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Rokkatei Confectionery and Stores: Popular Sweet Treats from Hokkaido
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Rokkatei, one of Hokkaido's signature confectionery brands, started as a small shop in Obihiro. It has gradually expanded to include several specialty stores, restaurants, art-related facilities, and a library cafe. This article will introduce Rokkatei's unique stores and popular products.
Rokkatei Confectionery Guide
The Past and Present of Rokkatei
5 Must-Visit Specialty Stores of Rokkatei
6 Popular Products to Buy from Rokkatei
Rokka Bunko: Rokkatei's Library Cafe
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The Past and Present of Rokkatei
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Founded in 1933 in the Tokachi district of Obihiro City was the confectionery maker Senshu-an—the predecessor of Rokkatei.
It was initially run by the brother of Senshu-an's president, Yukichi Okabe. However, the business was later inherited by the current founder, Toyoshiro Oda, due to Okabe's declining health.
At that time, Rokkatei was struggling financially. But thanks to a predecessor’s advice to purchase a large amount of sugar, Rokkatei safely navigated through World War II and became the most popular dessert shop in Obihiro.
In 1952, they launched Hitotsu-nabe (literally "one pot"), one of their earliest successful products featuring a cooking pot-shaped monaka wafer cake. In 1968, they gained attention again by becoming Japan's first producer of white chocolate confections.
Image source from Rakuten.co.jp
In 1977, the shop's name was changed to Rokkatei to commemorate the launch of the Marusei Butter Sand (Rum Raisin Cream Sandwich Cookies), which became a signature dessert. Currently, Rokkatei's stores are in Hokkaido, with several specialty shops in the suburbs that significantly distinguish themselves from those in the cities.
5 Must-Visit Specialty Stores of Rokkatei
Among the various Rokkatei locations throughout Hokkaido, we have selected 5 must-visit Rokkatei shops and specialty stores.
1. Rokka no Mori (Rokka Forest)
Picture courtesy of Pixta
A babbling brook and lush flowers surround several charming wooden cabins, creating a fairy-tale-like scenic garden at Rokka no Mori. Located in the southern part of the Tokachi district, the garden spans approximately 100,000 square meters and features multiple art spaces.
Among them, the Naoyuki Sakamoto Commemorative Hall houses works by the artist known for the flower-patterned illustrations on Rokkatei's packaging. There's also the Flower-Patterned Wrapping Paper Museum, which has its interiors entirely adorned with this emblematic packaging paper. Both are worth a visit!
Travelers unfamiliar with art can stroll through the wooded garden or enjoy the beautiful sunlight in the courtyard from the on-site cafe.
2. Campana Rokkatei
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Located in Furano, Campana Rokkatei features a 24,000 square meter vineyard with the majestic Daisetsuzan Mountain Range as the backdrop.
The wooden buildings on the hillside blend seamlessly into the pastoral scenery of Furano. This location includes a restaurant specializing in Genghis Khan-style grilled mutton dishes, a cafe, a variety of souvenirs, and exclusive desserts. It is definitely one of the must-visit attractions when visiting Furano!
Hotels near Campana Rokkatei
3. Rokkatei Nakasatsunai Art Village
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Rokkatei Nakasatsunai Art Village is about a 10-minute drive from Rokka no Mori and spans approximately 145,000 square meters.
This art village has no admission fee and features various sculptures that showcase stunning aspects alongside the shifting seasons. This tranquil and picturesque place is ideal for visitors looking to spend a relaxing day.
Hotels near Rokkatei Nakasatsu Art Village
4. Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store
Next to the Kitakaro Otaru Main Shop is the Rokkatei store. Picture courtesy of Pixta
In the quaint and romantic setting of Otaru, there’s also a direct-operated Rokkatei store! The Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store is uniquely constructed from approximately 100,000 Tokachi soil bricks, creating a distinct architectural style with a warm wooden aesthetic inside.
The first floor features a souvenir area, while the second floor offers a simple light meal and resting area. Visitors who purchase souvenirs here can enjoy free coffee, providing a relaxing space for tired travelers.
Hotels near Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store
5. Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Rokkatei has continued operating from the main Obihiro store since its founding in 1933.
The main store showcases many famous products, such as the Marusei Butter Sand (rum raisin cream-filled sandwich cookies), Hitotsu-nabe Monaka (hotpot-shaped wafer cakes), liquor candies, and white chocolate, along with stationery items like washi tape, notebooks, and wrapping cloths. It’s easy to get carried away and end up buying a lot!
The cafe on the second floor offers the exclusive Marusei soft-serve ice cream and seasonal desserts, making it a must-visit spot in Obihiro.
Hotels near Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store
6 Must-Buy Popular Products from Rokkatei
Rokkatei has over 30 different types of confections. If you are hesitating on which souvenirs to buy, we recommend the following 6 popular items that are a hit both domestically and internationally.
Classic Product: Marusei Butter Sand (Rum Raisin Cream Sandwich Cookies)
Image source from Rakuten.co.jp
Rokkatei's most popular classic product is the Marusei Butter Sand (Rum Raisin Cream Sandwich Cookies). Made with wheat flour, the cookies are filled with a rich cream that blends 100% Hokkaido fresh cream, chocolate, and rum-soaked raisins.
With one bite, the crispy exterior gives way to the melting cream inside, offering a dense yet light flavor that leaves many wanting more. This can be considered a classic among Rokkatei's souvenirs.
Full of Filling! Hitotsu-nabe Monaka
Image source from Rokkatei.co.jp
In 1952, Rokkatei developed a traditional Japanese sweet called Hitotsu-nabe Monaka. The inspiration comes from the story of a pioneer who came to the Tokachi district, reflecting a lonely life where he had to "share the same pot of food with pigs" due to extreme poverty.
The monaka, shaped like a pot, is filled to the brim with various fillings and includes two shiratama dango balls. The fillings consist of sweetened chunky red beans, red bean paste, and white bean paste, offering a sweet and dense flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of Japanese tea!
Tart and Sweet Flavor! White Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Image source from Rakuten.co.jp
Rokkatei is Japan's earliest confectionery company to sell white chocolate. One of its popular products, White Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, features cute packaging and makes a great gift.
The freeze-dried strawberries are coated in a thick layer of white chocolate. With each bite, the sweet and tangy flavor quickly melts in your mouth, making it hard to resist another bite.
Dreamy Gems! Rokkatei Liquor Candies
Image source from Rakuten.co.jp
Rokkatei's signature round tin packaging, resembling a dreamy jewelry box, contains six varieties of liquor candies. Each candy is coated in a thin layer of sugar and filled with flavors like brandy, plum wine, red wine, mint liquor, Grand Marnier orange-flavored liqueur, and fruit liquor.
When you bite into them, the alcohol flavor bursts forth, blending beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar coating. Even those who don’t typically drink alcohol to enjoy a delightful mature treat.
Crispy Texture! Cappuccino Frosty Cookies
Image source from Rakuten.co.jp
The Cappuccino Frosty Cookies were inspired by the sound of stepping onto the frost-covered ground on a winter morning.
A crispy chocolate pie crust is drizzled with a layer of frosting, and the filling is white chocolate coffee-flavored cream. The crispy texture and slightly bitter flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to coffee.
Rich and Decadent! Marusei Caramel Candies
Image source from Rakuten.co.jp
The Marusei Caramel Candies are a milk candy favored by adults and have been widely loved since their release. They contain cookies, soybeans, and almonds, adding a new crunchy texture.
Amid the rich and creamy aroma, there's a hint of rum flavor that emerges. What appears to be a simple milk candy hides a sophisticated taste within the caramel.
4. Rokka Bunko: Rokkatei's Library Cafe
In 2004, Rokkatei opened a library cafe called Rokka Bunko in a residential area near Makomanai subway station. The entire old building is covered in greenery, exuding a tranquil and artistic atmosphere.
Inside is a collection of 8,000 books related to food, ranging from cookbooks and essays to novels and pictorial guides—many of which are rarely found in ordinary bookstores. Whether or not you are interested in food, spending time here will likely encourage you to start reading.
Since the books can only be read on-site, set aside extra time when visiting Rokka Bunko. By paying 400 yen for a drink, you can enjoy unlimited coffee refills while sitting in your favorite spot, immersed in the aroma of books.
Enjoy Rokkatei Sweets
Hokkaido has always been loved by both domestic and international travelers. It boasts vast and endless natural beauty, fresh and abundant seafood, and delectable desserts.
Rokkatei allows travelers to enjoy sweets made with local ingredients even after leaving Hokkaido, offering many memorable souvenirs that have become a must-buy from the region.
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