It may seem surprising, but yogurt is very popular in Japan. Since Hokkaido is famous for its dairy industry, there is no shortage of yogurt based products to choose from. I was able to sample some great yogurt drinks from the island’s northern region at a recent farmer’s market held at Hokkaido University.

Of course, Japan’s most famous yogurt based probiotic drink is made by Yakult and packaged in small single shot serving size plastic bottles. They are a mainstay for the Japanese diet, be it for breakfast or as a quick refresher.

But what I like most about the drink is the “Yakult Ladies” who deliver it by bicycle through the streets of Sapporo (and other cities throughout Japan). They do this come rain or shine, snow, sleet or hail. It’s a quant addition to city life that I really love. Reminds me of the milkman from 1950s America.