LeTAO Main Store

The LeTAO Main Store (ルタオ本店) is a true gem for those with a sweet tooth, located in the charming city of Otaru on Hokkaido island, Japan. This flagship store of the famous LeTAO brand specializes in creating exquisite desserts and confectionery with French charm. The store building itself, designed as a prominent tower, has become one of the city's recognizable symbols and a popular attraction for tourists.

LeTAO confectionery is famous for its consistently high product quality. The store's signature item and an absolute hit among visitors is the legendary "Double Fromage" cheesecake (ドゥーブルフロマージュ). This delicate dessert, which can only be tasted in Hokkaido, wins you over from the first bite and leaves an unforgettable impression.

In addition to the main sales floor on the first floor where you can buy various sweets, the LeTAO Main Store building also houses a cozy cafe on the second floor. Here, guests can enjoy fresh desserts in a pleasant setting. For those who want to admire panoramic views, an observation deck is located on the top floor of the tower, offering magnificent views of Otaru, the sea, and the surrounding mountains.

To get the most up-to-date information about LeTAO Main Store's operations, visiting hours, or to ask any questions, you can contact the store representatives directly or visit their official website. Below are the available contact details:

At the LeTAO Main Store, your journey into the world of sweets begins on the first floor. Here you will find a spacious sales floor featuring a wide variety of confectionery. You can purchase the famous cheesecakes, various cookies, chocolates, and other signature LeTAO treats known for their unsurpassed quality and exquisite taste. There is also a convenient take-out area to extend your enjoyment.

Going up to the second floor, you'll find yourself in a cozy cafe—a perfect place to relax and sample the freshest desserts. This is where you'll have the chance to enjoy an exclusive Hokkaido dessert—the delicate "Double Fromage", which is LeTAO's signature creation. Additionally, the cafe offers special sweet sets and unique tea varieties that can only be found at this flagship store, making the visit even more special.

Be sure to complete your visit by heading up to the observation deck on the very top floor of the store's tower. On a clear day, you'll be treated to a truly magnificent panoramic view: you can admire the nostalgic cityscapes of Otaru, the vast sea, and the picturesque surrounding mountains. This is a wonderful opportunity to take unforgettable photos and enjoy the beauty of the city from a bird's-eye view.

Getting to the LeTAO Main Store in Otaru is quite simple thanks to its excellent location. The store is situated in the heart of the city's tourist area, right by the famous Marchen Intersection, making it easily accessible for most visitors.

If you prefer public transport, the closest station to the store is JR Minami-Otaru Station. From this station, you can walk to the LeTAO Main Store in about 10 minutes. It is a pleasant walk that allows you to immediately immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Otaru.

For those traveling by car, you should head toward the Otaru IC exit on the Sasson Expressway. From there, the drive to the store takes about 5 minutes. It is important to note that the LeTAO Main Store itself does not have its own parking lot. Therefore, if you are arriving by car, it is recommended to check the locations of nearby city parking lots in advance and use one of them.

As the store is located in the central tourist part of Otaru, it is also very convenient for tourists exploring the city's sights on foot. It is easy to find while strolling through the picturesque streets and enjoying the views.

The LeTAO Main Store opened its doors to visitors in June 1998, becoming the first and foundational store for the entire LeTAO brand. This is where the history of this famous confectionery company began. The store's building, designed as an elegant tower, was intentionally chosen for its location in the heart of Otaru's tourist area – at the picturesque Marchen Intersection, which translates to "Fairytale Intersection." The founders aimed for the store to become a true symbol of the city, beloved by both locals and numerous tourists.

Since its founding, LeTAO has quickly earned an impeccable reputation for high-quality confectionery inspired by French traditions. The store became more than just a place to buy desserts; it became one of Otaru's must-visit attractions. The high standard of products and service is confirmed by visitor reviews: on the popular travel portal TripAdvisor, the LeTAO Main Store has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 and holds an honorable 3rd place among more than five hundred restaurants in the city.

Thanks to its unique architectural appearance, superb desserts, and consistently high quality, the LeTAO Main Store has firmly established itself as an integral part of the cultural and gastronomic landscape of not only Otaru, but the entire island of Hokkaido. It has become a shining example of how confectionery art can turn into a true symbol of regional hospitality and appeal, delighting those with a sweet tooth from all over the world.

To fully enjoy your visit to the LeTAO Main Store, it is generally recommended to set aside about 1-2 hours. This is usually enough time to browse the extensive selection of confectionery on the first floor, choose your favorite treats, and then head up to the second floor to enjoy desserts in the cozy cafe.

Within this timeframe, it is also quite possible to visit the observation deck located on the top floor of the tower, which offers beautiful views of Otaru. However, please keep in mind that if your visit falls during peak hours or the height of the tourist season, waiting for a table in the cafe may require additional time due to potential queues.

Therefore, when planning your visit, aim for 1-2 hours for a standard tour and tasting, but be prepared to stay a bit longer if you want to spend more time in the cafe or if you arrive during a busy period.

The LeTAO Main Store is pleased to welcome visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The store is open year-round, seven days a week, allowing you to plan your visit at any convenient time. Here, you can always enjoy the atmosphere and purchase famous desserts.

Please note that the operating hours of the cafe located within the building may differ from the store's hours and can change depending on the season. Also, during busy times, the last call for orders might be moved earlier. Due to potential changes in the local situation, the store may operate on a reduced schedule or be temporarily closed. Therefore, to get the most current information about both the store and cafe hours, it is recommended to check the official LeTAO Main Store website or verify the details with local tourist sources immediately before your visit.

A visit to the LeTAO Main Store in Otaru is a delightful gastronomic adventure in itself. However, to make your trip even more fulfilling and memorable, we recommend exploring other interesting places nearby. The area surrounding the store is full of charming spots that can offer new experiences and a deeper connection to the atmosphere of this Japanese city.

Strolling through the nearby attractions will allow you not only to enjoy the beauty of Otaru but also to better understand its history and culture. Near the LeTAO Main Store, you will find both famous tourist sites and less obvious but equally interesting spots that are easily accessible on foot.