A World of Chocolate Awaits
This year’s expo sees 76 brands converging under one roof, with a special spotlight on 12 brands making their debut at Kobe Hankyu’s Valentine event. These newcomers include 8 international and 4 domestic brands, each bringing their unique flair and craftsmanship to the forefront. The sheer variety of textures and flavors, from the silky smooth ganaches to the delightful crunch of pralines, creates an irresistible draw.
New Discoveries from Around the Globe
The international debuts offer a passport to global chocolate excellence:
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La Maison du Chocolat (France): A renowned French brand, presenting their “Au Coeur du Faubourg” 6-piece gift box, featuring three exclusive recipes for 4,320 yen.
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Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse (France): From the legendary French chef Alain Ducasse, an “Assortiment Délice” (5 varieties, 170g) for 6,048 yen, crafted with care from cacao beans in their Paris and Tokyo workshops.
- Vincent Guerlais (France): Experience the “Hardies 8” (8 pieces) for 4,212 yen, a selection of bean-to-bar bonbon chocolates air-freighted from France, including the unique “Crystal Milk” praline with Brittany’s famed fleur de sel.
- Michel Blanc (France): Discover the “Michel Blanc 9” (9 pieces) for 4,212 yen, a collection showcasing the brand’s signature licorice chocolate and aromatic ganaches.
- Cacao Sampaka (Spain): The adorable “Regalo de Carolo” (13 pieces) for 3,780 yen, featuring bear-shaped chocolates and refreshing lemon peel in a cute bear tin.
- Cruizel (France): The playful “Champignon Assortment” (5 pieces) for 3,240 yen, with its humorous mushroom-shaped chocolates.
- Stettler (Switzerland): Indulge in “Pavé de Genève” (6 pieces) for 4,212 yen, the iconic cobblestone-shaped chocolates from Geneva.
- De Grand Velle (Belgium): Offering the “Basic Truffle” (6 pieces) for 1,917 yen, showcasing smooth butter truffles and rich cacao pralines.
Japanese brands also make a significant entrance:
- Toshi Yoroizuka: Featuring “Chocolat Blueberry” (8 pieces) and “Chocolat White Cacao” (8 pieces), each for 2,301 yen, using ingredients like blueberries from Yoroizuka Farm and rare Mexican white cacao.
- Le Chocolat de H: Patissier Hironobu Tsujiguchi presents “Gâteau Selection” (8 pieces) for 3,891 yen, translating his famous cakes into bonbon chocolates.
- Criollo: Chef Satoru Santos, a “Best Chocolatier 100” honoree, offers “Japonais Franco” (8 pieces) for 3,888 yen, a delightful fusion of Japanese ingredients and French sensibility.
- Kuroneco Jack: From Kanazawa, this gateau chocolate specialist introduces their “Gift BOX” (6 pieces) for 3,850 yen, combining rich gateau chocolate with crispy cookies.
Exclusive Kobe Hankyu Creations
Several brands have crafted special items exclusively for Kobe Hankyu, highlighting local flavors and unique collaborations:
- Nakamura Chocolate: The “Kobe Hankyu Original Selection” (6 pieces) for 3,068 yen, limited to 700 sets, features a two-layered bonbon with Tamba black soybeans and Middle Eastern dates.
- Quon Chocolate: Their “Kobe Hankyu Limited Selection QUON Terrine ‘Fruit'” 6-piece gift box for 1,815 yen showcases terrines made with cacao from over 30 countries and local Japanese ingredients.
- Sils Maria: The birthplace of nama chocolate collaborates with local兵庫sake breweries, offering “Banshu Ikko Nama Chocolate” and “Fukuju Nama Chocolate” (16 pieces each) for 3,132 yen. These are also Kobe Hankyu exclusives.
Indulge in Cool Sweets at the Venue
Beyond boxed chocolates, visitors can enjoy refreshing chocolate sweets right at the expo. Nakamura Chocolate presents the “Amaou PARFAIT” (1 piece) for 990 yen, a delightful combination of Amaou strawberry and chocolate soft serve, topped with shaved strawberries. Other brands like Sils Maria, Ichiji, Babbi, Cacao Sampaka, and Chanoki by Fukujuen also offer cool treats. It’s truly a delight to see how these artisans blend tradition with innovation, crafting edible masterpieces that are almost too beautiful to eat.
Weekend Specials: Local Gems Shine Bright
Each weekend, the expo highlights local businesses from Kobe and the Hanshin area, offering unique baked goods and chocolates.
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January 24 (Sat) & 25 (Sun):
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Kirig (Ashiya): A new addition, known for its baked goods that pair perfectly with wine.
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Kashiya Mitsuki (Takarazuka): Another newcomer, specializing in thick butter cakes and crescent-shaped cookies.
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January 31 (Sat) & February 1 (Sun):
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AaThs (Kobe Kitano): Featuring bonbon chocolates made with Rokkosan Distillery whiskey and Fukunishiki sake lees.
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Puro (Kobe Rokkomichi): A new participant, a hidden cafe famous for its rich gateau chocolate.
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February 7 (Sat) & 8 (Sun):
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La Pierre Blanche (Kobe Motomachi): A pioneer in Kobe’s chocolaterie scene, offering chocolates based on a “simple, pure, natural” motto.
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Taoka Coffee (Branta Bake Store) (Nishinomiya / Kobe Motomachi): Presenting cheesecakes and baked goods that complement coffee, from Taoka Coffee’s cheesecake specialty store.
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February 13 (Fri) & 14 (Sat):
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The Bake (Kobe Kitano / Sannomiya): A new popular French bakery, with an exclusive egg tart for Kobe Hankyu.
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The Biscuit Barrel (Kobe Rokko): Another newcomer, an English confectionery shop by a British patissier based in Kobe, making traditional British sweets.
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“Aini Meguru” at Patio Stage 2
From February 4 (Wednesday) to February 14 (Saturday), the 2nd-floor Patio Stage 2 will host “Aini Meguru,” a special pop-up featuring adorable and heartwarming items infused with artistic sensibility. This section, produced in collaboration with illustrator Junzo Terada (who also designed the main visuals for Kobe Hankyu’s Valentine 2026), is perfect for finding unique gifts to accompany your chocolates for friends and family.
One highlight is KASANOWA, offering exciting, art-like umbrellas, such as the “Rain Merry-Go-Round” umbrella for 9,900 yen. Other participating brands include Zuzu, known for creating joyful items for daily life; Nukumaru, crafting charming wooden brooches featuring lovers and twins; Asano Bunguten, a small stationery shop from Kawanishi; and Kyoron, showcasing expressive handmade plush toys.
The Kobe Hankyu Valentine Chocolate Expo 2026 promises a vibrant celebration of chocolate, craftsmanship, and community, encapsulating the spirit of “Tokimeki Meguri.” This event not only provides an opportunity to discover world-class chocolates but also to support local artisans and experience the unique charm of Kobe’s culinary scene. Such events continue to elevate Japan’s position in the global kawaii culture, blending the joy of discovery with the refined artistry of confectionery.
For more information, visit the official Kobe Hankyu website: https://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/kobe/
