When you think of souvenirs from Hokkaido, many people probably picture "Shiroi Koibito." For those who do, we highly recommend visiting Sapporo’s popular tourist attraction, Shiroi Koibito Park. This food theme park lets you fully immerse yourself in the world of the famous confection "Shiroi Koibito." With guided tours of the production line, sales of exclusive merchandise, delicious meals, and enchanting illumination that captivates both children and adults, the park has plenty to offer. Below, we introduce the highlights and ways to enjoy Shiroi Koibito Park.
1. Shiroi Koibito Park Illumination! Timing & Highlights
The popular event “Shiroi Koibito Park Illumination” features approximately 100,000 LED bulbs lighting up the park. It is held annually from early November until the end of March, with the entire park transforming into an enchanting world from sunset until about 8:30 PM. The collaboration of the pristine white snow covering the surroundings with the array of colorful lights is a must-see.
A key highlight is the main tree, which stands about 10 m tall. Around it, there are whimsical displays featuring Santa Claus and reindeer, as well as about 250 adorable snowmen that create a fairytale-like atmosphere. There are also games using projection mapping and an ice-free skating rink, making it a delightful outing for the entire family.
2. Shiroi Koibito Park Café & Restaurants
Within Shiroi Koibito Park, there are various cafés and restaurants offering different styles of cuisine. Café Butlers Wharf serves quiche and tarts, offering a wide range of menu items from Margherita pizza, teriyaki chicken, savory quiches to rich chocolate tarts.
In front of Gallagher Town, the food wagon “London Bus” offers light fare such as smoked chicken legs and fries. Its bright red bus, modeled after a London double-decker, is a notable landmark. Beer that pairs perfectly with chicken is also available, so consider stopping by for a break.
For those with a bigger appetite, “Café Antolpo” is recommended. Its menu includes curry, hamburgers, burgers, sweets, and a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. Also, be sure to check out the original “Shiroi Koibito Blend Coffee,” specially blended to complement the famous confection.
Restaurant Owl’s Nest offers meals with views of the practice sessions of Consadole Sapporo. The menu mainly consists of Western-style dishes popular in Hokkaido such as soup curry, pasta, omurice, and chicken. In the summer, you can dine on the open terrace and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere.
3. Shiroi Koibito Park Shop
Since you’re visiting Shiroi Koibito Park, you’ll surely want to get your hands on the park’s original merchandise and exclusive products. For this, head to Shop Piccadilly on the first floor of Chudahouse. In addition to the classic “Shiroi Koibito” and “Shiroi Roll Cake,” the shop offers a wide variety of sweets exclusive to the park.
The most popular item is the “Park Crispy Chocolate,” modeled after the park building. It comes in two types: milk and white chocolate, with a crunchy, chocolate-covered bite that is truly satisfying. Other items include the “Shiroi Koibito Park Cookie BOX” and “Grandmaster Wafers,” all perfect for souvenirs! Pay attention to the seasonal packaging of the “Shiroi Koibito Park Cookie BOX” as well.
At Candy Lab, which is known for its colorful candies that are very Instagrammable, live demonstrations are held 4 to 5 times a day. They sell popular items such as the “Kintarō Candy” with its cute cross-section, a new concept “chilled candy,” chewing candy called “CAMDY,” lollipops, and more—making it a great place for souvenirs.
4. Popular Souvenirs at Shiroi Koibito Park
While the park-exclusive Park Crispy Chocolate is very popular, the top recommended souvenir is the original Shiroi Koibito can. This service, unique to Shiroi Koibito Park, allows you to print your favorite image on the Shiroi Koibito packaging can. It’s great because, even after you’ve finished the treats, you can use the can as a small container.
You can use either a photo taken on-site or one you’ve brought along. Choose your desired size and preferred background, and after about 30 minutes it will be ready. In addition to the Shiroi Koibito can, you can also create items like the “Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Drink” can and the “Mix Small Bottle” from Candy Lab.
For those who aren’t fond of sweets, don’t worry—there are also other souvenirs such as tote bags, mini towels, and T-shirts. A standout item is the “Shiroi Koibito Keychain,” meticulously crafted to look almost identical to the original product. It’s universally appealing and sure to be a hit.
5. Attractions at Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Park is also home to many interactive attractions. One not-to-be-missed experience is the factory tour. You can watch the production process of Shiroi Koibito and Baumkuchen, and even try your hand at making your very own Shiroi Koibito or original cookies in the experience workshop.
At the park’s symbol, the Sapporo Karakuri Clock Tower, a parade is held every hour from 9:00 to 19:00. Original characters like the bear “Tron” and its friends march while playing musical instruments, inviting visitors into a fairytale world—a perfect complement to the chocolate carnival theme.
*Shiroi Koibito Factory is currently closed for renovation until July 11, 2019. As a result, factory tours and the experience workshop are not available at this time. Please check the official website for details when planning your visit.
Name: Shiroi Koibito Park
Address: 2-2-11-36 Miyanosawa, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Official/Related Site URL: https://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/
◎ Finally: Access to Shiroi Koibito Park
This section explains how to reach Shiroi Koibito Park using public transportation (subway and bus). For those arriving by car, a free park-exclusive parking lot is available.
【By Subway】
・Walk about 7 minutes from "Miyanosawa" Station on the Tozai Line.
After exiting from Exit 4, head toward the "Sapporo Lifelong Learning Center Chieria."
Climb the stairs inside Chieria to the second floor, then proceed straight outside; the park will come into view. Look out for the many Shiroi Koibito Park signs along the way.
【By Bus】
・From the Sapporo Station bus terminal,
board a bus from platform 5 that goes to the JR Hokkaido Bus “Teine Eigyosho-mae” (Route 55) or “Teine Kōzan” (Route 57) and get off at "Nishimachi Kita 20-chome." It’s about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.