Rokkatei: A Guide to Hokkaido's Beloved Confectionery Brand

What Makes Rokkatei Special

Rokkatei (六花亭) is one of Hokkaido's most beloved confectionery brands — and for many Japanese travelers, its sweets are the defining souvenir of the island. Founded in 1933 in Obihiro City in the Tokachi region, Rokkatei built its reputation on dairy-rich sweets made with local Hokkaido ingredients. The name itself means "six flower pavilion," a poetic reference to snow crystals.

What sets Rokkatei apart from Hokkaido's other famous sweet brands is both its history and its exclusivity. According to Rokkatei's official site, the company was Japan's first to produce and sell white chocolate — a fact that surprises many visitors who associate white chocolate with Ishiya's Shiroi Koibito. Rokkatei operates 69 stores across Hokkaido, but almost none outside the island, making its products a genuinely regional find.

For travelers exploring Hokkaido's food scene, Rokkatei represents the intersection of confectionery craft and omiyage (お土産) culture — the Japanese tradition of bringing back regional food gifts for family, friends, and coworkers. As part of a broader Hokkaido restaurant and food guide, a Rokkatei stop adds a sweet and distinctly local dimension to any itinerary.

Must-Try Rokkatei Products

Marusei Butter Sandwich and Signature Cookies

The Marusei Butter Sandwich (マルセイバターサンド) is Rokkatei's flagship product and arguably Hokkaido's most iconic souvenir sweet. According to GLTJP's guide, it is made with eggs and butter produced in Tokachi — a rich, crumbly biscuit sandwiching a filling of butter cream, raisins, and white chocolate. The flavor is indulgent without being overly sweet, and the texture holds up well for a day or two after purchase.

Beyond the butter sandwich, the flagship stores carry additional Marusei-branded products and other sweets worth exploring:

• Strawberry Chocolate — Freeze-dried strawberries coated in white or milk chocolate
• Various seasonal and limited-edition items that rotate throughout the year

Check current pricing at the store, as prices fluctuate seasonally. A box of Marusei Butter Sandwiches makes an affordable and crowd-pleasing gift.

Seasonal and Limited-Edition Sweets

Rokkatei releases seasonal products throughout the year, and flagship stores carry exclusive items not available at airport shops. Many visitors on TripAdvisor note that discovering these limited-edition offerings is one of the best reasons to visit the Obihiro or Sapporo flagship stores rather than buying only at departure.

The exact lineup changes, so ask staff at the flagship stores about current seasonal recommendations. Spring and autumn tend to bring the most variety in limited releases.

Where to Buy: Flagship Stores and Beyond

Sapporo Flagship Store

The Rokkatei Sapporo Flagship Store (札幌本店) is located about 5 minutes on foot from JR Sapporo Station. According to the Sapporo Station guide, the ground floor houses the main shop with the full product range, while upper floors include a cafe and gallery space.

The shop is open 10:00-17:30. For most travelers passing through Sapporo, this is the most convenient location to browse the complete Rokkatei lineup and pick up souvenirs.

Airport and Station Shops

Rokkatei products are widely available at New Chitose Airport (both domestic and international terminal shops), major JR stations across Hokkaido, and highway service areas. Airport shops carry the core bestsellers — Marusei Butter Sandwich, Strawberry Chocolate, and a few other popular items.

However, the airport selection is a curated subset. If you want limited-edition or flagship-exclusive products, visit one of the main stores first and save the airport for last-minute additions. One common mistake visitors make is buying only at the airport and missing the more interesting items available at flagship locations.

Visiting the Obihiro Flagship Store

The Obihiro Flagship Store (帯広本店) is Rokkatei's original location and the most rewarding destination for Rokkatei fans. Located just a 5-minute walk from JR Obihiro Station, the store offers the widest product selection of any Rokkatei location, including items exclusive to this branch.

The first floor is the main shop, open 9:00-18:00 (hours may vary by season). According to Visit Hokkaido, duty-free shopping is available for international visitors — a useful option given how quickly souvenir purchases add up.

The second floor houses a coffee room (11:00-16:30, last order 16:00, closed Wednesdays) where you can try Rokkatei sweets with coffee in a relaxed setting. The cafe serves items that are not available for takeaway or purchase in the shop below — this is where Rokkatei fans come for exclusive tasting experiences.

For drivers, 19 free parking spaces are available at the store. From the Obihiro-Hiroo Expressway, exit at Memuro-Obihiro IC and drive approximately 20 minutes to the store.

Souvenir Tips: What to Buy and How to Pack

• For the safest gift: Marusei Butter Sandwich is universally loved and well-packaged for travel. It is the default Hokkaido souvenir for a reason.
• For variety: Buy a mixed box at the flagship store — Rokkatei offers assortment sets that include several products in one package.
• Mind the shelf life: Butter-based products like the Marusei Butter Sandwich have a relatively short shelf life due to dairy content. Check the best-by date on each package.
• Pack carefully: Butter sandwiches are best kept cool. In summer, ask for a cold pack (保冷剤, horeibai) at the register — most Rokkatei shops offer them. Place them in your carry-on for the flight home rather than checked luggage.
• Rokkatei outside Hokkaido: Availability is very limited. Occasionally, department stores in Tokyo and Osaka host Hokkaido fairs where Rokkatei products appear temporarily. Online ordering is available through Rokkatei's Japanese site for domestic delivery, but international shipping is not standard.
• Distinctive packaging: Rokkatei's wrapping paper features botanical illustrations of Hokkaido's wild flowers and plants — the artwork is recognizable even without the brand name and makes the gift feel considered rather than generic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Rokkatei souvenir to buy?

Marusei Butter Sandwich is the signature must-buy — a rich butter cream and raisin filling between crumbly biscuits, made with Tokachi dairy. For variety, browse the flagship stores in Obihiro and Sapporo which carry exclusive items not available at airports, so visit a main store if you want the most interesting selection.

Can I buy Rokkatei products outside Hokkaido?

Availability outside Hokkaido is very limited. Rokkatei occasionally appears at department store Hokkaido fairs in Tokyo and Osaka, but these are temporary pop-ups. Online ordering through Rokkatei's site is available for domestic Japan delivery. For international visitors, the best strategy is to buy in Hokkaido and carry home.

How long do Rokkatei sweets last as souvenirs?

Butter-based products like the Marusei Butter Sandwich have a short shelf life due to their dairy content. Check the best-by date printed on each package. Baked cookies and chocolate-coated items last longer. Always check the best-by date printed on each package, and request a cold pack in summer to keep butter products fresh during travel.

Is the Obihiro Flagship Store worth a special trip?

Yes, if you are a Rokkatei fan or visiting the Tokachi area. The store carries exclusive products not found elsewhere, offers duty-free shopping, and has a second-floor cafe with items available only on-site. It is a 5-minute walk from JR Obihiro Station (approximately 2 hours from Sapporo by JR train). Even a 30-minute browse is worthwhile if you are passing through.