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.
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.
最近のコメント