An insider’s tip when visiting department stores is not to limit yourself to the basement’s depachika. Inquire at the concierge if there is a special food event on the event floor, usually the top floor. Today through April 12th at Keio in Shinjuku the food of Hokkaido is featured on the 7th floor. Hokkaido is known for its seafood, in particular the winter may be the best for crab, uni, ikura, and scallops. The green grass and open fields is home to cows, needed for milk for Hokkaido sweets. The photo above is a caramelized frozen custard from a shop called Sapporo Catalana. If you like ramen you’ll have the opportunity to eat local Hokkaido ramen at special eat-in counters. Most likely there will be local nihonshu – often with free tastings before you purchase. This is also a great opportunity to interact with the purveyors directly.

Do stop by if you are in Shinjuku. It is just outside of the Nishiguchi (West exit). The last day the event closes by 5 p.m. so don’t be late.

Keio Department Store

Shinjuku-ku, Nishi-Shinjuku 1-1-4

03-3342-2111