Tokachi Dessert Tour

Tokachi might just be dessert paradise. This is dairy country — some of the best milk and cream in Japan comes from right here — plus fresh eggs and high-quality wheat, which is exactly why even the small, unassuming bakeries and cafés in this region tend to punch way above their weight.

These aren't picks off some generic "best of" list — they're four spots I keep going back to myself, the kind of places I can't resist a detour for whenever I'm driving between Obihiro and Urahoro. If you're planning that same route, here's how to turn it into a proper dessert crawl.

【Makubetsu】Ito & Niwa cafe

⭐️Must try: Hojicha Roll Cake. Take a bite of the hojicha roll cake(bottom right of the photo) and the roasted tea aroma hits you right away. The cream isn't cloyingly sweet, and the crunchy walnuts and other nuts make your eyes light up. It's the best hojicha cream roll I've ever had!

At bottom left is the tiramisu, with an intense espresso and mascarpone flavor. We recommend sharing it between a few people. At top center is the cream puff, with a crisp, flaky shell and plenty of cream that is sweet but not heavy. If you love cream, you can't miss this one.

ℹ️ Practical Information

• 🚶‍♂️ Access: 3-min walk from JR Satsunai Station / Free parking available

• ⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Lunch L.O. 2:30 PM) | Closed:  Thursday

• 💳 Payment: Cash & Credit Cards accepted

• 📖 Menu Language: Japanese

• 📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JWmpNFbSVTCANif38

【Toyokoro】Brick by Brick

⭐️Must try：the gateau chocolate cake. Deep, rich cocoa flavor without being overly sweet — the kind of cake where one bite turns into three before you realize it.

If you are still hungry, their signature sandwiches make a great brunch pairing — something savory to balance out all that chocolate.

ℹ️ Practical Information

• 🚶‍♂️ Access: 6-min drive from JR Toyokoro Station / Free parking lot across the street

• ⏰ Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, weekends 7:30 AM–3:00 PM | Closed: Mon–Wed, irregular — check their Instagram before you go.

• 💳 Payment: Cash & Credit Cards accepted

• 📖 Menu Language: Japanese only

• 📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i4vMmeSuyainRoSq8

【Urahoro】Torinome Shop

⭐️Must try: the cheesecake — dense and rich rather than fluffy, practically melting in your mouth. A must for anyone who takes their cheesecake seriously.

The seasonal specials rotate too — I visited in summer and got a peach parfait that was the perfect refreshing finish after a day exploring Urahoro.

ℹ️ Practical Information

• 🚶‍♂️ Access: 7-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free parking available

• ⏰ Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Lunch L.O. 1:30 PM) | Closed: Sundays & Mondays

• 💳 Payment: Cash & Credit Cards accepted

• 📖 Menu Language: Japanese & English (with photos)

• 📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dCyeYvptDhzGEzbbA

【Urahoro】futatsuki

⭐️Must try: whatever the daily cake happens to be — pumpkin one day, banana the next, you genuinely never know until you walk in. The picture above is a carrot cake made of Urahoro carrot.That element of surprise is half the fun of coming here.

If tiramisu happens to be on offer the day you visit, don't think twice — it's my personal favorite on their rotating menu.

ℹ️ Practical Information

• 🚶‍♂️ Access: 4-minute walk from JR Urahoro Station / Free street parking available

• ⏰ Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Closed: Irregular— check their Instagram before you go.

• 💳 Payment: Cash Only

• 📖 Menu Language: Japanese only

• 📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3DawnsvwY5MKYBJR6

Whether you're a serious dessert hunter or just passing through, there's something here worth pulling over for. Planning the full route? Check out our 【Urahoro One-Day Trip Guide】 to build this into a complete day out. If you are obsessed with soft serve, this article recommends you several soft serve & gelato stores.