On July 25, 2025, the "Shiroi Koibito Akarenga sweets labo" will open in Sapporo's Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, also known as the Akarenga! Inside this retro building, you'll find an interactive shop that feels like a "whimsical sweets laboratory," where you can enjoy exclusive treats like the "Akarenga Sand" and "Shiroi Koibito Soft Serve Ice Cream." With photo spots, capsule toy machines, and more, it's a new must-visit spot for tourists and locals alike.

The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga), a nationally designated Important Cultural Property

The "Shiroi Koibito Akarenga sweets labo" is located on the first floor of the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, which reopened after renovations on July 25, 2025.

The fun interior makes you feel like you've stepped into a theme park

The retro interior, a perfect match for the stately Red Brick Office, is based on the concept of "a laboratory where a certain professor began his sweets research long before 'Shiroi Koibito' was created." True to its lab theme, the space is filled with various pipes, gears, and other equipment, making you want to explore every nook and cranny.

The "Shiroi Koibito Snow Globe" is a perfect spot to step inside for a photo

The shop is packed with fun features, like the "Shiroi Koibito Snow Globe," which is sure to become a popular photo spot, the "Sweets Happy Machine" that activates with a special coin you receive after spending 2,000 yen or more, and the "Professor's Capsule Toy Machine," where you insert a coin into the professor's trunk and turn a handle to get Shiroi Koibito merchandise. It's as fun as a theme park!

The Professor's Capsule Toy Machine

And now for the sweets! At the counter inside, you can purchase a variety of treats to enjoy on the spot.

The "Akarenga Sand," an Exclusive Sweet You Can Only Eat Here

"Akarenga Sand" (450 yen each / Box of 5 for 2,250 yen)

A must-try is the store-exclusive "Akarenga Sand" (450 yen each, box of 5 for 2,250 yen). This cute, octagonal cookie sandwich is designed to resemble the iconic octagonal tower of the Red Brick Office.

Watch the artisans at work through the glass

Each one is handmade by artisans in the store, so you can enjoy them freshly made. If you time it right, you can watch the artisans' impressive skills.

The brick-colored cookie represents the "French bond" bricklaying style of the Red Brick Office

The cookie, which even replicates the "French bond" bricklaying pattern, sandwiches a buttercream filling made with Shiroi Koibito's white chocolate and coarse red bean paste (tsubuan) from Hokkaido.

A luxurious taste with plenty of buttercream

The crispy, fragrant cookie, the moist buttercream, and the gentle flavor of white chocolate are followed by the sweetness of the red bean paste. With so many delicious elements layered together, it was incredibly satisfying in both taste and size.

Perfect for a Hot Day! "Shiroi Koibito Soft Serve Ice Cream"

"Shiroi Koibito Soft Serve Ice Cream" (Mix, Regular size 500 yen)

Perfect for a hot summer like this year's is the "Shiroi Koibito Soft Serve Ice Cream" (Regular size 500 yen, Jumbo size 750 yen). It comes in three flavors: White, Mix, and Black. The ice cream is made with a machine from Carpigiani, known among enthusiasts as the "Ferrari of soft serve machines," which creates a delicate, fluffy, and smooth texture.

"Shiroi Koibito Topping Soft Serve (Chocolate / Strawberry)" (650 yen each)

There's also the "Shiroi Koibito Topping Soft Serve (Chocolate / Strawberry)" (650 yen each), which comes with a Shiroi Koibito cookie and sauce, making the choice even harder.

The spacious and relaxed souvenir corner

In addition to the sweets you can eat on the spot, the shop also offers souvenirs to take home as a memory of your trip.

A Memento of Your Visit: "ISHIYA Selection (Akarenga Office Exclusive Package)"

"ISHIYA Selection (Akarenga Office Exclusive Package)" (2,160 yen)

While you can certainly buy the classic Shiroi Koibito, if you're looking for something unique to the Red Brick Office, the "ISHIYA Selection (Akarenga Office Exclusive Package)" (2,160 yen) is highly recommended. It's an assortment of popular sweets, including Shiroi Koibito, Mifuyu Kogare-yuki, Butter Sable, and Butter Galette.

For a Small Souvenir: "Shiroi Koibito 3-Pack (Akarenga Package)"

"Shiroi Koibito 3-Pack (Akarenga Package)" (324 yen)

A great small souvenir to check out is the "Shiroi Koibito 3-Pack (Akarenga Package)" for 324 yen. This package, featuring an illustration of the Red Brick Office, contains three Shiroi Koibito cookies. It's perfect for buying in bulk to give to all your friends or as a personal snack, and it's sure to be very popular.

The cute Shiroi Koibito merchandise, like charms and magnets, is also a must-see

The "Shiroi Koibito Akarenga sweets labo" opened on July 25, 2025. It's a shop that can be enjoyed not only by tourists visiting Hokkaido and Sapporo but also by locals.

The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building is full of things to see

The Red Brick Office itself, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property reborn after a five-year major renovation, is full of highlights! When you stop by the Red Brick Office, be sure to visit the "Shiroi Koibito Akarenga sweets labo."