Hey everyone! Welcome to Sapporo! As someone who’s lived in this city for 40 years, I’m excited to share all the sweet delights Sapporo has to offer – from exquisite desserts and rich ice cream to the unmissable “Shime Parfait” (post-meal parfait) that caps off a perfect evening. I’ll even let you in on some local secrets you won’t find in guidebooks, so stick around till the end! Reading this will definitely make your Sapporo trip even more delicious and fun.
The Depth of Sapporo Sweets: From Classics to Hidden Gems
When you think of Sapporo sweets, what comes to mind? Shiroi Koibito? Of course, that’s fantastic, but there’s so much more to discover! Cakes and baked goods made with an abundance of fresh dairy are unforgettably delicious.
Rokkatei Sapporo Main Store
https://www.rokkatei.co.jp/ (This is the official Japanese website, so try using your browser’s translate function!)
First up is Rokkatei, famous for “Marusei Butter Sand,” a classic Hokkaido souvenir. The Sapporo Main Store also has a café where you can enjoy exclusive treats. The café at Rokkatei’s main store is beautiful, with high ceilings and an open feel, making it a popular spot for ladies who often come for tea.
- Highlights: Besides the Marusei Butter Sand, they have many other delicious sweets that even those who aren’t fans of raisins or butter can enjoy. Don’t miss their seasonal fresh confections. In the café, you can savor freshly made Marusei Butter Sand and delicious, reasonably priced pizza. Locals often pop into the café when they’re buying gifts.
- A Little Local Honesty: It’s always bustling with people, so expect a wait for the café, especially on weekends and holidays. If you’re just buying souvenirs, it’s usually pretty quick. But hey, that lively atmosphere can be part of your travel memories, right?
Fruitscake Factory
https://www.fruitscakefactory.com/ (Official Japanese website, try translating with your browser!)
As the name suggests, this shop prides itself on tarts loaded with seasonal fruits. They have several locations in Sapporo, and just looking at the colorful tarts লাইনed up in the display case is enough to make you happy. I often buy cakes from Fruitscake Factory for my girlfriend’s birthday. There are many cake shops, but this one is my top recommendation!
- Highlights: The fruits they use are incredibly fresh, and they pair perfectly with the tart crust. They also have seasonal limited-edition tarts, so there’s always something new to discover whenever you visit. Personally, I think their strawberry tart is the classic, and still my favorite.
- Local’s Perspective: Fruitscake Factory’s tarts are gorgeous and delicious, but since it’s a popular spot, some varieties might be sold out if you go later in the evening. If you have a specific tart in mind, it’s best to go earlier in the day.
ROYCE’
ROYCE’ is internationally famous for its “Nama Chocolate” (fresh chocolate). You probably know they have a store at New Chitose Airport, but there are also several directly managed stores within Sapporo city.
- Highlights: Of course, their classic Nama Chocolate is a must-try, but they also have a wide variety of other products like potato chip chocolate, various chocolate bars, and cookies. You’ll have no trouble finding souvenirs here. Personally, I recommend the “Mild Cacao” Nama Chocolate for its slightly bitter cacao flavor and smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- A Little Local Honesty: The airport store can feel very crowded, but you might find you can browse more leisurely at the city stores. However, during Valentine’s and White Day seasons, everywhere gets pretty busy.
Cool & Creamy! Sapporo’s Ice Cream & Soft Serve are on Another Level!
When you think of Hokkaido, dairy products are a must! Ice cream and soft serve made with plenty of fresh milk are treats you absolutely have to try when you’re in Sapporo.
Yukijirushi Parlor Sapporo Main Store
https://www.snowbrand-p.co.jp/ (Official Japanese website, try translating with your browser!)
When it comes to long-established parlors in Sapporo, Yukijirushi Parlor is the place. Their “Snow Royal Special Vanilla Ice Cream,” said to have been created for the Showa Emperor, is worth trying at least once.
- Highlights: The “Snow Royal” is rich yet has a clean aftertaste, offering an elegant flavor. They also have a wide variety of parfaits and cakes, and you can relax in the retro atmosphere of the shop.
- A Little Local Honesty: To be frank, the prices might feel a bit steep. However, the experience of enjoying a special ice cream in a historic parlor can make for a great travel memory.
Yamanaka Dairy Farm
https://yamanakabokujyou.co.jp/ (Official Japanese website, try translating with your browser!)
It’s a bit of a drive from central Sapporo, but the soft serve ice cream from Yamanaka Dairy Farm in Akaigawa Village is well worth the trip. There are also a few shops in Sapporo city that serve soft serve made with milk from this farm.
- Highlights: The milk flavor is incredibly rich and fresh! It’s not overly sweet, allowing you to directly taste the natural deliciousness of the milk. If you go to the farm, enjoying it amidst the idyllic scenery is the best.
- A Little Local Honesty: Honestly, the main farm isn’t the most accessible. But keep an eye out for them at department store events in Sapporo – you might get lucky!
Machimura Farm
This is another of Hokkaido’s leading dairy farms. You can find Machimura Farm’s milk and dairy products in Sapporo supermarkets, but their directly managed stores offer fresh milk soft serve and other sweets. Machimura Farm has stores in Odori, Maruyama, and Moiwa areas.
- Highlights: Their soft serve has a robust milk flavor with a refreshing aftertaste. Their donuts and puddings are also popular. The simple deliciousness that highlights the quality of their ingredients is a hallmark of being farm-direct.
- Local’s Perspective: While Machimura Farm has several direct stores, some can be a bit compact. But that also contributes to their cozy, approachable atmosphere, making them easy to pop into.
Gyokusuien
http://gyokusuien.co.jp/ (Official Japanese website, try translating with your browser!)
It might be a bit surprising, but the soft serve from a tea shop can also be exquisite. Gyokusuien is popular for its hojicha (roasted green tea) and matcha (green tea) soft serve, praised for its rich tea flavor. Gyokusuien is a great place for international tourists to enjoy authentic “Wa-Sweets” (Japanese-style sweets).
- Highlights: It’s subtly sweet, allowing the fragrant aroma and pleasant bitterness of the tea to shine through – a very adult taste. The hojicha soft serve, in particular, is a rare treat you won’t find easily elsewhere and is highly recommended.
- A Little Local Honesty: Being a tea shop, it might not have the flashy presentation of a dedicated sweets parlor. But that simplicity is part of its charm, allowing you to truly savor the authentic flavor of tea.
Sapporo’s Nighttime Staple! Experience the “Shime Parfait” Culture!
Ending your night with a parfait after drinks or dinner is known as “Shime Parfait.” This culture originated in Sapporo and is incredibly popular with both locals and tourists. There are many parfait specialty shops open late, each offering beautifully crafted,こだわりの (kodawari – meaning a dedication to quality and detail) parfaits.
Why is Shime Parfait so popular in Sapporo?
There are various theories, but it’s said that many people in Sapporo have a sweet tooth, or there was a demand for delicious sweets even late at night. Perhaps it’s also the craving for something sweet after a few drinks at a bar. Whatever the reason, it’s now firmly established as part of Sapporo’s food culture.
Tips for Enjoying Shime Parfait
- Be Prepared to Wait at Popular Shops!: Especially on weekend nights, it’s not uncommon to wait for over an hour at popular places. It’s best to go with plenty of time to spare or aim for slightly earlier or later times.
- Check for Seasonal Limited-Edition Menus: Many shops offer limited-edition parfaits using seasonal fruits, so check their social media.
- Surprisingly Filling: They might not look huge in photos, but the actual parfaits are often quite voluminous. Order according to how hungry you are.
I could list endless shop names, but there are tons of specialty stores, especially around the Susukino area, so I hope you find your favorite. From fruit-packed varieties to chocolate-based ones and Japanese-style creations, the variety is truly abundant.
To Enjoy Your Sapporo Sweets Tour Even More
- Getting Around: Most sweet shops in central Sapporo are easily accessible by subway, streetcar, or bus. Many are clustered around JR Sapporo Station and Susukino Station, making it fun to explore on foot.
- Crowd Information: Popular spots tend to get crowded on weekends, public holidays, and during peak tourist seasons (especially summer and the winter Snow Festival period). Weekday afternoons are generally less busy.
- Price Guide: Sweets generally range from about ¥500 to ¥1500, ice cream and soft serve from ¥300 to ¥800, and Shime Parfaits from ¥1500 to ¥2500. Please note that these are estimates as of the time of writing, so “always” check official websites for the latest information.
Conclusion: Dive Deep into Sapporo’s Sweet Temptations!
So, what did you think? Did I manage to convey some of the charm of Sapporo’s sweets, ice cream, and Shime Parfaits? What I’ve introduced here is just a fraction of it. There are still so many delicious shops and hidden gems out there.
When you come to Sapporo, I really hope you’ll explore various places and find your own favorites. You’re sure to make some unforgettable sweet memories. Delicious sweets make any trip many times richer!
Well then, I’ll be waiting for you in Sapporo!
