Most popular souvenirs from Hokkaido

Here are four of the most popular souvenirs from Hokkaido, famous both within Japan and among foreign visitors.

1. Shiroi Koibito 

• What it is: A classic, delicate cookie consisting of two thin, buttery langue de chat biscuits sandwiching a layer of high-quality white chocolate.

• Why it's popular: It is Hokkaido's most iconic sweet, famous for its perfect balance of crisp cookie and rich, creamy white chocolate. The iconic packaging featuring the image of Mt. Rishiri is instantly recognizable.

2. Royce' Nama Chocolate (ロイズ 生チョコレート)

• What it is: A type of ganache or raw chocolate that is incredibly smooth and melt-in-your-mouth soft. It’s dusted with cocoa powder and contains a small amount of Hokkaido cream or liqueur.

• Why it's popular: It showcases the quality of Hokkaido's dairy products. It must be kept refrigerated, which adds to its premium, fresh image, making it a very sought-after gift. The "Au Lait" (milk chocolate) is the classic flavor.

3. Marusei Butter Sandwich 

• What it is: Thick, crisp butter biscuits filled with a mixture of white chocolate, raisins, and 100% Hokkaido butter. It is made by the famous local confectionery company, Rokkatei.

• Why it's popular: It is a traditional and rich sweet that highlights Hokkaido's excellent dairy and agricultural quality. Its satisfying texture and unique flavor make it a beloved classic.

4. Jaga Pokkuru 

• What it is: A crunchy, savory snack made from carefully selected Hokkaido potatoes and Okhotsk sea salt. It is similar to French fries but uniquely textured.

• Why it's popular: It’s a very popular snack that utilizes Hokkaido’s famous potatoes. The distinctive texture and light, salty flavor make it highly addictive and a favorite non-sweet souvenir.