Crispy grilling brings out the rich flavor of salmon! “Fisherman’s Rice Balls” opens in Sapporo’s Tanukikoji.

Tanukikoji is a famous covered shopping arcade in Sapporo, Japan, stretching over seven blocks and featuring around 200 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Its history dates back to the early Meiji period (around the 1870s), when it began as a small marketplace for local vendors, and it was named after the tanuki (raccoon dogs) that once inhabited the area. Over time, it evolved into a bustling commercial hub, surviving post-war reconstruction to become a beloved cultural landmark for both locals and tourists.

Sapporo, the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, was developed in the late 19th century following a government plan inspired by Western urban design. It is famous for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics and for its annual Sapporo Snow Festival, which began in 1950 and attracts millions of visitors with its massive ice and snow sculptures. The city also serves as a cultural and economic hub, known for its beer, ramen, and the historic Clock Tower.

Otaru is a port city in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its beautifully preserved canal district and historical buildings that reflect its prosperous past as a major trade hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally developed as a fishing town, it grew rapidly with the herring industry and later became a key financial center, with many stone warehouses and banks still lining its streets. Today, the Otaru Canal and its adjacent heritage sites are popular tourist attractions, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s vibrant mercantile history.

Chuo-ku is a central ward of Tokyo, Japan, known as the city’s historic commercial and financial hub. It includes the famous Ginza district, a high-end shopping area that developed after a fire in the 1870s, and the Nihonbashi district, which was a key mercantile center during the Edo period. Today, Chuo-ku blends its rich history with modern business and culture, featuring landmarks like the Kabukiza Theatre and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.