When visiting Shiroi Koibito Park in Sapporo, you can do much more than tour the factory that makes the famous souvenir “Shiroi Koibito.” The entire park feels like a miniature theme park, with surprises and fun experiences everywhere! This guide covers transportation, photo spots, and must-buy limited-edition items—read on to see how to enjoy Shiroi Koibito Park!
Created by the long-established Hokkaido confectionery brand ISHIYA, Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate-themed attraction combining sightseeing, entertainment, and dessert experiences. In addition to touring the factory that produces the famous souvenir “Shiroi Koibito,” visitors can enjoy dreamy European-style gardens and architecture, along with a wide range of hands-on activities. From taking photos to making sweets yourself, the park offers many different ways to enjoy a sweet day out.
Why Is Shiroi Koibito Park a Must-Visit Attraction in Hokkaido?
The Birthplace of Hokkaido's Iconic Souvenir, Shiroi Koibito
Watch the entire Shiroi Koibito cookie production process up close through glass windows. The automated line, capable of producing 165 cookies per minute, is impressive, and visitors can also learn more about the history and culture of chocolate.
Dreamy European-Style Gardens and Architecture
Tudor-style buildings, red-brick paths, fountains, and a rose garden with 120 varieties create a rich European classical atmosphere. Every corner makes a perfect photo backdrop, letting you enjoy a taste of Europe without leaving Japan.
A Variety of Experiences for the Whole Family
Chocolate history exhibits, DIY dessert workshops, the Gulliver Town play area, and hourly mechanical doll shows offer something for everyone, from preschool children to seniors, making this an ideal attraction for the whole family.
Shiroi Koibito Park Tickets
Overview of the Paid Area
The paid area is open from 10:00 to 17:30, with last admission at 16:30. Its most representative attraction is the “Chocolate Factory,” where visitors can view the production lines for Shiroi Koibito cookies and baumkuchen up close, watching the full process from baking to packaging through glass windows. You can also visit the “Chocolate House,” which introduces the history of chocolate; the “Cacao Pod Learning Base,” where you can taste chocolate while learning about cacao beans; the “Sweets Workshop,” where you can make your own Shiroi Koibito cookies or cakes; and “Gulliver Town,” a miniature-building play area suitable for families. Some experiences require an additional fee or advance reservation, so it is best to check before your visit!
Paid Area Ticket Information
Tickets for the paid area of Shiroi Koibito Park can be purchased on site, with final ticket sales at 16:30. If you only plan to tour the factory, advance reservations are generally unnecessary. However, if you would like to join a “DIY Sweets Experience” or similar workshop, booking online in advance is recommended to secure a spot.
The park also offers a special birthday benefit. If you visit on your birthday or within one day before or after it—a total three-day window—and show identification when purchasing your ticket, you can receive a cute “Birthday Badge” and one free Shiroi Koibito soft-serve ice cream, adding a special memory to your trip. Please check the official website for further details.
Paid Area Ticket Prices
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Adults (High School Students and Above) | ¥800 |
| Elementary and Junior High School Students | ¥400 |
| Children Age 3 and Under | Free |
※ Please check the official website for the latest ticket prices.
Free Area Introduction
Overview of the Free Area
The free area of Shiroi Koibito Park also has plenty of highlights! As soon as you enter, you can admire the “European-style Garden,” which feels like a small European town, and stroll among red-brick paths and fountains. In spring and summer, the “Rose Garden” blooms with more than 120 varieties of roses, creating a colorful and romantic scene. At the top of every hour, the “Giant Chocolate Clock” in the plaza comes alive with music and a mechanical doll performance lasting about 10 minutes, drawing visitors to stop and watch. The nostalgic remains of the “Shiroi Koibito Railway” are also preserved in the park and make a great photo spot. If you want to shop for souvenirs or take a break, head to the “PICCADILLY Shop,” which sells classic sweets and limited-edition goods, or relax at one of the restaurants or cafés.
Money-Saving Tips
If your main goal is to take beautiful photos and enjoy the European-style garden atmosphere, the free area alone offers plenty to see and photograph. Restaurants and shops inside the park are also freely accessible, so if you mainly want to eat and shop for limited-edition products, there is no need to enter the paid area. However, if you want a deeper experience of Shiroi Koibito Park's dessert culture—or want children to learn about chocolate through interactive activities—it is worth buying a ticket for the paid area. You can tour the factory, learn about the chocolate-making process, and pay extra for a DIY workshop to create your own sweets, making it excellent value.
Shiroi Koibito Park Transportation Guide
Getting to Shiroi Koibito Park by Subway
To reach Shiroi Koibito Park by Sapporo Municipal Subway, take the Tozai Line to its terminal station, Miyanosawa. From there, the park is about a 7-minute walk.
From Sapporo Station to Shiroi Koibito Park
| Route | Sapporo Station → (Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line / Toho Line) → Odori Station → (Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line) → Miyanosawa Station → (About 7 minutes on foot) → Shiroi Koibito Park |
|---|---|
| Time | Approx. 35 minutes |
| Fare | ¥290 |
From New Chitose Airport to Shiroi Koibito Park
| Route | New Chitose Airport Station → (JR Rapid Airport) → Shin-Sapporo Station → (Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line) → Miyanosawa Station → (About 7 minutes on foot) → Shiroi Koibito Park |
|---|---|
| Time | Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Fare | ¥2,160 |
Getting to Shiroi Koibito Park by Bus
If you choose to travel by bus, take the Chuo Bus “Highway Otaru” service via Maruyama and get off at Nishimachi Kita 20-chome. From there, Shiroi Koibito Park is about a 7-minute walk.
Please note that due to ongoing Shinkansen construction at Sapporo Station, bus boarding locations are temporarily changed. It takes about 7 minutes to walk from Sapporo Station to Bus Stop No. 1. Please refer to the official Sapporo City website for details.
From Sapporo Station to Shiroi Koibito Park
| Route | Sapporo Station → (Chuo Bus Highway Otaru) → Nishimachi Kita 20-chome → (About 7 minutes on foot) → Shiroi Koibito Park |
|---|---|
| Time | Approx. 40 minutes |
| Fare | ¥240 |
Driving to Shiroi Koibito Park
If driving, exit the Sasson Expressway at Sapporo Nishi IC. Shiroi Koibito Park is about a 1-minute drive from the interchange. For navigation, enter MapCode “9 602 298*66.”
There are four partner Times parking lots around Shiroi Koibito Park. Parking is charged by time: general visitors pay ¥300 per hour, with the first 30 minutes free. Visitors who purchase admission tickets receive a discounted rate of ¥300 for up to 3 hours, after which an additional ¥300 is charged per hour. The official website also updates parking availability in real time, so be sure to check it when needed.
From New Chitose Airport to Shiroi Koibito Park
| Distance | Approx. 60 km |
|---|---|
| Time | Approx. 50 minutes |
Shiroi Koibito Park Opening Hours
The paid and free areas of Shiroi Koibito Park have different opening hours. Generally, the paid area is open until 17:30, with last admission at 16:30, while the free area—including the gardens, shops, and restaurants—remains open until 18:00. During special periods such as winter illumination events, opening hours are often extended until 19:00 so visitors can enjoy the romantic nighttime scenery.
| Opening Hours | |
|---|---|
| Shiroi Koibito Park | 10:00～18:00 |
| Paid Area (Chocolate Factory, etc.) | 10:00～17:30 (Last admission / ticket sales 16:30) |
| Souvenir Shop | 10:00～18:00 |
| Restaurants and Cafés | 10:00～18:00 (Last order 17:30) |
※ Opening hours may vary depending on the season, events, and individual facilities. Please refer to the official website for the latest information.
Recommended Length of Stay at Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Park is not very large, but it offers plenty to see and do, so it is worth allowing enough time to enjoy it at a relaxed pace. If you only want to take photos, walk through the gardens, and buy souvenirs, about 1 to 1.5 hours is enough. If you purchase a ticket to visit the factory and other paid-area attractions, allow around 2 to 2.5 hours. If you want to join a hands-on dessert DIY class, set aside at least 3 to 4 hours. With a meal included, the full visit can easily take 4 to 5 hours.
Best Time to Visit Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Park is popular not only with international visitors but also with Japanese school trips and company tours. To fully enjoy the park, visiting on a weekday between 10:00 and 11:00 is recommended. At this time, you can avoid many tour groups and also see the factory production line in operation, giving you a clear view of how Shiroi Koibito cookies are made. If photography is your priority, weekday afternoons from 14:00 to 15:00 tend to be quieter and are ideal for taking photos and strolling through the gardens. Weekends from 11:00 to 14:00 are the peak period for tour groups, so it is best to avoid those hours if you want shorter lines and fewer crowds in your photos.
Must-Do Experiences at Shiroi Koibito Park
Chocolate Factory
Stepping into the “Chocolate Factory” feels like entering a magical world of sweets. First, at the “Chocolate House,” you can watch a projection-mapping presentation about the four major revolutions in chocolate and learn how cacao culture developed over time. Next, through transparent glass windows, you can observe the automated Shiroi Koibito cookie production line up close, capable of producing as many as 165 cookies per minute. You can also watch a live demonstration of baumkuchen being baked layer by layer, giving you a better understanding of dessert-making techniques. Explanations are available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages. A standard visit takes about 40 to 50 minutes, and paid add-on experiences can extend your stay even further.
Important Factory Renovation Notice: The Shiroi Koibito chocolate factory production-line viewing area is temporarily closed for renovation from January 3 through the end of July 2026. During this period, high-definition projection footage and guide commentary will be provided, along with a 360-degree virtual tour. Although visitors cannot see the actual production line in person, they can still learn about the manufacturing process in detail, and admission fees remain unchanged.
Photo Stop at the Shiroi Koibito Railway
The “Shiroi Koibito Railway,” which once operated inside the park, featured a model steam locomotive based on the “Benkei” and recreated the nostalgic atmosphere of a vintage railway. Although the railway officially ceased operation in 2021, the original tracks, carriages, and station signs remain, making the area a popular photo spot. The cute miniature train and European-style architecture create a fairy-tale atmosphere that families and railway enthusiasts should not miss.
Shiroi Koibito Park-Exclusive “Commemorative Tin”
At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can create your own “Original Shiroi Koibito Commemorative Tin” by printing one of your photos onto a cookie tin, creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir. The process is simple: visit “Photo Shop Memento,” tell the staff that you would like to make an original tin, and show them the photo you want to use on your phone. Travel memories, couple photos, family pictures, and pet photos can all be used. Production itself takes about 30 minutes, but because orders are made in sequence, actual pickup may take around 1 to 4 hours, so it is best to arrange this early in your visit.
フォトショップ・メメント
Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Last order accepted at 17:00)
Production Fees:
【Original Tin-Shaped Magnet】¥1,320
【Original Tin, 36 Pieces】¥4,116
【Original Tin, 54 Pieces】¥5,844
Best Photo Spots at Shiroi Koibito Park
Panoramic European-Style Garden View
One of Shiroi Koibito Park's signature photo locations is the “Panoramic European-Style Garden View.” The red-brick paths and fountain near the entrance create a dreamy scene reminiscent of a small European town, surrounded by classical European-style buildings and garden arches. Every angle feels like a fairy-tale setting. For the best composition, stand directly in front of the fountain and include the European-style buildings behind it to add depth. The recommended shooting time is between 10:00 and 11:00, when the light is bright yet soft.
Rose Garden
In spring and summer, one of Shiroi Koibito Park's most charming sights is the “Rose Garden,” where around 120 varieties of roses bloom. Pink, orange-red, white, and other colors blend into a romantic landscape that feels like a European aristocratic estate. Try taking portraits among the flowers, or use a macro lens to capture details of petals and morning dew for a more poetic image.
Tudor House Red-Carpet Staircase
The grand red-carpet staircase inside “Tudor House” is a dream photo spot for many visitors. Classical chandeliers and European-style window frames create a palace-like atmosphere, and shooting upward from the bottom of the stairs best captures its grandeur. Wearing a dress and posing in the center of the staircase works especially well, whether for a wide shot or close-up, creating a cinematic look.
Giant Chocolate Clock
The “Giant Chocolate Clock,” a landmark of Shiroi Koibito Park, is one of its most popular photo spots. At the top of every hour, mechanical dolls appear with music for a performance lasting about 10 minutes. This is a great time to take photos and capture the adorable characters on the building. In addition to the figures on the architecture, other character residents are hidden throughout the garden, so keep an eye out for them too!
Former Shiroi Koibito Railway Site
The “Benkei” steam train that once ran inside the park is now a nostalgic photo spot. The preserved retro carriages and station signs create a strong Showa-era railway atmosphere. Sit by a carriage window or pose on the platform as if setting off on a journey—this is a must-visit setting for fans of retro aesthetics and photography.
Winter Illumination (Mid-November to March)
In winter, Shiroi Koibito Park transforms into a romantic kingdom of lights. Dreamlike illuminations fill the grounds, and the combination of snow and lights creates a fairy-tale atmosphere. The illumination typically runs from around 16:00 to 19:00. For photography, the blue hour between 17:00 and 17:30 is especially recommended, when the sky and lights are in perfect balance—a romantic moment unique to winter.
Food at Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Soft-Serve Ice Cream
One dessert you absolutely should not miss at Shiroi Koibito Park is the popular “Shiroi Koibito Soft-Serve Ice Cream.” It is made using the same white chocolate found in Shiroi Koibito cookies, giving it a rich, sweet flavor without being overly heavy. Three flavors are available: classic white chocolate, slightly bitter dark chocolate, and a mixed flavor that lets you enjoy both at once. Enjoying it in the outdoor garden seating area with the bright scenery around you makes the experience even sweeter.
白い恋人ソフトクリーム
Available at: 【Free Area / Outdoor Garden】ソフトクリームハウス・カンタベリー (Soft Cream Canterbury), 【Free Area / Tudor House】カフェ・バトラーズワーフ (Cafe Butlers Wharf)
Price: ¥450
Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Float Drink
The “Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Float Drink,” whose Japanese name literally means “Drinkable Shiroi Koibito,” reinterprets the flavor of the famous cookie as a chocolate beverage. It comes in white chocolate and dark chocolate versions, each topped with a classic Shiroi Koibito cookie floating on the surface. Sweet, smooth, and layered in flavor, it is definitely worth trying when you visit Shiroi Koibito Park!
飲む白い恋人
Available at: 【Free Area / Tudor House】カフェ・バトラーズワーフ (Cafe Butlers Wharf)
Price: ¥850
ISHIYA Limited-Edition Desserts
To fully savor the appeal of the Shiroi Koibito brand, visit “Chocolate Lounge OXFORD” in the paid area and try ISHIYA's limited-edition desserts. In addition to signature cookie-inspired items such as the “Shiroi Koibito Parfait” and “Shiroi Koibito Roll Cake Set,” seasonal dessert sets are also offered. Sit by a window surrounded by European-style décor, enjoy your sweets, and take in views of the Sapporo mountains—one of the most relaxing experiences at Shiroi Koibito Park.
白い恋人パフェ
Available at: 【Paid Area】チョコレートラウンジ・オックスフォード (Chocolate Lounge OXFORD)
Price: ¥1,800
Must-Buy Souvenirs at Shiroi Koibito Park
When visiting Shiroi Koibito Park, do not miss its exclusive souvenirs! In addition to the classic Shiroi Koibito cookies and the hugely popular baumkuchen “TSUMUGI,” there are many products available only at the park. Recommended items include the “Shiroi Koibito Cookie Gift Box” inspired by park landmarks, “Shiroi Koibito Milk Spread” made with white chocolate, aromatic “Shiroi Koibito Park-Exclusive Curry,” and “Shiroi Koibito Park Original Red and White Wine.” Beyond food, you can also bring home magnets, coasters, stationery, bags, and other keepsakes filled with Hokkaido memories.
Shiroi Koibito Park Frequently Asked Q&A
1. Is There an Admission Fee for Shiroi Koibito Park?
The outdoor gardens, photo spots, souvenir shops, and cafés are all free to enter. If you want to visit the “Shiroi Koibito Factory” or join a hands-on cookie-making activity, you will need to purchase a ticket.
2. What Desserts Are Recommended at Shiroi Koibito Park?
Must-try items include the “Shiroi Koibito Soft-Serve Ice Cream” and the “Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Float Drink.” In the paid-area café “Chocolate Lounge OXFORD,” you can also enjoy limited-edition parfaits and afternoon tea sets, making it a paradise for dessert lovers.
3. What Exclusive Souvenirs Can You Buy at Shiroi Koibito Park?
Shiroi Koibito Park sells a variety of products available exclusively inside the park, including Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Milk Spread, Shiroi Koibito Original Curry, and the Shiroi Koibito Park Cookie Gift Box. These all make distinctive souvenirs to take home.