Information
Landmark: Shiroi Koibito ParkCity: Sapporo
Country: Japan
Continent: Asia
Shiroi Koibito Park, Sapporo, Japan, Asia
Overview
Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク) in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a mix of theme park and museum, celebrating Ishiya Confectionery’s beloved Shiroi Koibito chocolate cookies-crisp biscuits layered with smooth white chocolate.This charming park blends the fun of a chocolate factory tour with the quiet beauty of blooming gardens, giving visitors of every age a treat they won’t forget.It’s the ideal spot for families, candy fans, and anyone curious about the story behind this beloved Japanese treat-right down to the first crumb.First.Shiroi Koibito Park sits in Sapporo’s Shiroishi district, about a half-hour from downtown by train, bus, or car, with snowy peaks often visible on the ride in.The park’s open most days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the gates swinging wide just as the morning sun warms the paths.Hours can shift with the seasons, so check ahead-especially if you’re planning to catch a special exhibit or an evening event.It costs a small fee to get into the park, and the amount changes with your age-kids, for example, pay less than adults.Kids, seniors, and groups often get discounted rates, and your ticket usually covers both the museum and the factory tour-right down to the faint scent of fresh paint in the workshop.Number two.Shiroi Koibito Park isn’t just about tasting rich, velvety chocolates-it’s a lively, picture-perfect spot where blooming gardens, charming museums, and hands-on chocolate-making workshops come together.One.One of the park’s biggest draws is the Shiroi Koibito Factory, where you can watch warm biscuits slide off the line and become the famous Shiroi Koibito cookies.In Hokkaido, these cookies-two delicate biscuits sandwiched around smooth white chocolate-have become a favorite treat to bring home.On the factory tour, you’ll watch bakers hand-shape each cookie, glimpse the whir of the production line, and hear the story behind Ishiya Confectionery.Guests can bite into warm, just-baked cookies, a sweet touch that rounds out the experience.The factory offers hands-on exhibits too, like a chocolate-making workshop where you can roll warm dough, shape it, and craft your own chocolates and cookies.It’s a fun way for families and kids to spend time together, whether they’re laughing over a puzzle or sharing a plate of cookies.Step two asks you to mix up short, punchy sentences with longer ones, like pairing a quick thought with a fuller description.At the Shiroi Koibito Museum, you can trace the cookie’s story from its first golden batch to the smooth chocolate filling being layered by hand.The exhibits feature historical displays that trace the brand’s growth and the factory’s evolution, from early hand-drawn labels to the hum of modern machinery.You’ll also come across a charming mix of antique kitchen tools-a worn wooden rolling pin, a copper pot-and quirky vintage chocolate memorabilia.The museum invites visitors to step back in time, offering the sweet scent of cocoa and a warm, nostalgic look at the world of chocolate and candy.Number three.The park also boasts a European-style garden, where neat stone paths wind past lavender blooms, evoking the quiet charm of a countryside retreat.The garden bursts with roses, sculpted hedges, and winding stone paths, creating a peaceful spot to breathe in the fresh air.In spring and summer, the garden bursts with color, every blossom open wide under the warm sun.The garden’s winding paths and bursts of color give the park a touch of magic, perfect for snapping a photo or taking a quiet, unhurried walk.Number four sat alone, a small black mark in the corner of the page.After the tour and exhibits, step into the Shiroi Koibito Park Café, where the scent of fresh cocoa drifts through the air and you can savor cakes, parfaits, and drinks made with their famous cookies.The menu offers Shiroi Koibito parfaits, rich chocolate fondue, fluffy cakes, and even steaming mugs of cocoa topped with the famous cookie.From the cafe’s window, you can savor a slice of rich chocolate cake while gazing out at the park’s bright, blooming gardens.Five.As you’d expect, Shiroi Koibito Park has its own gift shop, stocked with boxes of the famous crisp-and-creamy cookies, rich chocolates, and plenty of other sweet souvenirs.The shop sells rare, limited-edition flavors and packaging you won’t find anywhere else-perfect to slip into your bag as a souvenir.Along with the cookies, the shop offers chocolate-themed treats, quirky souvenirs, and branded goodies like notepads, plush toys, and sturdy mugs-just the thing to bring home a taste of the park.Number six.One of the park’s most eye-catching sights is its grand clock tower, its bronze hands glinting in the afternoon sun.The clock tower brings a touch of European charm to the park, its stone face catching the afternoon light, and it makes a perfect backdrop for photos.Visitors can take in the tower’s fine craftsmanship, and when the clock strikes, a clear, melodic chime rings through the air.Seven.All year long, Shiroi Koibito Park comes alive with chocolate festivals, holiday displays twinkling with lights, and hands-on workshops where you can stir rich cocoa.Around the holidays, you might find chocolate-tasting events or one-day-only sweets, making it a spot worth visiting when the air smells of cinnamon and winter spice.Number three.Spring, from April to May, is the perfect time to see the park, when cherry blossoms drift through the air and fresh flowers brighten every path.The air feels mild, and the park has fewer people than it does in the busy summer.From June to August, the park bursts with life-grass deep green underfoot and the garden awash in bright blooms.But this is when tourism hits its peak, so you might find the streets packed and cafés buzzing.From September to November, the park’s trees blaze with reds and golds, making it the perfect season to wander the gardens and hear leaves crunch underfoot.Winter, from December to February, drapes the park in a quiet magic, with twinkling lights strung through the trees and festive events filling the crisp air.A fresh layer of snow softens the European-style garden, turning its stone paths and trimmed hedges into a quiet winter wonderland.Number four.If you’re heading to Shiroi Koibito Park, the simplest way is to hop on the Sapporo Subway, where the hum of the train carries you straight there.From Odori Station, hop on the Tozai Line-the bright orange one-and ride it straight to Shiroishi Station.From there, it’s only about a 15‑minute walk, just enough time to hear the gravel crunch under your shoes.By bus, you can hop on from Sapporo Station or other spots around the city, and ride straight to the Shiroishi area.The bus ride’s quick and easy, just long enough to watch the rain blur past the window.By car: It’s a quick, easy drive from central Sapporo to the park, and you’ll pass rows of swaying pines along the way.It’s roughly a 30‑minute drive from Sapporo Station, and you can pull right into the lot when you get there.Five.In conclusion, Shiroi Koibito Park mixes art, chocolate, and greenery into a playful, hands-on experience that delights both kids and adults, from tasting rich cocoa treats to strolling past blooming flowerbeds.You can watch how the famous Shiroi Koibito cookies are made, stroll through quiet gardens scented with blossoms, or just savor a bite of something sweet-the park truly offers a little for everyone.Blending the smell of fresh cocoa from its chocolate factory with museum displays, blooming gardens, and a cozy café, it’s a delightful stop for anyone exploring Sapporo.
