Winter may be cold, but that’s no excuse to stay indoors all day when there’s so many seasonal events and festivals to be enjoyedーespecially in Japan. With Christmas and New Year’s just on the horizon, it’ll soon be time to begin preparations for Valentine’s Day.
GINZA SIX is the biggest shopping centre in Ginza, a district itself which prides itself as the high end part of Tokyo. Seeing as Ginza is home to many internationally-known chocolatiers, you can bet that GINZA SIX is sure to deliver when it comes to high-quality Valentine’s chocolates and sweets. And you’d be right in thinking that, because the shopping complex is ready to showcase some of the delectable delights set to pose in all of their delicious glory during the season of love. Whether it’s a treat to some premium chocolate to your special someone, or a bit of self-indulgence, GINZA SIX has you covered this coming Valentine’s Day.
But that’s not all, because a string of pop-up shops are going to open too. Let’s take a peek into what’s to come.
Premium sweets made with the “4th type of chocolate”
We all know dark, milk, and white chocolate, but many people are still unaware of ruby chocolate. Made from ruby cocoa beans, the chocolate was officially unveiled in 2017, and is marketed as the “4th category” of chocolate. It will come as no surprise then that GINZA SIX will be making use of this still rare chocolate, as well as “blonde” chocolateーyet another unfamiliar type.
Valrhona Blonde Chocolate Plate With Jasmine Scent – ¥1,200 @ THE GRAND GINZA
Blonde chocolate’s characteristic quality lies in its combination of caramel and biscuit. The chocolate artisans over at Valrhona, a Japanese chocolate company savoured by some of the world’s top patissiers, have forged a blonde chocolate dome dessert injected with a raspberry puree and sweet vanilla mousse. The dessert is sat on a bed of crunchy crumble and surrounded with a pool of jasmine-scented blonde chocolate cream. This one’s for the adults to enjoy.
Ruby Saku Langue de Chat (12 Pack) – ¥1,200 @ ISHIYA GINZA
For a limited time only, ISHIYA GINZA’s langue de chat, also known as cat tongue biscuits, arrive in a ruby chocolate flavour. They took their delicious cat tongues and sandwiched smooth and sour ruby chocolate between them.
Japanese-style chocolates
These next chocolates are made with the Japanese spirit and palate in mind.
Tsujiri Collection (8 Pack) – ¥2,360 @ Tsujiri
The tea experts at Tsujiri have paired chocolate with matcha and houjicha, two types of tea that go perfect with chocolate. Bringing out the flavour of tea in their products is Tsujiri’s speciality. Houjicha comes as the newest flavour to this product alongside koicha, yuzu, sesame praline, Japanese pepper, sakura strawberry, and brown sugar.
Kurosu Vinegar Raw Chocolate – ¥1,500 @ Shoubunsu Vinegar Brewery
Kurosu vinegar is smooth and doesn’t have a strong flavour or smell. It goes well with these chocolates from the Shoubunsu Vinegar Brewery, including their slightly bitter milk chocolate and white chocolate with soy milk. Each bite offers a sweet, refreshing flavour.
Textural chocolates
If you’re here for the texture, then you’ve come to the right place. From a dessert that combines light pound cake with rich mousse to a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate terrine, GINZA SIX has no shortage of sweets with tempting textures.
Rouge – ¥2,315 @ Patisserie Pavlov
This dessert is made with pound cake and rich mousse and is lavish with ganache. It’s covered with a strawberry chocolate coating and finished with an artisanal chocolate decoration.
Chocolate Terrine – ¥6,000 @ FRANCK MULLER GENEVE
Luxurious is the word to describe this chocolate terrine, a heavenly mix of Swiss dark chocolate and tasty cultured butter, resulting in a complex flavour profile of richness and melt-in-the-mouth sweetness.
Dine-in Valentine’s menu
Another way to enjoy your time at GINZA SIX for Valentine’s 2020 is to sit down at one of the cafes or restaurants to enjoy one of their exclusive Valentine’s Day menu items, such as an afternoon tea. It’s a great way to spend your time with your loved one or as a get-together for all the singles out there!
La Saint-Valentin Afternoon Tea Sets – ¥4,200 (Serves 1) @ THE GRAND GINZA
“Noir & Blanc” (Black/White) is the theme of these afternoon tea sets, which come in two different colours and are towered with strawberry-packed sweets and savoury snacks. Will you go for the stylish noir, or the sophisticated blanc?
Coppa Valentine – ¥1,819 @ Café Cova Milano
Served in a wine glass, this strawberry dessert is a layered combination of sweet and sour strawberry sorbet, chocolate ice cream, and strawberry sauce. It’s topped with heart-shaped chocolate and a rose bell.
Limited-time pop-up shops
CAFÉ COVA (GINZA SIX Floor B2F)
CAFÉ COVA has lots of incredible surprises for the Valentine’s season next year, including a chocolate box wrapped in beautiful packaging, as well as the above-pictured heart and rose panettone (which, by the way, they’ll only be selling a select few of!)
Paul Smith POP UP SHOP (GINZA SIX Floor 4F) / Open November 27, 2019 – January 14, 2020
IDEAS FROM LONDON is a pop-up shop by Paul Smith that’s set to bring ideas from the UK to Japan. See their new fashion collection, special collaborative items, and more.
This is just a select look at what’s to come when the season of love hits GINZA SIX. Make sure you don’t miss out.
Information
GINZA SIX
Address: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Shops/Cafes (B2F-5F) 10:30-20:30 / Restaurants (6F, 13F) 11:00-23:00
*Business hours differ from shop to shop.
No Fixed Holidays (But shops and restaurants will be closed on January 1, 2020)
Access: Directly connected to Ginza Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line and Hibiya Line.
TEL: 03-6891-3390
Website: http://ginza6.tokyo/
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 Sabo
Address: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)
Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30)
Closed Mondays
Official 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 MILK
Address: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30
Official 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 House
Address: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
Hours: 11:00-17:00
Closed Tuesdays
Official 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
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From December 1 until December 25, guests at Hyatt Centric Ginza will be able to see the first-ever Christmas tree designed by the social advocacy group HERALBONY. The Light-Hearted ART TREE will welcome guests to the 4F library and lounge area, and the tree lighting ceremony will be streamed on Instagram live.
It’s no surprise that the hotel is collaborating with HERALBONY again–from May to November of this year, the HERALBONY ART ROOM was open for guests to enjoy. This is the first time that the unit is designing a Christmas tree, and the piece is inspired by one of their most iconic pieces of art–Yukihito Okabe’s Hoo! Hey! Visitors of all ages can enjoy this beautiful piece, filled with color and sure to bring joy.
Along with the tree, the showcase and lounge will also be decorated in a number of HERALBONY pieces. Come enjoy the Christmas season in this one-of-a-kind space!
Information
Hyatt Centric Ginza x HERALBONY
On Display: December 1 – December 25, 2022
Venue: 4F Library / Lounge
Official Site: http://hyattcentricginza.jp
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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
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From October 21 until November 30, 2022, Hilton Tokyo Odaiba will hold the Touken Ranbu ONLINE Special Buffet ~Black & White~ event! This second collaboration with the popular series will be held Grillogy Bar and Grill on the second floor.
Dessert Menu
Drink Menu
Drink Order Bonus: Original Coaster (8 varieties)
At the buffet, guests can enjoy luxurious dishes inspired by characters from the sword-centered game and anime series. The desserts blend Japanese and Western cuisine, and special cocktails will be available during the first phase, each coming with a special coaster as a bonus! In addition, original goods will be on sale at the venue, so don’t miss it!
Information
Touken Ranbu ONLINE Special Buffet ~Black & White~
Running: October 21 – November 30, 2022
Reservation Start Dates and Times:
Lottery Opens: September 16, 12:00~
General Reservations Open: October 6, 12:00~
*Lottery reservations and general reservations will be open
for the first and second runs.*Please see the official website for the full reservation schedule.
Venue: Hilton Tokyo Odaiba 2F Restaurant, Grillogy Bar and Grill
*Reservations required
Tickets/Details: https://odaiba.site/
Online Shop: https://touken-yorozuya.com/
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From October 1 until October 31, Yokohama Royal Park Hotel will hold a special Halloween Fair at its delicatessen and lounge Coffret. In addition to six playful sweets from the Halloween Frankenstein to the Halloween Mummy, two types of autumn bread featuring pumpkin and purple sweet potato will be available, allowing guests to enjoy the taste of the season!
Halloween Frankenstein
Halloween Cat
Halloween Mont Blanc
Halloween Mummy
Halloween Pudding
Halloween Pound Cake
Pumpkin Cream Fondue / Halloween Anpan
Come enjoy this Halloween with some cute and silly sweets!
Information
Halloween Fair
Running: October 1 – October 31, 2022
Venue: Coffret Delicatessen and Lounge, 1F
Hours: Lounge 10:00-20:00 (*Cakes served starting at 11:00) /
Delicatessen 11:00-20:00
Reservations: 045-221-1111 (Representatives available 11:00-20:00) -
Tsujiri, a staple of Uji, Kyoto, has announced an exclusive autumn menu! Guests can enjoy the Tsujiri Soft Autumn Parfait, the Kyo Latte Smoothie with Purple Sweet Potato, and the Kyo Latte with Hojicha at the Kyoto location and three other stores starting September 1, 2022.
Tsujiri Limited Time Autumn Menu
These three limited-time items are filled with fall flavors. The Tsujiri Soft Autumn Parfait is filled with Uji green tea carefully selected by tea masters and topped with purple sweet potato paste, sweet potato nectar, and other gorgeous goodies.
The Kyo Latte Smoothie with Purple Sweet Potato features an autumn-only flavor combining purple sweet potato bean paste, cream, and sweet potato nectar with Tsujiri’s matcha green tea smoothie. The Hojicha version is made with luxurious Uji Hojicha and milk for a soothing experience.
Enjoy autumn with these tasty treats filled with seasonal flavors!
Information
Tsujiri Kyoto Store
Address: 215 Nakanocho, Kyoto
Tsujiri Kyoto Tower Sando
Address: Kyoto Tower Sando Building 1F (721-1 Higashishiokojicho,
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto)
Tsujiri arde! Shin-Osaka
Address: arde! Shin-Osaka, JR Shin-Osaka Station 2F (5-16-1 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka)*The autumn menu is not available at the Uji location or the Naha Airport location.
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Q-pot CAFE in Omotesando will be offering up some Halloween treats to celebrate the location’s 10th anniversary! Guests will be able to sample these special sweets from September 3 until October 31, 2022.
Happy Halloween! Afternoon Tea Set
The festive Happy Halloween afternoon tea features pink Jack-o’-lantern macarons and other Halloween-inspired sweets.
Fluffy Floating Ghost Plate (Drink Included)
The adorable ghost is made from fluffy milk mousse covered with gyuhi, a typical ingredient in Japanese sweets made from rice flour. Inside is blackcurrant and redcurrant jelly with an incredibly sweet and sour flavor.
Black Devil Tea Mocha
Featuring large devil wings, this tasty and eye-catching beverage is a mix of black tea, chocolate, and milk. When the cocoa cream melts, the taste changes to something creamy and cozy, perfect for the autumn months.
Shimmering Blueberry & Grapefruit Soda
This refreshing sweet and sour drink combines blueberries and pink grapefruit along with soda and pearl powder.
Come enjoy Halloween while celebrating the cafe’s 10th anniversary!
Information
Q-pot CAFE 10th Halloween Menu
Location: Q-pot CAFE Omotesando
Running: September 3 – October 31, 2022
Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last Order at 18:30)
Details/Reservations: http://www.Q-pot.jp/news/2022/08/1746.html
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Pastel, a sweets brand known for its smooth pudding, has announced a collaboration with the Sanrio characters My Melody and Kuromi! Fans can snag some tasty treats from September 1 to October 31, 2022.
This year’s collaboration is based on a sweet circus. Fall is full of wonderful events like Halloween, and the company is ready to celebrate with these colorful desserts.
New items include limited edition puddings featuring illustrations of My Melody and Kuromi and sweet and sour treats made with strawberries that will crackle and pops in your mouth!
My Melody Mini Pudding: ¥430 (Tax Included)
Left 2 Puddings: September 1 – September 30 / Right 2 Puddings: October 1 – October 30, 2022
Kuromi Mini Pudding: ¥430 (Tax Included)
Left 2 Puddings: September 1 – September 30 / Right 2 Puddings: October 1 – October 30, 2022
Pastel’s original mini puddings are topped with whipped cream and finished with a My Melody illustration in cocoa powder. Enjoy the smooth texture and soft whipped cream!
My Melody’s Merry-go-Round Pudding: ¥600 (Tax Included)
Top: September 1 – September 30 / Bottom: October 1 – October 30, 2022This exclusive pudding was inspired by My Melody. Smooth pudding is topped with sponge cake and diced strawberries, sweet and sour strawberry cream, and colorful marshmallows.
Kuromi’s Circus Pudding: ¥600 (Tax Included)
Top: September 1 – September 30 / Bottom: October 1 – October 30, 2022
Smooth chocolate pudding is accented with raspberry sauce and finished with fluffy cream. This treat is perfect for fall, and the chocolate that crackles in your mouth is sure to amaze and delight!
Come enjoy some autumn sweets decorated with your favorite Sanrio characters!
© 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L632735
*AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building, AEON Mall Okazaki, and THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA will only offer mini-puddings of each character.
*All images are sample images.Information
Pastel
Collaboration Running: September 1 – October 31, 2022
Official Site: https://pastel-pudding.com
