“Tancho Kushiro Airport” is the nickname for Kushiro Airport, located west of downtown Kushiro. Flights arrive and depart here from Chitose and Okadama within Hokkaido, as well as from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Kushiro is one of Japan’s leading fishing ports, and just north of the city lies the expansive Kushiro Wetlands. It also serves as the gateway to Lake Akan, famous for its marimo (moss balls), making it a convenient hub for sightseeing. In this article, we’ll introduce five carefully selected souvenirs you’ll definitely want to buy at Tancho Kushiro Airport.
1. horo-yoi Catalana
“horo-yoi (tipsy) Catalana” is a premium dessert available only at Tancho Kushiro Airport! It was created through a collaboration between Food Hearts, the operator of the upscale French restaurant “Iomante” in Kushiro City, and JALUX, which runs the airport souvenir shops.
“Catalana” is a rich and creamy dessert that’s somewhere between pudding and ice cream. The “horo-yoi Catalana” adds Kushiro’s local sake, “Fukutsukasa,” and is slowly baked at low temperatures over a long period to bring out its full flavor.
It can be carried for about four hours in a chilled state, making it safe to bring along on domestic flights from Tancho Kushiro Airport. It’s a perfect gift to share with someone special as a memorable souvenir.
Name: horo-yoi Catalana
Official/Related Website URL: https://bit.ly/2ASdsjd
2. Drift Ice DRAFT
“Drift Ice DRAFT” is a blue sparkling liquor sold by Abashiri Beer. It’s made using drift ice from Abashiri as its water source and has become a big hit, selling over one million bottles.
The most striking feature is, of course, its vivid blue color! The clear, bright light blue makes it a perfect souvenir from Hokkaido. This pure blue hue comes from a natural coloring extracted from gardenia and is a unique shade developed through a collaboration between Abashiri Beer and Tokyo University of Agriculture.
Now, what about the taste? As its appearance suggests, it has a crisp and refreshing flavor that’s easy to drink—even for those who aren’t fond of beer’s bitterness, making it feel more like a soft drink. Its smooth, mild taste makes it great for gatherings like parties.
Name: Drift Ice DRAFT
Official/Related Website URL: http://kushiro-airport.co.jp/post_204.php
3. Hokkaido Dice Caramel
You might remember “Dice Caramel” with its nostalgic red and white packaging from your childhood. Although it was discontinued nationwide in 2016 due to market shrinkage, it has made a comeback as a Hokkaido-exclusive souvenir—now known as “Hokkaido Dice Caramel.”
At first glance, the packaging hasn’t changed much, but it now clearly features the word “Hokkaido.” As a retro souvenir available only in Hokkaido, it has quietly sparked a renewed popularity. It’s available at Tancho Kushiro Airport, so enjoy a trip down memory lane with this nostalgic treat.
Name: Hokkaido Dice Caramel
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.dounan.co.jp/products/recommend/
4. Pink Mini Black Thunder
Black Thunder is a popular chocolate snack that gained nationwide fame after gymnast Kohei Uchimura declared it his favorite. But did you know there’s a pink version exclusive to Hokkaido?
Sold at Tancho Kushiro Airport, the “Pink Mini Black Thunder” features a vivid pink appearance! It combines white chocolate made with Hokkaido milk and strawberry chocolate using Hokkaido-grown strawberries—resulting in a delightfully balanced flavor. With its mini size and cute look, it’s perfect as a souvenir for girls.
Since it’s based on the familiar Black Thunder, you can give it to anyone with confidence. If you're looking for easy-to-share souvenirs at Tancho Kushiro Airport, this is highly recommended.
Name: Pink Mini Black Thunder
Official/Related Website URL: https://www.yurakuseika.co.jp/lineup/product_16.html
5. Guarana
Have you heard of “Guarana,” Hokkaido’s signature soft drink? It’s a cola-like beverage that’s been a staple in Hokkaido for over 50 years and is commonly found in local supermarkets and convenience stores.
At Tancho Kushiro Airport, you’ll find various brands of Guarana available as souvenirs, allowing you to try a few and compare. It’s perfect for refreshing yourself while waiting for your flight—or bring some home to enjoy with family. The retro packaging with a local flair is also well-loved for its cuteness.
Name: Guarana
Official/Related Website URL: https://www.hoppy-happy.com/products/guarana/
◎ Summary
We’ve introduced some of the top recommended souvenirs at Tancho Kushiro Airport. There are six souvenir shops located on the second floor of the airport, making it easy to do your shopping all in one place. There are plenty of other Hokkaido-themed gifts as well, so be sure to give yourself a bit of extra time to browse and enjoy the shops during your visit to Kushiro Airport.