When you're sightseeing in Sapporo, one dessert you absolutely can't miss is Hokkaido's famous soft serve ice cream. The central area from Sapporo Station to Odori is dotted with popular shops that are easy to pop into during your travels. In this article, we've carefully selected some of the best soft serve ice creams that we highly recommend to tourists. From classic rich milk flavors that are quintessentially Hokkaido to limited-edition treats, get ready to enjoy a wide variety of delicious soft serve ice cream.

Sapporo Agricultural College's "Dairy Milk Soft Serve" ¥572

Located inside the "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 "Dairy Milk Soft Serve" (¥572) offered 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 texture and a light flavor that highlights its ingredients. It comes in a cup or a cone, but I personally recommend the cone for its delightful cookie crunch.

"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

The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, known as "Akarenga," 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 "Shiroi Koibito"

There are three flavors: white, mix, and black. It has a smooth texture and a rich taste with the distinct chocolate flavor of Shiroi Koibito. The milkiness is also profound, giving it a solid sweetness.

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

For those who want even more Shiroi Koibito goodness, the "Shiroi Koibito Topping Soft" (¥650) is highly recommended. It comes topped with a whole Shiroi Koibito cookie and sauce, making it as satisfying as eating a parfait. You can choose between strawberry and chocolate flavors to suit your preference.

"Hokkaido Milk Soft Serve" (¥480)

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

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

Another recommendation is the "Yukijirushi Coffee Soft Serve" (¥490), which, as the name suggests, lets you enjoy the exact taste of "Yukijirushi Coffee" in soft serve form. It has a light coffee color and a sweet, somewhat nostalgic flavor. It's very milky with no bitterness, making it a treat for all ages. I had mine in a cup this time, but you can choose between a cup and a cone for both.

"Yukijirushi Parlor," also famous for its parfaits. The take-out soft serve is also recommended.

The shop is just a 2-minute walk from the Sapporo Clock Tower, making it a perfect stop during your sightseeing tour. The attached shop also sells unique Hokkaido souvenirs like "Yukijirushi Coffee" and "Katsugen."

"Gyunyu Soft Cream" ¥501

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 Betsukai Town in eastern Hokkaido. The "Gyunyu Soft Cream" offers a traditional taste; it's refreshing, lightly sweetened, and tastes just like fresh milk itself.

They Look Alike, But Each Has Its Own Deliciousness: "Milk Soft" & "Gyunyu Soft"

"Milk Soft Cream" ¥501

The "Milk Soft Cream," made with added fresh cream, is incredibly rich and has a deep, full-bodied flavor. You can choose based on your preference, mood, or even the day's weather, but ordering both to compare is also a great idea. Both are available in a cup or a cone.

The shop is a take-out specialty store for 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 Serve" ¥591

The soft serve from "KINOTOYA BAKE," which also has locations at New Chitose Airport and in the underground shopping area near Tanukikoji, is a must-try. The one I particularly recommend is the "Financier Soft Serve," exclusive to the Marui Imai store. It features a rich, dense soft serve topped with a financier baked right in the store. The secret ingredient is mascarpone cheese. The fluffy, moist financier, fragrant with fermented butter, provides a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

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

Also, be sure to check out their seasonal flavors. In spring, they were selling the "Strawberry Financier Soft Serve." It had a gorgeous, spring-like color and a sweet and sour strawberry flavor. KINOTOYA BAKE's soft serves are all large and voluminous, making them very satisfying. They're perfect 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, less known than 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.