Sapporo

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Cafes and Dessert Spots

Quaint cafes and sweet shops offering a range of Hokkaido’s famous dairy-based desserts and coffee culture.

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Comprehensive Guide to Cafes and Dessert Spots in Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is a city renowned for its culinary delights, including its vibrant cafe culture and dessert scene. The city’s cafes and dessert spots offer a mix of traditional Japanese sweets, Hokkaido’s famous dairy-based treats, and modern, Instagram-worthy creations. Below is a detailed guide to help you explore the best of Sapporo’s cafes and dessert spots.

Popular and Unique Cafes & Dessert Spots in Sapporo

1. LeTAO Pathos

  • Specialties: LeTAO is a famous dessert brand from Otaru, but its Sapporo branch is equally popular. Their signature dessert is the Double Fromage Cheesecake, a two-layered cheesecake made with Hokkaido’s rich cream and cheese.
  • Ambiance: Modern and elegant, with a cozy seating area perfect for enjoying desserts with tea or coffee.
  • Price Range: ¥500–¥1,500 per dessert.
  • Accessibility: Located in central Sapporo, near Odori Park. Easily accessible by subway.
  • Tips: Try their seasonal desserts, which often feature Hokkaido’s fresh fruits like melons or strawberries.

2. Kinotoya Bake

  • Specialties: Known for their freshly baked cheese tarts, which are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They also offer soft-serve ice cream made with Hokkaido milk.
  • Ambiance: A small, takeaway-focused shop with a few standing tables.
  • Price Range: ¥250–¥500 per tart.
  • Accessibility: Multiple locations, including one in Sapporo Station, making it convenient for travelers.
  • Tips: Eat the cheese tart while it’s warm for the best experience.

3. Sapporo Sweets Cafe

  • Specialties: A collaboration of local pastry chefs offering a rotating menu of cakes, parfaits, and other desserts. Their Hokkaido Milk Parfait is a must-try.
  • Ambiance: Bright and casual, with a focus on showcasing local ingredients.
  • Price Range: ¥800–¥1,500 per dessert.
  • Accessibility: Located in the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, a popular tourist area.
  • Tips: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, as it’s a popular spot.

4. Morihico Coffee

  • Specialties: Known for their expertly brewed coffee and homemade cakes. Their Hokkaido Pumpkin Cheesecake is a seasonal favorite.
  • Ambiance: Rustic and artsy, with vintage decor and a relaxed vibe.
  • Price Range: ¥800–¥1,500 for coffee and dessert.
  • Accessibility: Several branches in Sapporo, including one near Maruyama Park.
  • Tips: Morihico is a great place to unwind after exploring the city. Their coffee beans are also available for purchase.

5. Shiroya Coffee

  • Specialties: Famous for their fluffy pancakes and Hokkaido milk-based drinks. Their pancakes are thick, airy, and served with fresh cream and syrup.
  • Ambiance: Minimalist and cozy, with a focus on natural light and wooden interiors.
  • Price Range: ¥1,000–¥2,000 for a pancake set.
  • Accessibility: Located near Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district.
  • Tips: Be prepared to wait during weekends, as their pancakes are highly sought after.

6. Snow Brand Parlor

  • Specialties: A historic dessert spot offering Hokkaido ice cream and parfaits. Their giant parfaits are perfect for sharing.
  • Ambiance: Retro and family-friendly, with a nostalgic charm.
  • Price Range: ¥1,000–¥2,500 for parfaits.
  • Accessibility: Located near Sapporo Station.
  • Tips: This is a great place to experience the rich, creamy flavors of Hokkaido dairy.

7. Cafe Blue

  • Specialties: Known for their blue soft-serve ice cream, which is both visually stunning and delicious. They also serve hearty brunch options.
  • Ambiance: Trendy and Instagrammable, with a modern design.
  • Price Range: ¥800–¥1,500 for desserts.
  • Accessibility: Located in the Maruyama area, a short walk from Maruyama Park.
  • Tips: Visit during the cherry blossom season to combine your cafe visit with a stroll in the nearby park.

Famous Desserts and Local Specialties

  1. Hokkaido Soft-Serve Ice Cream: Made with fresh Hokkaido milk, this creamy treat is available at many cafes and dessert shops. Look for unique flavors like lavender, melon, or corn.
  2. Cheesecake: Hokkaido’s dairy products make its cheesecakes exceptionally rich and creamy. LeTAO and Kinotoya are top choices.
  3. Parfaits: Sapporo is known for its elaborate parfaits, often layered with fresh fruits, ice cream, and whipped cream.
  4. Japanese Sweets (Wagashi): Some cafes offer traditional Japanese desserts like mochi, anmitsu (sweet jelly with red bean paste), and dorayaki (pancakes filled with red bean paste).

Neighborhoods for Cafes and Dessert Spots

  1. Odori and Susukino:

    • These central areas are packed with cafes and dessert shops, making them ideal for cafe-hopping. Odori is more family-friendly, while Susukino has a lively, youthful vibe.
    • Highlights: LeTAO, Kinotoya, and Snow Brand Parlor.

  2. Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade:

    • A covered shopping street with a mix of traditional and modern dessert spots. Great for sampling a variety of sweets in one area.
    • Highlights: Sapporo Sweets Cafe and smaller wagashi shops.

  3. Maruyama:

    • A quieter, upscale area with boutique cafes and dessert spots. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
    • Highlights: Morihico Coffee and Cafe Blue.

  4. Sapporo Station:

    • The station area is home to many convenient dessert shops and cafes, ideal for grabbing a quick treat while traveling.
    • Highlights: Kinotoya Bake and Snow Brand Parlor.

Local Customs and Considerations

  1. Quiet Atmosphere: Many cafes in Japan, including Sapporo, are designed for relaxation. Keep your voice low and avoid loud conversations.
  2. No Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan. The price you see on the menu is what you pay.
  3. Cash or IC Cards: While many places accept credit cards, smaller cafes may only take cash or IC cards like Suica or Kitaca.
  4. Queueing: Popular spots often have lines, especially on weekends. Be patient and follow the queueing system.
  5. Seasonal Menus: Many cafes and dessert shops offer seasonal items, so check for limited-time specialties.
  6. Takeaway Options: If you’re short on time, many dessert shops offer takeaway options, especially for items like cheese tarts and soft-serve ice cream.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience

  1. Plan Ahead: Research the cafes you want to visit and check their opening hours, as some may close early or have irregular schedules.
  2. Visit During Off-Peak Hours: To avoid crowds, visit cafes in the late morning or early afternoon on weekdays.
  3. Try Local Ingredients: Hokkaido is famous for its dairy, fruits, and grains, so prioritize desserts that highlight these ingredients.
  4. Combine with Sightseeing: Many cafes are located near popular attractions like Odori Park, Maruyama Park, and Sapporo Station, making it easy to incorporate them into your itinerary.

Sapporo’s cafe and dessert scene is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, offering something for every taste. Whether you’re a fan of rich cheesecakes, creamy soft-serve, or intricate Japanese sweets, you’re sure to find a spot that satisfies your cravings. Enjoy your sweet journey through Sapporo!