The small port city of Otaru (小樽) in Hokkaido is often described as a town frozen in time. With its preserved warehouses, nostalgic canals, and European-style architecture, Otaru offers a unique blend of Japanese charm and Western influence. Among its many attractions, one name consistently excites travelers: LeTAO (ルタオ). Famous nationwide for its melt-in-your-mouth cheesecakes, LeTAO has grown into a beloved confectionery brand, but its main store in Otaru remains the spiritual heart of the company.
Visiting the LeTAO Main Store is more than just a chance to taste sweets—it’s a cultural experience that blends history, craftsmanship, and the warm hospitality of Hokkaido.

The Story Behind LeTAO
LeTAO was established in 1998, relatively young compared to Otaru’s century-old shops. The name comes from the French phrase “La Tour Amitié Otaru”—“The Tower of Friendship in Otaru”—and its iconic clock tower symbolizes that European inspiration. From the start, the company aimed to create desserts that combined French pâtisserie techniques with the rich dairy products of Hokkaido.
The result was the now legendary Double Fromage Cheesecake. By layering a baked cheesecake base with a mousse-like unbaked mascarpone topping, LeTAO created a dessert that felt simultaneously light, creamy, and indulgent. It quickly became a bestseller, drawing food lovers from across Japan and beyond.
Today, LeTAO operates numerous stores, cafés, and specialty boutiques across Hokkaido and Japan, but the Main Store in Otaru’s Sakaimachi Street remains the flagship location and the must-visit destination for dessert enthusiasts.

The Atmosphere of the Main Store
Approaching the LeTAO Main Store, you are greeted by its European-style architecture, complete with a charming clock tower that stands out against the quaint streetscape. The design blends seamlessly into Otaru’s old merchant quarter, where Western-style buildings reflect the city’s history as a trading hub.
Inside, the first floor is a wonderland of sweets. Glass cases display cheesecakes, chocolates, cookies, and seasonal desserts, all beautifully presented. Friendly staff members often offer free samples of the Double Fromage, letting you taste the signature flavor before buying. The atmosphere is bright, welcoming, and filled with the irresistible aroma of butter and sugar.
On the second floor, you’ll find the tea room café. With large windows overlooking Otaru’s Sakaimachi Street, it’s the perfect place to slow down. The café menu features cakes served by the slice, parfaits, and seasonal desserts, paired with carefully brewed tea or coffee. Sitting here, savoring a cheesecake while watching the town bustle below, feels like a small luxury in the middle of a sightseeing day.


Signature Treats You Can’t Miss
- Double Fromage Cheesecake
The crown jewel of LeTAO. The baked cheesecake base is rich yet delicate, while the unbaked mascarpone topping adds a smooth, airy finish. Many visitors say it “melts like snow” on the tongue. - Royale Montagne Chocolates
Pyramid-shaped chocolates with a velvety texture that release a deep cocoa flavor. They make excellent souvenirs due to their elegant packaging. - Seasonal Limited Cakes
Depending on when you visit, you might find special variations—strawberry in spring, matcha in early summer, or Hokkaido melon in late summer. These limited editions are highly sought after. - Parfaits and Specialty Sweets
At the café, don’t miss the parfaits layered with fruit, cream, and cheesecake bites. They are as beautiful as they are delicious.
During my visit, I began with the Double Fromage. Its texture was unlike any cheesecake I had ever tried—so light that it almost disappeared in my mouth, yet with a lingering richness that made me want another bite. I also tried a seasonal chocolate mousse cake that balanced sweetness and bitterness perfectly, reminding me of why LeTAO is considered a pioneer in modern Japanese pâtisserie.

Beyond the Main Store: The LeTAO “Sweet Tour”
One of the delights of Otaru is that LeTAO has multiple shops within walking distance of the main store, each offering a unique theme. You can easily spend half a day exploring them:
- LeTAO Pathos: A larger store with a café offering a full menu of sweets and savory items.
- Le Chocolat: A boutique specializing in luxurious chocolate creations, from truffles to bars.
- Fromage Danish Dani LeTAO: Known for its warm, freshly baked cheese danishes, best enjoyed straight from the oven.
- LeTAO Plus: A shop focusing on creative takes on their classic cheesecake, including ice cream variations.
Together, these shops form what many visitors call the LeTAO Sweet Tour, allowing you to taste different sides of the brand while strolling through Otaru’s picturesque streets.

Tips for Visitors
- Go Early: Tour groups often crowd the shop in the afternoon. Morning visits are quieter and give you more time to enjoy samples.
- Souvenir Care: If you buy cheesecakes to take home, LeTAO provides ice packs and insulated bags. Cakes can usually be carried for 5–6 hours without issue.
- Try the Café: Don’t just shop—sit upstairs and experience the atmosphere.
- Check Seasonal Menus: Limited items are often only available for a few weeks, so ask staff what’s new.
- Combine with Sightseeing: The store is close to Otaru Canal, the Music Box Museum, and glass workshops, making it easy to plan a full day.

Why the LeTAO Main Store Is Special
While you can buy LeTAO products in many places, the main store carries a unique charm. It’s not just about the cheesecake; it’s about the sense of place. The clock tower, the welcoming staff, the chance to sit in the café overlooking Otaru—all of these details make the visit memorable. Eating Double Fromage in the very spot where the brand was born feels authentic and personal, like tasting history in dessert form.

Key Information
- Name: LeTAO Main Store (小樽洋菓子舗ルタオ本店)
- Address: 7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan
- Phone: +81120314521
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (café closes ~5:30 PM; hours vary by season)
- Nearest Station: Otaru Station (JR Hakodate Line), ~20 minutes on foot or 7 minutes by bus/taxi
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