My Journey with Shiroi Koibito
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My first encounter with Shiroi Koibito occurred many years ago. Colleagues returning from trips to Japan would often surprise us with a box of these delightful, petite cookies. At that time, I had yet to visit Japan, but I fell in love with Shiroi Koibito at first bite. Since then, I’ve made it a tradition to bring a box back for friends and coworkers whenever I visit Japan, and the cookies are always devoured within two days!
When I discovered that Shiroi Koibito is a product from Hokkaido, and that the factory is located near Sapporo and open to the public, I knew I had to visit!
The park is designed in a charming European style.
What is Shiroi Koibito?
Shiroi Koibito translates to “white loved one,” referring to the cookie sandwich comprised of two langue de chat cookies, with a creamy white filling in between. The name also alludes to the pristine snow that blankets Hokkaido during winter.
Launched in 1976 by the esteemed Japanese confectionery maker Ishiya Co., Shiroi Koibito was initially available only in Hokkaido, making it a sought-after souvenir. Nowadays, you can find these delectable cookies at souvenir shops across Japan, and I even spotted them in Singapore recently—though at a considerably higher price than in Japan. In addition to the classic white cream version, there’s also a delightful variant filled with chocolate cream.
Admission to Shiroi Koibito Park
As of 2023, the admission prices for the park are as follows:
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (16 years old and above) | 800 yen |
| Children (4-15 years old) | 400 yen |
| Infants (Below 4 years old) | Free |
Each ticket also includes a complimentary Shiroi Koibito cookie!
Note: Be sure to keep your paper ticket safe, as you’ll need to show it each time you enter the paid areas of the park. While you don’t need a paid ticket to enjoy the park, the free area still has plenty to offer, but certain attractions, like the factory and the chocolate lounge café on the fourth floor, are only accessible with a paid ticket.
How to Get to Shiroi Koibito Park
Reaching Shiroi Koibito Park from Sapporo Station or Odori Station takes approximately 40 minutes. Here are a few convenient ways to get there:
- By Private Transfer: For those who prefer not to use public transport, door-to-door tours are available, which include private car transfers, admission fees, and a cookie-making class at the park.
- By Subway (290 yen one way): From Sapporo Station, take the Namboku (Green) Line for one stop to Odori Station. Alternatively, you can walk to Odori Station. From there, transfer to the Tozai (Orange) Line and ride to Miyanosawa Station, the last stop. At Miyanosawa, take Exit 5, which provides a covered underground route through shopping malls leading close to Shiroi Koibito Park. Follow the signs to street level at Sapporo Lifelong Learning Research Center Chieria, and you’ll find the park just a three-minute walk away.
- By Bus (210 yen one way): Near Sapporo Station, catch Bus No. 55 or 61 from the Sapporo Eki Mae stop and disembark at Nishimachi Kita 20th Street. The park is just a four-minute walk from the bus stop.
What to Do at Shiroi Koibito Park
Initially, I had modest expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Shiroi Koibito Park is a comprehensive attraction with numerous activities. I ended up spending five hours there! Here’s a list of things you can do:
1. Marvel at the Shiroi Koibito Factory
This was undoubtedly my favorite part of the park. As soon as I stepped onto the third floor, I was greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. The entire floor is wrapped with full glass windows, allowing visitors to peek into the inner workings of the Shiroi Koibito factory—from baking to packaging.
2. Personalize a Shiroi Koibito Cookie Tin Box with Your Own Photo!
I truly regret not getting one of these personalized tins. At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can print any picture onto the iconic blue-and-white tin box. The tin is sturdy enough to be kept long after the cookies are gone. I still cherish one I received eight years ago! To create your own tin, simply speak to a staff member and send them a high-quality photo (you can even airdrop it). You can choose between the 36-cookie tin or the 54-cookie version. They will print it for you on the spot using UV printers. Expect a wait of about 30 minutes, so it’s best to arrange this towards the end of your visit to avoid carrying it around the park. As of my last visit in 2024, the prices were 5,064 yen for the 54-cookie tin and 3,638 yen for the 36-cookie tin—a reasonable cost considering the standard non-custom tins sell for 4,514 yen and 3,088 yen, respectively.
3. Join the Chocolate Tasting Session
For a fee of 500 yen per person, you can join a chocolate-tasting session at the Cacao Pod on the first floor. This session occurs hourly from 11:15 AM to 4:15 PM. Without revealing too much, I must say that if you’re expecting to taste a variety of chocolates, you may be disappointed—you only get to sample two types. However, the session is interactive and entertaining, especially for children.
4. Decorate Your Own Shiroi Koibito Cookie
On the fourth floor, you can engage in a fun activity where you decorate your own Shiroi Koibito cookie and take it home as a sweet souvenir. The cookie-making set ranges from 1,200 to 1,500 yen.
5. Catch the Chocolate Carnival Mechanical Tower Show
This engaging show runs every hour for about 10 minutes from 10 AM to 5 PM. While many visitors watch the carnival from the main square, the best view is actually from the Chocolate Lounge café on the fourth floor.
6. Take Photos with the Props at the Park!
One of the highlights of Shiroi Koibito Park is the abundance of photo opportunities. On the fourth floor, you’ll find many props to pose with, including a giant Shiroi Koibito cookie. In the free area, there are also delightful photo spots, such as a beautiful hall staircase where many people were taking memorable pictures.
7. Explore the Park Square
After exploring the indoor attractions, don’t miss the park square, which offers various activities. One of my favorites was the rooftop heart. You can climb a ladder to pop out at this heart cutout and ask someone to snap a picture of you. My son adored the miniature houses designed for little ones, and there are plenty of shops scattered throughout the park square.
8. Buy Shiroi Koibito Park Exclusive Souvenirs
While you can easily find Shiroi Koibito cookies at souvenir shops, JR stations, or airports throughout Japan, the Picadilly Shop at the park features three exclusive items you won’t find elsewhere. Additionally, there is a full range of Ishiya confectionery items and Shiroi Koibito merchandise available.
9. Chill at the Chocolate Lounge
The Chocolate Lounge at Shiroi Koibito Park provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a sweet treat and watch the world go by.
10. Watch Interactive Shows and Games
Engage in various interactive games that are entertaining for guests of all ages.
11. Check out the Antique Cup Collection
On the second floor, you can marvel at the professor’s personal collection of antique cups, including a stunning Meissen cup from 1860.
Food Options at Shiroi Koibito Park
There are several food options within the park, but we particularly enjoyed Cafe Butler Wharf located on the second floor. I found the food to be decent given the price and location, especially the carbonara pasta for 900 yen. Dessert options, including soft serves, range from 400 to 850 yen.
Right below the café is Bakeshop Chelsea, where you can indulge in delicious baked goods such as croissants, Danish pastries, and the beloved Japanese choux cream puff, priced between 350 and 650 yen.
That wraps up my experience at Shiroi Koibito Park! Although it’s a bit out of the way from Sapporo, I believe it’s well worth the visit. Until next time, Shiroi Koibito Park!
Note: I personally funded my visit to Shiroi Koibito Factory. All thoughts and opinions expressed are genuine and remain my own.