ROYCE' CACAO&CHOCOLATE TOWN

Imagine a place where the air is filled with the scent of fresh cocoa, and famous sweets are born continuously behind glass walls. ROYCE' CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN is a massive theme park and interactive museum created by the legendary brand Royce' in Japan. Located in the picturesque suburbs of Sapporo, this complex has become a true pilgrimage site for dessert lovers from all over the world.

Cacao & Chocolate Town. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Opened in 2023, the park offers guests an immersion into the "Farm to Bar" philosophy. Here, you don't just see factory lines; you also learn how cocoa beans are grown on the company's own farm in Colombia. The complex harmoniously combines high-tech production, educational exhibits, and relaxation areas, including a magnificent garden where about 140 varieties of roses bloom.

Visitors can expect several floors of fascinating discoveries: from simulated tropical plantations to modern workshops where you can watch the chocolate molding process. This is a unique space where the educational process turns into a vivid adventure, interesting for both children and adults wishing to peek behind the scenes of creating one of Japan's most famous treats.

For travel details or booking workshops, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that most information is provided in Japanese and English.

The main adventure begins in the paid zone, where you can take a virtual trip to the Royce' farm in Colombia. Here, visitors are invited to literally "touch" the process of growing cocoa through interactive exhibits and learn many amazing facts. For those who love machinery, there is a factory zone: through huge windows, you can watch automated lines turning chocolate mass into perfect bars.

Be sure to try your hand at being a chocolatier in a workshop. In just half an hour, you can create your own unique large chocolate bar, decorating it to your taste—it makes for a great personal souvenir. Additionally, mini-games are scattered throughout the complex, teaching the nuances of quality control and product packaging in an entertaining way.

After a busy walk, head to the huge shop on the first floor. It features exclusive Farm to Bar series that cannot be found elsewhere, as well as the freshest pastries. Don't miss the chance to try the famous croissants filled with raw chocolate or the creamy soft-serve ice cream at the cafe. In the summer season, a walk through the fragrant rose garden surrounding the building is a must-do.

Getting to this "sweet" spot from central Sapporo is easy. If you prefer driving, the trip will take about 40 minutes along the scenic roads of Hokkaido Prefecture. For visitors' convenience, a spacious free parking lot is provided on the premises.

The most convenient way for travelers is to use the railway. You need to take the JR Gakuen Toshi Line to Royce’ Town Station. The journey from the city's main station takes about half an hour. The station is located in a very picturesque spot among fields, so have your cameras ready!

From the station itself, you can walk to the entrance of "Cacao & Chocolate Town" in just 7 minutes. There is also a free shuttle bus for visitors that will take you right to the doors of the complex. If you prefer maximum comfort, a taxi from the city center will cost more but provide a direct trip without transfers.

The history of this amazing place is inextricably linked with the success of the Royce’ company, which was founded in Sapporo back in 1983. The brand became world-famous for its legendary "raw chocolate" (nama chocolate), and opening its own theme park was a logical step in the company's development, aiming to show the entire journey of creating the treat.

"Cacao & Chocolate Town" opened its doors to the first visitors in 2023. One of the project's main goals was to implement the Farm to Bar concept. This means the company controls the process from growing the beans on its own farm in Colombia to the final packaging of the finished bar. The park's interactive zones allow guests to literally transport themselves to another continent and see how cocoa grows.

Interestingly, a new railway station, Royce’ Town, was built and put into operation specifically for the park's opening. This event was significant not only for tourists but also for the infrastructure development of the entire Ishikari District. Today, the modern factory-museum building, surrounded by endless fields and a magnificent rose garden, is one of the region's most recognizable architectural landmarks.

Today, the complex is not just a factory, but an educational center and entertainment hub. Here, traditions of Japanese quality meet innovative production technologies, creating a unique space where every fact about chocolate is presented through play, aroma, and taste.

To leisurely explore all levels of the complex, allow at least 2–3 hours for your visit. This time is enough to walk through the interactive halls, peek into the production area through panoramic windows, and spend time in the brand store choosing souvenirs from hundreds of products.

If you plan to participate in a workshop to make your own chocolate bar, add about another 30–40 minutes to this time. You should also consider time for relaxing in the cafe and walking through the rose garden during the warmer months. For families with small children, the visit may stretch to half a day, as the play areas and mini-games are a real delight for the little ones.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that the complex is open daily. According to the official schedule, the main areas of "Cacao & Chocolate Town" are open to the public as follows:

Monday — Sunday: 10:00 – 15:00.

Please note that the last entry to the museum's paid zone is usually one hour before closing. The brand store on the first floor may stay open slightly longer; however, to fully experience all the installations and participate in workshops, it is best to arrive in the first half of the day. Occasionally, operating hours may change depending on the season, so it is recommended to check the official website before your trip.

A visit to "Cacao & Chocolate Town" can be perfectly combined with exploring other interesting places in the vicinity. The Hokkaido region is famous for its parks, recreation areas, and themed centers that will appeal to both families with children and those who enjoy quiet walks.

Exploring nearby locations will allow you to deeper feel the atmosphere of this part of the island and make your itinerary as rich and diverse as possible.