A Must-Visit on Trips to Hokkaido and Okinawa! A Complete Guide to Sapporo Drug Store, the Community-Based Drugstore
If you want to enjoy not only sightseeing but also shopping during your trip to Hokkaido or Okinawa, Sapporo Drug Store is well worth a stop.
This convenient drugstore carries not only medicines and cosmetics, but also food and souvenirs, making it easy to find all those little things you need while traveling. This article takes a closer look at Sapporo Drug Store’s appeal, popular products, and useful services.
What Is Sapporo Drug Store?
Sapporo Drug Store is a drugstore chain based mainly in Hokkaido, with a history of more than 50 years since its founding.
Under the concept of “Making everyday life in Hokkaido more enjoyable,” it operates about 200 stores across the prefecture.
What sets it apart is that it is more than just a drugstore.
In addition to medicines and cosmetics, it offers a wide range of food and daily necessities, serving as a hub that supports local life.
Its blue sign with the “++” logo makes it easy to spot, and it is a familiar sight in Hokkaido.
It also operates stores in Okinawa, making it a convenient option for travelers as well.
Why Sapporo Drug Store Is So Well-Loved: 3 Ways It Stands Apart
Sapporo Drug Store is not just a drugstore that sells medicines and cosmetics.
With a product selection closely tied to everyday life, including food and daily necessities, as well as store layouts designed with travelers in mind, it is chosen both for daily use and while on the road.
Let’s take a closer look at why, and how it differs from other stores.
1. A Lifestyle-Oriented Store with Everything from Food and Daily Necessities to Local Limited-Edition Products
Sapporo Drug Store’s biggest feature is the breadth of its product lineup.
In addition to medicines and cosmetics, it carries plenty of food items such as milk, bread, frozen foods, and snacks, and is often used as an alternative to a supermarket.
For travelers, it is extremely convenient because drinks, light meals, and daily necessities can all be purchased in one place.
Stores in tourist areas are especially well stocked with souvenir sections, making shopping efficient.
The fact that you can buy souvenirs at a drugstore is a major difference from other stores.
The reassurance that “you can find just about anything if you go there” is one reason it is supported both in daily life and while traveling.
2. Tax-Free Stores Are Located Across Hokkaido
While competing chains tend to concentrate in central areas, Sapporo Drug Store offers tax-free procedures not only in central Hokkaido, but also at regional stores, including those in sightseeing areas.
Some Sapporo Drug Store locations in tourist destinations have multilingual staff on site, so international travelers can shop with confidence.
Store guides and POP displays are also available in multiple languages.
3. Comfortable Store Layouts and Product Lineups That Make Shopping Easy
The stores are bright and the aisles are wide, so you can shop comfortably even while pushing a shopping cart.
Products are displayed by category, making shopping easy.
Another reason for its popularity is that it offers items geared toward travelers as well as products convenient for local everyday use.
Categories such as medicines and cosmetics are easy to understand, which is helpful when you want to choose products during a short stay.
18 Popular Products to Buy at Sapporo Drug Store
Sapporo Drug Store offers a wide range of popular products that travelers will want to buy in bulk.
In addition to medicines and cosmetics, it is well stocked with limited-edition items and souvenirs unique to Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Here are some carefully selected recommendations that are especially popular.
9 Popular Products to Buy at Sapporo Drug Store in the Sapporo Area
In Sapporo, high-quality Japanese medicines and supplements, along with Hokkaido-style souvenirs, are especially popular.
Stores specializing in inbound travelers stock a large number of products so visitors can buy in bulk.
Here are some of the most popular items.
▶︎Be prepared for travel-related discomfort! Japanese medicines
1. SSP “Eve Three Shot Premium”
“Eve Three Shot Premium” is a pain reliever popular in Japan.
It can be used for cold-like symptoms, headaches, menstrual pain, and more during your trip, as well as after you return home.
In addition to the popular 60-tablet package, 30-tablet and 90-tablet packages are also sold, making it easy to take home.
2. SSP “Aneron Niscap”
Trips around Hokkaido often involve long travel times, so motion sickness preparation is essential if you want to fully enjoy your trip.
Aneron’s “Niscap” is popular among travelers looking for that kind of support.
This once-a-day capsule type is easy to take and is said to offer long-lasting effects, making it a popular choice.
3. Koudapro “Asugirl Granules, 1 Packet”
Quite a few travelers end up drinking a little too much while enjoying delicious food.
“Asugirl Granules” has been quietly gaining popularity among such people.
It is said to help support liver function, and many people reportedly use it as part of their hangover prevention routine.
▶︎For beauty and wellness! Supplements and health foods
4. Rohto Pharmaceutical “The Lipo Vitamin C Deep Capsule”
“The Lipo Vitamin C Deep Capsule” lets you take vitamin C, a staple supplement for beauty and wellness, through Rohto Pharmaceutical’s advanced technology.
Formulated with two types of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, it is especially picked up by people with a strong interest in beauty.
5. UHA “Gummy Supplement Iron, Grape Flavor”
UHA’s “Gummy Supplement” series is highly popular in Japan because it lets you get nutrients as if you were eating candy.
Among the many varieties available, “Gummy Supplement Iron, Grape Flavor” is purchased by many customers, especially women.
Easy to carry, it is ideal for nutrition on the go during your trip or as small gifts to share.
6. Wellness Navi “GABAXsleep ver.2”
Sapporo Drug Store actually offers its own original supplement series, “Wellness Navi.”
Among them, “GABAXsleep ver.2” is a Foods with Function Claims product that provides the necessary amount of GABA in the recommended daily intake.
It is said to help improve sleep quality and reduce stress.
▶︎Easy-to-share souvenirs from snow country! Hokkaido limited-edition snacks
7. Ezaki Glico “Pocky Yubari Melon”
Japanese snacks sometimes come in special regional limited-edition flavors.
Among the classics, Ezaki Glico’s “Pocky Yubari Melon” is also popular with Japanese shoppers.
These large-size Pocky sticks coated in Yubari melon chocolate are perfect as souvenirs to share.
8. Ginbis “Mini Asparagus Soup Curry Flavor”
Soup curry is a dish said to have originated in Sapporo.
Ginbis “Mini Asparagus Soup Curry Flavor” recreates that spicy flavor in biscuit form.
Its Sapporo-style taste and flavor that can be enjoyed by people of all ages make it a souvenir that has been attracting attention.
9. Sapporo Drug Store Private Brand “Snack Series”
Sapporo Drug Store also offers private brand (PB) snacks.
Among them, the “Snack Series” features Hokkaido-focused ingredients and flavors, along with easy-to-buy sizes and prices, making it a popular choice for bulk purchases.
The “Craft Snacks” series in particular is also great with alcoholic drinks.
9 Popular Products to Buy at Sapporo Drug Store in the Okinawa Area
In Okinawa, where travelers spend time at the beach and tour the islands, skincare items are especially popular.
Many people buy high-quality items locally and use them during their trip, even if they did not prepare them in advance.
Of course, Okinawa-style souvenirs are also essential.
▶︎For yourself or to buy locally! Items for sunburn and skin irritation
1. Rohto Pharmaceutical “Skin Aqua Hyalon Serum UV”
Sightseeing in Okinawa often means spending a lot of time outdoors under strong sunlight. Sunscreen is essential.
Rohto Pharmaceutical’s “Skin Aqua Hyalon Serum UV” is a popular item to buy locally.
As a product made by a pharmaceutical company, it is made in Japan and can be used with confidence.
2. Shiseido Elixir Superieur “Day Care Revolution Tone Up”
“Day Care Revolution Tone Up” is from Elixir Superieur, a line by Shiseido, one of Japan’s long-established cosmetics brands.
It serves not only as sunscreen, but also as a moisturizer and makeup base, making it a convenient item that can help shorten your morning routine.
3. Shiseido “IHADA Medicated Face Protect Powder”
For dry or sensitive skin, even foundation can sometimes cause irritation.
If you still want to wear makeup while traveling, Shiseido’s IHADA “Medicated Face Protect Powder” is a recommended option.
Since it is a brand specially designed for sensitive skin, you can likely use it with confidence.
▶︎For after-sun care! Sheet masks and skincare
4. Quality 1st “Derma Laser Super VC100 Mask”
This sheet mask is designed to offer quick effects through three systems: a high-adhesion ingredient-penetrating sheet, a concentrated ingredient compressed delivery method, and penetrating vitamin C capsules.
It is also made with care for gentleness on the skin, and contains no preservatives, alcohol, fragrance, colorants, or mineral oil.
5. LuLuLun “Tabisuru LuLuLun Okinawa Limited Edition”
LuLuLun is a sheet mask brand that releases limited-edition products in different regions across Japan.
In Okinawa alone, scents such as shikuwasa and acerola are available.
Since they are sold in sets of 5 bags, it is also a good idea to keep one for yourself and give the rest as souvenirs.
6. Rohto Pharmaceutical “Promedial High-Adhesion Premium Veil Mask”
If you are looking for a high-quality sheet mask that can be used even on sensitive skin, check out Rohto Pharmaceutical’s “Promedial High-Adhesion Premium Veil Mask.”
The soft sheet is soaked with plenty of beauty serum, making it safe to use even on dry, sun-exposed skin.
▶︎Easy-to-share tropical souvenirs! Okinawa limited-edition snacks (foods)
7. Nestlé “KitKat Beni-Imo”
Among Okinawa limited-edition snacks, the wafer confection “KitKat Beni-Imo” is popular with people of all ages.
The soft, rich flavor of bright reddish-purple sweet potato and the crisp wafer are well balanced, making it perfect as a souvenir for yourself as well.
8. Bourbon “Elise Kumejima Beni-Imo”
“Kumejima Beni-Imo” is also available as a flavor of “Elise,” a classic product from Japanese confectionery company Bourbon.
The smooth chocolate made with powder from Kumejima’s beni-imo variety “Churakoibeni” offers a light taste and gentle sweetness.
9. Morinaga “Okinawa Limited Edition Hi-Chew Shikuwasa”
Morinaga’s “Okinawa Limited Edition Hi-Chew Shikuwasa” is ideal as an easy souvenir.
You can enjoy the juicy, sweet-tart flavor of shikuwasa in soft candy form. It is also perfect as a casual snack during your trip.
4 Distinctive Sapporo Drug Store Locations That Are Easy to Visit While Traveling
Sapporo Drug Store has locations in major sightseeing areas, making it easy to stop by while you are on the move.
Stores that are especially popular with travelers also stand out for their product selection and services.
Here are some representative locations that are easy to use during your trip.
1. Hokkaido, Sapporo | Sapporo Drug Store Tanukikoji 5-chome Store
This convenient store has a one-floor layout arranged by category, letting you shop efficiently in a short amount of time.
It is useful when you want to quickly pick up what you need between sightseeing stops.
2. Hokkaido, Sapporo | Sapporo Drug Store Tanukikoji Daio Building Store
This large store has spacious sales floors across 2 levels, allowing you to browse products at a relaxed pace.
It is convenient when you want to buy souvenirs and daily necessities all at once.
With hours from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, it is easy to use.
3. Hokkaido, Sapporo | Sapporo Drug Store Kita 3-jo Store
This store is known for its wide selection, much like a supermarket.
It is suitable when you want to take your time choosing food and daily necessities, and is convenient for stocking up during your stay.
It also carries a rich lineup of cosmetics.
The ability to do a self-service health check for free is a feature you will not find elsewhere.
4. Okinawa, Naha | Sapporo Drug Store Okinawa Kokusai-dori Store
Located on a corner along Kokusai-dori Street, this store is easy to stop by along common sightseeing routes.
It is convenient when you want to choose souvenirs and buy daily necessities in one visit.
Strengths Unique to Sapporo Drug Store
Sapporo Drug Store is easy to stop by while sightseeing and also offers its own distinctive appeal, including PB products and overseas e-commerce.
It offers ways to enjoy a Hokkaido-born drugstore that go beyond your time at the destination.
Easy to Work into Hokkaido and Okinawa Sightseeing Routes
Sapporo Drug Store has locations in major sightseeing areas and is easy to stop by while you are on the move.
It is a convenient shopping spot during trips to Hokkaido and Okinawa.
In addition to medicines and daily necessities, you can also buy souvenirs all at once.
A Wide Variety of PB Products Unique to Sapporo Drug Store
Sapporo Drug Store offers many exclusive PB products, including foods and beauty items that make use of Hokkaido ingredients.
Another appealing point is that you can look for products you will only find here, different from standard souvenirs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapporo Drug Store
Q
Where can I find Sapporo Drug Store?
A
It has about 200 stores mainly in Hokkaido, and also operates in Okinawa and Taiwan.
Q
Can I buy souvenirs there?
A
Stores specializing in inbound travelers carry a wide selection of limited-edition products from Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Summary
Sapporo Drug Store is more than just a drugstore; it connects local daily life with tourism.
Because it carries medicines, cosmetics, food, and souvenirs, it is convenient enough that you may want to stop by more than once during your trip.
If you are visiting Hokkaido or Okinawa, be sure to visit Sapporo Drug Store, where you can find products available only here, and experience all it has to offer.