Shiroi Koibito Park

• Shiroi Koibito Park has announced a partial opening period for their outdoor gardens from Thu, June 4. Indoor reopening dates will be announced on their website at a later date. For updates on the COVID-19 situation in Japan check GaijinPot Blog: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/is-it-safe-to-visit-japan-as-the-coronavirus-cases-increase/

Heaps of delicious treats and old-world charm can be found in the heart of Sapporo at Shiroi Koibito Park. Shiroi Koibito is the name of the famous European-style biscuit manufactured in Hokkaido. The thin “langue-de-chat” cookie is baked until the edges turn brown, with white chocolate sandwiched between the two crispy biscuits.

Nestled between Tudor-inspired buildings and a beautiful rose garden whose flowers are tailored to the seasons, there’s way more to do than just buy cookies. Of course, cookies may well be all that you’re interested in, let’s be honest here.

The Shiroi Koibito Park gives visitors the chance to make their own cookies. You can bake and decorate them yourself if you take the factory tour for ¥1,500, which includes the costs of cookie making.

There are several different styles of cookie to make from giant, heart-shaped ones to ones that look like Hokkaido. Customize them by writing your own messages on them. It’s the perfect present for that special someone!

On-site are five different food shops. The Chocolate Lounge on the fourth floor has an impressive range of parfaits, complete with real English antique furniture. How’s that for a fancy afternoon tea? You can also keep it classy by visiting the Old Style Children’s Toy Box, an exhibition that focuses on children’s toys from the Meiji period.

There’s also a ridiculously cute, mini-locomotive ride for just ¥300 that will you take you on a 10-minute picturesque journey around Shiroi Koibito Park.

We highly recommend the park for those traveling to Sapporo during February as it makes a fantastic detour from the Snow Festival or an added touch of romance over Valentine’s Day!