Inside Sapporo Niikuraya, a long-established Japanese confectionery (wagashi) shop in the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, you'll find a charming eat-in cafe space. Spending time in this nostalgic atmosphere while enjoying signature Japanese sweets like Hanazono Dango is a blissful experience. This article will introduce the charms of this cafe space and its popular menu items.

Located in central Sapporo, Sapporo Niikuraya is a veteran wagashi shop that has been in business since 1960. It was established in Sapporo as a branch of the long-standing "Niikuraya" in Otaru. While there is another branch in the basement of the Sapporo TV Tower, the one we visited this time is the main store, located within the arcade of Tanukikoji 6-chome. Its slightly retro, Showa-era exterior is part of its charm. A triangular sign in front of the shop reads "Famous Hanazono Dango."

The "Hanazono Dango" noren curtain exudes a sense of history.

The "Hanazono Dango" noren (shop curtain) hanging at the entrance makes a striking impression. Inside, the display cases are filled with a wide variety of Japanese sweets.

The sesame and soy sauce dango are freshly coated upon order.

In addition to their signature product, "Hanazono Dango" (150 yen per skewer), they also offer walnut mochi, three-color dango, and seasonal sweets. When we visited in April, they had sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cakes). Everything looked delicious! The Hanazono Dango are best enjoyed on the day of purchase, so if you need sweets with a longer shelf life, feel free to ask the staff for recommendations.

These cakes possess a beautiful, old-fashioned, and elegant appearance.

While Sapporo Niikuraya is strongly associated with Japanese sweets, they also offer Western-style pastries. On this day, the display case featured limited-time items like Gateau Chocolat (432 yen), Baked Cheesecake (432 yen), and Mont Blanc with candied chestnuts (432 yen).

A wide selection of individually wrapped sweets that can be carried at room temperature.

Be sure to check out the long-beloved classics like "Dorayaki" (180 yen) and "Hokkai Monaka" (237 yen). Since they are individually wrapped and can be carried at room temperature, they make perfect souvenirs.

A quiet cafe space perfect for relaxing.

Head up the stairs to the second floor. You can do more than just buy dango and other sweets to go; there's an eat-in cafe space on the second floor. With tables spaciously arranged, the cafe has a calm atmosphere. The retro Showa-era feel is natural and understated, not contrived. It conveys the sense of a shop that has been cherished here for a long time.

Generously sized tables and chairs allow for a relaxing stay.

As you settle into a comfortable, firm chair at one of the tables, you feel a sense of nostalgia, even if it's your first visit. It's a space with a mysterious charm. Open from 10 AM until the last order at 5 PM, it's a versatile spot for various occasions.

The "Hanazono Dango 5-Piece Set" with a drink (1,160 yen) is fun to compare.

A must-try in the cafe space is the "Hanazono Dango" (150 yen per skewer). There are five varieties: black bean paste (koshian), matcha bean paste, white bean paste, sesame, and soy sauce. You can order your favorite dango starting from just one skewer, but we recommend the "Hanazono Dango 5-Piece Set" with a drink (1,160 yen). It's so cute you'll instinctively want to take a picture.

Not just photogenic, these dango are all delicious.

The bean paste, applied using a technique called "Yamagata Ittō-ryū," has a flowing beauty. After admiring the glossy soy sauce and delicate black sesame with your eyes, it's time to taste. The soft, fluffy, and chewy dango are surprisingly easy to eat despite their generous size, and they are absolutely delicious.

Coffee that pairs perfectly with Japanese sweets.

For the set drink, you can choose from coffee, tea, cola, or orange juice. The retro cup and saucer for the coffee also perfectly match the shop's atmosphere.

A hot sandwich with fragrant grill marks.

There are also light meal options available. The "Hot Sandwich" (700 yen), which comes with a salad and a mini dessert, is available in two types: Ham & Cheese and Tuna Mayo. You can add a drink for an extra 300 yen. Ordering a hot sandwich for lunch and adding dango for dessert would make for a delightful meal.

Anmitsu with beautiful, glossy red bean paste.

In addition to the classic Hanazono Dango, the shop offers a rich variety of other sweets. During the warmer seasons, kanten (agar jelly) desserts like anmitsu and mitsumame are particularly popular.

Kanten jelly enjoyed with the flavor of black sugar syrup.

The "Anmitsu" (730 yen), a specialty of a wagashi shop, is also a treat! The visually refreshing kanten jelly has a smooth, slippery texture that goes down easily. Topped with a rich, deep-flavored sweet red bean paste, gyūhi (a type of soft mochi), accent red peas, and plenty of fruit, it was a very satisfying dessert.

Sapporo Niikuraya Main Store, a wagashi shop in Tanukikoji 6-chome. It's a long-established store that retains its Showa-era charm amidst an arcade bustling with international tourists. It's perfect not only for buying their famous dango to-go but also for enjoying a slightly retro tea time after a stroll through the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade.

*All prices are from the time of the interview and include tax.