Japanese Summer Sweets

By Kaito Masuzawa

Sapporo has been experiencing extremely hot summers recently. Last summer, Sapporo recorded 18 consecutive mid-summer days. At such times, people crave cold drinks and food. For example, ramune, a classic Japanese summer drink, and cold, delicious ice cream. Snow Brand Parlor Sapporo has the perfect sweets for such hot days.

Snow Brand Parlor is located at North 2 West 3 in downtown Sapporo. It is located on the first floor of the Taiyo Seimei Sapporo Building and was established in 1961, making it a well-established sweets store with a history of over 50 years. The store's popular ice cream is called Snow Royal. According to the official website, it was specially made for the Emperor and Empress Showa who attended the Hokkaido Centennial Commemoration Ceremony in August 1968. Other popular items include Snow Royal Parfait and Dream Jumbo Parfait, which is made with an abundance of fruit.

Venchi is a gelateria store from Italy located at Parco B2, South 1 West 3 in downtown Sapporo that sells gelato. It is located near Odori Park and easily accessible from Odori Subway Station. This store has been in business for over 140 years and offers a full line of “pick and mix" chocolates and pralines sold by weight. It sells a wide variety of chocolates, including pralines, and 16 types of gelato. The store has been in business for over 140 years. When ordering gelato, you choose the size, cup or cone, and toppings.

After choosing the size, cup or cone, you choose the toppings and order your favorite flavor. The most popular gelato flavors are hazelnut, pistachio, and cremini (hazelnut and chocolate). You can order your gelato to go and enjoy it in a cup. It is also recommended to purchase delicious chocolates as souvenirs. If you are interested in these two stores, you should visit them.