Hankyu Valentine’s Chocolate Expo 2025: A Confluence of Cocoa

From January 20th to February 14th, 2025, the Hankyu Umeda Main Store in Osaka will transform into a veritable chocolate emporium, hosting what is slated to be Japan’s most expansive chocolate festival. This event promises an immersive experience, showcasing approximately 3,000 varieties of chocolate from 300 domestic and international brands.

A Multi-Sensory Chocolate Experience

The expo extends beyond a simple marketplace, offering a deep dive into the world of chocolate. The main venue, located on the 9th floor, will be complemented by satellite shops throughout the building, effectively creating a "Hankyu Chocolate Department Store." Attendees can expect a diverse array of offerings, including:

• Unique Tablet Chocolates: Discover a wide selection of artisanal tablet chocolates, each with its own distinct flavor profile and origin story.
• Cacao Adventurers’ Corner: Delve into the narratives of the individuals involved in the cacao industry, gaining insight into the journey from bean to bar.
• Freshly Baked Chocolate Sweets: Indulge in the aroma and taste of freshly baked chocolate confections, prepared on-site for immediate enjoyment.
• Bonbon Chocolate Tasting Counter: Savor individual bonbons, allowing for a nuanced appreciation of each piece’s craftsmanship and flavor.

Beyond the 9th Floor: A Building-Wide Celebration

The 9th floor’s Festive Square will feature specialized areas, including:

• Cup Ice Cream Extravaganza: Choose from 50 varieties of cup ice cream, representing 19 different brands.
• Chocolate Sandwich Showcase: Explore a collection of approximately 240 types of chocolate sandwiches, a testament to the versatility of this beloved treat.
• Macaron Laboratory: Immerse yourself in the delicate world of macarons, with 78 varieties from 17 brands on display.

The festivities extend beyond the 9th floor, with each cafe from the 4th to the 12th floors offering limited-time Valentine’s Day parfaits. Additionally, talk events featuring renowned chefs and chocolatiers will provide further insight into the artistry and passion behind chocolate creation.

Supporting Local Producers: A Focus on Ishikawa and Noto

The expo will also highlight chocolates crafted with ingredients from the Ishikawa and Noto regions. Notably, attendees can sample bonbons made with sake from Noto Peninsula breweries, as well as those featuring "Tsuru to Fuku," a Junmai Daiginjo sake collaboratively brewed using sake rice salvaged from a brewery in Oku-Noto that was impacted by a recent earthquake. This initiative offers a tangible way to support the recovery efforts in the region through the enjoyment of these unique confections.

Event Details

• Dates: January 20th (Monday) – February 14th (Friday), 2025
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM on each floor (excluding restaurant floors)
  • The 9th floor (excluding cafes) and the 10th floor "Umeda Souq" central area will close at 7:00 PM on February 14th.
  • Koto Coto Stage 111/112 and the Kids Event Space on the 11th floor will close at 6:00 PM on February 14th.
• Location: Hankyu Umeda Main Store, 9th floor and other event spaces on each floor (8-7 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka)
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 06-6361-1381 (main)
• Website: Hankyu Valentine’s Chocolate Expo 2025

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What is Hankyu?

Hankyu is a Japanese department store chain, originating in Osaka, known for its diverse range of high-quality products. It serves as a cultural and commercial center, drawing both locals and tourists. The store is notable for events like the annual Valentine’s Chocolate Expo, featuring a variety of chocolates from different countries. Hankyu combines traditional Japanese hospitality with contemporary shopping experiences, maintaining a significant presence in the retail industry.

Strawberry Afternoon Tea at Andaz Tokyo

Indulge in a Luxurious Afternoon Tea Experience Featuring Premium Amaou Strawberries

The Tavern – Grill & Lounge at Andaz Tokyo is hosting a limited-time "Strawberry Afternoon Tea" event, showcasing the sweet and juicy flavors of premium strawberries, including the renowned Amaou variety. This exclusive event offers a sophisticated twist on traditional afternoon tea, presenting a curated selection of strawberry-infused delicacies that are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.

A Symphony of Sweet and Savory Strawberry Creations

The "Strawberry Afternoon Tea" menu features an array of meticulously crafted sweets and savories, each designed to highlight the unique characteristics of the featured strawberries. Guests can savor the "Strawberry Tart," a visually stunning creation adorned with a generous layer of mascarpone cream and fresh Amaou strawberries, allowing the fruit’s natural aroma and texture to shine. Another standout item is the "Brie Cheese, Strawberry Chutney, Cheese Shoe, Hazelnut," a savory delight that combines a Gruyère cheese-baked choux pastry with a flavorful strawberry chutney, accented by the richness of Brie cheese, a blend of spices, and a subtle acidity from vinegar.

A Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Table Service Chocolate Bar

Adding an extra layer of indulgence to the experience, Chef Pâtissier Norman Jubin, hailing from the chocolate haven of Switzerland, has introduced a "Chocolate Bar" table service, a first for The Tavern – Grill & Lounge. This interactive element allows guests to break off pieces of strawberry-flavored chocolate in their desired amounts, creating a personalized chocolate experience. The chocolate itself is a harmonious blend of rich cacao and the tartness of strawberries, providing a truly luxurious moment for chocolate aficionados.

Detailed Menu Offerings

The "Strawberry Afternoon Tea" menu is a carefully curated selection of sweet and savory items, complemented by a special chocolate bar and a seasonal specialty beverage.

Sweets

• Strawberry Tart: A delicate tart shell filled with mascarpone cream and topped with fresh Amaou strawberries.
• Strawberry Éclair: A classic éclair filled with strawberry cream and topped with a strawberry glaze.
• Strawberry Saint-Honoré: A traditional French pastry featuring choux pastry, strawberry cream, and caramelized sugar.
• Strawberry Tropezienne: A brioche-based dessert filled with a light strawberry cream.

Savory

• Smoked Salmon Toast, Salmon Roe, Cream Cheese, Chives: A classic combination of smoked salmon, cream cheese, and chives, elevated with the addition of salmon roe.
• Jambon-Beurre Ham Baguette, Dijon Mustard: A traditional French sandwich featuring ham and Dijon mustard on a crusty baguette.
• Brie Cheese, Strawberry Chutney, Cheese Shoe, Hazelnut: A unique savory creation featuring a Gruyère cheese-baked choux pastry filled with strawberry chutney, Brie cheese, spices, and vinegar.
• Cucumber and Comté Cheese Sandwich: A refreshing sandwich with thinly sliced cucumbers and Comté cheese.

Scones

• Strawberry Scone: Freshly baked scones infused with strawberry flavor, served with strawberry jam and Chantilly cream.

Chocolate Bar

• Strawberry Chocolate, Dried Strawberries: A rich chocolate bar infused with strawberry flavor and studded with dried strawberries.
• Milk Hazelnut Chocolate: A smooth milk chocolate bar with the added crunch of hazelnuts.
• Dark Cacao Nib Chocolate: A dark chocolate bar with the intense flavor of cacao nibs.

Seasonal Specialty

• Strawberry Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea made with strawberry syrup, milk, and Kusmi Tea Rooibos Vanilla Organic.

Please note that menu items are subject to change based on availability.

Event Details and Booking Information

The "Strawberry Afternoon Tea" is a limited-time event, offering a unique opportunity to experience the culinary artistry of The Tavern – Grill & Lounge.

Location and Access

• Venue: Andaz Tokyo
• Nearest Stations: Toranomon Hills Station / Toranomon Station
• Address: Toranomon Hills Mori Tower, 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001
• Map: Google Maps

Event Dates and Times

• Dates:
  • January 9, 2025 (Thursday) – February 9, 2025 (Sunday)
  • February 19, 2025 (Wednesday) – February 28, 2025 (Friday)
• Sessions:
  • 1st Session: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  • 2nd Session: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Pricing

• Price per person: 7,020 yen (tax included)
• A 15% service charge will be added to the listed price.

Contact Information and Reservations

• Restaurant: The Tavern – Grill & Lounge
• Phone: 03-6830-7739
• Reception Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Official Website: Andaz Tokyo Restaurants
• Reservations: Book on OZmall

Additional Information

• Published content is subject to change. Please refer to the official website of the venue/organizer for the most up-to-date information.
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What are Amaou strawberries?

Amaou strawberries are a notable variety from Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, known for their sweetness, large size, and bright red color. The name "Amaou" is an acronym from the Japanese words for sweet, round, big, and delicious, highlighting their main attributes. These strawberries are carefully cultivated to ensure a juicy texture and rich flavor, making them popular both in Japan and abroad. Their distinct taste and appearance make them a favored choice for culinary events, such as the Andaz Tokyo’s Strawberry Afternoon Tea, where they are featured in various dishes.

GRAND CASTELLA Pop-Up Store in Shibuya

World-Renowned Taiwanese Castella Shop Introduces 7-Color "Temari Castella"

The internationally acclaimed Taiwanese castella purveyor, GRAND CASTELLA, is set to open a pop-up store at the Shibuya Tokyu Food Show, introducing a novel take on their classic dessert: the "Temari Castella." This new offering features seven distinct flavors, each piece meticulously crafted into a charming, palm-sized sphere reminiscent of a traditional Japanese Temari ball. This marks the brand’s first endeavor in Japan to satisfy the frequent customer requests to sample multiple flavors, a feat previously unattainable with their standard, larger-sized offerings.

A New Spin on a Classic Treat

The Temari Castella maintains the traditional, slow-baking method that GRAND CASTELLA is known for, resulting in a delightful array of textures described as "fluffy," "jiggly," "airy," and "crispy." This limited-time event offers a unique opportunity to experience a new dimension of Taiwanese castella, where vibrant colors meet carefully selected ingredients, making each piece an ideal gift or personal indulgence.

Featured Temari Castella Flavors

Two standout flavors in the Temari Castella lineup include:

1. Reward Strawberry Condensed Milk Castella:
   This new creation, already a popular item at the Tokyo Solamachi and Yokohama Takashimaya stores, is now available in the Temari size. It features a crunchy crumble and strawberry topping, with a filling of condensed milk and a sweet-and-sour strawberry jam, offering a visually appealing and refreshingly flavorful experience.
2. Black Sesame Gravel Castella (Limited Revival):
   Originally a collaboration with Bensaiten that garnered significant attention on social media last September, this flavor is making a limited-time comeback. The rich, black sesame dough, known for its fluffy and chewy texture, is paired with Bensaiten’s special sweet and salty peanut paste, which has a unique gravel-like consistency. This castella successfully captures the essence of Bensaiten’s popular "Black Sesame Gravel Mochi" in both presentation and taste.

Product Offerings

The pop-up store will feature both whole and Temari-sized castella in a variety of flavors:

• Whole Size (1,501 – 2,376 yen including tax):
  • Plain
  • Cheese
  • Black Sesame Gravel
• Temari Size (637 – 918 yen including tax):
  • Plain
  • Cheese
  • Double Chocolate
  • Earl Grey
  • Matcha
  • Reward Strawberry Condensed Milk
  • Black Sesame Gravel

"Breakfast Castella": A Savory Delight

GRAND CASTELLA promotes the concept of "castella enjoyed for breakfast," a style that has gained traction in eight countries worldwide. While excellent as a sweet treat, their castella also complements savory dishes and pairs exceptionally well with coffee or tea. The "Cheese Castella," featuring two layers of melting cheddar cheese, offers a balanced sweet and salty flavor profile that has made it a long-standing favorite and a signature product, perfect for starting the day. Both whole and Temari sizes of the Cheese Castella will be available at the event.

Event Details

• Location: Shibuya Tokyu Food Show, Shibuya Station
• Address: 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Dougenzaka 1-12-1, Shibuya Mark City 1st Floor THIS WEEK1 Counter (right by the entrance) (MAP)
• Event Period: January 9, 2025 (Thursday) – January 22, 2025 (Wednesday)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Website: Shibuya Tokyu Food Show

Please note that the information provided is subject to change. For the most up-to-date details, kindly refer to the official website of the venue or organizer.

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What is Castella?

Castella is a traditional Japanese sponge cake with roots in the 16th century, introduced by Portuguese merchants. It is known for its light texture and subtle sweetness, made from flour, sugar, eggs, and starch syrup. Unlike many Western cakes, Castella lacks butter or oil, giving it a delicate crumb. Typically baked in a rectangular mold, it features a golden-brown top and moist interior. Over time, Castella has become a popular treat in Japan, enjoyed as a snack or dessert and often given as a gift. Its basic recipe allows for various flavor adaptations, such as matcha, honey, or chocolate, as seen in offerings from GRAND CASTELLA.

Osu Kannon Setsubun Festival

The Setsubun Festival is held annually at Osu Kannon, the central temple among the four Kannon temples of Owari: Arako Kannon, Jimokuji Kannon, Ryusenji Kannon, and Kasadera Kannon. For a fee of 3,500 yen, attendees can purchase a bean-throwing prayer ticket, granting them access to participate in the traditional bean-throwing ritual from a specially designated stage positioned in front of the temple’s main hall.

In the afternoon, a vibrant treasure ship procession commences, parading from Hisaya Odori Park’s "Hope Plaza" to Osu Kannon. This procession features the god of fortune of the treasure ship, accompanied by the Seven Gods of Fortune. Upon arrival at Osu Kannon, the festivities reach their climax with the "Oni-oi Ritual," a demon-chasing ritual performed on the viewing stand.

Treasure Ship Procession

The treasure ship procession is a spectacle not to be missed. Participants, adorned in colorful attire, accompany the treasure ship as it makes its way through the streets. The procession is a visual representation of good fortune and prosperity, with the Seven Gods of Fortune symbolizing various aspects of luck and happiness.

Spot Information

Osu Kannon (Shinpukuji Hoshoin)

Osu Kannon, formally known as Kitanozan Shinpukuji Hoshoin, is a temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Originally situated in Osu, Mino, the temple was relocated to its current location in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan.

The temple’s main hall, which was destroyed during the war, was reconstructed in 1970. Osu Kannon is also home to the Osu Library, which houses a collection of approximately 15,000 books, including a National Treasure copy of the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest extant chronicle. Additionally, an antique market is held on the temple grounds on the 18th and 28th of each month.

See spot details

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Date: February 2, 2025 (Sunday/Holiday)

Time:

• 10:00-18:00 (Bean-throwing prayer)
• 13:18- (Treasure Ship Procession)

Venue: Osu Kannon

Contact: Osu Kannon

TEL: 052-231-6525 (English inquiries not accepted)

Access: A 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line

What is Setsubun?

Setsubun is a Japanese festival marking the transition from winter to spring according to the lunar calendar, celebrated on February 3rd. It involves customs designed to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune for the year ahead. The central ritual is "mamemaki," or bean-throwing, where roasted soybeans are thrown either out the door or at someone wearing an oni (demon) mask, accompanied by the chant "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" meaning "Demons out! Luck in!" This tradition is thought to cleanse the home and protect it from bad luck. Additionally, people eat a number of beans equal to their age to promote health and happiness. Setsubun is widely observed across Japan, with temples and shrines hosting events that attract many participants eager to engage in the celebrations and welcome the new season.

Tokyo Stroll x Nada’s Five Sake Breweries: "Tokyo Stroll 2025" – Hanzomon to Mitsukoshimae Route

A Unique Walking Event Along the Tokyo Metro Lines

"Tokyo Stroll 2025" is a walking event that allows participants to explore unique areas along the Tokyo Metro lines. Due to the overwhelming popularity of last year’s revival special edition, held after a four-year hiatus, this year’s event will be held in collaboration with Nada Gogo, one of Japan’s premier sake-producing regions, encompassing parts of Kobe City and Nishinomiya City in Hyogo Prefecture.

The course begins at Hanzomon Station and winds its way through the scenic Chidorigafuchi Green Way, the historic Jinbocho area, and the revered Kanda Shrine, before culminating at Fukutoku no Mori. Participants who complete the walk will be rewarded with a completion prize consisting of original Tokyo Metro merchandise. In addition, they will receive a ticket for one complimentary tasting of "Nada no Sake" at the "Nada no Sake meets TOKYO.NIHONBASHI" event, which will be held concurrently at the Edozakura-dori Underground Walkway in the Mitsukoshimae area, the designated endpoint of the walk.

This walking event is free of charge, and 3,000 participants will be selected via an advance application process. Those interested in participating should visit the dedicated website of the "Tokyo Stroll Management Office" and apply after providing the necessary information. It is important to note that individuals who are not selected will be unable to participate. This event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a healthy day out, taking in the beautiful scenery that is particularly striking during the colder months.

Event Details

Start

• Location: Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Hanzomon Station

• Reception Times: Staggered between 9:30 AM and 11:50 AM. Participants can choose their preferred start time during the application process from the following options:

  1. 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
  2. 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
  3. 10:30 AM – 10:50 AM
  4. 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
  5. 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM

  Please note that changes to the selected start time cannot be made after the application has been submitted.

• Additional Information: Details regarding the reception location and method on the day of the event will be provided in the "Winning Notification Email." Participants will commence their walk after completing the reception process.

Goal

• Location: Fukutoku no Mori
• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Completion Prize: Participants who reach the goal will receive "Tokyo Metro Original Goods" and a ticket for one free tasting of "Nada no Sake" at the "Nada no Sake meets TOKYO.NIHONBASHI" event, held simultaneously at the Edozakura-dori Underground Walkway. The QR code attached to the winning notification email is required to exchange for the completion prize.
• Alternative Prize: Participants under the age of 20 and those who do not consume alcohol will receive sweets instead of the sake tasting ticket.
• Note: The completion prize can only be exchanged once per person.

Walking Course

The route is as follows: Hanzomon Line Hanzomon Station → Chidorigafuchi Green Way → Jinbocho Area → Kanda Shrine → Fukutoku no Mori.

Walking Distance and Estimated Time

The total walking distance is approximately 6.2 kilometers, with an estimated completion time of around 2 hours.

Notification of Lottery Results

In the event that the number of applicants exceeds 3,000, a lottery will be conducted under strict management by the "Tokyo Stroll Management Office." Only successful applicants will be notified of the results.

• Method of Notification: A "Winning Notification Email" will be sent to the email address provided during the application process.
• Notification Period: On or around Friday, December 20, 2024.

Basic Information

• Venue/Nearest Station: Hanzomon Station (Tokyo Metro)
• Address: 1-6 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083 (MAP)
• Event Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
• Application: Advance application is required.
• Application Period: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 10:00 AM to Sunday, December 15, 2024, 11:59 PM
• Fees: Participation is free. However, participants are responsible for their own transportation costs to the starting point.
• Inquiries:
  • Tokyo Stroll Management Office: 03-6891-1142 (For inquiries regarding Tokyo Stroll, available 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, Obon, and New Year’s holidays)
  • Tokyo Metro Customer Center: https://www.tokyometro.jp/support/index.html (For inquiries regarding Tokyo Metro)
• Official Website: https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/2024/219581.html
• Weather Contingency: The event will proceed rain or shine. However, it may be canceled in the event of severe weather or at the discretion of the management office.

Please note that the published content is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official website of the venue or organizer.

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What is Nada Sake?

Nada sake is a type of Japanese rice wine from the Nada district in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. This area is one of Japan’s key sake-producing regions, known for its high-quality sake crafted over centuries. The distinct qualities of Nada sake come from several factors: the use of superior sake rice like Yamada Nishiki, and the pure water from the Rokko mountain range, called "Miyamizu." These elements, combined with traditional brewing methods, create a sake that is balanced, with a clean and crisp taste. Nada sake is recognized for its robust and dry finish, making it popular among sake enthusiasts and a good match for various Japanese dishes. Whether you’re experienced with sake or trying it for the first time, Nada sake provides an insight into the heritage and skill of Japanese sake brewing.