Hokkaido, known as a treasure trove of food, offers a rich variety of souvenirs. Whether it's a gift from your trip or a small present for someone, it can be tough to decide what to buy. This is especially true if it's your second or third visit. Of course, the classic items are great, but snacks that Hokkaido locals casually enjoy are also popular with people from outside the prefecture. Here, we introduce six top picks, from timeless favorites to slightly different options, for when you're not sure what to get.

First-Time Hokkaido Souvenirs? These Two Crowd-Pleasers are a Must!

When you think of classic Hokkaido souvenirs, Rokkatei's "Marusei Butter Sand" and ISHIYA's "Shiroi Koibito" immediately come to mind. You've probably tried them at least once, right?

Marusei Butter Sand

Marusei Butter Sand

"Marusei Butter Sand" is a treat made with a cream of white chocolate, raisins, and butter from 100% fresh Hokkaido milk, sandwiched between two light biscuits. Its rich, decadent butter flavor is its main charm. While it feels like a luxury sweet, it's surprisingly affordable. If you don't need the box, the 4-piece bag is an even better deal.

Marusei Butter Cake (Walnut)

Marusei Butter Cake (Walnut)

Among Rokkatei's souvenirs, the "Marusei Butter Cake (Walnut)" has been gaining popularity recently. This masterpiece features a sponge cake made with plenty of the same butter used in the Marusei Butter Sand, with a filling of roasted walnuts and caramel cream. The combination of the moist cake, bittersweet caramel, and fragrant walnuts is irresistible. By the way, the plain version has a chocolate ganache filling. The walnut version isn't sold at New Chitose Airport, making it a rarer find!

Shiroi Koibito

Shiroi Koibito

ISHIYA's "Shiroi Koibito " is overwhelmingly popular as a souvenir for large groups, like at the office. It features original white chocolate sandwiched between crispy langue de chat cookies. This long-seller has maintained its deliciousness for over 45 years. While there are many similar products, the light, crisp texture of the cookie and the melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate create a unique taste that can't be replicated. A little-known fact is that there's also a version with dark chocolate.

For Your Second Visit, Bring Back Snacks Loved by Locals!

For your second or subsequent trips, bringing back snacks familiar to Hokkaido locals can be a pleasant surprise. Add a little trivia about each product, and it's sure to be an even bigger hit and a great conversation starter!

Wakasaimo

Wakasaimo

Loved by Hokkaido residents for over 90 years, this is a familiar snack that everyone has eaten since childhood. Surprisingly, people from outside Hokkaido find it very unusual! Wakasaimo was born from the desire to create a roasted sweet potato in a land where sweet potatoes don't grow. The surface is coated with an egg and soy sauce glaze for a savory finish, and the simple white bean paste with kombu seaweed fibers truly resembles a roasted sweet potato. However, the ingredients are Daifuku beans from Hokkaido and shredded kombu—it doesn't contain any potatoes at all. Be sure to share this story when you give it as a gift!

Tsukisamu Anpan

Tsukisamu Anpan

Many Hokkaido locals might say, "Oh, I ate this so much as a kid!" The "Tsukisamu Anpan" was a common sight at grandma's house. This simple Japanese sweet, with smooth red bean paste made from 100% Hokkaido adzuki beans wrapped in a thin dough, has a taste that makes you crave it even as an adult. Did you know there are various flavors besides the standard smooth red bean paste? The current lineup includes pumpkin, brown sugar, black sesame, matcha, and chocolate, as well as a re-released classic version. Try to conquer them all!

Yoitomake

Yoitomake

Dubbed "Japan's messiest cake to eat," "Yoitomake," the signature product of Mitsuboshi in Tomakomai, shot to fame after being featured on numerous TV shows. The surface of the roll cake is generously coated with haskap jam, making it a real challenge to eat without getting your hands dirty. However, the slightly sweet sponge cake made with Hokkaido ingredients and the wild tartness of the haskap jam are a perfect match, making it impossible to resist reaching for another piece. When you give it as a gift, be sure to include a wet wipe.

Hokkaido has many more "hidden gem" souvenirs that we couldn't introduce here. Will you choose a classic, or go by your taste preference? The surest way is to try them yourself first. We also recommend buying a little something special as a souvenir for yourself!

*All prices include tax.

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