Award-Winning Shimokawa Strawberry Debuts in Sapporo at Hotel's Second Jazz & Parfait Night on October 7

Published: September 8, 2026
Award-Winning Shimokawa Strawberry Debuts in Sapporo at Hotel's Second Jazz & Parfait Night on October 7

SAPPORO STREAM HOTEL (Chuo-ku, Sapporo; General Manager Takeshi Momose) is holding a one-night-only event on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at its 7th-floor venue "BAR & GRILL Splish": "STREAM Jazz & Parfait Night Vol. 2 – Shimokawa Berry Session," pairing a premium strawberry from Hokkaido's Shimokawa Town with live jazz.

This is the second installment of the event series, which sold out on its debut in June 2026. Continuing the hotel's "DEEP COMMUNITY" concept of forging deep ties with the local area, this time the spotlight falls on "Shimokawa Natsu-ichigo," a rare strawberry grown in Shimokawa, an SDGs Future City. Making its Sapporo debut and supplied exclusively to this hotel within the city, the gold award-winning strawberry is used generously in a limited parfait (30 servings) created by the hotel's in-house pastry chef, who also holds a strawberry sommelier certification, alongside a special live session from accomplished jazz musicians. In addition to the parfait, an hors d'oeuvre set is also available (20 servings), so both parfait-lovers and those who prefer a drink can share the same table and enjoy the live music together for an evening out.

Photos from the previous event

Sapporo Debut: A Gold Award-Winning Strawberry From Shimokawa Town

Located in northern Hokkaido, Shimokawa Town has been designated both an "Environmental Future City" and an "Environmental Model City" for its work toward sustainable community development. Grown amid a harsh yet rich natural environment with a seasonal temperature swing of up to 60 degrees Celsius, "Shimokawa Natsu-ichigo" is cultivated by Toda Corporation and won the gold award at the 2nd National Summer Strawberry Championship, held in 2026. It's an especially rare strawberry, supplied exclusively to this hotel within Sapporo. Grown with smart farming equipment, natural energy, and careful hand-picking through a program that partners agriculture with welfare services, each berry offers refined sweetness and abundant juice — a beautiful balance of sweetness and tartness that makes for a luxurious treat to brighten the evening.

Shimokawa Natsu-ichigo strawberries

A Limited Parfait Built Around Shimokawa's Strawberries

Every strawberry in the parfait is "Shimokawa Natsu-ichigo." The dessert is designed so that its character shifts with each spoonful — a carefully calculated "gradation of flavor" that unfolds like music.

Top: A Fragrant, Cooling Opening

Breaking through a delicate, fragrant tuile reveals a rich vanilla ice cream alongside a chilled, refreshing sherbet concentrated with strawberry flavor. The first spoonful is a luxurious meeting of textures and aromas.

Middle: A Rich, Textured Interlude

Moving into the glass's midsection, a rich, smooth pistachio cream highlights the strawberries' tartness, hiding a softly melting strawberry mousse inside. Plump blueberries, toasted nuts, and a crunchy crumble layer add rhythm and depth to the texture.

Finale: A Light, Citrus-Scented Close

Beneath a gently sweet crème chantilly lies a bright bergamot jelly and fresh diced strawberries at the base. The rich aftertaste is wrapped in a refreshing citrus aroma, making for a finish well suited to the evening hours or after a drink.

The Shimokawa Berry Session parfait

The pastry chef notes: "I aimed to create a sophisticated night parfait that lingers beautifully, much like the sound of jazz. From the coolness of the first bite to the textured middle layer and the refreshing finale, I wanted to express a layered harmony, just like music. I hope guests feel the dramatic transformation that suits a special night out."

Strawberry sommelier Tomohiro Nakase

A Non-Dessert Option: Drinks and Snacks to Enjoy Alongside the Jazz

For those who'd rather skip dessert but still want to enjoy the live music, or who prefer to spend the evening with a drink, the hotel has prepared an hors d'oeuvre plate gathering four dishes on one plate. Alongside the light acidity and umami of "Shimokawa strawberry and scallop tartare" and "orange-scented chicken tenderloin escabeche," the plate also features "ricotta cheese with semi-dried tomato and nuts" and "yuba wrapped in prosciutto with a mountain wasabi dip" for a variety of textures and a refreshing accent. It's a welcoming choice whether you're visiting the bar solo or coming as a pair with someone enjoying the parfait.

The hors d'oeuvre plate

Live Jazz: Saxophone and Piano in Sync With the Menu

On the night, a two-hour live set from 8:00 PM will feature saxophonist Ricky and pianist Ayami Tanaka, both back by popular demand from the first event. Expect a sophisticated evening of music spanning classical to funky numbers.

Performer Profiles

Ricky (Saxophone)

Ricky (Saxophone)

In addition to performing as a saxophonist, Ricky plans and produces live entertainment that blends music, dance, and local culture. Rooted in soul, jazz, and funk, his warm, melodic saxophone style has taken him from live houses to hotels, restaurants, and community events, including collaborations and support work with artists both in Japan and abroad.

Ayami Tanaka (Piano / Keyboard)

Ayami Tanaka (Piano / Keyboard)

A pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, lyricist, and vocalist, Ayami Tanaka is known for a flexible musical sensibility and a playing style that is both delicate and groove-driven. Drawing on jazz, soul, pop, and other genres, she performs across a range of settings, from live houses to concert halls and hotel and restaurant venues.

Event Details

  • Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Venue: SAPPORO STREAM HOTEL, 7F "BAR & GRILL Splish" (1-1 Minami 4-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
  • Capacity: Parfait: 30 servings / Hors d'oeuvre plate: 20 servings (both available on a walk-in basis, though reservations are recommended)
  • Pricing:
    • Parfait set (parfait + 1 drink + music fee): ¥4,200
    • Hors d'oeuvre set (hors d'oeuvre plate + 1 drink + music fee): ¥4,200
    • Additional drinks: ¥1,000 each
    • Guests ordering the parfait can also add the hors d'oeuvre plate on its own for ¥2,500
    • Bar-only guests pay drink prices plus a ¥1,000 music charge

All prices include 12% service charge and 10% consumption tax. Please inform staff of any food allergies in advance. Menu items are subject to change based on ingredient availability. Seat selection is not available. Alcohol will not be served to guests under 20 years of age or to anyone driving.

For inquiries: TEL: 011-206-7350 (Restaurant direct line)