Hokkaido Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Your Flight

what to buy at hokkaido airport

Hokkaido is known for its rich culinary delights, and its airport, New Chitose Airport, offers a plethora of unique and delicious souvenirs. From seafood and sweets to novelties, there is much to buy at the airport. The shopping world on the second floor of the airport terminal building offers a vast array of popular Hokkaido souvenirs and gifts, plus some items that can only be purchased at the airport.

Characteristics Values
Food Shiroi Koibito, cheese sweets, corn sweets, chocolate, biscuits, seafood, ramen, ice cream, meat, confectionery, cookies, cakes, pastries, snacks
Drinks Liquor
Perishability Perishable items like ice cream and fresh bakery products are available alongside non-perishable items
Availability Some items are exclusive to Hokkaido and the airport, while others are limited editions
Price range 250 yen to 2,970 yen
Other products Cosmetics, cigarettes, neckties, novelty items, souvenirs, character goods

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Hokkaido's local food delights

Hokkaido is a treasure trove of gourmet food, and its local food delights are certainly worth trying and buying at the airport. The island is known for its dairy products and seafood, and its local cuisine reflects this. Here are some of Hokkaido's local food delights:

Dairy Products

With its abundant dairy farms, it is no surprise that Hokkaido is known for its dairy products. Local ice cream is a must-try, with lavender-flavoured soft serve in Furano City being a popular choice. The "Hokkaido Milk Castella" is another famous dairy-based delicacy. This moist and fluffy pastry is the creation of Hironobu Tsujiguchi, a World Confectionery Competition-winning pastry chef. The castella is freshly made on-site at New Chitose Airport, from dough-making to baking in the kiln.

Seafood

Hokkaido's cold climate allows local fisheries to preserve and prepare exceptionally fresh seafood. The island is known for its sushi, with many claiming that the ¥100 sushi bars in Hokkaido surpass their expensive counterparts elsewhere in Japan. Fresh crab at Nijo Market in Sapporo is a must-try, as is Ikameshi, a special seafood dish from the Oshima Peninsula. Ikameshi consists of rice stuffed inside a squid and grilled, originating during wartime when rice was scarce.

Fruits

Hokkaido also offers a variety of fresh fruits, including the famous Yubari King Melon, which is said to be one of the most expensive fruits in Japan. These melons are known for their perfect round shape and smooth, sweet taste. At Melon Terrace in Yubari, you can enjoy a melon buffet while taking in the beautiful mountainous views.

Snacks and Sweets

Hokkaido boasts a range of unique snacks and sweets, many of which can be purchased at New Chitose Airport. "Haskapp Jewelry" is a creamy cookie with a filling made from Hokkaido's native Haskap berries. The "La La La COOKIE" is another exclusive treat, featuring a crisp texture created by stacking three thinly baked cookies. Jaga Pokkuru, a crispy snack made from potatoes and salt produced in Hokkaido, is another popular choice.

In addition to these delights, Hokkaido offers a variety of ramen dishes, including Sapporo Ramen, Asahikawa Ramen, and Hakodate Ramen. The local beer, Sapporo Beer, is also worth tasting, especially when paired with Jingisukan (barbequed lamb) at the Sapporo Beer Garden.

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Exclusive airport sweets

Hokkaido is known for its rich culinary delights and has a plethora of unique and delicious souvenirs that can be found at New Chitose Airport. The airport is a great place to sample some of Hokkaido's famous confections, and many of the shops from around the prefecture that are famous for their sweets have outlets in the airport.

Sweets Avenue

On the second floor of the terminal, you'll find Sweets Avenue, which has a rich array of popular Hokkaido food souvenirs that you won't want to miss because they are only available there.

Shiroi Koibito

Shiroi Koibito, or "White Lover", is a classic Hokkaido souvenir. These cookies feature white chocolate sandwiched between thin, crisp, buttery langue de chat cookies.

Haskapp Jewelry

This creamy cookie, made with Hokkaido's native Haskap berries, can be purchased at the airport. There is also a special version called "Haskapp Jewelry White MIX" that is a limited item that can only be purchased at the New Chitose Airport Store.

La La La COOKIE

This is another cookie that is only available at New Chitose Airport. It has a crisp texture and generous thickness, created by stacking three thinly baked cookies together.

Sanporoku no Kowari

Sanporoku no Kowari is a popular sweet shaped like the head of an axe and fashioned to resemble a birch tree. It is sold directly by Ryugetsu and is the perfect gift for the workplace. One box contains five individually wrapped pieces for 600 yen. There is also a melon-flavoured version sold only during the summer.

Chocolatier Masale

Chocolatier Masale is a popular chocolate shop in Sapporo. Its chocolate brownie, with a thick brownie and an outer layer of sweet chocolate, is available in a special, limited-edition package at the airport.

ROYCE

ROYCE is another famous confectionery manufacturer from Hokkaido. At New Chitose Airport, you can find a wide variety of their products, including nama chocolate, which needs to be kept refrigerated, potato chip chocolate, and chocolate bars.

Rokkatei

Rokkatei's Marusei Butter Sandwich is a long-selling product made from white biscuits, white chocolate, raisins, and cream made from 100% Hokkaido-produced butter.

Caramel Kitchen

This caramel shop is run directly by Glico. You can buy freshly made caramels and caramel biscuits, all made with carefully selected Hokkaido dairy products.

Jaga Pokkuru

This crispy snack is made from potatoes and salt produced in Hokkaido and can only be purchased in Hokkaido and at a few airports.

In addition to these exclusive sweets, the airport also has a duty-free shop offering a wide variety of products, including famous brand-name cosmetics, Japanese and foreign liquor, cigarettes, neckties, and food.

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Chocolate treats

Hokkaido is known for its gourmet food, and its airport, New Chitose Airport, is a great place to buy souvenirs and snacks. One of the most famous souvenirs from Hokkaido is Shiroi Koibito—a sweet consisting of white chocolate sandwiched between thin, crisp butter cookies. These treats are so popular that there is even a theme park dedicated to them!

Another famous confectionery manufacturer from Hokkaido is ROYCE. At New Chitose Airport, you can find a wide variety of their products, including nama chocolate, which needs to be kept refrigerated, potato chip chocolate, and chocolate bars. You can even buy products that have just been made at the attached factory.

If you're looking for something a little more exclusive, head to the Caramel Kitchen on the Domestic 2F. Here, you can buy freshly made caramel in three different flavours, as well as caramel biscuits, all made with carefully selected Hokkaido dairy products.

For something a little more unusual, try the Jaga Pokkuru—a crispy snack made from potatoes and salt, both produced in Hokkaido. Or, if you're a fan of chocolate and strawberries, try Rokkatei Strawberry Chocolate—a ball-shaped treat consisting of sour, dried strawberry surrounded by sweet white chocolate.

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Traditional Japanese snacks

Hokkaido is known for its gourmet food, and New Chitose Airport is the perfect place to sample some of the region's delicacies. Here are some traditional Japanese snacks you can buy at the airport:

Haskapp Jewelry

A creamy cookie with a filling made from Hokkaido's native Haskap berries, this specialty product has been a well-loved treat in Hokkaido for many years. You can find a special version called "Haskapp Jewelry White MIX" that is only available at the New Chitose Airport Store.

Sapporo Agricultural School Cookies

These light and crispy cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets them apart from regular milk cookies. They are certified by Hokkaido University and can be found at New Chitose Airport.

La La La Cookies

Another variety of cookies exclusive to New Chitose Airport, La La La Cookies are created by stacking three thinly baked cookies, resulting in a crisp texture and generous thickness.

Hokkaido Milk Castella

This moist and fluffy sponge cake is made with fresh Hokkaido milk. It is crafted on-site at New Chitose Airport by renowned pastry chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi, who has won the World Confectionery Competition.

ROYCE' Chocolate

ROYCE' is a famous confectionery manufacturer from Hokkaido, and you can find a wide range of their products at New Chitose Airport. This includes their unique "Potato Chip Chocolate," which combines the saltiness of potato chips with the sweetness of chocolate. You can also find their chocolate bars and their famous Nama Chocolate, which must be kept refrigerated.

Jaga Pokkuru

These crispy snacks are made from potatoes and salt, both produced in Hokkaido. Jaga Pokkuru is one of the most popular souvenirs from the region and can only be purchased in Hokkaido and at a few airports, including New Chitose.

Traditional Japanese Rice Crackers

Look for "okaki," a type of traditional Japanese rice cracker made with glutinous rice and dried corn kernels. These crunchy snacks have a sweet and salty flavor and can be found at BLUE SKY on Domestic 2F of the airport.

Akai Sairo Cheesecake

If you're looking for a light and airy cheesecake that melts in your mouth, Akai Sairo is the perfect choice. Made with fresh, high-quality local ingredients such as milk, wheat, and eggs produced in Hokkaido, this treat gained nationwide fame when Japan's National Curling Team was seen enjoying it during the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. You can find it at New Chitose Airport.

Double Fromage Cheesecake

Indulge in the rich and creamy Double Fromage Cheesecake from Letao, which can be found at their shop in New Chitose Airport. This cheesecake uses carefully selected local ingredients from Hokkaido, such as fresh cream made from Hokkaido milk, and combines them with cheeses from around the world.

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Souvenirs and gifts

Hokkaido is known for its rich culinary delights, and the New Chitose Airport offers a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts that showcase the best of the region's gastronomic offerings. Here are some ideas for souvenirs and gifts that you can buy at the Hokkaido Airport:

Confectionery and Sweets: Hokkaido is home to many types of confectionery and sweets that are popular with both locals and tourists. One of the classic souvenirs from Hokkaido is Shiroi Koibito, which means "White Lover." These cookies feature white chocolate sandwiched between thin, crisp butter cookies or crunchy langue de chats with a buttery scent. Another popular option is the Marusei Butter Sandwich from Rokkatei, which is made from white biscuits, white chocolate, raisins, and cream made from 100% Hokkaido-produced butter. For a unique treat, try Royce's Potato Chip Chocolate, which combines the saltiness of potato chips with the sweetness of chocolate. Other sweet treats include the limited-edition "Sakura An" taiyaki, the Haskapp Jewelry creamy cookie, the "La La La COOKIE," and traditional Japanese sweets from Sanporoku Studio.

Dairy Products: Hokkaido is known for its dairy farming industry, and you can find a variety of dairy products at the airport. LeTAO's Double Fromage, a rich and creamy cheesecake, is a popular choice that highlights the region's dairy excellence. For a unique savoury snack, try LeTAO's Biscuit au Fromage, cheese biscuits that come in flavours like Gouda Cheese & Cheddar Cheese, Camembert Cheese & Black Pepper, and Gorgonzola & Basil.

Seafood Delicacies: Hokkaido is also known for its seafood, and you can find a variety of seafood products at the airport. Islander offers unique seafood items such as island sea urchin, salmon roe, and dried kelp. Sapporo Seafoods provides a comprehensive assortment of seafood delicacies, including fatty salmon and kelp rolls simmered in a slightly sweet sauce.

Cosmetics and Self-Care: Hokkaido Airport also offers a range of cosmetic and self-care products. HABA's Refreshing Aroma Soap Set, which includes face wash and whole body soaps in various scents like peppermint, rose, lavender, citrus, and herb, is a perfect gift option.

Other Specialties: In addition to food and cosmetic items, the New Chitose Airport also offers other unique souvenirs and gifts. These include limited-edition items featuring popular characters like On-chan from HTB, as well as novelty items and duty-free goods such as famous brand-name cosmetics, Japanese and foreign liquor, and goods featuring popular characters.

Frequently asked questions

Hokkaido is known for its rich culinary delights, so the best souvenirs to buy are food-based. Local specialities include cheese, seafood, and dairy products. Hokkaido is also known for its confectionery, with shops like ROYCE, Caramel Kitchen, and Chocolatier Masale offering a range of unique chocolates and sweets.

Some unique souvenirs that can only be purchased at Hokkaido Airport include the Little Cake Shop of the North Haskapp Jewelry, a creamy cookie made from the finest Hokkaido ingredients, and the Shikotsu no Fukuryumizukomi Dorayaki, a fluffy cake with a rich bean paste.

Yes, there are non-food souvenirs available at Hokkaido Airport. The airport has a duty-free shop that offers a wide variety of products, including famous brand-name cosmetics, Japanese and foreign liquor, cigarettes, neckties, and goods featuring popular characters and mascots.

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