Is Shiroi Koibito Cookie Halal?

Have you ever dreamt of a chocolate wonderland? Well, Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク) in Sapporo, brings that fantasy to life! A chocolate lover's paradise for all ages, this whimsical theme park was developed by the same company that brought you the popular Shiroi Koibito cookies.

​While Hokkaido's famous Shiroi Koibito cookies might be tempting, keep in mind that finding halal sweets in Japan can be tricky.

Shiroi Koibito Park

A popular gift from Hokkaido is a European-style cookie known as Shiroi Koibito, which has been a beloved souvenir for visitors for over 40 years. It is made up of two thin butter cookies sandwiching a layer of creamy white chocolate, made by Ishiya, a local chocolate company. "Shiroi Koibito" translates to "White Lover," a fitting name for these cookies that capture the essence of Hokkaido's snowy landscapes.

Step into a beautiful world where British and Hokkaido cultures intertwine, with a charming Tudor house as the centerpiece, designed by a British architect. Through factory tours, see the magic of freshly made Shiroi Koibito cookies as you peek through giant windows. 

But the fun doesn't stop there! For a truly hands-on experience, participate in workshops and create your own chocolate masterpieces or craft your own Shiroi Koibito cookies, a perfect and personalized souvenir to take home. It's not all about production, though; the park boasts a delightful rose garden, restaurants, cafés, a museum, a mini railway with a mini locomotive, and, of course, a souvenir shop.

Shiroi Koibito Park is a popular tourist destination. Realizing that many of the visitors were also Muslim travelers, the Ishiya decided to set up a prayer room. It consists of a separate area with "Wudu" washing facilities for men and women.

Sadly, Shiroi Koibito has not yet made the decision (as of June 2024) to apply for Halal certification as the procedure is time-consuming and expensive, they claim. Also, Muslim visitors should be aware that neither the park nor the factory offer any halal or Muslim-friendly food or sweets. But, as someone once said, at Shiroi Koibito park, there is more to enjoy than just eating. Though, one can imagine, it is hard to focus on the rose garden when touring a chocolate factory.

Although halal Shiroi Koibito cookies aren't currently available, you can buy other halal treats online in the meantime. Those without halal restrictions can purchase Shiroi Koibito products and other souvenirs from Hokkaido on Rakuten Japan.

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Access By Train

From Odori Station, take the Subway Line to Miyanosawa Station (which takes about 16 minutes), from where the park can be reached in approximately a seven-minute walk.

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Related Links:

• Japan Halal Day Trips
• Japan Travel Info
• Useful Halal Info