HEALTHY EATING 2

For travelers passing through New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, the Dogyoren stores offer an exceptional opportunity to bring home the best of the island’s scallops. Located at both the domestic and international terminals, these are the only two stores directly managed by the Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations (Dogyoren), making them a unique stop for anyone seeking quality seafood souvenirs.

Among the many offerings, dried scallops stand out as the most popular choice. These versatile products are perfect for gifts or personal use, with options ranging from large, well-shaped scallops ideal for presents to smaller, more affordable cracked varieties. Dried scallops can be enjoyed as a snack or used to make flavorful soup stock, and for added convenience, customers can request a leaflet with English recipes, making these a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Another notable product is tamarei — frozen scallop adductor muscles that can be enjoyed as sashimi. Packaged with dry ice, these frozen delicacies can be safely carried on board (checked baggage depends on airline regulations), with specially designed packaging keeping them fresh for several hours. Aluminum bags can maintain freshness for up to seven hours, while plastic foam boxes extend this time to 14 hours.

As the departure time for international flights approaches, Dogyoren stores see a steady flow of travelers, particularly from Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, stopping by to purchase last-minute souvenirs before returning home. The store caters to international customers by displaying helpful pop-ups in both English and Chinese to help as many visitors as possible understand the product details.

As Dogyoren stores do not currently offer international shipping, those passing through New Chitose Airport are encouraged to visit and select from the high-quality scallop products exclusive to Hokkaido. Whether as a gift or a personal treat, these seafood offerings capture the authentic taste of Hokkaido, making them an essential stop for travelers looking to take home a piece of the region’s culinary excellence.