What makes "Hakodate Milk," a must-try when you visit Hakodate, so appealing?

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: Last updated: September 10, 2018

Table of contents

1. What is Hakodate Milk?

2. Products that can be purchased at supermarkets and other stores in the city.

3. Souvenirs are also popular!

4. Enjoy ice cream and a factory tour.

Final thoughts

Hokkaido boasts a vast and magnificent landscape. If you were asked what comes to mind when you think of Hokkaido's scenery, some people might answer with images of many cows grazing in wide pastures.

Indeed, Hokkaido has many pastures, and in some places there are more cows than people. As a result, Hokkaido is home to many delicious milk and dairy products!

This time, we'll introduce "Hakodate Milk," an essential milk for the people of Hakodate, from among all the delicious milks available.

<Table of Contents>
1. What is Hakodate Milk?
2. Products that can be purchased at supermarkets and other stores in the city.
3. Souvenirs are also popular!
4. Enjoy ice cream and a factory tour.
Final thoughts

1. What is Hakodate Milk?

First, let me explain what Hakodate Milk is.

Founded in 1973 by a group of dairy farmers, this dairy product manufacturer is officially called Hakodate Dairy Corporation, but is affectionately known locally as "Hakodate Milk."

Currently, we use only milk collected from 38 contracted farmers in the Oshima region, including Hakodate, Nanae, Mori, and Yakumo, to produce not only milk but also dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.

Hakodate Milk products are now readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Hakodate, but in its early days, the company struggled to expand its sales channels. That's when they came up with the idea of mobile sales vehicles.

This mobile sales vehicle carries not only Hakodate Milk products, but also everyday necessities such as bread and other food items, and even household goods, earning it the nickname "a convenience store on wheels."

Mobile food trucks that come close to people's homes are popular not only in areas with few stores, but also in urban areas, especially among the elderly who find it difficult to go shopping.

Moreover, this mobile sales vehicle was apparently the first of its kind in Japan to use a vehicle for direct sales from a mobile sales outlet.

2. Products that can be purchased at supermarkets and other stores in the city.

For people from Hakodate, this package is a familiar sight. You can see it on the shelves of supermarkets and convenience stores almost every day, and many people keep it stocked in their refrigerators at home.

Hakodate Milk is made using only milk from cows that have been raised on healthy pasture grown in healthy land. Because of this, it's not sold at a low price, but that's precisely why it has so many loyal fans who trust it.

This is milk sold in traditional milk bottles. Like the milk above, it uses 100% raw milk and has a non-fat milk solids content of 8.4% or more, but it's popular because it's pasteurized slowly at a low temperature of 65°C, allowing you to enjoy its natural flavor.

The fact that they use glass bottles shows that it's eco-friendly and kind not only to people but also to nature.

This yogurt is made with milk collected from contracted dairy farmers, just like our regular milk, and to which we add probiotic lactic acid bacteria, famous for reaching the intestines alive. Moreover, it's made using a simple method that only uses milk and lactic acid bacteria, so you can eat it with peace of mind.

It's not too sour, so it's delicious even without adding sugar.

3. Souvenirs are also popular!

Souvenir shops in Hakodate sell not only the standard items mentioned above, but also many other products suitable as souvenirs. Among them, the rusks and shortbread shown in the image are popular as souvenirs for colleagues and friends because they have a long shelf life.

For those looking for a nostalgic souvenir, Hakodate Milk Butter Rain is highly recommended.

If you're looking for a souvenir for your family or yourself, I recommend Maribo cheese, which is handmade by artisans, although it doesn't keep well and requires refrigeration.

4. Enjoy ice cream and a factory tour.

Hakodate Milk's headquarters and factory are located on a small hill overlooking the Tsugaru Strait. Seeing the lush green environment, you can begin to understand the feelings of the cows that provide raw milk to Hakodate Milk.

Adjacent to the head office and factory is a shop called Ice 118, a popular spot among locals where you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream and regular ice cream made with Hakodate milk. The rich flavor is a result of their meticulous attention to the pasture and feed used by their cows.

The shop has a relaxing space where you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream and other treats, and in addition to dairy products that make perfect souvenirs, they also have cute cow-themed goods. They also have warm dishes like croquettes and gratin, so be sure to try them if you visit during the colder months.

At Ice 118, you can not only enjoy eating in and shopping, but also take a factory tour. You can learn how raw milk collected from contracted dairy farmers is transformed into products. You can also have unique experiences such as feeding grass to the cows.

When you visit Hakodate, be sure to stop by Hakodate Milk!

<Hakodate Dairy Corporation (Ice Cream 118)>
Address: 118 Nakano-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
TEL：0138-58-4460
営業時間： 4月～6月・9月～10月9：00～17：00、7月～8月9：00～18：00、11月～3月10：00～16：00
Closed days: Open every day from April to October, closed on Wednesdays from November to March.
Official website:http://www.e-milk.co.jp/ice118/

Final thoughts

We introduced the history of Hakodate Milk, its representative products, souvenirs, and Ice 118 located next to its headquarters. In addition to what we've discussed, Hakodate Milk produces milk and dairy products with a variety of other commitments.

When you visit Hakodate, be sure to try the delicious taste of Hakodate milk!

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