In Memuro, a town in Hokkaido's Tokachi region, a popcorn specialty shop run by crop farmers, "The Popcorn Shop," opened in December 2025. Its wholesome flavor, achieved by using homegrown popcorn kernels and Tokachi-produced beet sugar for an additive-free treat, is spreading by word-of-mouth. Born from the desire to "give children a snack they can eat with peace of mind," this is a Tokachi-original popcorn that starts in the fields. We'll introduce its special qualities and charm.

The shop is marked by its popcorn-colored exterior walls. A wonderfully fragrant aroma wafts by as you pass the shop.

At "The Popcorn Shop," run by crop farmers Mr. and Mrs. Takano, Mr. Ryuji Takano is mainly in charge of the fields, while Mrs. Aya Takano runs the shop. Originally, they sold popcorn only during the winter when farm work slows down, but they gradually gained fame and popularity, leading to the opening of the store.

Mr. and Mrs. Takano, who run their farm and "The Popcorn Shop"

One of the guiding principles of this shop is to be "a snack we want to give our own children." The manager, Aya Takano, says she became more conscious of food additives after her child was born, which led her to think, "In that case, I want to make a snack that I can be truly happy with." Her years of experience working at Ryugetsu, a major confectionery store representing Tokachi, have influenced her approach to selecting ingredients and production, and this accumulated experience has resulted in a taste you can trust.

For those with allergy concerns, it's also possible to order popcorn with no flavoring, no oil, and no butter.

Scenes from the popcorn cultivation experience, where you can participate from planting to harvesting.

With the desire to "teach about agriculture through popcorn," the shop also holds food education events, such as a program where participants can experience everything from planting seeds to harvesting, and pizza-making workshops in the fields using local ingredients. Even with just corn, there are many varieties: dent corn for feed, sweet corn for enjoying its sweetness, and popping corn for popcorn. The shop provides fun opportunities to learn about agriculture, all starting with popcorn.

A sweet corn field nearing harvest. They grow other varieties besides popcorn.

The super popular "Popcorn on the Cob" (550 yen) makes a great souvenir.

Limited-time "Caramel Choco Berry" (from 500 yen for S size)

The popcorn, so carefully grown in the fields, is prepared using two main types of popcorn makers. One type uses oil to pop the kernels, while the other is an oil-free hot air popper. The hot air popper is a special machine imported from the US and is very healthy. It heats the kernels evenly, causing them to pop beautifully. The type that uses oil uses 100% coconut oil. They switch between methods depending on the taste and flavor.

From left: "Popcorn Machine (kettle type)", caramel being vigorously mixed in a copper pot, and an air popper (hot air popcorn maker).

The popcorn comes in a total of five flavors: Caramel, Salted Butter, Garlic, Curry, and Spicy Curry. Limited-time flavors, such as chocolate, also appear about once every two months. Additionally, the "Mix" is a value set that lets you choose two of your favorite flavors. The curry flavor is a unique local delicacy made with "Tabisuru Spice" from the town of Kamishihoro.

The most popular is the signature caramel popcorn. The handmade caramel, perfected by carefully monitoring its color, aroma, temperature, and heating time, creates an exquisite finish that coats the popcorn just right. The contrast between the sweetness and the toasted fragrance is simply divine.◎

Each kernel is coated thinly and evenly in a large, impressive copper pot.

A key feature is that the kernels are heated evenly, causing them to pop beautifully.

There are two tables, complete with mini-games.

In the café space, you can also enjoy drinks that pair well with popcorn, such as Sawara Coffee from Obihiro and YATA Craft Cola from Yamagata Prefecture. Both the counter and tables are equipped with electrical outlets. You can relax on the sofa seating. It's perfectly fine to stop by for a coffee break while shopping or to just use it as a café. They also plan to open the currently renovating second floor as a kids' space by the end of the year. It's a comfortable space for both children and adults.

The sofa area features a variety of corn-related goods.

A luxurious popcorn that captivates both adults and children.

Bringing just the right amount of specialness to everyday life in Tokachi. The Popcorn Shop is a place frequented not only by tourists but also by locals. This popcorn, which starts in the fields and is nurtured by a family's love and community ties, is a truly Tokachi-style snack. Be sure to stop by on your trip.

*All prices include tax.

The Popcorn Shop

■Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■Closed: Sunday afternoons, Mondays, Tuesdays
■Address: 2-1-5 Hondori, Memuro-cho, Kasai-gun, Hokkaido
Click here for details and map information for "The Popcorn Shop"