Raccoon Lane (Tanuki Kouji) is a 7 block long covered shopping arcade (全蓋アーケード) in Sapporo. Except for the westernmost block (7-chome), the current structure dates to 1982 (Note 1), and it has been fully covered since 1960 (Note 2).
The arcade runs parallel to Odori Park (five blocks south of the park):
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The arcade also ties into an underground pedestrian space which runs one mile north-south, from Susukino Station at the south end, through Odori Station, and continuing all the way to Sapporo Station:
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Traveling west to east (and looking east-wards):
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And having exited the east end, looking back (west-wards) at the arcade:
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This is the mascot (from http://blog-imgs-56.fc2.com/k/s/h/kshun100/tanuki-koji02.jpg)
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This is 4-chome in winter, facing Sapporo Mae Dori (from http://userdisk.webry.biglobe.ne.jp/003/604/44/N000/000/005/123423080126316116297.JPG)
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The incredible density of commerce in the immediate neighborhood of the arcade can be seen in this map, which shows only major landmarks, and not the ~200 stores inside the arcade (from http://ext.pimg.tw/admmone/ca7b0bb43003466b4488a952a4ee0e37.jpg):
We see that the arcade is served by 3 subway lines, 2 trolley lines, and approximately 20 hotels.
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Notes 1 & 2 are quoted from the arcade’s official website: http://www.tanukikoji.or.jp/shiru/
Note 1: “現在のアーケードは二代目(昭和57年完成、一部を除く)”
Note 2: “鈴蘭灯に続く狸小路の顔となった全蓋アーケードは、1958(昭和33)年に狸小路3丁目に設置されたのを皮切りに、1960(昭和35)年の狸小路2丁目の完成をもって、狸小路1〜7丁目の街路が屋根付きとなり「横のデパート」と呼ばれました。 “
I am very much enjoy the quality of your blog posting. You so much have a knowledge about our Japan. I hope we can talk some about Racoon lane! I very love the racooon mascot to^^
(^_^)
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