I think when visiting Hokkaido, besides enjoying the snowy scenery and exploring Otaru and downtown Sapporo, you can also set aside some time to shop at a drugstore. Especially during the last few days of your trip, you can pick up any skincare products and souvenirs you still want to buy. However, the product selection, prices, and promotions may vary by location, so it’s worth comparing them a little before buying to find items you like at a good price.
SATUDORA Tanukikoji Daio Building Store | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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Oshino Hakkai – The 8 Springs of Oshino
Oshino Hakkai is the collective name for Mt. Fuji’s 8 natural ponds, Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, Sokonashi-ike, Choshi-ike, Waku-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagami-ike and Shobu-ike. Once a former lake, the area has dried up and formed the 8 spring-sourced ponds that remain today.
This is a very famous tourist attraction near Mount Fuji, known for its crystal-clear spring ponds. It’s also a great place to enjoy Mount Fuji’s natural scenery. Walking into the area feels like entering a small village filled with traditional Japanese charm, surrounded by Japanese-style buildings, thatched roofs, and flowing streams. The whole setting is very distinctive.
Oshino Hakkai is actually made up of eight spring ponds. The water comes from snowmelt on Mount Fuji, which emerges after being filtered through layers of earth over a long period of time. As a result, the water is so clear and transparent that you can clearly see the bottom of the ponds. In the sunlight, the water takes on a beautiful blue-green color, and together with the surrounding natural scenery, it’s truly beautiful! Standing by the ponds, you can’t help but marvel at the wonders of nature. Even casual photos have the atmosphere of the Japanese countryside.
Besides viewing the spring ponds, there are also quite a few shops nearby selling local specialties, where you can buy snacks and souvenirs while strolling around and enjoying the relaxed countryside atmosphere. If the weather is good, you may also get to see Mount Fuji rising behind the village. The snow-covered summit paired with the traditional Japanese buildings makes for a very charming view. However, Mount Fuji is often obscured by clouds, so seeing the entire mountain really takes a bit of luck!
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Narita International Airport
The international airport and gateway to Tokyo, visited by 44 million travelers each year (as of 2019). Opened in 1978, this world-famous airport (airport code NRT) has ferried over 6 million flights both in and out of Japan. The airport grounds include 3 different passenger terminals, a freight terminal and is currently planning to open a new runaway in addition to its two runways currently open.
Narita Airport has lots of stores to browse, offering everything from well-known Japanese souvenirs, popular snacks, sweets, and cookies to all kinds of specialty products. It’s truly a paradise for shopping lovers! Especially before returning to Taiwan, if you haven’t finished buying souvenirs, it’s a great chance to shop while waiting for your flight. The wide variety of Japan-exclusive products can be overwhelming. Sometimes you only plan to browse, but end up unable to resist buying several more bags.
Besides shopping, the airport also has dining options. Before your flight, you can get something to eat and take a break before getting ready to board. I recommend arriving at the airport early and leaving enough time for check-in and shopping, so you don’t miss out on something you want to buy because you’re in a rush.
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Kansai International Airport
Many domestic and international flights carry nearly 28 million people a year at this western Japan’s entrance, Kansai International Airport. It is on an island about 5km off the coast of Senshu in Osaka Bay, famous as the world’s first marine airport on a completely man-made island. The airport code KIX is used as the familiar nickname “KIX.”
Most people traveling to Japan’s Kansai region are probably familiar with Kansai International Airport! It’s an important transportation gateway to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and other destinations, as well as the starting point for many people’s trips to Japan. Every time I arrive at the airport, I feel especially excited. Just thinking about the journey ahead makes me look forward to all the interesting things I might encounter!
Kansai International Airport has quite a few stores to browse, offering everything from popular Japanese souvenirs and all kinds of snacks and cookies to cosmetics, drugstore products, and specialty items.
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