Kitakaro, Hokkaido Prefectural Library Renovated by Tadao Ando

When mentioning representative desserts from Hokkaido, the first one that comes to mind is usually 'Rokkatei'. However, another popular brand originating from Sunagawa City in Hokkaido is 'Kitakaro'. What's even more special is that this long-established store has been renovated by the renowned architect Tadao Ando in the old building of the long-abandoned 'Hokkaido Prefectural Library'. With the theme of 'salon', it has been transformed into the 'Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store', a place where history and modernity blend together. The first floor is a product sales area, while the second floor features a high-ceilinged space with a café. The space retains the old charm of the library, with walls on the east and west sides lined with bookshelves reaching up to the ceiling, housing thousands of books on Hokkaido's history and desserts, creating a spectacular sight. Next time you visit Sapporo, don't forget to check out this new landmark for sweets in Sapporo. Whether it's for a cup of coffee and dessert, picking out souvenirs, or admiring the architectural beauty, it's highly recommended.