; it tastes closer to the real fruit. The texture was smooth, and the portion size made it a nice small dessert to enjoy after a meal.
Buy again? Yes.
Ginger Ale
Easily the best of the three from Kita Kitchen. The ginger ale had a clean, crisp taste with real ginger flavour that gave it a gentle bite. It wasn’t overly sweet like most sodas, which made it feel refreshing and more natural. After trying several bottled drinks in Japan, this one stood out for balancing sweetness and spice perfectly.
Buy again? Yes.
Mitsukoshi (Sapporo Department Store – B1F)
The Mitsukoshi Department Store in Sapporo is home to an incredible basement-level food hall (depachika), filled with ready-to-eat meals, sweets, and bento boxes. It’s busy but well organized, and the sheer variety of options is hard to overstate. While Ottawa has its share of food courts, this feels more like a showcase of craftsmanship in convenience dining.
Sticky Rice
This dish was one of my favourites. Sticky rice has always been a comfort food for me, and this version was exceptional. The left half featured a tomato-based Mediterranean-style rice—slightly tangy, rich, and fragrant. The right half was a simpler mushroom sticky rice that had a deep, earthy flavour and perfect chewiness. Together, they made for a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you how good something simple can be when done right.
Buy again? Yes.
Onigiri – Red Bean
This was an interesting twist on the usual savoury onigiri. The red bean filling paired beautifully with the rice, giving it a subtle sweetness rather than the saltiness you’d expect. The black sesame seeds on top added a light nuttiness and contrast in flavour. I’m always amazed at how even the most ordinary food in Japan—like an onigiri—can taste so refined. It’s the kind of snack you could eat every day and not get tired of.
Buy again? Yes.
White and Red Daifuku
The white daifuku was soft, smooth, and perfectly chewy—exactly how good mochi should be. The red bean paste inside was balanced and slightly sweet without being cloying. It’s a classic Japanese sweet that never disappoints when made well, and this one was done right.
The red daifuku had the same soft, pillowy mochi texture as the white one but with a hint of strawberry flavour in the outer layer. It didn’t overpower the red bean filling but added a touch of fruitiness that made it stand out slightly. Both daifuku showcased how Mitsukoshi’s basement-level food section pays attention to even the smallest details in presentation and taste.
Buy again? Yes.
Shinmart
Shinmart is a Korean convenience store that I stumbled across while I was in Cocono Susukino. It offers a variety of Korean food products.
Sun Chips – Hot Spicy
This one caught me off guard—in a good way. The chips had a stronger, more robust crunch than the Sun Chips I’m used to back home. The hot and spicy seasoning had the right amount of heat without being overwhelming, and it lingered pleasantly after each bite. The flavour was more layered than the North American version, almost like it had a mix of chili and paprika instead of just plain spice. Easily one of the better chip snacks I came across during my trip.
Buy again? Yes.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Kita Kitchen, Mitsukoshi, and Shinmart gave me a glimpse into another side of Japan’s food culture beyond the typical konbini. These stores showed that even outside the major convenience chains, you can still find quality snacks, drinks, and ready-to-eat foods that reflect both craftsmanship and regional character.
Kita Kitchen offered a taste of Hokkaido’s local products, with the ginger ale and melon jelly standing out the most. Mitsukoshi’s basement food floor showcased what department store dining can be—affordable yet incredibly well made, with options like sticky rice and daifuku that rival what you’d find in specialty stores. Shinmart, though smaller, delivered with a single standout snack that reminded me how good simple chips can be when made with care.
Compared to my usual Ottawa reviews, this post represents a different kind of exploration—one that focuses on everyday food experiences while travelling. Whether it’s a small bottle of ginger ale or a perfect bite of sticky rice, these are the kinds of moments that make food travel so memorable.