Local's favorite 4 coffee shops you must go to in Sapporo

As a local business based in Hokkaido, we have always been looking out for the best coffee shops in our area.

Today we will share 4 coffee shops that you should know about and pay a visit to when you are in Sapporo!

4 best coffee shops you must go to in Sapporo

1. Marumi Coffee

Marumi Coffee is the coffee shop owned by a winner of the Japan Coffee Roasting Championships 2013.

I really liked ordering their espresso and latte sampler set.

Although I'm usually a darker roast Mandheling fan, and was very happy with the taste and passion they put into that cup!

I really like and recommend the morning set.

To be honest, I cannot lie that I was disappointed at first by the looks of it(knowing the pricing of the Sapporo area, it felt pricey for the size).

But you could really tell that whoever came out with the recipe really is an enthusiast of cooking.

After all it's supposed to be a "morning set". When I finished the set, it was just about right for the start of the day.

There are actually a few good coffee shops around the area which is just south of Odori Park, but I keep going back to this coffee shop.

*As of 2022, the Odori shop became a wholebean sell only store. There is another branch in Marui Department Store Odori.

There is also a take away suited coffee stand from them in B1F of Sitatte building, along the busy underground path between Sapporo Station and Odori Station.

If you just need a quick to-go coffee but wanting an alternative to the seven eleven coffees for this extra fine moment for your next few hours, I cannot think of a better place to buy your coffee within just a 10 minute walk from Sapporo Station.

My favorite ramen shop Kagari is just behind that coffee stand, so you might bump into me buying a take away coffee here!

  

2. Morihico Coffee

My personal favorite coffee shop to relax and enjoy a coffee break is Morihico Coffee.

Morihico is a coffee shop that first opened in the gourmet district of Sapporo City, Maruyama.

It became so popular that it has now expanded to several outlets throughout the city, each branch having its own unique taste.

Throughout Japan, Starbucks is known as the coffee shop that collaborates with Tsutaya Book Store to serve coffee within their premises, but Morihico is the one that collaborates with Tsutaya in Sapporo.

The branch I usually go to is just a few buildings east of the famous clock tower in the city center.

It has a variety of nice blends, and the coffee tends to be more aromatic and complex, so I personally have a lot of fun trying out their coffee whenever I am in town!

 

  

3. RITARU COFFEE

If you are a strong dark roast coffee fan, then I really want you to try this coffee shop.

Every time I go there, I am amazed at how the coffee is roasted so strongly, but it's not burnt. It has this extended taste of strong roasting that you would rarely be able to experience.

I've sent most coffees I like from Sapporo to a few of my friends in Tokyo, and the dark roast lovers all tell me their favorite was RITARU.

Having been an dedicated Italian restaurant before RITARU opened, the cafe is really cozy and it really  enhances your coffee experience!

Personally, the coffee is too intense for me so I like taking out their latte!

It has a slight scent of rum and is definitely an uplifter of your day :)

  

4. Bonus!! Alchemist Coffee

If you are looking for a good coffee bean to drink at home, I think Alchemist is your best bet.

Founded just recently at the end of 2019, Alchemist Coffee is a coffee bean shop up on a hill in the gourmet district of Maruyama.

How I got to know the shop was through a restaurant chef. The restaurants he manages use the coffee from Alchemist themselves.

If you are a big fan of coffee, I strongly recommend going to this shop out of anyplace else.

It is a beans-only store and not a cafe, but they do drip three different coffees for you to taste before you choose which ones to buy.

I love their idea of letting customers sample their coffee together with the staff so we can do flavor comparisons in-store with professionals.

The conversation with the staff is something really special for coffee enthusiasts...

For international travelers language barrier is always an issue in Japan but the barista Andy is there to help non Japanese speakers!

The owner Kawahara-san, happily told me that they will also be distributing their coffee to Kumo Restaurant in Skye Niseko!

His passion and drive towards his coffee are so inspiring! And it just makes my day visiting their shop every once in a while.

  

Hope it's helpful!

We hope the information saves you time to make sure to go to the right places for your trip to Sapporo!

If you have any information you are looking for, leave a comment below and we will answer it as soon as possible!!