Citrus Solution ― 2026/08/15
August seems to be the time when all kinds of fresh produce are available all at once. I enjoy a bounty of fruits, such as watermelon, melons, strawberries, and blueberries, as well as vibrant vegetables.
The only shortcoming of a Sapporo summer is that certain fruits are hard to come by. I have hardly seen figs, loquats, and particular varieties of citrus, such as yuzu, kabosu, sudachi, and domestically grown lemons.
My hairdresser, who is practically my only source of useful local information in Sapporo, told me that people in Hokkaido don't use citrus nearly as much as people from Kyushu do. He even said he doesn't use it on grilled fish. Incredible!
Yes, imported lemons and limes are available at all supermarkets, but they are forbiddingly expensive due to Japan's weakened yen. Mikans are widely available, too, but domestically grown garnish citrus feel completely out of reach. They are either virtually nonexistent or absurdly expensive—especially for someone coming from a place where you can get 10 kabosu for a mere 198 yen.
After some failed attempts (e.g., hauling them back in my luggage from Fukuoka, or trying to stretch the precious juice by mixing it with vinegar), I have finally decided to rely on bottled juice.
It is still rather pricey (398 yen for 150ml), but I told myself it will at least end the agony of standing in front of supermarket shelves, wasting time debating whether the price is worth it.
Fresh from the Field ― 2026/08/10
700 yen in total (Daikon: free)
There is a vegetable farm near a local library and subway station (the third stop from the city centre!).
Recently, I found that they sell their produce directly to anyone who visits in the morning between 5 am and 10 am.
Today I finally managed to get there by 9 and got vegetables literally fresh from the ground—unlike other farm stands, this particular farm allows (or forces?) visitors to harvest everything by themselves. But don't worry, someone (quite possibly the farm owner) is right there to instruct you, and simple map and instructions were available at the edge of the field.
At first, I was completely at a loss, as I didn't know where the veggies were hiding in the field. But gradually, my eyes adjusted. Did you know how courgettes grow, by the way?
The prices weren't clearly stated, though they seemed to have a price list somewhere in the farmers' head. What I vaguely learned from talking with her was:
- Regardless of the size, courgettes are 200 yen each,
- A unit of string beans (which they call "sasage") comes in bundles of 10 pieces,
- Sweetcorn is harvested professionally upon request (250 yen each),
- You can pull out daikon yourself, though they vary in size.
She also told me that her family had never used chemicals on their farmland ever since the first generation settled (入植した）on this land.
Settled... I was a little dumbfounded to hear her use that word so casually.
The Third Option ― 2026/03/06
Along with authentic confectioneries such as those at the Sapporo Grand Hotel or Patisserie Frères, and local giants like Rokkatei and Ryugetsu, Sapporo offers me yet another snacking choice: factory stores.
Having discovered a street lined with confectionery factories that have their own shops, I headed to one of them: Ginza Bunmeido, famous for its castella and dorayaki. It was about a 15-minute walk from the local library, navigating a few puddles along the way.
As I drew closer, a sweet scent wafted from the factory.
Upon entering, I was welcomed by three charming ladies in crisp, flight-attendant-style uniforms. It was a pleasant surprise; I had half-expected a grumpy, re-employed former manager in dull coveralls to greet me with a scowl.
At this type of store, you can’t miss the castella offcuts, of course. I also found sets of dorayaki skins, which I naturally grabbed.
There seem to be at least two more stores like this nearby. I can’t wait for the next fine day when I can head out in my sneakers. Or rather, I’d better find a good dentist instead.
Today's Treat ― 2026/03/02
Coffee and a small steam cake: about 250 yen @Seico Mart
In an attempt to stick to my monthly cafe budget...
Cafe Heaven ― 2026/02/22
There are many cafés around our new place. Or rather, we’re surrounded by authentic coffee houses. Of course, there are the usual national chains, but it’s the independent spots—serving delicate sweets and carefully brewed coffee—that are especially appealing.
They’re wonderful, truly. Perhaps a little too wonderful. They feel almost too nice to drop into casually on my way to or from shopping or the library.
For example:
900 yen
At this café, all the tableware is made by Okura Toen—ultra high-end porcelain, at least by my standards.
about 800 yen
At this place, the cream was outrageously good. I nearly swooned.
At both cafés, at 10 o’clock on a snowy weekday morning, I was the only customer. Full table service, warm hospitality—I felt thoroughly welcomed. Considering the quality, the prices are quite reasonable. These days, you have to be prepared to pay over 1,000 yen for a slice of cake and a cup of coffee.
Good, good, good. Almost perfect.
And yet… I find myself wishing for places that are a bit more casual—in atmosphere and in price—so that I can drop in without feeling self-conscious or thinking about the contents of my wallet.
Maybe I’m asking for the impossible. Still, in this neighborhood, even Starbucks feels relatively accessible.
about 680 yen
Starbucks is, well, Starbucks. And the staff sometimes give off a faintly “enlightened” or carefully curated stylish air (not always successfully). But it does feel easy and relaxed. Cost-wise, too.
Today’s Treat ― 2026/02/20
Single pancake, a boiled egg and unlimited drinks: 604 yen at Gusto （morning special)
These days, Gusto feels like a more budget-friendly option than Mister Donut for a quick bite. And there’s a cute little robot serving you!
A Big Lunch ― 2026/02/12
1160 yen at Hotei in Akarenga Terrace
Fat, protein, salt, and a mountain of carbs—zero vegetables.
Nutritionally questionable, but absolutely delicious.
I should not attempt it at home. Of course, I grabbed a can of vegetable juice as soon as I got back, for peace of mind.
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