Hankyu Valentine's Day Chocolate Expo in Osaka

I was in Osaka for a short work trip recently, and I stayed in the Umeda area close to the Hankyu Umeda department store. While I was there I checked out an event which is perfect in the leadup to the most loved-up time of year – the Hankyu Valentine’s Day Chocolate Expo.

If you’re planning to purchase Valentine’s chocolates for your loved one(s), the Hankyu Valentine’s Day Chocolate Expo is a fantastic event to check out.

The event started on January 20th and runs right up until 14th February – Valentine’s Day itself – and it showcases a huge range of chocolates from different companies, both domestic and international. Some of the companies taking part in the event include big names like Godiva, La Maison du Chocolat, and Maison Chaudon to name just a few.

There are numerous different areas to explore at the expo, including a section dedicated solely to the combination of chocolate and citrus fruits. It’s a combination that I love – I appreciate the richness of cocoa and the zingy flavor of citrus – and I thought it was an interesting flavor to highlight.

If you love the combo of chocolate and citrus fruits, there is a section dedicated entirely to that!

There was also a section called Cacao World, which focuses on the different flavors that chocolate can have depending on the region that the cacao beans are sourced from. I’d honestly never really thought about this, but it makes sense – in the same way that coffee beans taste different depending on their origin, cacao beans do too!

The event made me think about how the taste of chocolate can alter depending on where the cacao beans are sourced from, in the same way that coffee does!

One really nice thing about this event is that if you can’t make it there in person, you can order chocolates online to be delivered to your door. The event website allows you to filter by the date range you want your chocolates to be delivered, your spending limit (options range from under ¥ 500 to over ¥ 10,000, so there is something for most budgets!), and even keywords like character themed chocolates, tea-infused chocolates, or fruit-based chocolates. You can browse the wide array of gift options for some inspiration here. 

If you live in the Osaka area or you’re visiting in the leadup to Valentine’s Day, this event is fun to check out whether you plan to purchase some chocolates or not. I hope if you have the chance to check it out that you'll enjoy browsing the displays as much as I did!

Practical info for your visit :

• The Hankyu Umeda Department Store has direct access from Umeda Station, which is served by various lines including the Hanshin Main Line and the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. It's also easily walkable from JR Osaka Station at about 4 minutes away on foot.

• The department store opening hours are from 10 : 00 a.m. – 8 : 00 p.m.