Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Kitakaro is one of Hokkaido's best-known confectionery brands. Located along Kitaichijo-dori, Sapporo's historic avenue leading toward Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, its main store occupies a former library built in 1926 as Hokkaido's first full-scale public library.

After serving as a library and later an art museum, the historic building was transformed into Kitakaro's flagship store in 2016 through a renovation designed by internationally acclaimed architect Ando Tadao. Original features, including the grand entrance hall and decorative details, have been carefully preserved, creating a unique blend of historic architecture and contemporary design.

The first floor offers Kitakaro's signature sweets, exclusive products, and a small gallery featuring works by Sapporo-born painter Migishi Kotaro. Upstairs, the spacious café serves parfaits, cake sets, and Japanese-Western favorites such as omurice. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves holding around 6,000 books pay tribute to the building's past as a library and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Reservations are available for personalized Baumkuchen, a popular ring-shaped layered cake, with custom messages branded onto the cake. Reservations must be made at least five days in advance, and personalized messages may be available in Japanese only.