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.
Under Expectation, Welcomely ― 2026/03/05
Our first full-month gas bill—covering heating, hot water and cooking—came to a surprising 5,636 yen.
A pleasant shock. It’s much lower than what we used to pay in Fukuoka, where it often hit nearly 20,000 yen (including floor heating), and everyone, without exception, at relocation support offices and estate agencies had warned us to expect over 30,000 yen. (Note: We are living in a 40-year-old flat with no state-of-the-art energy-saving gimmicks at all.)
It turns out that as long as I protect myself with my Uniqlo Ultra Light Down at home, just like I did in Fukuoka, the Sapporo winter is nothing to fear (at least indoors, where every lifeline functions properly). In Fukuoka, my room temperature dropped to 12°C, but here it stays comfortably above 18°C, thanks to very basic double-glazed windows and probably the heat we are "stealing" from our neighbors through the walls, ceilings, and floors.
Today's Little Achievement ― 2026/03/03
The streets are mostly dry now, with piles of melting snow along the sides. You still find some slush here and there, but it’s no longer as dangerously slippery as before.
And... let me brag a little: For the first time since moving to Sapporo in mid-January, I walked to the city center today in normal shoes—no spikes or Vibram soles required! Hooray! It took about 30 minutes, but I’m sure I’ll get there faster once I’m more familiar with the route.
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...
Lounge de Coop ― 2026/03/01
One thing I love about Sapporo is that many supermarkets offer free lounges for a quick break while shopping. The lounge at this Coop store, in particular, is fantastic. It’s well-equipped with power outlets, thermal pots, and even a play area for kids (though the vending machines only stock cold drinks).
This space seems to be used much more creatively than you might imagine—it's a place where you can encounter even more "unique" characters than you would at a Starbucks. So far, I’ve spotted:
* An elegantly dressed elderly gentleman preparing instant udon (likely brought from home) using the hot water provided.
* A lady meticulously wiping down every surface she might touch before charging her multiple electronic gadgets.
* A man enjoying coffee he bought at the McDonald’s downstairs (A brilliant idea! I’ve decided to do the same next time).
* A young woman intensely talking into multiple cellphones at once. I couldn’t help but overhear... and let’s just say, I’m not sure those are things you should discuss in public!
It’s a surprisingly exciting experience, all for the price of a single canned coffee.
Old Enough (for a Welfare Visitor) ― 2026/02/26
Shortly after we settled in, a lady knocked on our door. Identifying herself as a "community welfare volunteer," she explained that she visits old people who have recently moved to the neighborhood.
"I check on seniors who might need assistance, and since you BOTH seem to be SENIORS, I wanted to say hello and see if you’re doing okay," she said, with a very polite and professional demeanor. For me, this was the first time I had ever been addressed as "old" right to my face. I mean, I know I am technically a "senior," but a part of me hadn't truly accepted that label yet. You can feel "young at heart" forever—until you are forced to face a bitter reality.
Anyway, after recovering from that initial shock, I took a look at the brochure she left, and felt even more discouraged. It seemed to cry out to me:
* You can still work! (And you should!)
* Do volunteer (unpaid) work for the community!
* Join senior clubs, sports classes, or preventative health activities!
It felt as if what I do these days—walking (wandering) around alone in silence, watching films at home, and avoiding group activities—was being labeled "incorrect."
By the way, how did she know we had moved in? She mentioned she was told to visit by "someone at the municipal office." Well, I know she had good intensions, and perhaps my victim mentality is running high, but I can't help but feel a slight sense of "big brother" watching...
The 240-yen Adventure Saga: Episode I ― 2026/02/24
Although their timetables are by no means conveniently designed, and the aisles can feel a bit cramped with passengers "swollen" in their black down jackets, I find riding the bus in Sapporo to be a safe and delightful way to discover new places. While subways are faster, they hide the city from you. On a bus, you can see the natural ups and downs of the land and really get a feel for how different neighborhoods connect—all for just 240 yen.
The other day, I hopped on a bus to the Fukusumi area.
I was struck by how different the atmosphere felt compared to my own neighborhood; it was calm yet reasonably lively, with the UFO-like Sapporo dome in a distant view.
First, I stopped at a big Donq bakery for an afternoon coffee.
They actually offer an all-you-can-eat bread buffet during lunch, but I stuck to just coffee—partly because I was still stuffed from lunch at home, and partly because my monthly "cafe budget" was running thin!
Afterward, I wandered to the other side of the station and stumbled upon a large farm run by a local agricultural specialist school.
It looks like they sell fresh produce and soft-serve ice cream in warmer seasons, though it was closed for the season when I visited.
After getting slightly lost for a while (thankfully, it wasn't snowing!), I eventually made it to Branch Sapporo Tsukisamu, a suburban outdoor shopping center. There, I picked up a "corn bun" (think an-pan but filled with sweet corn kernels) and scored a pair of pre-owned trousers for 1,600 yen at Second Street.
By the way, the bus was packed both ways, and I had to stand the whole time.
(Many thanks to Gemini for help with polishing this post!)
When Snow Melts... ― 2026/02/23
Once the weather warms and the snow begins to melt, the streets transform into a nightmarish landscape of ice, slush, muddy water, massive puddles, and remnants of snowbanks—a mess I’ve never seen in my life.
The road conditions change with every few steps. To make matters worse, drivers seem completely oblivious to the existence of us pedestrians. They don't even slow down at crosswalks, sending massive splashes of dirty water flying. It’s absolutely impossible to enjoy a leisurely walk while listening to my Walkman.
However, there is a glimmer of hope: the harshest part of the Hokkaido winter seems to be nearing its end (or at least, that’s what my hairdresser told me—and I’m choosing to believe him). Yay!
最近のコメント