Hokkaido milk is the name of the game at Seicomart, the exclusive convenience store chain you’ll find only on Japan’s northern island!
Say goodbye to 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson, because when in Hokkaido, Seicomart is where it’s at. Okay, you’ll still see the big 3 combinis even on the northern island of Japan, but Seicomart is the mysterious fourth member you didn’t know you needed!
Huge Selection Of Milk-Based Delicacies
The island of Hokkaido is known for its fresh milk produce that comes from “ideal farming conditions.” As such, it’s no surprise that Seicomart stores are packed with tons of goods with the label “Hokkaido milk,” as this is somewhat of a big deal for the Japanese.
Taste The Hokkaido Difference!
Before trying any of the snacks and desserts, I decided to go straight to the source and see what the big deal was with Hokkaido milk. From what I heard, it was said to have a creamier texture and a slight “vanilla” taste.
From the first sip, I could immediately attest to the creamier texture, especially given most Japanese milk brands are packed with artificial preservatives for a longer shelf-life.
As for the “vanilla” taste, I’m not too sure about that. Perhaps it’s merely a figure of speech that the Japanese use to describe fresh milk with no preservatives.
All-in-all, I’d say Hokkaido milk tastes closer to the milk we have back home in Australia. I may be off the mark with this one, but I have a preference for the artificial taste of Japan’s standard milk brands, which I think trumps both Hokkaido milk and Australian milk.
Soft Creamy Goodness!
The milk wasn’t a huge deal to me, but Seicomart’s creamy desserts were another matter. When it comes to making milk-based cake rolls, I will concede that fresh milk is the way to go!
With a smooth white texture that melts in your mouth and leaves a wonderful milky aftertaste, Seicomart is packed with desserts just like this giant creamy cake roll.
It’s not all in the cream, but the cake itself is super soft and sponge-like, with a density so low you’ll feel not so sick after gobbling down the whole thing.
Not only does Seicomart make the best cake rolls, but they’ve also got a huge selection of sweet breads, mochis, and milk puddings, all of which are made with a generous helping of Hokkaido milk.
Unique Soft Serve Flavors
Japanese convenience stores are notorious for their huge selection of ice cream varieties and flavors. You can typically find any flavor from your standard vanillas and chocolates to more “Japanese” flavors like green tea matcha and sweet red bean.
Seicomart takes flavor variety a step further, offering its own branded ice cream flavors with some of the most unique selections you’ll find all over Japan!
I opted for the “Hokkaido Cheese Soft” ice cream, which was essentially a soft serve that tasted mostly like milk, but with a slight cheese flavor reminiscent of a cheesecake.
Honestly, it was one of the tastiest ice creams I’ve ever had, especially coming from a convenience store! Other notable ice cream flavors included rock melon and Hokkaido condensed milk, both of which looked delectable!
“Hot Chef” Ready-To-Eat Meals
Seicomart is more than just a safe haven for those with a sweet tooth but also has its own spin on the dirt-cheap lunch packs available at all convenience stores in Japan.
Perhaps taking it a little more seriously, Seicomart offers a “Hot Chef” section where you not only have access to countless varieties of ready-to-eat meals, but they are also freshly made and piping hot!
No microwaving is needed with these delicious lunch packs, and don’t worry, they are still dirt cheap! This filling lunch pack consisting of fried fish, egg, rice, seaweed, and pickled vegetables cost me a measly 450 yen (less than 3.50 USD!).
So if you find yourself in Sapporo one day or anywhere on Japan’s northern island Hokkaido, be sure to check out your local Seicomart for a unique combini experience!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!