Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's islands and a popular tourist location with both locals and overseas visitors, enjoyed for its winter sports like skiing, hot springs and more. It is also enjoyed for its cool climate, being the coldest region in Japan. It's home to many tourist spots and seafood restaurants, but today we're covering its countless cute cafes.   Kei, a Japanese Instagrammer, posts his visits to the many cafes of Sapporo―the capital of Hokkaido―on his Instagram page（ 607keih）. Today he will introduce us to 6 must-visit cafes in Hokkaido with the cutest pancakes.    

Fafi Tamago no Pancake g-plus (Susukino, Sapporo)

This popular little cafe in the district of Susukino showcases its assortment of pancakes in a glass display. The cafe now sells affordable pancake and purin sets. I ordered the "Fruits and Milky & Chocolate Purin" set (¥980). The fluffy pancake is made with Fafi's famous eggs which have a rich flavour and big yolks. The milky cream is sweet and silky smooth. Inside the pancake is delicious pineapple and strawberries which add a deliciously fruity accent.   Their pancakes are noticeably smaller at g-plus but since it comes with a purin in the set you're sure to be nice and full after. The set is perfect to share too.   ▼Fafi Tamago no Pancake g-plus (Japanese: ファフィたまごのパンケーキ g-plus) Address: 9-1019 Minami 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Business Hours: 11:30-19:00 (Last Orders 18:00) Closed: Thursdays & Fridays Official Website: https://g-plus.owst.jp/    

Café ZIKKA (Kiyota, Sapporo)

Café ZIKKA serves a variety of pastries and desserts. Their elusive strawberry pancakes are a limited-time-only offer. These fat and fluffy pancakes have a distinctly different taste to other places. Heaping with strawberries, the fruit and pancakes marry in the most sumptuous of flavours when eaten with the yogurt ice cream centre. The strawberries also come in a variety of forms including whole, compote and sauce, making for a variety of succulent textures. The fresh cream isn't overly-sweet making for a lighter pancake. It's also topped with crushed almond for added texture. The size of the pancakes aren't huge but since it's served with two and many toppings you'll absolutely be satisfied afterwards.   ▼Café ZIKKA Address: 11-12 Hiraokakoenhigashi, Kiyota Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Business Hours: 11:00-20:00 (10:00-19:00 in January and February) Closed: Wednesdays (Open on national holidays) Official Website: http://yoshidacoffee.com/index.html    

Kaze o Kanjite (Motomachi, Sapporo)

This cafe is just a 5-minute walk from Motomachi Station via the Tōhō Line. Simply exit from Exit 1 of the station, make a right and you'll arrive right there.   This cafe's aim is to bring it lots of students to eat their pancakes which are both cheap and delicious. I ordered the berry sauce pancakes. The cafe's homemade strawberry jam contains pieces of fresh strawberry which alone already make the pancakes tantalising enough. They are served with a side of fresh fruits like extra strawberries as well as orange slices. The pancakes served here are so good that I personally count them as the best in Sapporo. That, and the prices are amazing for the huge portions you get. I want more people to get to know about this place, and not just students.   ▼Kaze o Kanjite (Japanese: 風をかんじて) Address: Kita House 1F, 17-2-3 Kita 24 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Business Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:00) Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays Website: https://tabelog.com/hokkaido/A0101/A010202/1058705/    

ROJIURA CAFÉ (Susukino, Sapporo)

ROJIURA CAFÉ is another cafe located in Susukino round on the backstreet of Round One. They serve pancakes and parfaits right into the early hours of the morning.   Their caramel sauce has salt in it to add a mouthwatering salty flavour that draws out the sweetness of the fresh cream. The nuts only add to this delectable delight of a pancake. Fine and fluffy pancakes fit for the gods. Whether it's a dessert like pancakes or parfaits or even meals, ROJIURA CAFÉ's doors are open to  you from the evening until the deepest hours of the night.   ▼ROJIURA CAFÉ Address: TAKARA6.3, 3 Chome Minami 6 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Business Hours: [Mon-Thurs] 18:00-03:00 (Last Orders 02:00) [Fri-Sat] 18:00-04:00 (Last Orders 03:00) [Sun & Holidays] 18:00-01:00 (Last Orders 00:00) No Fixed Holidays Official Website: http://sapporo-rojiuracafe.com/    

OJ Coffee (Kotoni, Sapporo)

You'll find OJ Coffee just a few minutes' walk from Kotoni Station in Nishi Ward, Sapporo. This cafe serves exquisite coffees and boasts an abundant menu consisting of soba noodles, curries, steaks and more. They also serve pancakes so I decided to give them a go. Fluffy, moist and glorious. The pancake is topped with custard and served with a side of fresh cream, both of which aren't overly sweet and go perfectly with the sweet beaten eggs of the pancakes. Decorated the outside of the plate is an assortment of fruits, maple syrup and other tempting treats for a variety of flavours. The coffee flavoured soft serve ice cream is a great palate cleanser too. The ice cream doesn't have the bitterness that comes with coffee but it's very coffee flavoured. It's close to Kotoni Station so if you're strolling around Nishi Ward looking for a cafe I highly recommend visiting here.   ▼OJ Coffee Address: D Planning Bldg. 1F, Kotoni 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo Business Hours: 7:30~22:00 (Last Orders 21:30) No Fixed Holidays Official Website: https://www.oj-coffee.com/    

Café Blue (Ishiyama-dori, Sapporo)

Café Blue, built up from a renovated old house, is currently selling a new lemon and yogurt pancake for a limited time.   Their pancakes never fail to be anything less than fluffy. The generously drizzled yogurt sauce is fairly refreshing and sweet while still retaining that yummy yogurt flavour. The lemon curd sauce, too, is refreshing and combines well with the pancakes as lemon always does. The lemon also has honey in it making for a satisfyingly sweet and sour combination. The ice cream on top is salt flavoured which bring out all the sweet flavours of the dessert. The crunchy almonds are nice and nutty and bring a great texture to the soft and sticky combinations. When I eat pancakes this is the  kind of thing I'm looking for!   The sauce was refreshing and the pancake overall was delicious and very easy to get down. The yogurt sauce really is amazing!   ▼Café Blue Address: 16-9-12 Minami 19 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Business Hours: 9:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:00) No Fixed Holidays Website: https://tabelog.com/hokkaido/A0101/A010104/1036972/     Did you enjoy Kei's picks? Be sure to check out their Instagram page for more recommended desserts and foods to try in Sapporo. There's a wealth of choices on there that will make for great reference when travelling to Hokkaido.   Photo & Text: Kei (@607keih)Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

TrustYou is a campaign aimed at encouraging tourism in Hokkaido. They have released accommodation rankings 2016-2018 to reveal which are the most highly rated hotels, resorts and lodgings based on word of mouth, and which places cater most for international guests. TrustYou's stats also include the best picks for foreigners!

1st place (general) : Noboribetsu Onsen Kyo Takinoya

In 1st place is Noboribetsu Onsen Kyo Takinoya. It has a history of 102 years in the business and was founded in the 6th year of the Taisho era of Japan. Due to a large scale renovation that took place in 2008, the 61 room hotel was converted into 30 room hotel which stayed true to its traditional Japanese style whilst holding a slightly modern touch. They have many large hot springs so it is often called the  “Onsen Depart” (because it is full of variety ー like an onsen department store). Here there are four varieties of natural baths from sulphur baths to radium baths. As well as indoor baths, there are also baths on the rooftop which are surrounded by a forest view and gardens. Website: http://www.takinoya.co.jp/

2nd place (general): Pension Jokura

In 2nd place comes Pension Jokura. The building was once the main office of a northern wealthy merchant from the Edo period called Takadaya Kahei. The old wood from the warehouse was used to build a six-room boarding house.   “44 years ago, I stayed in a boarding house in Central America to pursue my career. I was there for a few weeks which then led to my dream of owning and managing my own boarding house. After many years, I have finally made my dream come true!” said owner Sato-san, who manages the property with their partner. The best part about this place is the at-home atmosphere that you can only get in such a small boarding house like this. From word of mouth of the guests, it is clear that the owners are “very kind and friendly” and “their hospitality is absolutely wonderful”. They can even speak English. This level of hospitality has made them extremely loved by their guests.   Website: https://hakodate-kankou.com/stay/2099/   In 5th and 10th place come Shikotsu Lake tsuruga resort spa Mizunouta and Extract of Niseko Konbuonsen Tsuruga villa heather. These lodgings are run by the Tsuruga group, which manages 13 hot spring lodgings in Hokkaido.

 Shikotsu Lake Tsuruga resort spa Mizunouta

Shikotsu Lake Tsuruga resort spa Mizunouta is a resort hotel which holds the concept of physical beauty and healing. From plentiful rest, food, walks, aesthetics and fitness to hot spring baths, this hotel covers all areas of health and well-being. The resort is located in Shikotsu-Tōya National Park and it is here that you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Shikotsu. There are a variety of exercise machines in the gym and approximately 20 types of pillows in the pillow gallery for guests. You can also pay a visit to the aqua bar which serves a variety of mineral waters sourced from within and outside of Japan. This truly is a unique hotel that provides more than enough for its guests. Website: https://www.mizunouta.com/   After looking at the highly rated lodgings based on the language support they offer, you can see a clear distinction in the hotel locations and the other features that they offer. 3 of the top 5 English lodgings are located in Abuta District, Niseko. Each of these is suitable for long stay trips so it is clear that these places are popular amongst western tourists who stay for longer periods of time.  For Chinese speakers, there are two resorts that are managed by a Chinese company. The Hoshino Resorts Tomamu The Tower and Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu ranked highly for foreign language support. These large-scale resorts are useful for making large group bookings which adds to its high popularity.   TrustYou will help you find accommodation in Hokkaido so that you can be completely satisfied with your trip! For more information on the rankings, please check out the individual official lodging websites.  

Sapporo has no shortage of delicious food, and when it comes to breakfast, you're in for a treat.   Here are 5 places we recommend eating at in the morning offering a Hokkaido/Sapporo breakfast experience you won't get anywhere else.  

View this post on Instagram

a_mさん(@a_3_m_1_n_0_o_4_s)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 7月月31日午後10時43分PDT

Cafe de Nord Cafe de Nord is located on floor B1F of the Hokkaido Building which is directly connected to exit 6 in the underground walkway of Sapporo Station. It is also known for managing coffee roasting cafe Infinity Coffee. Going to CAFE de NORD means you can enjoy a luxurious time drinking coffee from one of their special cups while listening to some jazz. Their delicious breakfast menu includes toast with jam, cheese toast and more all of which can be enjoyed together with your favourite choice of coffee.    

View this post on Instagram

mnicoriさん(@m.nicori)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 6月月7日午前8時04分PDT

Saera This coffee and sandwich shop is located on floor B3F below the underground shopping centre of Odori Station on the Toho Line side. The great thing about this place is their long menu and the ability to create your own sandwich to your liking. Popular menu items include the Red King Crab Sandwich, Fruit Sandwich and Fried Shrimp Sandwich. Whatever you order you can rest assured your sandwich will be filled to the brim.    

View this post on Instagram

Ayu（nailsalon LaLaLu）さん(@ayu3k)がシェアした投稿 - 2015年12月月10日午後11時39分PST

Peche Grand Peche Grand is a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station on the first floor of Akarenga Terrace facing the Hokkaido Government Office. It's inspired by cafes in Paris and was opened by Peche Mignon, a French sweet shop in Hakodate. Their breakfast menu at first was served as is, but now you can get all the French toast you like. With that you'll also get eggs, salads, drinks, and if you're they're known to sometimes bring cake too. When the weather's nice you can enjoy eating in the open terrace like a real Parisienne.    

View this post on Instagram

Yasu Tさん(@yasu360foods)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 4月月2日午後5時28分PDT

Arinko Arinko is located in Satsueki Eat next to the east ticket gates at Sapporo Station on the JR side. They first opened in 1980 and make hand-made onigiri rice balls. If you're going there for the first time we recommend trying their most popular choice which is cheese katsuo (cheese bonito) together with pork miso soup, a delicious combination of vegetables grown in Hokkaido and pork. It's sure to fill you up. They also allow takeout so you can stuff your cheeks while strolling around the local sites like Hokkaido University and Odori Park. The onigiri are also made right in front of you which is exciting to watch.    

View this post on Instagram

AllDayDining Northern Kitchenさん(@northernkitchen)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 2月月10日午後4時07分PST

Northern Kitchen All Day Dining This place is a 13-minute walk from Sapporo Station and is designed under the concept of 'top quality Hokkaido breakfast.' They serve a buffet style breakfast with each and every item prepared to the utmost perfection. You'll be spoilt for choice at the huge selection. The inside of this eatery is also spacious and welcomes a refreshing morning meaning you can spend a calm and relaxed early start to your day.       Sapporo is the gourmet city of Hokkaido, so if you're Japan trip is taking you around the north, be sure you get a great breakfast to start your day.