By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Zhang Yingying

The ultra-popular spring-summer Japanese-style festival is about to begin. Given the popularity of "Hokkaido" among travelers and the region’s unique climate and abundant natural resources that nurture many delicious local specialties and seafood, this year’s SOGO Spring-Summer Japanese-Style Festival takes "Hokkaido" as its theme while also showcasing other regional specialties from across Japan.

This time, we’ve specially introduced a must-try sweet treat in Hokkaido — a well-known and popular souvenir since its establishment in 1933:Rokkatei’s Rakugan Cookies, which has become one of the must-visit spots for tourists in the area. This iconic dessert shop, now exclusively available at SOGO’s Japanese-Style Festival, is selling limited quantities — don’t miss out. In addition, perennial favorites such as milk pudding, cheesecake, and Shiroi Koibito will all be back, ready to win over dessert lovers once again. There will also be live cooking demos by renowned chefs, featuring dishes they’re proud to serve, all freshly made — like must-try Sapporo ramen, Hokkaido seafood bento boxes, and first-time offerings such as crab shell tempura, miso pork cutlets, and yakitori chicken skewers, all sure to delight your taste buds.

Besides savoring the food, the exquisite craftsmanship of Japanese artisan goods is always highly praised. Artisans will demonstrate their fine techniques on-site, crafting various artistic items and daily goods for you to appreciate up close. Making its first appearance — and a top choice among Japanese tea ceremony experts — is Kyoto Tachibana Yoshiki’s tea ware, which is both practical and steeped in traditional aesthetics, making it worthy of collection. Want to have the same beautiful look as the sakura girls? Try on various kimonos and yukatas from Tokyo Yamaki for a fun experience. While enjoying the food, take in the breathtaking artistry of traditional craftsmanship.

The Western-style confections produced and sold by Rokkatei’s Confectionery Factory in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, have long been a must-buy souvenir for visitors traveling to Hokkaido. Among them, the most popular is the “Marusei Butter Sandwich.” First launched in 1977, the “Marusei Butter Sandwich” has remained Rokkatei’s star product for 37 years. Its highlight is the butter made from 100% Hokkaido fresh milk paired with raisins made from California grapes. The sandwich filling features raisins soaked in rum and brandy, along with smooth and sweet Hokkaido butter — it’s sweet but not cloying, with a subtle hint of alcohol, qualifying it as a “grown-up” style dessert. Rokkatei’s second most popular item is the “Strawberry Chocolate,” which coats bright red freeze-dried strawberries in white or milk chocolate. It gives off a sweet yet slightly tangy “love” vibe. Rokkatei products are only sold in Hokkaido. Because Western-style confections like the Marusei Butter Sandwich have a very short shelf life, overseas sales have been difficult. This time, after years of effort by SOGO Department Store through special channels and air freight imports, these exclusive overseas sales are finally possible.

Other featured food items include Muroran yakitori grilled chicken skewers, Bibai yakitori, the humble local dish of oyaki rice cakes, and classic confectionery art from a century-old shop — Sakura Konpeito candies — letting you enjoy the flavors without flying all the way to Hokkaido or other parts of Japan.


◎ More Delicious Food and Fun in Hokkaido »   

Spring Hokkaido Trip – 5 Days & 4 Nights Itinerary

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