Hidden Gems of Hokkaido: 3 Must-Visit Cafes You’ll Want to Travel For

Hokkaido is home to some of the most beautiful and unique cafes in Japan. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or simply looking for a cozy spot to relax, the island offers a variety of hidhidden-gems-of-hokkaido-3-must-visit-cafes-you’ll-want-to-travel-forden gems. In this post, we'll introduce three standout cafes in Hokkaido that are well worth the journey — each with its own distinctive atmosphere and delicious offerings.

1. Ishida Coffee Shop / Sapporo

Address: 3-1-18, Kita 16 Jo Nishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Website: www.ishidacoffeeten.com Instagram: @ishidacoffeeten

For coffee connoisseurs, Ishida Coffee Shop in Sapporo is an absolute must-visit. Located just a 2-minute walk from the North 18th Street Subway Station, this charming roastery-café exudes nostalgia with its vintage furniture and dim lighting. Here, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of 10-15 coffee beans, ranging from blends to single-origin brews. Each cup is expertly prepared, and the menu provides clear descriptions of the flavor profiles, so even if you're not a coffee expert, you can confidently choose your brew.

Don't leave without trying their signature Custard Pudding — a perfectly balanced dessert with rich custard, bittersweet caramel sauce, and a hint of liqueur in the whipped cream. It's the kind of treat that will make you rethink all other puddings. It pairs perfectly with any of their exquisite coffees, making it the ideal way to end your visit.

2. Parsli / Sapporo

Address: 5-7-3, Tonden 5 Jo, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Instagram: @parsli0408 Phone: +81 11-774-6804 Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Closed: Saturday to Monday (Check Instagram for updates)

Step into a whimsical world at Parsli, a beautiful mansion cafe located in the Tonden 5 Jo area of Sapporo. The charming Western-style building is surrounded by lush greenery in the summer, giving it a magical, forest-like atmosphere. Inside, the café is filled with antique furniture, making it feel like you've stepped into a Studio Ghibli film.

The menu changes regularly, featuring daily lunch specials and seasonal desserts. Don’t miss out on their Strawberry Picking Plate (¥1,000) during strawberry season, or the beautifully presented Forest Bear Plate (¥1,200), which is as much a work of art as it is a treat for the taste buds. The warm, welcoming staff make every visit feel special, and the café's intimate vibe encourages leisurely conversation or quiet solo moments.

3. huit-porte / Hakodate

Address: 22-12-2F, Horai-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido Instagram: @hachi_2018_0519 Hours:Weekdays: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Last Order 4:00 PM)Weekends & Holidays: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Last Order 5:00 PM) Closed: Monday to Wednesday

If you're visiting Hakodate, make sure to stop by huit-porte, a tiny but charming café tucked away in a small building that feels more like an apartment complex than a traditional café. With only two tables and a counter, the intimate setting makes it perfect for solo visits or quiet conversations.

Known for its stunning seasonal parfaits and the delicious Nana Egg Pudding made with free-range eggs from Nanae Town, huit-porte is a paradise for dessert lovers. The ever-changing menu keeps things exciting, so each visit offers something new. Whether you’re indulging in a parfait packed with fresh, seasonal fruits or simply enjoying the cozy atmosphere, huit-porte offers a unique café experience in Hakodate that you'll want to return to time and time again.

Each of these cafes — from the nostalgic charm of Ishida Coffee Shop to the storybook-like atmosphere of Parsli, and the cozy, intimate vibes of huit-porte — offers something special for every kind of coffee or dessert lover. Whether you're in Sapporo or Hakodate, these spots are perfect for taking a break from sightseeing and indulging in some of the best coffee and sweets Hokkaido has to offer.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip, pack your appetite, and make sure to visit these three unforgettable cafes on your next adventure in Hokkaido!