Anyone who has been to Hokkaido has surely seen the iconic floral paper bags. It's no exaggeration to say that Rokkatei, the company behind the famous 'Marusei Butter Sand,' is a legend among Hokkaido's confections. In this article, we'll explore the origins of Rokkatei, its dedication to confectionery, and introduce four of its most iconic sweets.

Rokkatei, now a name synonymous with Hokkaido souvenirs, was founded in 1933 in Tokachi-Obihiro.

The company's predecessor, Obihiro Senshuan, founded in 1933

From its inception, Rokkatei has strived to create snacks that people can enjoy every day without getting tired of them, just like homestyle treats. They've focused on creating welcoming shops and setting prices that allow customers to buy their products without hesitation. From a local confectionery, Rokkatei has grown into a company representing Hokkaido, loved by many both within and outside the prefecture.

Their product line is diverse, not limited to the traditional categories of Japanese (wagashi) or Western (yogashi) sweets. Some stores also feature tearooms, offering special sweets and food menus.

The Sapporo Main Store, a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. In addition to the shop and tearoom, it also houses a chamber music hall and a gallery.

Toyoshiro Oda, the founder of Rokkatei, often said, "If the sweets aren't selling, it's because they aren't delicious." According to a company spokesperson, this philosophy is Rokkatei's pride: "First and foremost, the taste must be undeniably delicious. Then, from the product name to the packaging design and finish, we must be able to offer a quality we can stand behind with confidence."

The spokesperson continued, "Since our products are something people consume, we are committed to making safe and secure sweets. This includes choosing ingredients that have long been used in home kitchens so they don't affect health, and maintaining thorough quality control in terms of hygiene."

Rokka no Mori in Nakasatsunai Village, Tokachi. It was created out of a desire to bring to life the forest filled with the flowers and plants depicted on their wrapping paper.

Rokkatei's signature product, the 'Marusei Butter Sand'

When you think of Rokkatei, the 'Marusei Butter Sand,' a treat almost everyone has tried at least once, comes to mind. This confection was one of the sweets launched to commemorate the company's name change from Obihiro Senshuan to Rokkatei. It was created with the sentiment that even with a new name, Rokkatei's roots would remain in its birthplace, Obihiro, and with gratitude for the local customers who supported them. The product was developed in homage to Benzo Yoda, the pioneer of the Tokachi region, and was inspired by 'Marusei Butter,' the first butter ever produced in Tokachi by his pioneer group, the Banseisha.

The cream is made with 100% fresh butter from Hokkaido, with white chocolate added to create Rokkatei's unique flavor. To perfectly complement this rich butter cream, the biscuits are made from a special blend of flour milled exclusively for Rokkatei. The trinity of the moist biscuit, butter cream, and raisins is so delicious it's sure to bring a smile to your face.

'Marusei Butter Sand' 5-piece box for 870 yen

But that's not the only product that forms the backbone of Rokkatei. While not widely known, Rokkatei was the first company in Japan to manufacture and sell white chocolate.

During a trip to Europe, the founder noticed that even very small confectioneries were making and selling their own chocolate as a matter of course. He sensed that an era of chocolate was coming to Japan and quickly invested in the necessary equipment. "Now that we have the equipment, we must create something only our company can make." With this in mind, he took on the challenge of producing white chocolate, reminiscent of Hokkaido's snow, and in 1968, their white chocolate was born.

'White Chocolate,' designed to look like a railroad tie, 145 yen per bar

This white chocolate, characterized by its rich flavor from Hokkaido milk, is not only a classic product on its own but also serves as a key accent in many other sweets, such as the butter cream in 'Marusei Butter Sand,' the cream in 'Shimodatami,' and the cream in 'Yukiya Konko.' It is, in a sense, the unsung hero that supports all of Rokkatei's confections.

When talking about long-selling products, we must mention 'Choco Marron.' This particular sweet boasts a strong and loyal following, especially among locals.

'Choco Marron,' a sophisticated treat with a hint of rum, 3-piece box for 540 yen

A chestnut paste filling is sandwiched between cocoa biscuits and coated with milk chocolate. The company is meticulous about the balance of the chocolate. To ensure the coating isn't too thick and has a beautiful finish, it is still applied by hand today. Perhaps it's this detailed craftsmanship that continues to captivate its fans.

While some products have been loved for years, new ones are always being created. One such example is 'Genten,' which was just released in July 2025.

'Genten (Strawberry)': The thin white chocolate melts in your mouth, releasing a luscious strawberry sauce.

As mentioned earlier, 'White Chocolate' is a product of special significance to Rokkatei. Furthermore, 'Strawberry Choco,' launched in 1999, was another product that, after 'Marusei Butter Sand,' helped spread the Rokkatei name nationwide. 'Strawberry Choco' consists of freeze-dried strawberries coated in chocolate, making strawberries another indispensable ingredient in Rokkatei's confectionery.

New in 2026: 'Genten (Blueberry),' 4-piece box for 500 yen

The process of shaping this sauce into a round form is also done entirely by hand. "Of course, it's not that manual labor is inherently better; our factory has many production lines that use machinery. In terms of productivity, machines are undoubtedly more efficient. However, when we ask ourselves, 'Can we proudly place this on our store shelves as truly delicious?'—a standard we've held since our founding—we find there are aspects of achieving the ideal taste and appearance that can only be accomplished by human hands," explains the spokesperson.

Led by the 'Marusei Butter Sand,' Rokkatei has introduced numerous famous confections to the world, earning its reputation as Hokkaido's top confectionery maker. Behind its long-lasting popularity lies the dedication of people who always return to their origins and pour their hearts into making sweets.

*All prices listed include tax.
*Information is current as of the article's publication date. Details may change, so please check the official website for the latest information.