Hello,
Today is the 9th day of my Hokkaido trip, and the long journey is coming to an end. Until tonight at 11:30 PM when we board the ferry from Tomakomai East Port, we will fully enjoy the last moments of sightseeing in Hokkaido.
Upopoy
Upopoy is a “Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony” located in Shiraoi Town, Shiraoi District, Hokkaido. It houses the National Ainu Museum, the National Ethnological Park, and a memorial facility, serving as a national center for the revival, creation, and development of Ainu culture. “Upopoy” means “to sing (together)” in the Ainu language.
One must-see attraction when visiting Upopoy is the traditional performing arts show, where Ainu traditional dances are performed. During the performance, the natural scenery of Hokkaido is projected, and traditional Ainu songs, dances, and instrumental performances using the mukkuri (a traditional Ainu instrument) are showcased.
Royce Chocolate
Royce’ Confect, a confectionery manufacturer headquartered in Sapporo, was founded with the aspiration to “create chocolate that rivals Europe’s finest, right here in Hokkaido.” They produce and sell chocolates such as fresh chocolate, focusing on quality and originality. Among Hokkaido’s confectionery companies, Royce’ holds the top spot in sales, significantly ahead of second-place Ishiya Seika. Their direct-managed stores are only in Hokkaido, with some selling bread and soft serve ice cream. Royce’ products are also available in airports and souvenir shops across Hokkaido.
We visited the “Royce’ Rose Garden Ainosato Park Store.” Inside the spacious store, there are a variety of products including chocolates, freshly baked bread, and soft serve ice cream. A popular item here is the “Nama Chocolate Croissant [Ore],” a croissant with a cocoa-blended dough shaped like a dome, filled with fresh chocolate [Ore]. The “Royce’ Rose Garden Ainosato” on the opposite side of the store, located within the Royce’ headquarters premises, blooms with over 500 types of roses and various other flowers, typically from late June to mid-July.
Shiroi Koibito
Shiroi Koibito is a Western-style confectionery produced and sold by Ishiya Seika, a sweets manufacturer based in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It consists of Langue de Chat biscuits filled with chocolate, with two variations: “Shiroi Koibito White,” filled with white chocolate, and “Shiroi Koibito Black,” filled with milk chocolate. The packaging features a design primarily in white and light blue, with a picture of Mount Rishiri from Rishiri Island at the center.
First sold in December 1976, its white color reminded people of Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, and its limited availability in Hokkaido contributed to its popularity as a souvenir for business trips or travel. It now sells about 200 million pieces annually and is widely recognized as one of the top souvenirs of Hokkaido. In terms of sales for individual souvenir items, it ranks second in Japan after Mie Prefecture’s Akafuku mochi.
Shiroi Koibito Park
“Shiroi Koibito Park,” located in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward, features the production facility for Shiroi Koibito, as well as the “Ishiya Chocolate Factory,” where visitors can learn about the history of chocolate and see chocolate-related art. The park also includes the training ground and clubhouse of Consadole Sapporo, a J-League football team. It’s a candy-themed amusement park where you can taste Ishiya’s original sweets and create your own Shiroi Koibito. In summer, roses bloom beautifully, while in winter, the garden glows with illuminations, making it a great spot for photos.
New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport serves many domestic and international airlines, with over 22 million passengers annually. The airport’s “Shopping World” offers a wide selection of local Hokkaido delicacies, seafood, fresh produce, sweets, and alcohol, including exclusive items available only at the airport.
Famous Hokkaido foods like miso ramen and soup curry are available here. “Ramen Dojo” inside the airport features a variety of ramen shops, making it hard to choose.
This concludes our Hokkaido trip.
Well then, see you again!