There is no shortage of shopping streets in Japan’s larger cities, and Sapporo, the country’s fifth-largest city and capital of Hokkaido Prefecture, has some of the best shopping streets in the country. For many international visitors on business trips or leisure stays, walking along Tanuki Koji Shopping Street is as enjoyable as visiting a local temple, a nearby ski resort or the city’s iconic Clock Tower.

Tanuki Koji Shopping Street is a covered shopping arcade in the heart of the city, extending approximately 2,300 feet from east to west. The street was built as a pedestrian walkway, often called a “shopping arcade” with shops lining the often-crowded “street.” Many shops and buildings are quite small, while others are several stories high, equipped with stairs or elevators.

Sapporo’s Tanuki Koji Shopping Street is one of the oldest shopping streets in all of Hokkaido, celebrating its 152^nd anniversary this year (since 1873). One of the largest shopping streets in Japan, it spans many blocks and offers about 200 shops.

In the mid-1800s, originating from the pioneering era when the Meiji government established the Hokkaido Development Commission in Sapporo, merchant houses and restaurants began to line the area around present-day Tanuki Koji 2-chome and 3-chome (chome is a district or block within a city). By 1873, this area came to be called Tanukikoji.

In 1916, streetlights were installed in three locations in Tanukikoji 3-chome. Each block competed to install Lily of the Valley Lights (streetlights shaped like Lilies of the Valley flowers), which became the new face of Tanukikoji. By 1936 the first eight neon lights were installed in some of the blocks.

Suzuran Lanterns (stone lanterns), the ancient symbol of Tanukikoji, was restored after World War II. Gradually, the shopping street regained its pre-war splendor, and lantern festivals continue to be held in Sapporo. Japanese lanterns, known as toro, are traditional lighting fixtures made of stone, metal or wood used to illuminate gardens, temples and shrines, symbolizing cultural and spiritual significance.

The fully covered arcade became the face of Tanukikoji, and as larger shops were built and squeezed into what little spaces remained empty, they were called “sideways department stores.” Through the years, these shops created different designs for each block, competing for individuality. In the early 1980s, the current second-generation arcades evolved, and colored pavements were installed on some of the blocks.

In 2002, the arcade underwent a major renovation, including the installation of modern electrical equipment.

Eventually, most of the lighting fixtures were converted to LED lights; the broadcasting equipment was renovated; benches and other fixtures were installed; and the shopping district designated a 24-hour vehicle-free zone, making it a shopping district where pedestrians can walk safely.

Just a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Rail Station, visitors can stop in Tanuki Koji for Sapporo specialties like miso-ramen and soup curry, or try a Shime-Parfait, a local favorite. Souvenirs are everywhere, of course, but lots of shops sell various Japanese fashion items, toys, shoes, gaming equipment and music shops. Pubs, bars and restaurants are everywhere, as well as tearooms. It also won’t be difficult to find objects to bring home for friends and family, with plenty of suitcase shops available, as well.