Winter Hokkaido Tourist Information　Preparation　[souvenirs]

冬の北海道観光情報＿準備編＿お土産
Send home seafood freshly caught from the seas! image

　The diverse fresh seafood is a much sought after item among friends and relatives in your hometown too. The most popular being crabs and salmons. In this age where mail-ordered items are the norm, getting direct deliveries straight from the site of production is important. Jou-gai market and Nijo market are two places easily accessible in Sapporo that offers food sampling. You might even get discounts there! As there are many eateries and sushi restaurant, take your time to have a nice meal after busily shopping for souvenirs. One unique aspect of Hokkaido is the variety of markets, including Otaru’s Central market, Rinyuu morning market, Minami-taru market and Temiya market. In Washo market, you can also pick out various foodstuffs to go with your bowl of rice at the deli while checking out the souvenirs. While exploring the market, choose whichever food that catches your eye and create a ‘Katte don’ of your own. With just 1000 to 1500 yen, you can enjoy a seafood bowl filled with your favorite food.
 
image Famous confectionaries that fills visitors with happiness is a fixture of Hokkaido

　The most convenient souvenir here will have to be snacks and sweets. Rokkatei, Ishiya and Royce are the three most famous brands. Popular item includes ‘Marusei Butter’ from Rokkatei, ‘Shiroi-koibito’ from Ishiya and ‘nama choco’ from Royce. Even though there are many other mouth-watering creations from these three brands, most of the attention is usually focused on these three items. Other delicious foodstuffs includes Yubari melon jelly, cheese soufflé created from high-quality dairy products that Hokkaido is famous for, and rolled cakes filled with fresh whipped cream. Check out the various new products in addition to the regular favorites. The variety available will make it difficult for you to choose.

 
From bottled delicacies to ramen, curry is highly recommended nowadays image

　Ikura in soya sauce garners the most popularity in terms of convenience and satisfaction. Bottled ‘uni’ or sea urchin, Matsumae pickles, salmon flakes and fish brine are especially delicious in Hokkaido. Your friends will definitely love to have these as a side-dish to their rice.
　There is also a huge variety of Hokkaido’s popular ramen that is suitable as a winter gift. In addition to famous ‘Jyun-ren’ and ‘Tetsuya’, there are many flavors that represent the variety of shops in Sapporo and Asahikawa. Soup curry originates from Sapporo! And most of the famous soup curry restaurants offer packaged curry that you can buy. Soup curry filled with generous amount of ingredients in an easy-to-make package is one souvenir that you can bring back home to enjoy.
 

*The information in these special articles is correct as of December 2008.
Please note that at the time of reading,
some information may have become inaccurate.