Hokkaido is known throughout Japan as one of the premier travel destinations, acclaimed for its expansive natural landscapes and abundance of mouthwatering local ingredients. The scenic vistas, which include rolling hills, vast farmland, and serene lakes, captivate visitors and make Hokkaido a place that embodies both the rugged beauty of the wilderness and the comforting warmth of inviting towns. Many people find themselves enthralled by its impressive mountains, pristine national parks, and the magical charm of its seasonal transformations, from vibrant green summers to sparkling snowy winters. The island’s cooler climate influences its agriculture, resulting in top-quality produce that’s often the heart and soul of local culinary delights.

When planning a trip to Hokkaido, choosing “souvenirs” is inevitably one of the most exciting activities. There is such a remarkable variety that it’s easy to spend hours sifting through local shops, airport kiosks, and department stores trying to pick the perfect memento for loved ones or even just a treat for your own enjoyment. Iconic sweets rank high on the list, as do fresh seafood products, artistically crafted traditional items, and a host of other distinctive Hokkaido specialties that reflect the culture and natural bounty of this enchanting island. This guide will spotlight some of the most popular souvenir choices, including both time-honored favorites and hidden gems that consistently delight visitors year after year.

If You Think of Hokkaido, Think of These! Beloved Classic Confectioneries

Shiroi Koibito: Produced by Ishiya Seika, Shiroi Koibito is a hallmark of Hokkaido sweets, consisting of crispy cookie layers sandwiching an ample amount of cream made with rich, Hokkaido-produced butter. This confection has remained a steadfast representative of Hokkaido for decades. Its long-standing popularity stems from a delicate biscuit texture and subtly aromatic filling that melts in your mouth. Ideal for sharing, these cookies often come in boxes containing multiple individually wrapped pieces, which are perfect as an office souvenir or for distributing among friends.

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Shiroi Koibito

Marusei Butter Sandwich: A popular item from Rokkatei, the Marusei Butter Sandwich features richly flavored buttercream layered between two traditional biscuits. The harmonious blend of buttery smoothness and delicate cookie crunch easily captivates anyone who tries it. Many tourists savor this treat for its nostalgic sweetness and superb quality, making it a memorable gift for family and friends. Once you’ve taken a single bite, you’re likely to be hooked by its indulgent richness.

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Marusei Butter Sandwich

Jaga Pokkuru: Calbee’s Jaga Pokkuru is a unique potato snack made from whole Hokkaido potatoes, distinguished by its crunchy texture. Unlike ordinary potato chips, these sticks offer a distinctive flavor that resonates with both locals and visitors. Fresh Hokkaido potatoes, carefully sliced and lightly salted, lend an irresistible taste, making Jaga Pokkuru popular as a quick snack or souvenir that captures the essence of Hokkaido’s agricultural pride.

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Jaga Pokkuru

Sweets

Nama Chocolate: Royce’s Nama Chocolate uses fresh Hokkaido cream to create decadently smooth squares that dissolve on your tongue. The experience is pure bliss for chocolate lovers. Each piece exudes a velvety texture and deep cacao fragrance that lingers, providing an indulgent highlight of Hokkaido’s dairy expertise. Whether you choose the classic milk chocolate version or a variety pack with different flavors, this is one gift that rarely fails to bring smiles.

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Royce Nama Chocolate

Rokkatei Strawberry Chocolate: Rokkatei’s Strawberry Chocolate features premium local strawberries covered in delicate chocolate. The fruity essence melds with the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a harmonious treat that highlights the best of Hokkaido’s dessert culture. Savor the bright aroma of fresh berries matched with smooth, creamy chocolate in each bite. It’s easy to see why this product continues to be a delight among travelers and locals alike, offering a sensorial journey that’s both fun and memorable.

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Rokkatei Strawberry Chocolate

Kinotoya Baumkuchen: This Baumkuchen from Kinotoya is beloved for its moist texture, made possible by generous use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The layers are baked to perfection, delivering a subtle sweetness and gentle aroma that appeals to a wide range of tastes. A slice of this delicacy pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, making it a refined gift for those who appreciate artisanal pastries. The brand maintains its reputation by continually innovating while preserving tradition, ensuring that every bite feels luxurious.

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Kinotoya Baumkuchen

Enjoy the Ocean’s Bounty at Home

Salmon Jerky (Saketoba): A proud product of Hokkaido, saketoba is made by salting and carefully drying locally sourced salmon. It’s popular as an accompaniment to alcoholic beverages due to its rich flavor and chewy texture. The savory profile pairs excellently with sake, beer, or any beverage you prefer. Many shops throughout Hokkaido sell saketoba in convenient packs that offer an authentic taste of the island’s fishery heritage.

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Saketoba

Ikura (Salmon Roe): Fresh ikura from Hokkaido spoils you with the delightful pop of each orb, delivering a burst of briny flavor that feels lavish but is also a treasured everyday indulgence for local residents. Served over bowls of rice or used as a topping for sushi, ikura elevates any meal into a special occasion. The vivid orange color also adds visual flair, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate.

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Ikura

Canned Crab: Whether it’s snow crab or hairy crab, canned crab from Hokkaido is a sublime indulgence packed with pure crab goodness. The luxurious sweetness of the meat, enhanced by specialized canning techniques, allows you to savor the seafood whenever you like. It’s versatile enough for soups, salads, or simply enjoyed by itself. If you’re looking for a premium gift that encapsulates the regional taste of Hokkaido’s waters, canned crab is a sure bet.

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Canned Crab

Craft Items

Glass Crafts: Handcrafted by artisans in Otaru, glass craft items from Hokkaido offer both high-quality craftsmanship and exquisite design. Each product reflects the region’s artisanal tradition, and the way light plays on these translucent masterpieces is truly captivating. They range from delicate ornaments to practical tableware, so there’s something for everyone looking to take home a bit of Hokkaido’s artistic spirit.

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Otaru Glass Craft

Wooden Crafts: From carved bears to rustic clocks, Hokkaido’s woodcraft scene leverages the region’s abundant forests to produce charming souvenirs. Each piece represents hours of meticulous skill, capturing elements of nature or wildlife. Wooden crafts often serve as meaningful gifts, bringing a warm, earthy vibe to any home.

Woolen Products: Hats, scarves, and other items knitted from Hokkaido’s wool evoke a cozy feeling. The softness of the yarn and the level of craftsmanship ensure these accessories are perfect for combating cold weather or simply adding a stylish, handmade touch to your wardrobe.

Other Souvenirs

Ramen: Hokkaido boasts distinct ramen traditions such as Sapporo Ramen and Hakodate Ramen. These noodles are often packaged for easy home cooking, enabling ramen enthusiasts to replicate authentic taste. Broths vary from miso-based to salt-based, each reflecting the local palate. Taking home a few packs allows you to relive memories of Hokkaido’s legendary noodle culture whenever you crave a comforting bowl.

Milk: Hokkaido’s milk is notable for its creamy, thick flavor. Dairy farms flourish here thanks to the region’s pristine environment, cool climate, and high-quality feed, resulting in dairy products cherished by people nationwide. Some visitors even choose to bring home packaged milk or condensed milk sweets to share Hokkaido’s velvety taste with friends.

Haskap Products: Cultivated in Hokkaido, haskap is a berry recognized for its pleasantly tangy sweetness. Jams and juices made from haskap deliver a unique fruitiness that evokes the island’s lush natural environment. They can be enjoyed on toast or as a dessert topping, adding a refreshing flair to even the simplest dish.

Points for Choosing Souvenirs

• Items that Keep Well
• It’s best to select souvenirs that don’t require immediate consumption or refrigeration. Check whether special storage conditions are needed, especially with products that might require freezing or refrigeration for optimal freshness.
• Individually Packaged Goods
• If you plan to distribute gifts to many people, consider items that come in separate packaging. This approach streamlines the process and ensures everyone can enjoy their own portion without hassle.
• A Sense of “Hokkaido-ness”
• Part of the fun lies in sharing Hokkaido’s culture. Choose items that reflect its natural wonders or traditions so the recipient can embrace the spirit of the region.

Where Can You Buy Souvenirs?

• New Chitose Airport:
• This enormous airport features a broad range of Hokkaido souvenirs. Many travelers find it practical to finalize their purchases before heading home, as stores stock everything from confections to crafts.
• Daimaru Sapporo:
• In the basement’s food section, you’ll discover a wealth of Hokkaido-brand confections. It’s a convenient one-stop spot to sample and buy famous sweets without traveling around the city.
• Otaru Station:
• Otaru’s specialty glass crafts and seafood products are well-stocked here. It’s a great place to find artful gifts made by local artisans, and people seeking a maritime twist often leave with an ample haul from the shops around the station.

Rely on this information when you want to gather unique gifts for your loved ones or a treat for yourself. Hokkaido’s souvenir selection ensures you can convey the island’s wonders and flavors to anyone who receives your thoughtful tokens.

Turning Travel Memories into Souvenirs at a Photo Studio

Photography Koubou Palette Lets You Easily Photograph Kids♡

Photography Koubou Palette has two stores in central Sapporo (Sapporo Factory and Sapporo Odori). In addition, the brand operates kids-focused Palette +plus at Sapporo Higashi, Sapporo Nishi, and Nishioka, plus one store each in Obihiro and Asahikawa, and two more in the Hakodate area. Spanning these strategic locations, the studio’s mission is to help immortalize special moments, ensuring that every commemorative photo becomes a treasured memory.

All the adorable child photographs featured in this article were taken at Palette! The studio offers various photo-shoot options, ranging from outdoor sessions in Hokkaido’s breathtaking natural scenery to unique stylized indoor setups. Whether it’s a newborn baby or a wedding celebration, the dedicated staff is prepared to handle many different life events. They focus on crafting experiences full of warmth, joy, and lasting sentiment. The result: photographic keepsakes that reflect individuality and highlight the region’s beauty.

Embrace Hokkaido’s grandeur, and let Palette add a splash of color to one chapter of your exciting travel story!

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