Indulge in a Luxurious Moment at Tokyo’s Chocolate Shops this Valentine’s

With February the month of Valentine’s, what better time to explore Tokyo’s own chocolate culture? Encounter artisanal brands that blend local ingredients and traditions into heartfelt creations. With chocolate-giving culture in Japan even having evolved in its own unique way, like giri-choco (obligation chocolate given to friends or co-workers) or the spinoff White Day (where men reciprocate with their own gifts to women), Tokyo offers plenty of compelling choices this Valentine’s. Let’s get into the Valentine's spirit and explore Tokyo’s top chocolate hotspots.

Artisanal chocolate with Japanese flair — LE CHOCOLAT DE H Ginza

This Ginza chocolate boutique is known for its artisanal, flavorful chocolates that fuse cacao from around the world with Japanese culture. Using cacao from their own cacao plantation in Peru and carefully selected cacao from around the world in their original roaster, their artisans make precise adjustments to maximize the aroma and character of the cacao to create a one-of-a-kind chocolate bar.

The H (“ash” in French) is from Hironobu Tsujiguchi, the renowned chocolatier ( pâtissier) who has won numerous awards at the Salon du Chocolat,one of the world’s leading chocolate competitions. Try their signature selection or innovative flavor pairings—like hiba (species of cypress) and sake, or yuzu and lemon marigold.

At the eat-in corner, enjoy menu items such as rich chocolate tarts and Parfait Royal, paired with coffee, tea, or chocolate drinks. *Due to the peak season, the eat-in corner will be closed until the end of March. For the latest updates, please check Instagram.

Keeping it simple with bean-to-bar excellence — Minimal Tomigaya

Nestled in Tokyo’s vibrant Tomigaya neighborhood, Minimal’s chocolate shop celebrates cacao’s natural flavor. The “bean to bar” approach here—crafting chocolate in-house from single-origin cacao beans—reflects their “less is more” philosophy, highlighting pure cacao flavors with minimal ingredients. Adding just beet sugar, they diligently experiment with cacao ratios, textures and roasts to unlock the unique character of every bean. Try their award-winning “Arhuaco” chocolate bar (with grape jam-esque flavors) or the “Fruity” version with blueberry hints.

The store’s cafe space invites you to try their tasting set, with its lineup of chocolate complemented by chocolate-infused drinks and cacao nibs for extra crunch. Their hot chocolate is heavenly and pairs well with their cocoa-infused apple pie. Minimal delivers refined yet delicious results worth seeking out.

Fun, handcrafted chocolates with a twist — Artichoke chocolate

Artichoke chocolate offers a playful twist on chocolate, transforming classic foods into edible art. From chicken drumsticks to grilled eel etc., their “art chocolate” seasonal creations—in contrast to their main collection—surprise and delight with their whimsical, lifelike designs.

Their bean-to-bar process draws on cacao beans sourced directly from individual farmers, which they combine with Japanese ingredients too—like the Hokkaido raspberries in their fruity raspberry chocolate variety.

The Kiyosumi-shirakawa area is synonymous with third-wave coffee shops and art influences making Artichoke chocolate’s “art choco” feel at home in this neighborhood. Why not consider a visit if looking for some unique chocolates for that special loved one?

LE CHOCOLAT DE H Ginza

Address	Hosono Building 1F, 6-7-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Instagram	https://www.instagram.com/lechocolatdeh_official/
URL	LE CHOCOLAT DE H Ginza (JPN)

Minimal Tomigaya

Address	2-1-9 Tomigaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo
URL	Minimal Tomigaya (JPN)

Artichoke chocolate

Address	4-9-6 Miyoshi, Koto City, Tokyo
URL	Artichoke chocolate (JPN)

For updated information on opening hours, days closed, prices, and more, please check the official website.