ART LAB KYOTO is the new museum shop set to open at Kyocera Museum of Art on March 21, 2020 in line with the revamp currently undergoing at the museum, with design work being co-created by Japanese architects Jun Aoki and Tezzo Nishizawa.

Kyoto is known as a hub of Japanese culture, managing to maintain traditions while constantly evolving. ART LAB KYOTO will embody everything about this idea when it opens after the museum’s revamp. The spacious shop will not only sell merchandise related to the exhibitions, but books and goods related to art from Kyoto both traditional and contemporary, items in collaboration with external artists, original and exclusive sweets, and more. ART LAB KYOTO will also host events promoting the diversity of art and culture in Kyoto.

McDonald’s Japan has teamed up with Nestlé Japan to release a KitKat® McFlurry®. It was released on Wednesday at all McDonald’s branches in Japan.

It has been seven years since McFlurry® and KitKat® came together in their delicious chocolatey ice cream combination. It was such a hit back in 2007 that it has finally made its fabled return to the delight of sweet-tooth McDonald’s customers.

The KitKat® McFlurry® is a simple combination of smooth soft serve ice cream and crushed KitKat®. It’s also drizzled in a special sauce made from rich couverture chocolate.

The mix of the wafer-like chocolate KitKat® with the soft serve ice cream is a combination to die for, and the sauce only adds to the mouth-watering flavour.

The dessert will be served in limited-edition cups as pictured above. These cups are limited in stock and will discontinue once all are sold.

If you’re in Tokyo in the run up to Valentine’s Day, and are in in need of some ideas to bestow your loved one, then you’ll want to head to Tokyo Station City where they are never short of great ideas when the season of love rolls around.

From little gifts under ¥500 to more indulgent delights over ¥1,000, Tokyo Station has it all. We’ve picked out some recommendations ranging from chocolates to sweets and other great ideas for those without a sweet tooth.

【Under ¥500】Little gifts to hand out

Heart de Katsu Burger – ¥237 @ Tonkatsu Maisen (GRANSTA) *Available until February 14, 2020

For a limited time only, Tonkatsu Maisen’s popular katsu burgers are being served in the shape of a heart up right now until Valentine’s Day. If you’re with your loved one in Tokyo until then, then how about enjoying one of these together?

Heart Senbei (3 Included) @ Fujimido (GRANSTA) *Available until February 14, 2020

Senbei are Japanese rick crackers, and these heart-shaped ones come as a set in black pepper, tuna mayo, and ume katsu (plum pulp and bonito flakes) flavours. Perfect for those who don’t like sweet things, and great with a cup of Japanese sake.

Shizuko Chocolate (1 Included) – ¥378 @ Naruto Kintoki Honpo Kurio (GRANSTA) *Available until February 14, 2020

Kurio’s potato sweet bean jelly is made from the store’s sweet potato bean paste which is set and thus has the original flavour maintained. It’s mixed with dark chocolate for that luxury feel as well as sweet potato skin.

Coffee Bean Chocolates (50g) – ¥432 @ Marche du Chocolat (GRANSTA)

For those with more of an adult flavour palate, these coffee beans are coated in milk chocolate. A must-have for all coffee lovers out there!

[¥500-¥1,000] Show your love with prices too good to overlook

Jelly in Puree Chocolatey in Sachinoka Strawberry & Dark Chocolate (24g) – ¥500 @ Hitotsubu Kanro (GRANSTA) *Available until March 14, 2020

Part of Hitotsubu Kanro’s popular “Jelly in Puree Chocolatey” series, this limited edition flavour is made with sachinoka strawberries. Pick from four different designs.

Orangette (1 Box) – ¥680 @ Fairycake Fair (GRANSTA) *Available until February 14, 2020

Those who love a mix of chocolate and fruit will want a box of these orangettes, which exquisitely combine the bitterness of orange peel with chocolate. Exclusive to GRANSTA.

Hazelnuts & Puffs (1 Box) – ¥680 @ Fairycake Fair (GRANSTA) *Available until February 14, 2020

Two types of chocolate, hazelnut and puff, fill up a box of these treats, each with their own crunchy textures. Also exclusive to GRANSTA.

USHIO CHOCOLATL (1 Included) – ¥810-¥864 @ SHARED TOKYO (GRANSTA)

These chocolates are made simply from cocoa beans and salt. The packaging is super stylish too making them a great gift. They are limited in stock, so if you like the look of them, you’d best get in there quick.

[Over ¥1,000] High quality and luxurious indulgence

Cher Milieu – ¥1,404 @ le billet (Ecute Tokyo)

Made with rich Belgian sweet chocolate, sharp and bitter dark chocolate, and orange-flavoured sake, these raw chocolates are a welcome melt-in-the-mouth experience for Valentine’s Day.

Raw Chocolate (9 Included) – ¥1,500 @ Quatre (Ecute Keiyo Street)

Each and every one of these raw chocolates is handmade with the chef’s specially-selected chocolate and lots of fresh cream from Hokkaido. Every bite is a trip to chocolate paradise.

Dassai Matcha Truffles (4 Included) – ¥1,620 @ Waraku Beniya (Ecute Tokyo)

Waraku Beniya’s Dassai Matcha Truffles are made with high quality Uji matcha from Kyoto, an original blend of white chocolate, and a special brand of Japanese sake.

Tokyo Station is the place to go this Valentine’s Day, and there’s plenty more to see in addition to what’s on this list. Now is the time to give back to your loved one with a Valentine’s treat.

*All listed prices include tax

This March, a restaurant in Arashiyama, Kyoto, that goes by the name CROSS Burger&Beer/Coffee, has announced it will release its new “Sakura Burger” (Cherry Blossom Burger) for the spring season.

CROSS Burger&Beer/Coffee is a restaurant known for its burgers made with pitch black buns – a result from combining the mixture with bamboo charcoal – which are served on afternoon tea stands. All of their patties are made with 100% domestic wagyu, specifically hiragyu from the town of Tanba in Kyoto. To ensure the meat maintains its high quality texture, it is minced together with shoulder and shank, which also creates great flavour.

The new cherry blossom burger uses a pink bun like that of the springtime flower. It has a chewy texture, and the surface is charred so that the outside is crispy and the inside soft. It also means that the meat juice permeates the bun better, and without making it go soggy. The patty is uses the same hiragyu meat, which is breaded and deep-fried to create what is known as menchi-katsu in Japanese. By doing this, it locks in the characteristic and unique flavour of the meat, as well its juice.

Drizzled over the patty is a homemade tartar sauce with Kyoto-style chopped vegetables pickled in salt as the base. The restaurant chops up the vegetables randomly to leave texture in the sauce, which has a refreshing taste thanks to them, creating a flavour you’ll enjoy until the last bite. The burger is also stuffed with a sunny-side up egg and purple cabbage, the latter of which has a slightly bitter bite to it, resulting in an amalgamation of mouth-watering flavours.

Order together with a cocktail or soda float to create an Instagrammable photo.

If you’re heading to Japan to visit Kyoto this cherry blossom season, head to Arashiyama to enjoy the sights and a delicious Sakura Burger.

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

▶︎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?

Kyoto Brighton Hotel is now selling reservations for its new “Haru no Asobi Plan” (Springtime Fun Plan) which is taking place between March and May this year and offers guests the opportunity to enjoy Kyoto in the spring and its cherry blossoms.

Spring in Kyoto is the most popular season for tourists and travellers who flock from not only across Japan but from around the world. The Haru no Asobi Plan is made up of 5 exciting plans to see the ancient capital’s breathtaking cherry blossoms, vibrant green maples, and other offerings.

“Asakatsu” – An early morning temple visit and stroll

Get away from the crowded streets and enjoy the rare opportunity to experience incredible early morning sights you don’t normally get to see. Spend a quiet morning in a gorgeous environment in this plan. Several temples and gardens are in place for the experience: Kōdaiji Temple, Bishamon-do Temple, Taizō-in, Haradanien, and Tenryū-ji.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple special night viewing

One of the must-visit spots when travelling to Kyoto is Kiyomizu-dera, officially a World Heritage Site. This plan rents out the temple for you to experience it at nighttime. The main building is currently undergoing large-scale renovation to secure the roof as well as the inner construction of the temple. Seeing the temple is truly a sight to behold.

You are guaranteed a view of the famous “Stage of Kiyomizu,” an enormous veranda attached to the main hall. The surrounding trees will be lit with enchanting lights, and you’ll be able to gaze at the distant city nightscape. Experience Kyoto like never before as the warm lights illuminate the Niōmon (Deva Gate), 3-storey pagoda, and purified water which runs from the Otowa Waterfall.

Discover the world of Kyoto embroidery

The traditional practice of Kyounui, or Kyoto-style embroidery, has continued since the Heian Period and is even garnering attention overseas. It’s a delicate and refined style of embroidery unique to Kyoto.

After your embroidery session which will take place in a Kyoto town house nearby the cherry blossom-filled Hirano Shrine, you’ll look at kimono and yukata so beautiful they’ll look like they should be in an art museum, before heading to eat together with the creator.

See the green maple trees of Hōgon-in on a private train

Board the private 1-2 carriage Randen train on the Keifuku Electric Railroad, which runs from Shijō-Ōmiya to Arashiyama. This cute retro train will take you Arashiyama where the green maples are breathtakingly beautiful.

You’ll also get to stroll through the quaint gardens of Hōgon-in Temple, view artwork painted by Noriko Tamura, and more.

Sky Bus

Enjoy a panoramic view on a private ride of the Sky Bus, a double-decker bus which is gaining huge popularity right now. You will ride through the city of Kyoto and see the rows of pink cherry blossoms. In April, they will also do an evening tour of the cherry blossoms so you can see them at night, and in May they’ll do a green maple tree tour.

Discover the beauty of Kyoto in this very special hotel plan at Kyoto Brighton Hotel.

Kyo Yasaka Pudding is a shop with a new vision. Located in Kyoto’s tourist hot spot of Higashiyama ward, it’s home to a team of people who love and are well-versed when it comes to food. Their incredible purin, or Japanese custard puddings, are made carefully one by one to make people happy. These puddings are tried and tested: much trial and error was done to ensure the ingredients, flavours, technique, and appearance were perfect.

On January 24, they’re set to release a new product to the menu: the Kyo Yasaka Hot Pudding Latte.

This hot beverage combines a pudding latte, made from incredible Kyoto milk, with super rich caramel cream. It’s then topped with a mix of tempting decorations. The caramel and cream are of a high quality, with the caramel cream itself having a unique and irresistible bitter bite you won’t find anywhere else.

This is the perfect accompaniment to a winter walk through Kyoto while sightseeing.

Cupid is readying his arrows for Valentine’s Day 2020 which is right around the corner. It’s the time of the year to show your special someone that you love them with some tasty chocolatey treats.

If you’re wanting to make a grand gesture this year by making your own gifts, but are struggling for ideas or are intimidated by the task, the Kai Corporation in Japan has you covered with its collection of Rilakkuma goods. Now you can make some Instagram-worthy gifts with little effort. Let’s take a look.

Make lots of Rilakkuma chocolates with this simple tool

Rilakkuma Silicone Chocolate Maker – ¥850 (Before Tax) – Buy Here

Five different patterns of Rilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Korilakkuma make up this silicone tray, allowing you to make lots of bite-sized chocolates at once. This is perfect for sharing between you and your loved one or amongst friends. It can be used for making gummy treats and ice for drinks too, meaning it’s useful for the entire year.

Make cute cookies by simply pressing your dough

Korilakkuma Cutter Set – ¥650 (Before Tax) – Buy Here

Anyone can make cute Korilakkuma cookies easily with this cutter set which you simply press the dough with. It comes with two different poses so you can make an assortment of them. If you know someone who’s not a fan of chocolate, then this is a perfect alternative.

Decorate your sweets and desserts with this mini chocolate tray

Mini Chocolate Tray – ¥650 (Before Tax) – Buy Here

This chocolate tray makes makes chocolate bears which can hold things like nuts and candy. They can be used in a lot of creative different ways. The tray was made in collaboration with Cookpad.

Super simple recipes that take out the work

Here are some super simple recipes that remove the labour out of making and decorating sweet treats. Learn how to make Instagrammable delights with these items and techniques.

Korilakkuma Cookie Marshmallow Sandwich – Item Used: Korilakkuma Cutter Set

All you need to do is warm some marshmallows in a microwave and stick them between two cookies for a gooey and crunchy treat. At some toppings like freeze-dried strawberries for colour and to make them even cuter.

Gateaux Chocolate Cupcakes – Item Used: Rilakkuma Face Cupcake Paper Wraps (5 Included)

Make your Valentine’s cupcakes even more adorable with these paper wraps with Rilakkuma’s kawaii face on them.

Tiny Bear Chocolates: Item Used – Mini Chocolate Tray

There are many creative ways you can utilise these tiny bear chocolates. Make them hold small candy, nuts, and other delicious bites, or just simply top them on another dessert.

Take the stress out of making something for Valentine’s Day this year with this range of items from Kai.

Have you ever wondered what the thrill of bungee jumping would be like, but are too afraid of heights to even consider putting it on your bucket list? Have no fear, because Kyoto Tower is bringing a new VR bungee jumping experience to the top of the building which will be available to experience from February 1 for a limited time.

This VR experience was first brought to the tower in the fall of 2018, and this year it is making its grand return. After the event originally ended, there was huge demand for it to be held again.

Those brave enough to have a go at this VR bungee jump (or bungy, depending where you are from), will go above and beyond the 100 meter observation deck to the highest accessible point of Kyoto Towerーup 120.9 metersーwhich is normally closed off to the public, to the special VR deck which has been prepared.

The experience will offer you not only the thrill of jumping from Kyoto’s tallest structure, but the chance to gaze upon a panoramic view of the beautiful city too.

Starbucks Japan has developed a new Valentine’s drink series called ‘CHOCOLATE with’ to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2020. Some drinks in this romantic series include the Chocolate with Almond Praline Frappuccino® and the White Chocolate with Latte®. The series will be launched on January 17, 2020 in most Starbucks cafés across Japan.

The ‘CHOCOLATE with’ series aims to spark a sense of anticipation for the next delicious flavour to fill the gap and hopes to tempt more people to surrender to the delicious flavour of chocolate. This fun series aims to be loved by all genders and all ages across Japan.

Left: CHOCOLATE with Passion Fruit Frappuccino®: Tall ¥590 *(Only available in Tall)
Middle: CHOCOLATE with Almond Praline Frappuccino®: Tall ¥590 *(Only available in Tall)
Right: White CHOCOLATE with Latte: Short ¥450, Tall ¥490, Grande ¥530, Venti® ¥570

The CHOCOLATE with Passion Fruit Frappuccino® is a chocolate-flavoured drink with refreshing yellow streaks of passion fruit sauce, chocolate chips and shaved chocolate for the topping. This Frappuccino® enjoys both a fruity flavour as well as comforting chocolate. *Contains less than 5% passion fruit juice.

The CHOCOLATE with Almond Praline Frappuccino® is made by mixing chocolate sauce with caramel and coffee for a creamy and deep base flavour. Crunchy and fragrant candied almonds and chocolate sauce top the drink, providing a very chocolatey experience perfect for any chocoholic.

The elegant and sweet White CHOCOLATE with Latte contains creamy and smooth couverture chocolate white flakes, espresso and warm milk, combined for a strong and relaxing flavour.

Right: CHOCOLATE Mousse with Latte (Hot): Short ¥390 Tall ¥430 Grande ¥470 Venti® ¥510
Left: CHOCOLATE Mousse with Drip Coffee (Hot): Short ¥340 Tall ¥380 Grande ¥420

These ‘CHOCOLATE Mousse with’ drinks are perfect for drip coffee and Starbucks latte fans. These Valentine’s season-limited drinks are customisable so you can enjoy the delicious flavour of chocolate mousse in the form of a new Valentine’s drink. The smooth chocolate mousse is light and melts in your mouth. By adding the drip coffee, the flavours merge together for a brand new and exciting flavour experience.

CHOCOLATE with Milk Tea Frappuccino®Tall ¥590 *(Only available in Tall)

On January 31, the CHOCOLATE with Milk Tea Frappuccino® with its delicious aroma, chocolatey flavour and fun textures will make its debut. The tea is made from a blend of several different kinds of tea. Milk and milk tea powder is added to enhance the flavour and then blended with white mocha syrup and chocolate chips. This is the perfect chance to enjoy chocolate and milk tea in one drink.

This year, Starbucks will also be selling Valentine’s merchandise. This year’s theme colours are pink and navy. A range of cute yet fancy designs decorate Starbucks’ classic flasks and mugs and is bound to deliver a heart-warming experience with every sip. There are also pink Starbucks cards decorated with hearts and love letter-themed message card sets in the series. If you’re looking for a causal-style gift for someone special, how about something from the Starbucks Valentines series rather than traditional chocolates?

Come try a drink from the CHOCOLATE with series for a new and exciting chocolate drink experience.

Décadence du Chocolat will release their popular Valentine’s chocolate assortment from January 23, 2020 for a limited time only. Each carefully crafted chocolate is packed with Japanese flavours and originality by chocolatiers who follow a detailed procedure. The assortment range features three Valentine’s bonbon chocolates. The shop will also be releasing their popular LOVE KISS chocolate again this year in Yuzu Orange and Strawberry-flavour.

Valentine’s Limited Bonbon Chocolate Assortment (Contains 4): ¥1,100

Valentine’s Limited Bonbon Chocolate Assortment (Contains 24): ¥5,200

The bonbon assortment of four contains one Kinako chocolate which is made with roasted soybean flour, a Muscovado Matcha chocolate, an Apple Hojicha chocolate made using roasted green tea, and the shop’s popular standard bonbon chocolat. The boxes come in 4, 9, 12 and 24 chocolates to cater for every situation. These chocolates are bound to be the perfect gift for your partner whether they are Japanese or foreign.

Valentine’s Limited LOVE KISS: ¥550

Décadence du Chocolat’s lip-shaped LOVE KISS is popular every year and has become a symbol of Valentine’s Day. Concealed in a beautiful box fit for a wedding ring, just seeing it is enough to fill your partner with excitement. This year’s LOVE KISS chocolate is made with a yuzu orange and strawberry ganache for a sweet and tangy flavour.

These Japanese-style chocolates are the perfect way to treat anyone on Valentine’s Day.