Japanese Chocolate Brands to Enjoy This February!

Japan is famous for its artistry and creativity, which extends beautifully into the world of sweets, especially chocolate. Their global popularity continues to grow, captivating sweet lovers around the world. Let’s explore some Japanese chocolate brands you want to savor this Valentine’s season!

Royce’

Royce was founded in 1983 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Japan’s northern island’s cool climate and clean air make it ideal for crafting high-quality confections. Royce started with a simple goal: to create world-class chocolates using the finest ingredients. Over the years, this dedication has made Royce a beloved name among sweet lovers in Japan and worldwide. The brand started selling cookies from a small factory but soon became a notable producer of chocolate.

One of Royce’s most famous creations is its nama chocolate. It’s a silky ganache of fresh cream and cacao that is dusted with cocoa powder. The word nama (raw) symbolizes its fresh, melt-in-your-mouth texture. But that’s not all! This Japanese chocolate brand also makes delightful products like potato-chip chocolate. This treat blends salty chips with sweet chocolate and creamy Baton Cookies. Each bite of Royce’s products offers a taste of Hokkaido’s rich natural goodness.

You can visit Royce’ shops in Hokkaido or find its products in airports and select stores across Japan. Each store is like a little box of surprises where visitors can find various products, from crispy wafers to smooth chocolate bars. Its shops also have seasonal goodies and gifts, which are great for sharing or enjoying yourself.

Mary’s Chocolate

Mary’s Chocolate began its journey in Tokyo’s Meguro Ward in 1950. It was founded by Kentaro Hara, a confectionery maker passionate about crafting the finest chocolates. Before “real chocolate” was popular in Japan, this brand used 100% cocoa butter to make smooth, delicious treats. From a small workshop, it became a cherished Japanese chocolate maker known for its quality and flavor.

This brand is famous for its contribution to making Valentine’s Day popular in Japan. In 1958, inspired by a letter from a Parisian friend, the company introduced women gifting chocolates to men on February 14th. Starting with a few chocolates and a card, this tradition became a major celebration, making Valentine’s Day a big event in Japan.

The chocolates themselves are a true highlight. Mary’s offers a wide range of products, from luxurious premium chocolates to playful creations like popping candy choco and rich caramel millefeuille. Its milk chocolate has a distinctive caramel-like flavor thanks to a unique roasting process. They even use traditional marble rollers during production to achieve a smooth texture and pure taste. The company also celebrates Japan’s flavors, incorporating ingredients like matcha and yuzu.

Mon Loire

Mon Loire has a long history of excellence in choco-making. It uses high-quality Belgian chocolate and thoughtful packaging to ensure freshness in Japan’s weather. Mon Loire has grown to include its specialty stores and department store locations across the Kansai region and beyond. 

Mon Loire’s signature product is handmade truffles with fine ingredients for a lovely flavor and vibrant colors. Another popular treat is ganache, available in bite-sized cubes and carefully crafted for an ideal taste. For something light and elegant, Leaf Memory chocolates are leaf-shaped, melting in your mouth with a delicate flavor. Plus, most people enjoy them with a cup of tea or as small gifts.

Moreover, Mon Loire also provides yummy baked goods, such as the Kobe petit financier, a bite-sized cake with a rich, burnt-butter flavor. Also, Kobe Mike-neko langue, a crispy choco cookie snack, is a hit with customers.

Are you looking for great snacks like Japanese chocolate? Check out Sakuraco!  Sakuraco delivers traditional Japanese snacks, teas, and sweets from local Japanese makers directly to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!

Maison Cacao 

Maison Cacao is based in Kamakura and was founded by Shingo Ishihara. This brand grows its cacao on a farm in Colombia, working closely with local farmers to cultivate high-quality beans. The company is committed to respecting nature and producing top-notch ingredients, including the best fruits and nuts from orchards across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. This careful approach results in chocolates rich in flavor and made with only the best ingredients. 

Some of the most renowned items include the aroma nama chocolate, which has a moist texture, and the chocolate tart, known for its crispy and soft textures. Maison Cacao’s flagship store in Kamakura follows the Zen philosophy of simplicity. This idea is seen in its signature nama chocolate, a simple but delicious cube of choco. Maison Cacao’s annual “Collection” event introduces new chocolates based on a yearly theme, showcasing the brand’s creativity and dedication to cacao.

Why should I try luxurious Japanese chocolate?

Trying luxurious Japanese chocolate is a great way to explore the country’s deep commitment to quality and craftsmanship. These chocolates, made with the highest-quality ingredients, offer exceptional flavors that reflect Japan’s attention to detail and creativity. From Royce’s silky nama choco to Mary’s innovative take on Japanese flavors, each piece tells a story of tradition and innovation. Have you tried any products from the brands above? Share your thoughts in the comments!