The Ultimate Guide to Seicomart: Hokkaido’s Favorite Local Convenience Store |

Seicomart, often affectionately called “Secoma,” is more than just a convenience store—it’s a beloved Hokkaido institution. With the highest number of locations in Hokkaido among all convenience store chains, it offers travelers unique regional products, hot meals, and reliable service even in the most remote areas. This guide, written by a local from Sapporo, introduces why Seicomart is a must-visit during your trip to Hokkaido.

1. Why Convenience Stores Are Essential in Hokkaido Travel
2. What Is Seicomart?
3. 5 Reasons Why Seicomart Is Special for Tourists
4. Must-Try Items at Seicomart
5. Don’t Miss Seicomart During Your Hokkaido Trip!

1. Why Convenience Stores Are Essential in Hokkaido Travel

Hokkaido’s vast natural landscapes make it a popular destination for road trips. But with fewer restaurants and long distances between attractions, you may struggle to find a place to eat or rest. This is where convenience stores shine. Seicomart, in particular, can be found even in sparsely populated towns and isolated areas, acting as both a supermarket and community hub.

2. What Is Seicomart?

Founded in 1971 in Sapporo, Seicomart is Japan’s oldest convenience store still in operation. It now boasts over 1,090 stores across Hokkaido (and a few in Saitama and Ibaraki). With stores in 175 out of Hokkaido’s 179 municipalities, including remote islands like Rishiri and Rebun, Seicomart is truly everywhere.

3. 5 Reasons Why Seicomart Is Special for Tourists

1. A True Hokkaido-Only Experience
Most Seicomart stores are exclusive to Hokkaido, giving tourists access to regional foods and a distinctly local atmosphere.

2. Hot Chef: In-Store Fresh Meals
Seicomart’s “Hot Chef” corner features freshly cooked meals like katsudon, large hand-made rice balls, and baked goods. The food is prepared on-site, offering quality and warmth you won’t find in other convenience store chains.

3. Unique Products Made from Local Ingredients
Seicomart excels in offering Hokkaido-made products: milk and yogurt from Toyotomi, lamb-flavored instant noodles, and locally-inspired alcoholic drinks like haskap or mint highballs. These items make for perfect souvenirs too.

4. Accessibility Across Hokkaido
No matter where you go in Hokkaido—even in mountainous or rural areas—you’re likely to find a Seicomart nearby. It’s a reliable option for meals, snacks, and rest stops.

5. Free Plastic Bags and Reasonable Prices
Thanks to eco-friendly materials, Seicomart still offers free plastic bags—a rare convenience in Japan. It also maintains affordable prices for its private brand items, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers.

4. Must-Try Items at Seicomart

Hot Chef Top Picks:

・Katsudon: Juicy pork cutlet, fluffy eggs, and rice cooked fresh in-store.

・Large Rice Balls: Generously filled with local ingredients like salmon, tarako, or sujiko.

・Fried Chicken: Crispy, juicy, and perfect for road trips.

・Butter Croissant: Baked in-store from French-imported dough—crispy outside, fluffy inside

Recommended Seicomart-Only Products:

・Toyotomi Drinkable Yogurt: Rich and smooth, available in plain, strawberry, and banana.

・Hokkaido Creamy Soft Ice Cream: Must-try flavors include vanilla and red melon.

・Kyogoku Coffee Jelly: Made with pure spring water from Mt. Yotei.

・Saketoba Corn Chips: Crunchy chips flavored with salmon jerky.

・Hokkaido Milk Candy: Rich flavor, perfect souvenir.

・Genghis Khan-Flavored Yakisoba: Local lamb BBQ-style instant noodles.

・Wasabi Salt Ramen: Infamous “must-try” ramen for spicy food lovers.

・Shittori Mamepan: Soft sweet bun with red bean and candied beans.

・Mint Craft Highball: Refreshing drink made with local Japanese mint.

5. Don’t Miss Seicomart During Your Hokkaido Trip!

For many returning tourists, shopping at Seicomart becomes a travel highlight. Its wide range of local products, reliable presence across the region, and fresh, handmade food make it an unforgettable part of any Hokkaido adventure. Be sure to stop by a Seicomart wherever your journey in Hokkaido takes you!, these stores have something to offer to enhance your convenience store experience.