Cover Hokkaido’s cafes are known for their delicious coffee and pastry, using local ingredients (Photo: Instagram / @kissa_hitomugi)
Hokkaido’s cafes are known for their delicious coffee and pastry, using local ingredients (Photo: Instagram / @kissa_hitomugi)
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Going to Hokkaido this year? We take a look at five trendy cafes in the northern Japanese island
When thinking of Hokkaido, the first thing that comes to mind is Niseko and its beautiful skiing slopes, mountains and lakes. But more than that, Hokkaido is a paradise for coffee and pastries thanks to the quality of its produce, from locally produced milk and cheese, to seasonal fruits such as haskap berries, currants, seaberries, raspberries and the famed Yubari melon. And where better sample these regional delicacies than in the independent cafes of Hokkaido?
From coffee shops specialising in live music to second-hand furniture, books and traditional desserts, our guide to five of the trendiest cafes in Hokkaido has got you covered for your next trip north.
You might also like: A food lover’s guide to Niseko, Hokkaido
1. Parfait, coffee, liquor, Sato, Sapporo
Parfait, coffee, liquor, Sato is a coffee shop specialising in artisanal parfaits, and is loved by both locals and tourists alike. While the cafe offers some desserts with seasonal fruits, the pistachio and salted caramel parfaits are worth a detour alone. Sato also offers a wide range of coffee and alcohol selections. Don’t be discouraged by the line!
Parfait, coffee, liquor, Sato
Address: 1-6-1 Minami 2-Jo Nishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
2. Kissa Hitomugi, Sapporo
Kissa Hitomugi (or 喫茶 一粒の麦, “grain of barley cafe” in Japanese) is a bijou cafe serving delicious pastries and desserts in the heart of Sapporo. Known for its homey decor and picture-perfect cakes, it’s one of the city’s favourites. The red bean butter toast, only served during weekdays, is one of the cafe’s signature items as it’s made from locally produced flour and milk.
Kissa Hitomugi 喫茶 一粒の麦
Address: 13 Chome−319-13, Minami 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
3. The Jazz Hideaway Café Free-Lance, Otaru
(Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Sammi Ho)
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The Jazz Hideaway Café Free-Lance, hidden in the city of Otaru, is a paradise for jazz fans. The dark and intimate space is filled with music posters and vinyls, creating an atmospheric, timeless ambience. The first floor hosts live performances from artists hailing both locally and from abroad, as well as the occasional photography exhibition.
The Jazz Hideaway Café Free-Lance
Address: 2-9-5 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan
4. Brown Books Café, Sapporo
Are you a fan of heritage buildings and retro design? Be sure to make a stop at Brown Books Café in the red-light Sapporo district of Susukino. The coffee shop is filled with vintage furniture, as well as a variety of old books—all of which is for sale. But the décor isn’t event the main attraction, as Brown Books Café's very own organic coffee, which is roasted locally, have kept regulars coming back for years, as well as their homemade lemonade/
Brown Books Café
Address: 3/F, Chuo-Ku Wada Building, 1-9 Minami Sanjo Nishi, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
5. Poool Espresso & Work, Sapporo
Are you a digital nomad, bookworm or a student lost in Sapporo? Poool will make you feel at home. The café is easily accessible, being located right next to the city’s main train station. Order your coffee, pastries, as well as books on the first floor, and head up to the second floor for a more private work space, which is also home to regular exhibitions.
Poool
Address: 3 Chome−1−1-29, Kita 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
This article was originally written in Chinese by Sammi Ho.
Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
