Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

For delicate dairy cows that prefer cooler climates, Hokkaido's refreshing climate and wide open spaces are a true paradise. Eating high quality grass and growing up in a comfortable environment without stress, they produce exceptionally delicious milk. The rich, full-bodied butter and cheese made from this top-quality milk is highly sought after by famous chefs and many high-end restaurants. Hokkaido is truly a “dairy kingdom” where dairy cows can be raised in an ideal environment.

Dairy farming experiences, such as milking and feeding cows, are popular at farms in Hokkaido, which is rich in nature. As part of the experience, visitors can taste and sample freshly produced dairy products. The freshly squeezed milk you drink at the dairy farm tastes different from the milk you usually drink. The taste varies from farm to farm, from refreshing to mild and full-bodied, and even those who are not fond of milk can often enjoy it. It is interesting to visit farms and compare different kinds of milk.

Milk sold in general is raw milk that has been heated and pasteurized. Many dairy product manufacturers have large-scale plants in Hokkaido so that fresh raw milk can be processed immediately. Visitors can observe the milk production lines at the plants of Snow Brand Megmilk and Yotsuba Dairy, and at “Satsuraku Milk Village,” where the manufacturing plant of Satsuraku, a major dairy product manufacturer in Hokkaido, is located, they can observe the strict inspections that are conducted to ensure the safe delivery of milk.

Hokkaido's natural cheeses have evolved in a diverse range of styles and have earned a worldwide reputation for the creativity and ingenuity of their makers and their production methods that make the most of the local climate.

Hokkaido's climate is ideal for cheese fermentation, and half of the cheese factories in Hokkaido are concentrated in the Tokachi area. Although there are various types of cheese, wash-type cheeses with a strong rind flavor and mild inside, and white mold cheeses such as Camembert are relatively commonly produced.

The “Kyodo Gakusha Shintoku Farm” in Tokachi produces natural cheese of such high quality that it has won gold medals in international competitions, and the café serves dishes made with this cheese. The raclette cheese served over bread or potatoes is a must-try! Cheese comparison sets are also available, so you can find the one you like best.

Shiranuka Rakukeisya, another representative cheese factory in East Hokkaido, makes a wide variety of cheeses using freshly squeezed raw milk. The cheese is also sold directly at the store, making it a great place to buy souvenirs!

You can't miss out on Hokkaido's ever-evolving local cheeses.

Soft serve ice cream is a must-try sweet treat in Hokkaido! When you see a sign saying “soft serve ice cream” on a road trip, you will be tempted to make a detour. The sweet soft-serve ice cream made with fresh milk and served under the boundless blue sky and in the midst of nature is a must-try! 

Another feature of Hokkaido's soft serve ice cream is that there are many variations. The rich variations of Hokkaido's soft-serve ice cream, including unique Hokkaido flavors made with local specialties, will surely make you want to try it again and again. In Furano, Yubari, and other areas famous for melons, melon soft serve ice cream, which is soft serve ice cream with cut melon on top, is very popular. Also, the “bovine soft serve ice cream,” which is served at the Naitai Terrace overlooking the Tokachi Plain and is made of vanilla and chocolate black and white to resemble a cow, is also very Instagram-worthy.

If you are touring around Hokkaido, we recommend comparing local soft-serve ice cream. Colorful soft serve ice cream named after local sightseeing spots, such as “lavender soft serve ice cream” in Furano and “blue pond soft serve ice cream” in Biei, look great! Soft serve ice cream made from local specialties, such as Shiretoko's Kokemono soft serve ice cream and Otaru's Niagara flavored soft serve ice cream, are also unforgettably tasty.

Hokkaido's gelato is made with the highest quality ingredients. It is best to enjoy gelato at the sales counter adjacent to the ranch while admiring the tranquil scenery. Take a photo with the colorful and cute looking gelato against the backdrop of Mother Nature!