Learn the history of Hokkaido Development Commissioners and enjoy Hokkaido’s delicacies. Relax by watching horses and sheep in the northern lands

Use your five senses to enjoy sweets in this theme park

Tour the production line of “Shiroi Koibito,” the famous confectionery made in Sapporo, as well as other products at this confectionery theme park. You can learn the history of chocolate, experience making confectionery in a kitchen, and taste the original sweets of ISHIYA at a cafe attracting many guests every day.

You can visit ISHIYA’s main factory, which is surrounded by colorful flowers. The marionette clock tower at the top of the factory shows an amusing parade of mechanic animal dolls every hour.

Let’s make the only one “Shiroi Koibito” in the world.

The Sweets Workshop Dream Kitchen on the fourth floor offers you hands-on confectionery making programs. Among the four programs, the most popular one is the “Baking Your Own Shiroi Koibito Course” (1,500 yen including white and black chocolate pens), which uses the same ingredients as Shiroi Koibito, to create 14 cm heart-shaped Shiroi Koibito.

Participants roll out the cookie dough, bake cookies in the oven and sandwich white chocolate between them. Finally, they can draw illustrations or write a message by using colorful chocolate pens (option with additional 300 yen).

I made it better than I thought. It’s ready when it is cooled and packed in a bag. There is also a quicker and easier program: The “Drawing on Shiroi Koibito Course,” in which participants can decorate cookies.

Enjoy ISHIYA’s sweets in a luxurious space

For tea time, head to Chocolate Lounge Oxford. From the window you can look down on the streets of Sapporo and enjoy the best views along with original sweets. The picture shows chocolate fondue served at 2,700 yen. Dip five kinds of fruits and white Baumkuchen in chocolate to enjoy the great taste.

ISHIYA Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce is served at 1,500 yen. Fluffy pancakes with cream cheese and fresh cream mixed in its batter are topped with fresh cream and strawberries. Condensed milk and the sweet and sour raspberry sauce are exquisite.

From the counter seats, you can see the clock tower in front of you, giving you a great open view. Enjoy fancy sweet dishes made with ISHIYA’s confectionery.

Check out visually striking products available only at this shop!

Shop Piccadilly sells not only classic Shiroi Koibito cookies, but also limited products available only here. “The Chocolate Story of Purumi & Ramuru” (1,296 yen) is a limited edition product of Shiroi Koibito Park in the shapes of the chocolate fairies “Purumi & Ramuru.” The top right is an original magnet (550 yen) that looks just like Shiroi Koibito.

Shiroi Koibito Park Cookie Box (756 yen) has a pretty package. The same white chocolate used for Shiroi Koibito is mixed into the dough, and these crunchy cookies come in three flavors: Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.

Enjoy the abundant seafood from Hokkaido!

There are about 60 shops standing side by side inside the market, each displaying delicious ingredients from Hokkaido, such as king crabs, snow crabs, melons, and potatoes. Buying products directly in the adjacent Central Wholesale Market, they keep very reasonable prices.

There are also many gourmet spots inside the market. “Kitano Gourmet-Tei” offers hearty seafood bowls made with carefully selected ingredients, as well as sashimi, crabs, and seafood baked on binchotan charcoal at reasonable prices. The most popular seafood bowl (3,270 yen) features 15 types of sashimi.

Its adjacent store sells fresh seafood.

At its adjacent “Kaisen Ichiba Kitano Gourmet,” friendly staff will tell you recommendations of the day. Each of hairy crabs, snow crabs, and king crabs are chosen by professional connoisseurs, so they are thick and meaty.

They offer many kinds of dried fish such as willow leaf fish and Atka mackerel. The extra-large striped Atka mackerel is thick and fatty. The fish is soaked in the mineral rich “Shiretoko Rausu Deep Water” before being dried, resulting in plump meat and mildly salty flavor.

Bottled processed foods are popular gifts.

Squid shiokara is made with a traditional recipe by using only the squid’s body to reduce the fish smell. Bottled herring roe Matsumaezuke and red salmon flakes are popular gifts.

This famous place in Sapporo attracts many tourists on large buses. You may enjoy a stroll around the large market and buy, eat, and enjoy specialties of Hokkaido.

Visit a whisky sanctuary

The tour starts after the reception. Just outside the main gate, you can see the Drying Tower (Kiln Tower), which has a distinctive “pagoda roof.”

In 1934, Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, searched for an ideal place to make whisky and built a distillery here in Yoichi. This true whisky sanctuary was also the setting for NHK morning TV drama show “Massan.” Even today, whisky is still made with the old-fashioned “direct coal-fired distillation” method.
The tour starts after the reception. Just outside the main gate, you can see the Drying Tower (Kiln Tower), which has a distinctive “pagoda roof.”

The direct coal-fired distillation method produces a rich and intense flavor.

The inside of the distillation building is lined with huge single distillers (pot stills). The small pot, the third from the back, was used at the time of its foundation, and the sacred rope displayed at the top of the distiller was adapted from the custom of the brewery where Masataka Taketsuru was born. It is said to be a wish for production of good whisky.

The distillery building is used for old-fashioned direct coal-fired distillation. Craftsmen add coal to prevent excessive heat and take out cinders with proficient skills. You can sense the heat from the flame even if you observe it from a distance.

The premises spotted with buildings that supported whisky production.

The premises are spotted with historic buildings, including the former research building of a national important cultural property and the former Taketsuru residence where founder Masataka Taketsuru lived with his wife Rita. Also enjoy the idyllic scenery typical of Hokkaido during the tour.

Built at the time of the company’s foundation, the No.1 storage building was designed with stone exterior walls to keep cool air in the summer, while the floors remain earthy and maintain moderate humidity. Reportedly whisky is matured in 26 buildings now.

Take your time to enjoy the different fragrances and flavors

After the tour, you can enjoy tasting at the Nikka Kaikan. You can order three types of drinks - single malt Yoichi, Super Nikka and apple wine - in the way you prefer, such as on the rocks or with soda.
Taste whisky in a glass and appreciate its color, aroma, and flavor. Apple juice and tea are also served for those who need to drive.

At the shop on the premises, you can shop for souvenirs such as whiskies available only at Yoichi Distillery, coasters, and chocolate and processed seafood that are perfect snacks to enjoy with alcoholic beverages.

Let’s compare authentic Sapporo ramen from multiple restaurants

Famous Sapporo ramen restaurants gather along this alley. The origin is “Kouraku Ramen Meitengai” opened in 1951, next to Toho Kouraku in Minami 5 Jo Nishi 3-Chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo. This alley has been a pioneer in popularizing Sapporo ramen throughout the country, attracting many domestic fans, as well as Japanese and international tourists.

At the center of Susukino, Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho has a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere with lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Now, each of 17 restaurants serves their unique and innovative ramen. First, look at the outdoor information to find your favorite bowl.

Unique ramen made from carefully selected ingredients

Most restaurants have only counter seats, so it is ideal to visit shortly before they open. First, we visited Higuma, opened in 1972, where we tried Miso Butter Corn Ramen (1,100 yen), which is full of very sweet corn. Higuma Koku Miso Ramen (900 yen) is also recommended.

Sapporo Ramen Kumakichi serves Shijimi Shio Ramen (900 yen), filled with salt-based soup full of the umami of shijimi clams. Ornithine found in shijimi is known to be good for the liver. Among the premium options, Scallop Butter Corn Ramen (1,800 yen) is popular.

A dream space where both traditional and evolutionary ramen can be found

The main attraction of Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho is that you can enjoy a variety of ramen, from classic miso ramen to innovative evolutionary ramen. You can also find a bowl that you can’t find anywhere else, made with ingredients such as burnt miso, shijimi clams, dry salmon flakes and cheese. Have an exquisite bowl filled with the restaurant owner’s passion and love for ramen.

A simple, modern, and comforting space inspired by Northern European designs

A stylish hotel located at the north exit of JR Sapporo Station. Under the theme of “unadorned fine quality,” the design incorporates Nordic motifs that are simple yet highly functional.

The lobby on the second floor is bright and open with large windows. It features Nordic design lighting and interiors, complete with playful Northern European style sofas. You can also enjoy freshly ground coffee, so take a breather after check-in.

Contactless and smooth check-in

Check-in smoothly with a self-check-in machine. After confirming your reservation on the touch panel, enter your customer information and sign your name, and when you settle the bill, a room key, breakfast vouchers, etc., will be issued. All you have to do to check out is insert your room key.

Stay in comfort in a sophisticated room

With no pillars, the large windows provide natural light in the guest rooms. The Premium Deluxe Twin Room features a table with a sink, chairs, and speakers on the walls that look like snowflakes.

A large Simmons bed and a Nishikawa pipe and marshmallow pillow will lead you to a comfortable sleep. Every guest room is equipped with a bathroom with a separate washing area.

The lobby on the second floor provides amenities, bath salts, tea bags, etc., so you can bring only necessary items to your room. There is a restaurant on the first floor, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel is suitable for any purpose, such as city sightseeing or business.

Be ambitious and take a commemorative photo on top of the hill

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill was established in 1959 at a corner of the Hokkaido Agricultural Experiment Station, built as a facility for agricultural research. The park has a variety of facilities, including the Statue of Clark, the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum, and the Hitsujigaoka Rest House.

Dr. William Smith Clark, the father of Hokkaido development, is famous for the phrase “Boys, be ambitious.” The pedestal of the statue is a post where you can drop off a “vow of ambition” that describes your dream or hope. Next time you visit, you can look back and ask whether your dream or hope in the vow came true or not.

Magnificent scenery typical of Hokkaido

In the pasture behind the Statue of Clark, you can observe grazing sheep, from the spring when sheep are sheared to before the snowy season starts. It is relaxing to watch these fluffy sheep grazing leisurely.

An idyllic view from the observatory. You can see the Sapporo Dome beyond the green prairie. In winter, it is covered by snow and it all turns white.

At the Clark Chapel (left), a brief biography of the doctor and a picture-story show are on display. Adjacent to the museum is the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum, where panels, photographs, and snow sculpture models show the half-century history of the festival.

We also recommend the period-limited soft serve ice cream.

We recommend Shiroi Koibito and Melon flavors, in addition to period-limited Lavender flavor served at Hitsujigaoka Soft on the first floor of the Austrian Pavilion. This is a typical Hokkaido sweet with a rich milk flavor and a soft lavender aroma.

The Statue of Clark and the tranquil grazing landscape are true symbols of Sapporo. Dr. Clark’s raised right hand is said to point to the “eternal truth far away.” “Please take a commemorative photo in front of the Statue of Clark in the same pose as his,” recommends Ms. Iwai, the facility’s PR staff.

You can learn the history of beer and how to pour it in the premium tour.

It is Japan’s oldest beer museum. The brick building is a recreation of a sugar mill built in 1890 and is designated a Hokkaido Heritage Site. Take a guided premium tour here and learn the history of Sapporo beer.

The premium tour, which takes about 50 minutes, includes a 6K video to look back at the history of Hokkaido development in the “Premium Theater,” and valuable exhibits that you can see while listening to the guide’s explanations. The photo shows a giant beer boiler that was in use until 2003.

To pass down the thoughts of predecessors committed to beer brewing

In the past, the Meiji government set up a “Development Commission” to develop Hokkaido and create a modern state, and one of the pillars of its industry was beer brewing. In 1876, the Kaitakushi Brewery, the predecessor of Sapporo Breweries, was founded by the first Japanese brewers who learned the brewing method in Germany. The Sapporo Gallery explains the history of Japanese beer from the beginning of the Hokkaido Development Commission.

They also display labels and advertising posters of Sapporo beers of all the generations. The combination of women in kimono and beer feels novel today.

Try rare beers made to recreate the taste of beers produced at the time of foundation

At the end of the tour, you'll visit Star Hall, where you can sample two beers that can only be found here: “Revived Sapporo Beer” and “Sapporo Black Label.” You can see me from the hollowed out polar star on the back of the chair. Let’s enjoy it.

During the tasting, the brand communicator (guide) will teach you a good way to pour beer, so try it at home.

This valuable building tells the history of the Hokkaido Development Commission. The tops of the building and the chimney, which is about 50 m high, are decorated with the polar stars, the symbol of Sapporo Breweries as well as the Development Commission. There’s a museum shop in the building, so it would be nice to look for souvenirs available only here.

All-you-can-eat nostalgic foods in Hokkaido!

After learning the history of beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum, taste draft beer and Genghis Khan (Mongolian barbecue) at the adjacent Sapporo Beer Garden. In the huge beer hall that still has a kessel (preparation pot) made in 1912, lamb Genghis Khan is all you can eat! You can fully enjoy the specialty of Sapporo.

The “all-you-can-eat” of the King buffet is 3,400 yen for 100 minutes. Enjoy it with tender lamb, chicken, and pork, as well as plenty of vegetables in this Genghis Khan barbecue. The pot in the shape of Hokkaido is also good for photos.

Carefully selected lamb full of flavor

Only lamb less than a year old is served at Sapporo Beer Garden. Without odor or taste, it also attracts attention as a healthy ingredient because it is low in calories. For 4,980 yen with standard all-you-can-drink, you can also drink Sapporo Classic, which is available only in Hokkaido, and black label Sapporo draft beer as much as you like.

Cook meat and vegetables in a Genghis Khan pan with a convex center. The original special sauce with apple and lemon flavors brings out the flavor of the meat.

Five restaurant halls in different styles

The photo shows Kessel Hall with a huge preparation pot. Other halls include the retro-modern Poplar Hall and the Lilac Hall with views of the garden that changes colors by season.

It has the atmosphere of a good old-fashioned beer hall, and we were very satisfied with fresh beer and Genghis Khan barbecue. The outdoor beer garden will be open in summer.

Go behind the scenes of the professional team on a dome tour

The largest all-weather dome in Hokkaido and the northernmost dome in Japan. It is home to professional soccer and baseball teams, the “Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo” and the “Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters,” and hosts a variety of entertainment events outside of game days.

The topiary of Sapporo Dome fairy “Charm Coron” greets visitors near the north gate. Let’s take a commemorative photo together with “Charm Coron,” which is said to bring good luck just by looking at it.

If you join a dome tour, you can explore the back side of the dome where professional players usually come and go. After checking in at the general information desk, head to the stands. The tour attendant will tell you interesting facts about the dome.

When this photo was taken, the artificial turf was all rolled up to reveal the concrete floor. After this, a huge natural-turf soccer stage was planned to be brought in by raising it off the ground by 7.5 cm using air pressure. We took a photo with the trendy fox dance pose.

Feel like an athlete and go behind the scenes of your dream place

You can also see the bullpen and dugout. You will feel like a player when you see the field from the dugout for visitors on the first base side. This is an irresistible moment for baseball fans.

The bullpen is behind the dugout. Take on a challenge for a strikeout (target shooting) at this special place where professional baseball players actually practice pitching!

This is the locker room for visitors. Hangers and slippers for players are placed. You will also see the manager and coaches’ room.
(*The tour route is subject to change.)

Take the suspended escalator to the observatory

After the tour, visit the only dome observatory in Japan. The observatory can be reached by a 60 meter-long “aerial escalator” with no columns supporting from below. It is thrilling because the mound becomes smaller and smaller quickly.

The observatory is built to project from the roof of the dome and offers a panoramic view of the city of Sapporo, Mt. Teine, and Mt. Yubari. You can also buy official professional team goods as souvenirs at the goods shop (G⭐︎J) on the first floor.

Familiarize yourself with nature, plants, and animals under the themes of agriculture and the environment

Enjoy a variety of experience programs and safe foods in the rich nature of this garden created under the theme of ecology. The 150 hectare property is dotted with pastures for up to 1,000 sheep, English style gardens, campsites, and other facilities where visitors can enjoy the nature of Hokkaido.

The Galaxy ‘Ginga’ gardens were designed by English gardener Bunny Guinness. They use groundwater and grow plants without using pesticides in an environmentally friendly way. Flowers that bloom in every season will delight your eyes, and they celebrate a rose week in summer and a dahlia week in autumn.

You can also taste the Alpaca Soft serve ice cream for 350 yen sold at Galaxy ‘Ginga’ Cafe and Welcome Center. This soft serve ice cream is made from fresh raw milk, topped with a marshmallow as the forehead and chocolate as the eyes and ears.

You will be impressed by the teamplay of shepherds and dogs in this sheep dog show

A sheep dog show was held at Animal Farm ‘Midori no Makiba.’ Sheep dogs and handlers worked together to guide the herd of sheep. A New Zealand Huntaway chases sheep with loud barks, while a Border Collie calmly gathers a herd. Strong trust between dogs and shepherds and the dogs’ herding skills were spectacular.

A sheep dog named Punch flips over at shepherd’s feet to reveal his belly during her greeting. The adorable dog acts as if seeking attention and a praise after work.

Meet alpacas trimmed in a summer style!

At Animal Farm ‘Midori no Makiba,’ you can see relaxed alpacas, llamas, and miniature horses. An alpaca gazed at us as if saying “My flower necklace is beautiful, isn’t it?”

In winter, alpacas appear fluffy, but at this time they had a neat appearance after shearing before the hot season. Shearing will keep them comfortable in the hot summer.

A farm tour to go around the vast premises

You can travel in the Galaxy ‘Ginga’ gardens with a trailer in a farm tour. Why not walk around the gardens to the ruins by the pond? If you climb to the top of the ruins, you can ring the bell of happiness.

One of the largest horse and nature theme parks in Japan

A leisure spot where children and adults can enjoy horseback riding, horse-drawn carriages, and pony shows. About 80 horses, including thoroughbreds and ponies, live in the vast park of about 500,000 m2.

Among the activities to interact with horses, we recommend a sightseeing carriage with which you can experience the power of horses. Take a leisurely stroll in the sunlight filtering through the trees, feeling the sound of horseshoes and pleasant swaying. The staff will guide you through the highlights of the park while pulling the reins. During the snowy season, they will use a “horse-sled” that travels on the snow, instead of a horse-drawn carriage.

The park is dotted with stylish signs and monuments featuring horses.

Meet famous thoroughbreds adored by horse-racing fans

A variety of horses live in the stable, including ponies and retired racehorses. A staff member introduced the mother of Deep Impact, Wind in Her Hair. Other examples include Admire Jupiter and Blast One Piece, former racehorses that once thrived in racing.

Visit a botanical garden with seasonal flowers

The botanical garden has about 1,000 varieties of flowers blooming across an area of 33,060 m2. There are beautifully designed gardens dedicated for each theme, including the Rose Garden and the Seasons Garden. Beyond the white birch trees stands K’s Garden, which houses a restaurant, a cafe, and a souvenir shop, and it is recommended to take a break here.

One of the theme gardens, the Anniversary Garden, features the Flower Horse Topiary with seasonal flowers. It was made for the 10th anniversary of K’s Garden.

Cute ponies warm your heart and you will learn how intelligent they are in this “Happy Pony Show”

The Happy Pony Show is an entertainment show performed by adorable ponies. Trainers and ponies perform as a great team. Ponies show different skills. Some ponies play soccer, while others dance and balance on a stand. The show is performed 2 or 3 times a day so don’t miss it! (*Photo: Show pony named Kojiro during an open training)

Instead of using whips or ropes, ponies are trained with a unique training method inspired by dolphin training. As if responding to the trainer’s words, it jumped, caught a ring, but hesitated to get on the pedestal, which was lovely anyway. The hard working ponies are adorable, and the place is filled with warm air.