Tanukikoji Shopping Street
A well-known shopping street in Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, Japan, is commonly referred to by locals as “Tanukikoji.” This area has long been a bustling commercial hub, home to numerous shops and restaurants, making it one of the most popular sightseeing and shopping destinations in Sapporo.
As early as the beginning of the Meiji era, there were already a few shops and eateries operating on the site where Tanukikoji now stands. Due to its prime location—close to Hokkaido’s main roads and canals—and the flourishing red-light district in the nearby Susukino area at the time, Tanukikoji began to develop. In 1885, Sapporo’s first tourism-oriented factory opened on Tanukikoji, and from then on, the street was officially known by that name. Over time, a variety of specialty stores, restaurants, and shops selling local products opened along the street, making it a favorite destination for international tourists. In recent years, the area has also attracted many street performers, especially musicians, adding vibrant cultural charm to the shopping arcade.
Starting in 1958, covered arcades began to be installed along different sections of Tanukikoji, and a major renovation was carried out in 1982, shaping the appearance we see today. Most areas from Block 1 through Block 6 are now covered with modern transparent canopies, while Block 7 has been upgraded based on its original structures. In 2002, the arcade underwent another round of modernization, with the addition of fiber optic lines and wireless internet within the canopy, creating an advanced internal network. This allows stores to connect to CCTV systems via the internet, enhancing security measures. Additionally, to improve accessibility, escalators were installed at the junction between Blocks 3 and 4, connecting to the street in front of Sapporo Station, allowing easier access to the underground shopping street.
As for the origin of the name “Tanukikoji,” there is no definitive explanation. Two main theories prevail: one is that raccoon dogs (tanuki) used to inhabit the area; the other relates to the area's former red-light district. According to legend, courtesans would appear at night, behaving stealthily and mysteriously, much like the elusive tanuki, hence the name “Tanukikoji.”
