JR Sapporo Station is the gateway to Sapporo, where many different people come and go, from locals to tourists and business travelers. If you head north from the bustling center lined with tall buildings, you will come across a place of learning surrounded by abundant nature, so much so that you will forget you are in a city.

Hokkaido University is one of the national universities that is widely known for the famous quote "Boys, be ambitious" left by Dr. Clark, the first vice principal of its predecessor, Sapporo Agricultural College. There are plenty of things to see on the campus that you'll want to stop by during your trip, such as the beautiful ginkgo and poplar tree-lined streets that are perfect for taking photos, and the Hokkaido University Museum that exudes a sense of history.

It is a place of relaxation for many local residents and tourists who come to enjoy the seasonal scenery woven by nature, as well as to enjoy walks, running, and other activities.

A base for communicating the value of "Hokkaido University Milk"

As you walk through the main gate of Hokkaido University, you will notice a tranquil brick building surrounded by trees and a pond on your right.

Opened in 2017, "Hokkaido University Marche Café & Labo" is a restaurant and cafe attached to the Marche where you can taste fresh "Hokkaido University Milk" milked from cows raised on the campus farm, as well as cheese and ice cream processed in the store's workshop. It is operated by the Hokkaido Rural Research Institute Co., Ltd.

The history of the cows at Hokkaido University Milk, which can be said to be the symbol of the store, is long, dating back to when Dr. Clark opened the Sapporo Agricultural College. "So that 'grass-fed cows' becomes the norm," respecting the natural way of life of cows. We spoke to the store, which continues to practice such dairy farming practices, about its passion and commitment to milk.

One of the reasons for starting the store was the issues that became apparent when the Rural Research Institute was working on a cattle-raising project with students from Hokkaido University.

"Because it was only part of our research, it wasn't distributed on the market as 'Hokkaido University Milk' and ended up being discarded. But because it is a precious milk that is grown in a natural way, there was a desire to make it available to the general public," explains Ayame Yamamoto, the current store manager.

Yamamoto-san had worked as a restaurant manager in Honshu for around 10 years, and had been longing to return to his hometown of Hokkaido. That's when he was fortunate enough to become involved with Hokkaido University Marche Café & Labo.

"Because of its location, we have a lot of tourists and foreign visitors, which is refreshing," he says, and as he speaks, a smile and brisk response from the overseas customers nearby brings a smile to my face.

Practicing "grass-fed cattle"

At this historic farm, the cows are raised in a low-stress environment, where they can move about freely, using a form of "free-range" farming system.

"Generally, dairy cows are fed grains, but the cows at Hokkaido University Farm are all raised on grass. In the summer, they are fed fresh, juicy grass, and in the winter, they are fed dried grass and fermented corn. It's rare to have cows that are raised on grass without relying on imported grains."

"Cows are animals that naturally live by eating grass." That is why we value the workings and cycles of nature, even if it is an inefficient method. Our underlying belief in valuing "what is natural and should continue to be the norm" remains unwavering.

Natural flavors that change with the seasons

The milk delivered from Hokkaido University Farm is pasteurized at low temperatures in the store's on-site workshop before being processed into mozzarella cheese, ice cream, gelato, and more.

The reason we choose low-temperature pasteurization is to "preserve the flavor as much as possible." Since it is non-homogenized milk, you can enjoy a flavor closer to that of natural raw milk.

The food the cows eat varies depending on the season, with lighter flavors in summer and richer flavors in winter. The fact that the flavor changes slightly with the changing seasons and the day is part of the appeal of this meat, which comes from our pursuit of the natural deliciousness of the meat.

Dishes sprinkled with "Hokkaido University Milk"

Hokkaido University Marche Café & Labo is a popular stop for students, locals, and even people who are traveling. Among the dishes that use mozzarella cheese, Yamamoto's recommendation is the lunch menu exclusive "Hokkaido University Milk Mozzarella Cheese Hamburger."

Since opening, the restaurant has been committed to bringing out the natural flavor of the cheese without adding salt, and the set includes a piping hot juicy hamburger steak topped with mozzarella cheese, as well as minestrone soup made with nutritious "drinkable IV whey," a product of the cheese manufacturing process.

The lunch menu also comes with a small serving of milk, which is a nice bonus. Enjoy the fresh encounter with the "unique taste of the day" and think about the natural blessings nurtured in the northern land. Such moments will make your mealtimes on your trip richer and more delicious.

Enjoy the nature that is unique to this location

"Basically, we try to use ingredients from Hokkaido as much as possible in our menu. The blueberries and haskap used in our popular gelato, and the raspberries in our cup ice cream are actually grown on Hokkaido University's farm in Yoichi," says Yamamoto.

"I think it's rare to find a restaurant in the central area close to Sapporo Station where you can feel so close to nature, so I hope you enjoy that aspect of it."

Stepping out of the bustling city atmosphere, you are greeted by a vast forest of nature. "We want to deliver what is natural." When you experience the unique space and cuisine of this place, which is filled with such a desire, you will surely feel excited and want to return.

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北大マルシェCafé & Labo
住所：北海道札幌市北区北9条西5丁目  北海道大学 百年記念会館1階
電話番号：011-706-3213
アクセス：JR「札幌駅」より徒歩10分程度 
HP：https://marche-cafelabo.com/
SNS： https://www.instagram.com/hokudaimarche/
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