Baumkuchen Expo 2025: A Confectionery Celebration
Indulge in a Unique Baumkuchen Experience at the Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro
The "Baumkuchen Expo 2025" will be held at the Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store, offering a unique opportunity to explore the diverse world of Baumkuchen. This year’s expo promises an even grander celebration of this beloved sweet, with approximately 180 brands participating in the local Baumkuchen corner and 26 brands showcasing their creations in pop-up booths. Visitors will be able to sample over 300 types of Baumkuchen, gathered from all corners of Japan, from the northern reaches of Hokkaido to the southern islands of Okinawa. A particular highlight of this year’s event is the availability of limited-edition Baumkuchen that can only be savored at the expo.
Baumkuchen BAR47: A Sampler’s Paradise
For those eager to explore the vast array of regional Baumkuchen, the "Baumkuchen BAR47" offers a curated tasting experience. Visitors can select five different Baumkuchen from 47 regional varieties, each served in bite-sized portions. This allows for a comprehensive overview of the diverse flavors and styles available, providing a helpful guide for navigating the extensive "Local Baumkuchen Corner." A plate of five selections is priced at 510 yen (tax included), with drinks available for an additional 150 yen (tax included). Please note that this offering is available while supplies last, and the last order is taken 30 minutes before closing time.
Witness the Art of AI Baking with "THEO"
A marvel of modern confectionery technology, the AI baking machine "THEO" will be demonstrating its Baumkuchen-making prowess at the expo. Developed over five years, "THEO" is the world’s first AI dedicated to the art of Baumkuchen baking. During the event, visitors can purchase freshly baked Baumkuchen crafted by "THEO," each piece rich in egg flavor and offering a unique taste experience exclusive to the Baumkuchen Expo. These freshly baked treats are available in limited quantities each day for 432 yen (tax included) per piece. The baking schedule is as follows: ①10:30 AM ②11:30 AM ③12:30 PM ④1:30 PM ⑤2:30 PM ⑥3:30 PM ⑦4:30 PM ⑧5:30 PM ⑨6:30 PM.
The Final Kuchen General Election: Cast Your Vote for the Best
The expo will host the "Final Kuchen General Election," a spirited competition to determine the nation’s favorite local Baumkuchen. The venue will be transformed into an election hall, complete with election-style posters, ballot boxes, and writing tables for the 33 participating brands. While the right to vote in actual elections is reserved for those 18 and older, the Final Kuchen General Election welcomes participants of all ages. Voters will receive a special Baumkuchen Expo novelty item as a token of appreciation. In addition to on-site voting, which will take place from February 20th to 25th, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Instagram voting will also be conducted from February 10th to 25th, allowing Baumkuchen enthusiasts across Japan to participate.
Baum Throwing: A Fun Challenge with Delicious Rewards
Test your aim and win a Baumkuchen in the "Baum Throwing" game! Participants can throw Baumkuchen-shaped rings at targets representing eight regions of Japan. Two courses are available: Course A, priced at 100 yen (tax included) for three throws, offers a chance to win a mini local Baumkuchen, while Course B, at 500 yen (tax included) for three throws, offers the opportunity to win a whole local Baumkuchen if all rings land on the same target. Regardless of success, all participants will receive a participation prize. This activity is limited to the first 500 participants each day for both courses combined.
Calling All "Baumians": A Special Treat for Followers
The Baumkuchen Expo is seeking "Baumians" – individuals whose last names include the "tree" radical (木) – through a follower campaign on Instagram. Those who follow the official Baumkuchen Expo Instagram account (@baumkuchenexpo) and meet the criteria will be certified as "Baumians." Certified "Baumians" can participate in a special Baum Roulette at the venue, with a chance to win a mini Baumkuchen. The application period runs from February 10th, 2025, at 3:00 PM to February 25th, 2025, at 5:00 PM. "Baumians" who make a purchase of over 2,000 yen (excluding tax) at the venue will receive a 3-try Baum Roulette ticket, while their companions will receive a 1-try ticket. Non-"Baumians" who bring a new "Baumian" to the dedicated reception desk will receive a 2-try ticket as a referral bonus.
"Amato Danshi" to Grace the Stage: A Sweet Performance
Adding to the festivities, the Baumkuchen Expo special supporters, "Amato Danshi," will hold a mini live performance and special event on February 22nd, 2025. The first session will begin at 1:00 PM with a mini live performance, followed by a special event from 1:40 PM to 2:20 PM. The second session will start at 3:30 PM with a mini live performance, followed by a special event from 4:10 PM to 4:50 PM. The performances will take place at the Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store’s 8th-floor rooftop "Sky Deck Square." Please note that as the event is outdoors, the content may be subject to change or cancellation in case of inclement weather.
Event Details
- Venue: Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store
- Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station
- Address: 1-1-25 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8512, 8th Floor Event Space
MAP - Event Period: February 20th, 2025 (Thursday) – February 25th, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Official Website: https://www.baumkuchenexpo.jp/event/4032
Please note that the published content is subject to change. For the latest information, please refer to the venue and organizer’s official websites.
What is Baumkuchen?
Baumkuchen is a traditional German pastry recognized for its unique ringed appearance, reminiscent of tree growth rings. The name "Baumkuchen" translates to "tree cake" in German, reflecting its layered structure. This cake is crafted by applying layers of batter onto a rotating spit, which is then baked over an open flame or in a specialized oven. Each layer is browned before the next is added, creating a series of golden rings when sliced.
The texture of Baumkuchen is moist and tender, with a subtle sweetness often complemented by flavors like vanilla, rum, or almond. Its delicate layers and rich taste have made it a cherished treat in Germany and Japan, where it is popular as a gift and admired for the skill involved in its creation.
At the Baumkuchen Expo 2025, visitors can explore over 300 flavors of this cake, featuring both traditional recipes and innovative variations. The expo will also include demonstrations of AI-assisted baking, illustrating the combination of tradition and technology in crafting this dessert.
