Kitakaro is a confectionery maker beloved by the people of Hokkaido. Many people outside of Hokkaido may also know its name from regional food fairs and other events. This time, we'll introduce you to the Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store and some of their most recommended treats!

Kitakaro's first store opened in Sunagawa City in 1991. For over 30 years since, it has been loved by people both inside and outside of Hokkaido. When the Sapporo Main Store opened in 2016, it was widely featured on local news programs.
The fact that this historic building, originally constructed in 1926, was reborn as the Sapporo Main Store through a design by the acclaimed architect Tadao Ando also became a hot topic. The first floor is a shop space, and the second floor is a café, where you can spend a relaxing time.
The most popular item at the Kitakaro Café on the second floor is, without a doubt, the "Cake Set." It comes with a chiffon cake and soft-serve ice cream, and you can also choose one additional cake and one drink of your choice.

At only 917 yen (tax included), it's quite a bargain! The gorgeous presentation and generous portion size when it arrives at your table are exciting to see.
The café also serves light meals, and many people enjoy having lunch here. The most popular dish is "Kitakaro's Special Omelette Rice" (1,100 yen, tax included).

With its fluffy, soft-cooked egg and hearty chunks of beef, it's very satisfying. The ketchup being served in a separate container is also a surprisingly rare touch.
After a relaxing break at the café, it's time to check out the products in the shop on the first floor. You'll find a variety of sweets like cream puffs, chocolates, and baumkuchen, but one item boasts exceptional popularity.
It's the "Hokkaido Kaitaku Okaki" (rice crackers), starting from 440 yen (tax included). These okaki feature specialty products from various regions across vast Hokkaido, such as "Erimo Kombu (kelp)" and "Mashike Sweet Shrimp." Including limited-time flavors, there are a total of 10 varieties available.
Each flavor is said to have been created with the cooperation of local people, including the Hokkaido Gyoren (Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations) and local fishing cooperatives. It is this dedication that has made the Kaitaku Okaki beloved nationwide as a taste unique to Hokkaido.
There is also a confectionery sold exclusively at the Sapporo Main Store: the "Hokkaido-choritsu Toshokan" (1,080 yen, tax included). The Sapporo Main Store building was originally built as the Hokkaido Prefectural Library.

These chocolate sandwich cookies were created to commemorate that origin. The langue de chat cookies and chocolate are packaged separately, so you can assemble them right before eating.

(Photo courtesy of Kitakaro)

There are benches on the first floor where you can also enjoy their soft-serve ice cream (387 yen, tax included). The rich-tasting soft-serve is said to have fans of all ages. Different limited-time flavors are also available, so be sure to check them out.
For those who want to learn more about Kitakaro, why not take a peek at the Memorial Room at the back of the second-floor café space? It's a fascinating area with valuable photos and materials related to the building. Combined with the atmosphere of this historic building, the Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store feels as if it has a slightly different flow of air from the outside world.
Just gazing at the colorful array of sweets can bring a strange sense of calm, so whether you're a Sapporo resident or a tourist, be sure to stop by.

＜Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store＞
Address: 1-2, Kita 1-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Phone: 0800-500-0318 (Toll-free)
Official Website: http://www.kitakaro.com