Hanshin Umeda’s Sweetest Festival: A Strawberry and Chocolate Extravaganza
Osaka is buzzing with anticipation as the Hanshin Umeda Main Store kicks off its much-awaited “Hanshin Strawberry & Chocolate Festival.” Running from January 21st to February 14th on the 8th floor event space, this annual event promises a delightful fusion of two beloved flavors: the vibrant sweetness of strawberries and the rich allure of chocolate. It’s a celebration where confectionery artistry meets local charm, offering exclusive treats that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Indulge in a Berry Bliss: Strawberry Sweets Galore
Prepare your palate for an explosion of strawberry goodness with approximately 50 varieties of eat-in strawberry sweets. From towering parfaits to delicate crepes, each creation is a testament to the versatility of this beloved fruit. Imagine the aroma of fresh strawberries mingling with creamy textures and subtle hints of tea.
At “Ao Coffee & Gallery,” two distinct parfaits invite indulgence. The White Strawberry Fromage Parfait (2,420 yen, limited to 30 per day) features rare ‘Awayuki’ white strawberries, balanced by rich Hokkaido cream cheese for a luxurious experience. Its counterpart, the Earl Grey Strawberry Parfait (1,870 yen), highlights ‘Amaou’ strawberries with the floral notes of Earl Grey tea, brightened by lemongrass and dill, creating a refreshing symphony of flavors across its 14 layers.
“Magic of Kitchen” presents the Plenty of Strawberries Crispy Crepe (1,296 yen), an exclusive to Hanshin Umeda. This lavish crepe overflows with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, a tangy yogurt sauce, and a sweet-tart strawberry compote, all encased in a crispy crepe shell. The delicate crunch and sweet aroma of strawberries create a moment of pure bliss.
“Shin SUN” offers two exclusive parfaits featuring the prized ‘Ichigo-san’ strawberries from Saga Prefecture, known for their gentle sweetness, rich juice, and beautiful form. The Ichigo-san Parfait (1,491 yen) and the 3 Types of Strawberry Parfait (1,791 yen) combine creamy vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and chewy jelly for a delightful textural journey. A taste comparison between the two is highly recommended.
A Symphony of Flavors: Unique Chocolate Collaborations
Beyond strawberries, the festival showcases a vibrant array of chocolates, many born from unique collaborations that blend classic Japanese treats with modern confectionery.
“Golden Sugar x Goncharoff” introduces Golden Sugar Truffle Chocolate (1,080 yen per 100g), an exclusive to Hanshin Umeda. This delightful treat marries the timeless taste of ‘Golden Sugar’—a long-loved Japanese hard candy since the Taisho era, known for its pure, gentle sweetness—with rich milk chocolate. Finely crushed Golden Sugar pieces are mixed in, offering a pleasant crunchy texture and a nostalgic sweetness that evokes fond memories.
Similarly, “Pine Ame x Goncharoff” presents Pine Ame Truffle Chocolate (1,080 yen per 100g). This collaboration transforms the iconic ‘Pine Ame’—a beloved pineapple-flavored ring-shaped candy cherished across generations—into a refreshing chocolate. Pineapple-flavored chocolate is blended with finely crushed Pine Ame, creating an addictive sweet and sour taste with a delightful crunch, all presented in playful, retro packaging.
The partnership between “RINGTONS” and “Morozoff” returns with RINGTONS British Tea Truffles. Available in a 6-piece assortment box (1,512 yen, limited to 2,200) and a special 9-piece tin (1,728 yen, limited to 3,000), these truffles infuse the rich flavors of Earl Grey, milk tea, and chai into luxurious chocolates. The classical limited-edition tea tin is particularly charming, making it a perfect gift.
Roar with Sweetness: Hanshin Tigers Collaborations
For fans of the Hanshin Tigers, Osaka’s beloved professional baseball team, the festival offers exclusive treats that blend team spirit with sweet indulgence. This is a chance for the passionate “Torako” (female Tigers fans) and all supporters to celebrate their team with delicious, unique confectionery.
“Qua Soaked Sweets Specialty Store” offers the Qua Strawberry 6-piece Pair Set Hanshin Tigers Model (2,301 yen), exclusive to Hanshin. Freeze-dried strawberries are generously infused with bitter and white chocolate, creating a delightful sweet and sour experience. The set comes in a special Hanshin Tigers fan-friendly package, with two flavors and an additional matcha chocolate flavor in a cute mini drawstring pouch.
“Goncharoff” also celebrates the team with its Hanshin Tigers Plain Chocolate (Tin) (1,026 yen). The tin features Tucky, the team’s mascot, in a special 90th-anniversary uniform design, now gleaming in gold. Inside, fans will find both milk and sweet chocolates, sure to captivate hearts once again.
Artistry in Every Bite: “Package-Buy” Worthy Chocolates
The festival also highlights chocolates that are not just delicious but also exquisitely designed, making them perfect for gifting or a delightful personal treat. These are the kinds of sweets that make you say, “I’ll buy it just for the packaging!”
“Wittamer,” the Royal Warrant holder chocolatier from Brussels, presents the Tablet Fraise (1,728 yen per piece, limited to 1,000). This artistic white chocolate bar encases a rich confiture of fragrant strawberries and raspberries, creating a mesmerizing pink gradient that is a feast for the eyes.
“Echチュア” offers Strawberry Chocolat (1,620 yen for 3 pieces, limited to 600), an exclusive Hanshin creation. These bonbon chocolates feature strawberry, strawberry mint, and strawberry caramel ganache, all enrobed in fine Belgian chocolate. The strawberry and strawberry caramel ganaches are generously infused with real strawberries, and the packaging includes a charming strawberry charm.
“Watson Daikanyama” brings a 4-Variety Strawberry Tasting Set (3,240 yen for 4 pieces, limited to 1,000), exclusive to Hanshin Umeda. Chocolatier Masashi Okada, refined his craft internationally, meticulously crafts these jewel-like chocolates from domestic fruits. The set features ‘Amaou,’ ‘Awayuki,’ ‘Yayoihime,’ and ‘Koiminori’ strawberries, each a star in its own right.
“Flowernose x Goncharoff” collaborates to create the Flowernose x Goncharoff B (1,944 yen for 5 pieces). This collection features colorful Goncharoff chocolates presented in packaging inspired by “Flowernose,” a popular cosmetic brand known for its fantastical “Moonlight Mermaid” designs. The chocolates are arranged to evoke an eyeshadow palette, blending beauty and confectionery.
“Mary Chocolate Nacht Labyrinth” presents Meares Mythos (Sea Myth) (2,916 yen for 12 pieces, limited to 100). These chocolates transport you to a fantasy world, with designs inspired by a journey from an ancient castle to a mythical underwater empire. Each piece is a step into a captivating narrative.
“Kissa Penguin” offers Traveling Penguin (1,296 yen for 45g/7 pieces, limited to 500). The store’s mascot, the adorable traveling penguin, is depicted on a charming tin filled with three gentle flavors of chocolate: milk, extra milk, and white. It’s a sweet souvenir that captures the spirit of adventure.
For more details and a full list of participating brands, visit the official Hanshin Umeda Main Store website:
The Future of Kawaii Confectionery
The “Hanshin Strawberry & Chocolate Festival” is more than just a seasonal event; it’s a vibrant showcase of Japan’s confectionery innovation and its deep connection to local culture and fandom. The collaborations with classic candies like Golden Sugar and Pine Ame, along with the passionate embrace of the Hanshin Tigers, demonstrate how traditional flavors and local pride can be reinterpreted in exciting new ways. These delightful creations, often featuring ‘kawaii’ (cute) packaging and imaginative concepts, undoubtedly inspire global trends in sweets and gift-giving. As these unique Japanese culinary experiences continue to capture hearts, they further solidify Japan’s reputation as a wellspring of charming and delicious innovations, influencing confectionery artistry and Kawaii culture worldwide.
