Toko Store and Beyond in Hiragishi

This morning, I went to Hiragishi to explore a branch of Toko Store.

This particular location boasts a clothing department with an almost full range of GUNZE products, from socks and undergarments to trousers and homewear.

Today, all branches of Toko Store offered bonus loyalty points and a 5% discount under conditions that were too complicated for me to clearly explain. In addition, the store held a special sale.

It sounded as if I could get an astronomical benefit (in fact, probably 100 yen or so in total).

Today's highlight was finding the hard-to-find white Oyaki (170 yen each) at the in-store Sazae.

After waiting for them to be cooked, I got two piping-hot Oyaki, which are basically baked mochi with tsubu-an inside—reminiscent of Umegae-Mochi sold in Dazaifu, Fukuoka.

Then on my way home, I dropped in at the ARKS Hiragishi branch, which houses a post office, hairdresser's, dentist, and Second Street—a second-hand store selling everything from detergent to ski boards.

However, I prefer Book-Off in Nakanoshima, where I recently spotted a J. Crew leather jacket for 2,700 yen (I hope it is still there...). If you are not picky about everyday items, I thought you can get everything you need here. How convenient Hiragishi is to live!

Completely absorbed in my supermarket pilgrimage, I ended up running short of time to go to Royal Host, one of the few branches in Sapporo, where I had been looking forward to having pancakes. I will definitely try again on my next visit to Hiragishi, when I plan to explore Tenjin-yama Park and hopefully revisit the Coach and Four bookstore!

Today's Summary

• Duration: 2.5 hours (door to door)
• Distance: 6 km cycled, plus around 2,500 steps walked