When you think of must-have sweets while sightseeing in Sapporo, Hokkaido's soft serve ice cream is at the top of the list. The central area from Sapporo Station to Odori is dotted with popular shops that are easy to stop by during your travels. In this article, we've carefully selected some of the best soft serve ice creams that we highly recommend for tourists. From the classic rich milk flavors that Hokkaido is famous for to limited-edition treats, get ready to enjoy a wide variety of delicious soft serve.

Sapporo Agricultural College's "Rakuno Milk Soft" 572 yen

Located inside "Hokkaido Shiki Marche" on the first floor of Sapporo Stellar Place Center, within JR Sapporo Station, is the "Sapporo Agricultural College JR Sapporo Station Store." The "Rakuno Milk Soft" (572 yen) they serve here is made with 100% pasture-raised milk from Hokkaido. You can taste the deliciousness of milk from cows raised freely on their own farm. It's topped with a crispy milk cookie, making it as cute as it is popular.

A Soft Serve That Makes You Ponder Sapporo's Dairy History

This soft serve melts in your mouth with a fine, smooth texture and a light, refreshing flavor that highlights the quality of its ingredients. It's available in a cup or a cone, but I personally recommend the cone for its enjoyable crunchy cookie texture.

"Hokkaido Shiki Marche" is also stocked with plenty of Hokkaido souvenirs

It's an easy place to visit during your Sapporo trip or while shopping. Grabbing a soft serve here to enjoy while waiting for your train is also a great idea.

"Shiroi Koibito Soft Serve" 500 yen

The "Akarenga Chosha" (Former Hokkaido Government Office) has been a hot new tourist spot in Sapporo since its opening in July 2025. On its first floor, at the "Shiroi Koibito Akarenga sweets labo," you can enjoy a soft serve made with raw milk from Hokkaido and chocolate from the classic Sapporo souvenir, "Shiroi Koibito."

A Soft Serve That Tastes Just Like Hokkaido's Famous Confectionery, "Shiroi Koibito"

It comes in three flavors: white, mix, and black. With its silky smooth texture, it has a rich taste that captures the distinct chocolate flavor of Shiroi Koibito. The milk is also full-bodied, giving it a satisfyingly sweet flavor.

The interior of "Shiroi Koibito Akarenga sweets labo" feels like a theme park

If you're craving even more Shiroi Koibito goodness, we recommend the "Shiroi Koibito Topping Soft" (650 yen). Topped with a whole Shiroi Koibito cookie and sauce, it's as satisfying as eating a parfait. It's available in two flavors, strawberry and chocolate, so you can choose your favorite.

"Hokkaido Milk Soft" (480 yen)

"Yukijirushi Parlor" is a long-standing favorite among tourists and students on school trips to Sapporo. Their "Hokkaido Milk Soft" is made with 100% raw milk from Hokkaido. It has a rich milk flavor, yet it melts smoothly and has a surprisingly refreshing aftertaste.

Don't Miss the Coffee Soft Serve That Tastes Exactly Like Yukijirushi Coffee

Another recommendation is the "Yukijirushi Coffee Soft" (490 yen), which, as the name suggests, lets you enjoy the exact same deliciousness as the famous "Yukijirushi Coffee" drink. With its light coffee color, it has a sweet and somewhat nostalgic flavor. It's very milky and not bitter, making it a treat that everyone from adults to children can enjoy. I had mine in a cup this time, but both flavors are available in a cup or a cone.

"Yukijirushi Parlor" is also famous for its parfaits. The takeout-only soft serve is also recommended

The shop is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from the Sapporo Clock Tower, making it a perfect spot to stop by during your sightseeing. In the attached shop, you can also buy unique Hokkaido souvenirs like "Yukijirushi Coffee" and "Katsugen."

"Gyunyu Soft Cream" 501 yen

Located inside the "Marui Imai Sapporo Main Store" department store, close to Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower, "Maruyama Milk Shop" is popular for its two types of soft serve that showcase the quality of their ingredients, using fresh raw milk straight from Bekkai Town in eastern Hokkaido. The "Gyunyu Soft Cream," with its traditional flavor, is refreshing and subtly sweet. It tastes just like drinking fresh milk itself.

They Look Alike! Enjoy the Distinct Deliciousness of "Milk Soft" & "Gyunyu Soft"

"Milk Soft Cream" 501 yen

The "Milk Soft Cream," which has fresh cream added, is incredibly rich and has a full-bodied flavor. You can choose based on your preference, mood, or even the weather, but we also recommend ordering both to compare the tastes. Both are available in a cup or a cone.

The shop is a takeout specialty store offering sweets and bottled milk made with low-temperature pasteurized milk. It's a highly recommended spot to enjoy the unique taste of Hokkaido milk.

"Financier Soft" 591 yen

The soft serve from "KINOTOYA BAKE," which has locations at New Chitose Airport and in the underground shopping area near Tanukikoji, is a must-try. Among their offerings, the "Financier Soft," exclusive to the Marui Imai store, is especially recommended. This dense and rich soft serve is topped with a financier baked right in the store. The secret ingredient is mascarpone cheese. The light, moist financier with the aroma of cultured butter adds a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

The Marui Imai Exclusive "Financier Soft" is a Unique Delicacy

Also, be sure to check out their seasonal flavors. In the spring, they offered the "Strawberry Financier Soft." Its vibrant, spring-like color was gorgeous, and it had a sweet and sour strawberry flavor. KINOTOYA BAKE's soft serves are all large and voluminous, making them very satisfying. They're also a great option for a snack when you're feeling a bit hungry.

"KINOTOYA BAKE" on the B2 floor of the Marui Imai Sapporo Main Store is a hidden gem compared to the always-bustling Pole Town store. You might even be able to buy your treat without waiting in line, so enjoy it along with their store-exclusive menu.

*All prices include tax.