Christmas is over, and Easter is still on the horizon, but if you love chocolate as much as we do, never fearーas our sweet tooth cravings will soon be satisfied with the season of love.
In Japan, shop’s and restaurant’s are already carving their Cupid arrows to fire at customers for Valentine’s Day to tempt them into one of their many tantalising treats. If you’re in Japan this year, we’ve whipped up a list just for you of five must-buy gifts for Valentine’s Day 2020.
Garrett Popcorn
Almond Chocolate Truffle | Garrett Valentine’s Tin | Valentine’s Mix
Garrett Popcorn is an American brand of popcorn that boasts a myriad of gourmet handcrafted popcorn flavours. You may not know that it’s also a household name in Japan, where they also make the popcorn fresh every day for snack-hungry customers. For Valentine’s, they serving up an exclusive series full of love which consists of the “Almond Chocolate Truffle,” “Garrett Valentine’s Tin,” and “Valentine’s Mix.”
Almond Chocolate Truffle in Garrett Valentine’s Tin – From ¥1,130
First up, the Almond Chocolate Truffle. If you’re not already drooling at that name, let the description begin: this popcorn takes Garrett’s crushed almond CaramelCrisp™️, coats it in chocolate, and sprinkles it generously with a dust storm of cocoa powder. The fragrant scent and texture of the almonds adds an incredible touch to the combination of the sweet, velvety milk chocolate and the slightly-bitter bite of the cocoa powder. Get in the Valentine’s mood even more by purchasing one of the Garrett Valentine’s Tin – the perfect accompaniment to your movie night in with your loved one.
Valentine’s Mix (Chocolate Cocoa & Strawberry) – ¥1,200
Valentine’s Mix (Chocolate Cocoa & White Chocolate Bark) – ¥1,200
Last year, Garrett Popcorn release a cute heart-shaped tin big enough to fit in the palm of your hands. 2020 will see the return of the tin, this time with two different designs: one with kissing lips and the other with hearts.
Inside the first tin is a mix of sweet chocolate cocoa flavoured CaramelCrisp™️ and sour freeze-dried strawberries. The other tin, which has a more sophisticated chocolate brown and salmon pink design, contains the same cocoa flavoured CaramelCrisp™️ but combines it with “white chocolate bark” – a white chocolate made with almonds and dried cranberries.
▶︎Garrett Popcorn Valentine’s Day Products
Running: January 10, 2020 – February 14, 2020 (Mix available from January 17, 2020) *While supplies last
Prices:
・Almond Chocolate Truffle: Small ¥620/Medium ¥1,100/Large ¥1,720/Jumbo ¥3,450/Quart Tin ¥1,750/1 Gallon ¥4,400/2 Gallons ¥8,400
・Garrett Valentine’s Tin/Quart Tin: From ¥1,130
・Valentine’s Mix: ¥1,200
Available: Garrett Popcorn Shops®︎ branches in Japan
Official Website: http://jpgarrettpopcorn.com/
KitKat Chocolatory
Ruby 2020 Assortment
KitKat Chocolatory is releasing a new assortment of KitKat treats for the Valentine’s season in Japan made with ruby chocolateーthe fourth type of chocolate alongside milk, white, and darkーwhich was developed by Belgian-Swiss chocolate makers Barry Callebaut.
KitKat Chocolatory Ruby 2020 Assortment – ¥1,200
Ruby chocolate gets its striking pink colour from the original bean and has a distinct fruity sourness to it. This is the perfect Valentine’s Day giftーor even just as a treat to yourself!
▶︎KitKat Chocolatory Ruby 2020 Assortment
Price: ¥1,200
Running: from January 15, 2020
Available: KitKat Chocolatory store/Online
Official Website: https://nestle.jp/brand/kit/chocolatory/
GODIVA
Valentine’s Collection
GODIVA, one of the main players in the Japanese chocolate game, has developed the “Chocolate Chronicle Sweet Collection”ーan assortment of individually unique chocolates. The “chronicle” refers to the many places the chocolates have encountered since being created, both in the past and present.
Chocolate Chronicle Sweetheart (Contains 6) – ¥3,240
Chocolate Chronicle Chic Assortment (Contains 15) – ¥6,264
The “Original Maya” considers the civilisation and mysteries of Mesoamerica. The “Cocoa Honey Delight” uses honey to sweeten the chocolate like they did in the latter half of the Middle Ages when there was no sugar. The “Modern Love”burns into your mind the image of its vivid red heart lovingly made with sweet and sour strawberries, ganache, and milk chocolate.
▶︎GODIVA Valentine’s Collection 2020
Running: from January 10, 2020 (Limited Time)
Prices:
Chocolate Chronicle Sweetheart: 6 Set ¥3,240/12 Set ¥5,400
Chocolate Chronicle Chic Assortment: 4 Set ¥1,296/6 Set ¥2,160/10 Set ¥3,240/16 Set ¥5,400
Chocolate Chronicle Sweet Kare Assortment: 6 Set ¥1,080
Chocolate Chronicle Chic Collection: 4 Set ¥1,836/6 Set ¥2,700/9 Set ¥3,888/12 Set ¥5,076/15 Set ¥6,264/20 Set ¥8,208
Official Website: https://www.godiva.co.jp/
Koi Suru Chocolate
Valentine’s Collection 2020
The base of these treats is chocolate by Shiroi Koibito. The collection was first released in January 2018 and is very reminiscent of Hokkaido chocolate. There are lots of chocolates in the collection made with cute pink ruby chocolate too.
Mille-feuille (Contains 3) – ¥520
These mille-feuille are layered with milk and white chocolate and coated in things like couverture chocolate and ruby chocolate.
The Heart (Contains 7) – ¥1,080
Each of these hearts has its own distinct sauce: the ruby chocolate has blackcurrant, the milk chocolate has caramel, and the white chocolate has yuzu.
▶︎Koi Suru Chocolate Valentine’s Collection 2020
Release Date: January 17, 2020
Available: ISHIYA store/Online
Prices:
Mille-feuille: 3 Set ¥540/6 Set ¥1,080/12 Set ¥2,160
The Heart: 7 Set ¥1,080/14 Set ¥2,160
Official Website: http://www.ishiya.co.jp/koi_choco/
Morozoff
Valentine’s Dessert Plate
Morozoff specialises in western-style sweets, and at Cafe Morozoff, they’re serving up a Valentine’s-only dessert.
Valentine’s Dessert Plate – ¥1,200
The beautiful dessert plate is an assortment of cute heart-shaped treats. The rich chocolate mousse has an orange scent, and the fluffy chocolate sponge combines sweet and sour strawberries with smooth whipped cream which elevate the flavour of the chocolate.
▶︎Morozoff Valentine’s Dessert Plate
Running: January 15, 2020 – February 14, 2020
Available: select Cafe Morozoff branches in Japan
Price: ¥1,200 (comes with tea or coffee)
Official Website: http://www.morozoff.co.jp/
Did you enjoy this list? There’s plenty of Valentine’s Day delights to be enjoyed while in Japan. Which on this list has you drooling the most?
RELATED ENTRIES
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The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023. Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
Information
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Dates:
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, YamaguchiTickets/Details: https://karusuto.com/event/christmas-valentine-theater-2022/
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Godiva Japan has announced an exclusive collaboration with Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Valentine's Day 2023! Products in the collection will be available in limited quantities and for a limited time starting January 6, 2023 at Godiva stores nationwide, Godiva Online, the Godiva cafe, and convenience stores nationwide. Fans of chocolate and this beloved Nintendo Switch title can find unique assortments of tasty treats decorated with images of different characters and logos from the Nintendo Switch game. Certain bundles also come with an original pouch, and some assortments are only available at certain locations or at convenience stores nationwide. A total of six items will be available. These products will also be sold in an original collaboration-only box depicting Godiva's 2023 Valentine's Day collection theme, a merry-go-round, and characters from the game. ~Godiva meets Animal Crossing~ Heart
Leaf Symbol Chocolate with Game Logo Tom Nook Timmy and Tommy Isabelle Dom Marshall Rosie Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (6 pieces) Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (6 pieces) with Original Pouch Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (9 pieces) Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (9 pieces) (Events Only) Tom Nook Isabelle Timmy & Tommy Chocolate with Game Logo Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (4 Pieces) *Convenience Store Exclusive Godiva meets Animal Crossing G Chocolate Assortment & Tin (7 pieces) ©2020 Nintendo Information
Godiva meets Animal Crossing
Release Date: January 6, 2023
Where to Buy: Godiva stores nationwide, Godiva Online Shop, Godiva Cafe, Convenience Stores nationwide
*Limited quantities available
Official Site: https://www.godiva.co.jp/
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Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture. Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer's favorite spots around town.
Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area. The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe. TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco SaboAddress: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) Closed MondaysOfficial Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either! Kobe MILKAddress: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age. Kitano Ijin-kan Moore HouseAddress: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, KobeHours: 11:00-17:00Closed TuesdaysOfficial Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/ The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did? Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI -
Orders are now open for some tasty chocolates inspired by the many handsome characters from Touken Ranbu ONLINE! These sweets come in decorative tins, and while they can be ordered now from Premium Bandai, they will also be available in supermarkets and other shops starting December 26, 2022.
Chocolate Tins / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
These tins feature many popular characters, and customers can choose from Yamanbagiri Chogi, Nankaitarou Chouson & Hizen Tadahiro, Suishinshi Masahide & Minamoto Kiyomaro, Kokindenjunotachi & Jizou Yukihira, or Ichimonji Norimune. These gorgeous tins contain three types of chocolate: rolled chocolate, fan-shaped chocolate printed with the swordsman’s crest and motif, and cherry-blossomed-shaped strawberry chocolate.Assorted Chocolate Tin / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
These assorted chocolate tins are available in four designs. The first depicts Mikazuki Munechika, Kogitsunemaru, Ishikirimaru, Iwatooshi, and Imanotsurugi. The second features Kashuu Kiyomitsu and Yamatonokami Yasusada, while the third depicts Taikogane Sadamune, Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, Ookurikara, and Kuninaga Tsurumaru. The fourth shows Higekiri and Hizamaru. The chocolates in each tin are inspired by these characters, and these would make perfect gifts for fans of the mobile and online game.Variety Chocolate Tin / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Those who can’t choose a favorite character will want to snag one of these assorted tins, filled with familiar faces from the series. Grabbing all three will net you all 101 swordsmen!(C)2015 EXNOA LLC/NITRO PLUS Information
Chocolate Tins / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Price: ¥972 each (Tax Included, Shipping and Handling Not Included)
5 varieties total
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ANNA’S by Landtmann, a cafe located inside +Q Beauty on the 6th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, has begun selling two Halloween cakes! These spooky sweets will be available until October 31, 2022. Halloween Mont Blanc
Halloween Poison Apple Guests will be able to snag the Halloween Mont Blanc and Halloween Poison Apple cakes, available for ¥580 each including tax. The Mont Blanc is filled with pumpkin custard and Chantilly cream. The Poison Apple is a sweet and sour cake featuring a blend of chocolate mousse covered in red glaze and applesauce with apple pulp. Which of these two adorable cakes would you like to enjoy this autumn? Information
ANNA’S by Landtmann Halloween Cakes
Available: October 4 – October 31, 2022
Official Site: https://www.giraud.co.jp/annas/
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Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo will hold a special Christmas-themed Sylvanian Families buffet starting November 1, 2022. This is the second Sylvanian Families event following the previous Halloween-themed buffet, which became extremely popular. Some guests even bring their own Sylvanian Families dolls! Starting in November, visitors can enjoy a full lineup of 20 scrumptious dishes inspired by the cake shop found in Sylvania Village. Some sweets are also inspired by the many beloved characters found in the series, and anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit won’t want to miss this exclusive event. For those without a sweet tooth, some light lunches will also be available. The restaurant will also erect a decorative display of Sylvanian Families enjoying a Christmas party and a sweet diorama made exclusively of desserts by the pasty chef. Guests can enjoy tea time while getting lost in this magical world, so get excited about the Christmas season! 1. Sweets Inspired by the World of Sylvanian Families
2. Become Enthralled by a Wonderful Winter World of Sweets 3. Exclusive! Sweets Diorama and Sylvanian Families Photo Spot 4. Light Meals Perfect for Winter and Burgers Featuring Original Illustrations 5. A Special Plan to Enjoy the Buffet with Sylvanian Families Babies Information
Sweets Collection with Sylvanian Families
Running: November 1 – December 31, 2022
Venue: Keio Plaza Hotel’s Jurin Restaurant
Price: ¥5,500 (Adults) / ¥3,000 (Children 4-12) *Children under 3 free
Details/Reservations: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/autumn-sweets/#event02