Kitakaro is one of the sweets manufacturers beloved by the people of Hokkaido. Even outside of Hokkaido, many people know the name from trade fairs and other events. This time, we will introduce the Kitakaro Sapporo Main Building and some recommended sweets! The first Kitakaro store was opened in Sunagawa City in 1991. For the long 30 years since then, it has been loved by people inside and outside of Hokkaido. When the Sapporo main store opened in 2016, it was featured quite a bit on local information programs. The historic building, built in 1926, has been given a new life as the Sapporo Main Building, designed by architect Tadao Ando, which has been a hot topic of discussion. The first floor is a shop space, and the second floor is a cafe space, where you can spend your time leisurely. The most popular item at Kitakaro Cafe on the second floor is the "Cake Set," which comes with chiffon cake and soft serve ice cream, and you can also choose your favorite cake and drink. This is a great deal at just 917 yen including tax! When it is brought to your table, the gorgeousness and volume of the dish is enough to get you excited. The cafe also serves light meals, so many people come here for lunch. The most popular dish is the "Kitakaro's Proud Omelette Rice" (1,100 yen including tax). The fluffy soft-boiled egg and chunks of beef make this a very satisfying meal. The ketchup served in a separate container is a surprisingly rare touch. After taking a break at the cafe, check out the products at the shop on the first floor. There are a variety of sweets on display, including cream puffs, chocolates, and baumkuchen, but this is the most popular item. The "Hokkaido Kaitaku Okaki" (from 440 yen including tax) is made with local specialties from all over Hokkaido, such as "Erimo Konbu" and "Mashike Sweet Shrimp," and there are a total of 10 different flavors available, including limited-time flavors. Each flavor was created with the cooperation of local people, including Hokkaido Gyoren and the fishing cooperative. It is precisely because of this commitment that Kaitaku Okaki is loved throughout Japan as a taste unique to Hokkaido. There is also a sweet that is only sold at the Sapporo Main Branch: "Hokkaido Library" (1,080 yen including tax). In fact, the Sapporo Main Branch building was originally built as the prefectural library. With this origin in mind, the chocolate sandwich cookie was created. The langue de chat and chocolate are packaged separately and are sandwiched together just before eating.

(Photo provided by Kitakaro)

There are benches on the first floor where you can enjoy soft serve ice cream (387 yen including tax). The rich flavor of the ice cream is said to be popular with people of all ages. Different flavors are also sold for a limited time, so be sure to check them out. If you want to know more about Kitakaro, why not take a look at the Memorial Room at the back of the cafe space on the second floor? It's a very interesting space, with precious photos and documents related to the building on display. Due to the atmosphere of this historic building, the air in the Kitakaro Sapporo Main Building even feels a little different from outside. Just looking at the colorful sweets will make you feel strangely calm, so whether you're a Sapporo local or a tourist, be sure to stop by. ＜Kitakaro Sapporo Main Building＞ Address: 1-2 Kita 1-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Phone: 0800-500-0318 (toll-free) Official site: http://www.kitakaro.com