If you’re the kind of traveler who plans a trip around pastries, sweets, and local bakeries, you probably already know that Hokkaido is dangerous territory.

The milk is rich, the butter is everywhere, and Sapporo has no shortage of desserts worth bringing home.

But there’s a newer name you should know:

BLUE POND.

I stopped by the BLUE POND shop inside Daimaru Sapporo during my recent trip, and I wasn’t expecting to see much of a queue.

I was wrong.

By the time opening approached, people were already lining up.

And that’s when I realized:

BLUE POND may be becoming Sapporo’s next must-buy sweet.

What Is BLUE POND?

BLUE POND is a Hokkaido sweets brand built around three things:

Milk. Butter. Caramel.

Its signature treat is the Caramel Crispy, combining Hokkaido milk caramel, white chocolate, and a buttery crispy coating.

The texture is what makes it fun.

You get a little crunch first, followed by creamy chocolate and caramel.

It’s the kind of souvenir where one piece makes you think:

“Okay, I’ll have just one more.”

If you have a serious sweet tooth, you’ve been warned.

Is BLUE POND Worth the Queue?

This was the biggest surprise for me.

When I visited, SNOW CHEESE still had the longer line, with roughly 60 people waiting before opening.

BLUE POND had around 30.

Those aren’t official numbers, just what I observed that morning.

But the interesting part was watching the line grow as opening time approached.

So if you’re thinking about arriving at 10 a.m. and casually picking up a box, I’d reconsider.

For English-speaking travelers, this is less about an “open run” and more about getting there before opening, beating the crowds, and joining the early-morning queue.

What Should You Buy?

The safest choice is the classic Caramel Crispy.

When I visited, the prices were:

4 pieces — ¥1,080

6 pieces — ¥1,620

10 pieces — ¥2,700

For yourself, I’d go with the 4-piece box.

For family, friends, or coworkers, the 6- or 10-piece boxes make more sense.

There are also Strawberry Caramel Crispy options and mixed caramel-and-strawberry sets.

And if you’re a serious dessert person, look for the Caramel Fromage.

It’s a refrigerated dessert rather than a shelf-stable souvenir, so you’ll need to think about storage and your travel schedule.

My Sapporo Dessert-Hunting Strategy

If you’re determined to get both SNOW CHEESE and BLUE POND, I’d arrive early.

When I visited, getting there around 8:30 a.m. gave me time to see how both queues were developing.

If you’re traveling with someone, splitting up can also make sense:

One person waits for SNOW CHEESE.
One person waits for BLUE POND.

Of course, queue systems and purchase limits can change, so check the rules when you arrive.

And don’t assume that opening the department store means you can immediately walk straight to the BLUE POND counter.

When I visited, staff organized customers into small groups and guided them to the shop.

Just follow the staff instructions.

Is BLUE POND Good for Souvenirs?

Absolutely.

This is actually where I think BLUE POND has an advantage.

It’s compact, beautifully packaged, and built around ingredients that feel very Hokkaido:

milk, butter, and caramel.

If you’re looking for something beyond the usual Japanese souvenir cookies, this feels a little more special.

And if you’re the person in your family who always comes home with an extra suitcase full of snacks, you already know the appeal.

BLUE POND Sapporo Quick Guide

Best first purchase:
Caramel Crispy

Price:
From ¥1,080

Best for:
Pastry lovers, dessert lovers, Japanese sweets hunters

Best strategy:
Arrive before opening

Location:
Daimaru Sapporo B1F

Also nearby:
SNOW CHEESE

Eligible international visitors can also use Daimaru Sapporo’s tax-free shopping service, subject to the current rules.

Sales times, stock, and purchase limits can change, so check the latest information before visiting.

Final Verdict

Is BLUE POND worth waking up early for?

If you’re not particularly interested in sweets, probably not.

But if you’re the kind of person who walks into a bakery “just to look” and somehow walks out with three boxes…

Yes.

BLUE POND is exactly the kind of Japanese souvenir you’ll want to try.

It’s not quite at the SNOW CHEESE level of Sapporo hype yet, but the growing queue suggests that may not last forever.

So if you’re visiting Sapporo soon, this might be a good time to try it before everyone else discovers it.

Because the best Japanese souvenirs aren’t always the ones everyone already knows.

Sometimes they’re the ones you discover while standing in line before breakfast.

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• 🇰🇷 한국어판 → 삿포로 다이마루 BLUE POND 블루폰드 오픈런 후기, 스노우치즈와 대기줄 비교부터 구매제한까지
• ✈️ From the same Sapporo trip → Sapporo Susukino Yakiniku Guide: Specialty Beef Cuts & Gyutan at Shintan (炭火焼肉 胤舌) · 6 Sapporo Food Spots I Personally Tried — What to Eat Between Sightseeing Stops