One thing that will stick out in the minds of first-time visitors to Japan is how very kind and helpful the locals are. They will provide you with complimentary cookies as you are leaving the shop, and they will also provide you with a free plate of tempura in between the bowls of noodles that you have ordered. Since of this, Japan is an excellent destination for family vacations because the locals would go out of their way to ensure your satisfaction. The Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on avoiding uncomfortable social situations, and one of the most common ways in which they achieve this is via the sharing of food.
Chocolate has emerged as perhaps the most popular culinary trend over the last 10 years, despite the fact that no chocolate brands with names like Godiva or Lindt have found success in our country. While Japanese customers place a high value on quality and originality, they are also willing to stand in line for several hours to get a flavor of ice cream that they spotted on Instagram. There is a good reason why this region is known for its world-famous Kobe beef. Many companies have decided that Japan is the best place to launch innovative new products because of the country’s general receptivity to novel goods, such as the notorious ruby chocolate. If you are looking for a solution to the question of what to purchase in Osaka, the answer is unquestionably chocolate.
The Japanese still have a reputation for favoring items that are excessively sweet, but thanks to these chocolatiers in Osaka, that stereotype may finally be changing for the better. In Japan’s most populous cities, chocolate is seen as a gift that is not only economical but also appropriate. Therefore, in contrast to other nations, there are a smaller number of independent coffee shops and a greater number of chocolate kiosks located in department stores. Any one of these restaurants would be an excellent choice for a break in the middle of tourist activities, such as a day trip to Nara.
This guide is organized according to the three zones in which the majority of the stores are located: Northern Osaka, North-Central Osaka, and Southern Osaka. This was done for your own mental health’s sake. There are perhaps other stores outside of these districts that we did not have the time to visit, but in order to list and evaluate every chocolate shop in Osaka, we would have to write a book. In light of this, the following chocolate cafés in Kansai are still among the greatest there are, while others on our list are ones you should avoid at all costs.
Visit the annual chocolate festival in Osaka if you have a serious passion for chocolate while you’re there.
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Northern Osaka (Umeda/Shin-Osaka)
This section of Osaka is not particularly well-suited for visitors. Despite the towers, this is the most accessible zone for chocolate stores, and once you’ve finished your shopping, you can even sit down in Utsubo Park to people watch while you snack on your chocolate haul. The majority of the area is devoted to commercial and financial activities. You may also take the train from the nearby Hanshin-Umeda Station to Kobe, which is known as the “chocolate metropolis” of Japan, or you can take the train to Tokyo, which is considered to be the cultural epicenter of the Japanese chocolate industry.
Chocolat Bel Amer
This establishment is just a little outlet of the main branch in Tokyo; nonetheless, it does provide a more limited range of their madeleines, as well as an array of their circular chocolates and set boxes of truffles. It’s the same candies that you can purchase at their main shop, so unless you’re very desperate for a fix of it, I wouldn’t bother going there unless you absolutely have to. On the other hand, these are some of the most attractive choices available in the department store; hence, if you are short on time, I would recommend going with this alternative.
Address:(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Umeda
Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Sun.-Thu. & 10am-9pm, Fri./Sat. (¥280-¥400 per truffle)
Goncharoff
The second chocolatier on our list is located in Kobe, and my first impression was that it was of a poorer quality than the first. I attribute this to the adorable animal-shaped bonbons that they sell, which are quite popular with the locals. The extensive product selection that includes cookies, truffles, and desserts that are only available at the café is the main attraction here. In spite of the fact that their offers are on the more affordable and sugary end of the spectrum, those who attend a dinner party with even a moderate level of sophistication would be impressed by them. Despite the fact that they are quite affordable, I would advise you to go to a different store if you wanted to get a distinctive assortment of tastes that were inspired by Japan. You will find such shop just down the street.
Address:(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Umeda
Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Sun.-Thu. & 10am-9pm, Fri./Sat. (¥50 per truffle)
La Maison du Chocolat
La Maison, a chocolate brand that has been a mainstay in Paris for decades, is widely regarded as one of the finest imported chocolates in Japan. In addition to macarons and French pastries, the chic-looking truffles in a variety of traditional flavors can be found at a number of retail locations around the nation. Eclairs seem to be a regional favorite, and the sophisticated French flavor that is reflected in the décor goes well with these sweet pastries. Additionally, financier cookies and ice cream served in cups or cones may be purchased at this Hankyu location. However, you’ll need to keep an eye on your wallets since it wasn’t a very inexpensive flight, and the prices reflect that fact.
Address: (Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Umeda
Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Sun.-Thu. & 10am-9pm, Fri./Sat. (~¥350 per truffle)
Valoir
If you can get beyond the wacky weekend hours and the shop’s location in the north, you’ll find that you’ve discovered yet another chocolate treasure. It begins to appear a little tarnished with difficulties, but after you take a taste of a fruit- and nut-filled chocolate financier, I know you’ll find a way to ignore them and get on with your life. The adorable store has a decent selection of bonbons and beverages at reasonable prices, but the staff does not speak much English. Would you be so kind as to get a box of chocolate-covered orange peels for me?
Address:(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Shin-Osaka
Hours & Prices: 12pm-6pm, Fri. & 11am-5pm, Sat./Sun. (¥240-¥300 per truffle)
Chocolatier Palet D’or
Palet D’or is the bean-to-bar chocolate brand created by master chocolatier Shunsuke Saegusa, and it is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious chocolate maker brands in Japan. Since it opened in Osaka in 2004, this store has been making a name for itself in the competitive Japanese chocolate industry, thanks in large part to the distinctive chocolate collections it sells. At this year’s chocolate festival in Osaka, they were fairly well received by attendees. An extremely large assortment of baked goods, flavored bonbons, and liquid refreshments is rounded off with items such as melty chocolate disks and single origin “healthy” truffles. In every one of their sites around Japan, there is room for guests to take a seat and relax as they peruse the available options.
Address:Japan, 〒530-0001 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Kita, Umeda, 2 Chome−2−22, ハービスプラザエント(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Nishi Umeda
Hours & Prices: 11am-8pm, daily (¥300-¥400 per truffle)
Morozoff
This Kobe chocolate manufacturer has opened up reasonably priced kiosks in a number of department shops located around Japan. They provide an extensive variety of miniature candies that may be added on to gifts that are purchased in the mall, and all of these items seem to be popular purchases. They also sell their chocolates at low prices. They have bright red-wrapped boxes of bonbons, much like the Whitman’s samplers that I used to get when I was little, and they also offer some chocolate bars. Cookies, puddings, and molded plain chocolates are some of the various treats that are available. Aside from the fact that company is headquartered in Kobe, I did not see anything that stood out to me as being particularly distinctive.
Address:(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Umeda
Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Sun.-Thu. & 10am-9pm, Fri./Sat. (¥50-¥100 per truffle)
North-Central Osaka (Higobashi)
Northern Osaka is advertised to tourists as the entry to Osaka, and it encompasses both the Kita and Shin-Osaka neighborhoods. It is also home to a wide variety of attractions that tourists often fail to take advantage of. Walking around the big buildings surrounding Umeda might seem intimidating at first, but the expansiveness of the neighborhood is not limited to the metro stations that are the most often used. In addition, this region is home to the Banpaku Memorial Park, the Minoh Falls, and the Suntory Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery, in addition to a number of wonderful chocolate stores. This is also the location of the Yodoyabashi Metro Station, which is the place to go to board the train that will take you to Kyoto’s chocolate stores.
Royal Chocolat L’Eclat
Don’t make the same mistake I did and find yourself lost and confused around this enormous hotel. Simply make your way to the middle of the lobby on the first level and look for the long rectangular chocolates and towering circular solar system truffles; the outlet also offers chocolate bars, so don’t be surprised if these attract your attention first. In spite of the fact that they are more well-known than their counterparts, the planets each cost approximately $500, which makes them a very unique and thoughtful present. The Passion Fruit and the Salt were the two items from their normal offering that we decided to try, and we found that they were the most deserving of our attention. Despite the fact that it is a little bit out of the way, this is a good place to pick up some stunningly delicious sweet truffles; nevertheless, if cost is a concern, I would recommend going somewhere else.
Address:(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Nakanoshima
Hours & Prices: April to September 11:30am-6:30pm, daily & October to March 11am-7pm, daily (¥300-¥500 per truffle)
Cacaotier Gokan
Gokan, which is one of the most well-known chocolatiers in Osaka and counts among the city’s major establishments, has earned a rapid reputation for the breadth and sophistication of its bonbon and pastry offerings. Customers may have a light lunch, as well as a variety of hot beverages, including sipping chocolate, coffee, and teas, on the shop’s second level. The refined atmosphere of Gokan pervades the atmosphere around you from the time you lay your eyes on the front entrance to the moment you enjoy the sweets you brought home and everything in between. Even the artificial cocoa tree that is exhibited in the middle of the shop has an air of refined sophistication. Either their chocolate eclairs or the individual chocolate bonbons from their collection are their most popular items, but both are excellent choices.
Address:(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Yodoyabashi
Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Mon.-Sat. & 10am-7pm, Sun./Holidays (¥215-¥240 per truffle)
Solilite Chocolate
This bright and cheery store is permeated with the aroma of sugary pastries and bread, and it is difficult to escape. Your very first order of business will be to look about at the delicate but refined presentation of the bars, truffles, and other sweets such as biscuits and little confections. The sole instance of the English language that can be found at this establishment is in its name; nevertheless, if you do not seem to be Japanese, they may rush back and get the one employee who is fluent in English. He gives you a rundown of the lineup, and then you decide whether you want your new collection to come in a box or a bag. Even while we liked every bonbon, the Yuzu, which was bright and transparent, and the Raspberry Caramel, which was creamy, emerged victorious as our overall favorites.
Address: 2-2-5 Edogori, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, 550-0002(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Higobashi
Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Wed.-Mon.; closing at 7pm on Sat./Sun./Holidays (¥250 per truffle)
Tikal Chocolate
It’s a damn shame that chocolate chip cookies aren’t more well-known in Japan; they’re delicious! Tikal Chocolates is here to rectify the problem since the thick madeleine cookies in the manner of France that are predominant in the displays of department stores are just not the same as ours. Tikal is not by any means a huge store, but it does have a broad assortment of items, including the American-style cookies, elegant pastries, and about two dozen types of bonbons. The chocolate bars and other seasonal delicacies that are displayed along one wall of the store seem to be the most popular items among customers. Cacao cheesecake is one of those desserts that, if it doesn’t entice you, I don’t even know who you are anymore.
Address:(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Yodoyabashi
Hours & Prices: 10am-7pm, Tue.-Sun. (¥250-¥300 per truffle)
Les Petites Papillotes
To tell you the truth, the inside of this restaurant smelt like grilled lunch meat on the day that we were there. Once we smoothed down our wrinkled noses and looked at their assortment of baked goods, cookies, and candies, everything was left alone as it should have been. Everything was detailed in both French and Japanese, making it a really international experience. The design is highly open, and it has elements such as a barrier that provides a view into the whole pastry kitchen and wall-hugging circular seating arrangements. Their assortment of over a dozen chocolates includes ganaches that are silky smooth but robust, and they melt with the flavors that you choose (half of which contain liquor). They were enjoyable, but I didn’t find them all that appealing, so I didn’t go back for more. In addition, Papillotes provides a selection of beverages and baked goods, all of which may be consumed in the establishment or taken to go.
Address: 〒550-0003 Ōsaka-fu, Ōsaka-shi, Nishi-ku, Kyōmachibori, 1 Chome−12−23(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Higobashi
Hours & Prices: 11am-8pm, Wed.-Sun.; closing at 7pm on Sun./Holidays (~¥300 per truffle)
Seiichiro Nishizono
Despite the fact that Seiichiro Nishizono’s bakery seems to be no different from any other nice establishment, with limited seating and a location on a side street, he is able to accommodate the needs of his customers. This store only sells chocolates during the winter holiday season, so when you go in, the display case of pastries that they have attracts your attention right away, and it may continue to do so. It is really a pity because, as delectable as their cookies and other delicacies are, their chocolate is the true undiscovered treasure in their shop. The bonbons we had were really excellent, particularly the Passion Fruit and Ginger ones, and they were quite pretty as well. Despite the fact that the signage has only a limited amount of English, the employees were able to help us and persuade us to purchase a little box. You are unable to make a pick, yet there is no need for you to do so given that every option is satisfying.
Address:(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Higobashi
Hours & Prices: 11am-8pm, Thu.-Mon. (¥300-¥400 per truffle)
Southern Osaka (Namba)
The neighborhood that encompasses Namba station and the region immediately to its north is regarded as Osaka’s second party hotspot (just behind Umeda). It is common practice to start and finish a list of things to purchase in Osaka and places to stay here, and there is a solid reason for this. This area is known by its Japanese name, Minami, and it is famous not just for its nightlife and shopping but also for its strolling and shopping.
It would seem to reason that the chocolate stores would be a good spot to start spending money, given the amount of shopping that appears to take place in this area; nevertheless, this recommendation should only be made after gathering all of the relevant information. Do not overlook the many chocolate stores that can be found in Tokyo if you are looking for even more exceptional examples of Japanese chocolate.
Ek Chuah
Even though they have a nice selection of chocolates, this is not even close to being my favorite chocolatier in Osaka. The Truffe Caramel has a very strong rum flavor, but the caramel is very weak. The Salt has a fudgy ganache with a salinity on the finish. The Strawberry has a very sweet white chocolate with a flavor that is vaguely strawberry. Despite the nice spread of chocolates. It was a disheartening discovery considering the fact that both their packaging and bonbons, which have a Mayan-inspired design approach, are lovely. However, the tastes are too sweet and lacking in intensity. However, given that they have more than one site in Osaka, it is likely that they are a favorite of a number of the city’s residents. It is one of the establishments in the area that is easiest to navigate due to the fact that each flavor is described in both English and Japanese. Keep an eye out for the name cards that include martini glasses if you appreciate the robust tastes of liquors but not the alcoholic punch that comes with them.
Address:(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Shinsaibashi
Hours & Prices: 10am-8:30pm, daily (¥324 per truffle)
324 per truffle
Chocolaterie Coco
Coco is one of the stores whose existence I most lament losing out on since it sells delectable bonbons in more than a dozen different flavors. These sweets are displayed on slate trays with both French and Japanese writing on them. The sheer number of flavors is enough to make your head spin, and right from the get, you can tell that the chocolatier takes their job very seriously. The velvety texture of ganaches, which may range from blackberry chestnut to green tea strawberry, is a treat not only for the nose but also for the eyes and palate. In addition to packages of bonbons, the store also has a wide selection of cookies and chocolate-coated fruits, nuts, and other treats.
Address: Japan, 〒541-0058 Ōsaka-fu, Ōsaka-shi, Chūō-ku, Minamikyūhōjimachi, 1−5−15 COZY南久宝寺(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Sakaisuji Hommachi
Hours & Prices: 11am-7pm, Tue.-Sun. (¥270-¥300 per truffle)
Mon Loire
This Japanese chocolate store has a little bit of everything for its customers to choose from. It makes me think of upscale fast food, but with chocolate instead of other ingredients. There are also biscuits, truffles, chocolate-covered orange peels, and pieces of molded chocolates among their offerings. The ganaches are cut fresh daily. Although there is not a very extensive variety, the products that are available are of really high quality, particularly the chocolate-covered orange peels. The only way to purchase bonbons is in pre-packaged sets with a mindset of “you get what you get.” When we were there, the personnel was all very kind, although they spoke very little to no English.
Address: Japan, 〒542-0076 Ōsaka-fu, Ōsaka-shi, Chūō-ku, Nanba, 2 丁目2, なんば ウォーク(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Namba
Hours & Prices: 10am-9pm, daily (¥250-¥300 per truffle)
Minamoalley
Minamoalley, which can be found smack dab in the heart of all the activity that Osaka is famous for, attracts your attention with its bright yellow facade and entices you inside with free samples. Even if the quality is rather poor, the small hearts that are wrapped up in packets like truffles appear to be the most popular option, even though it is not surprising given the costs are so low. In addition to miniature chocolate hearts and bonbons in pre-packaged sets, they also sell chocolate-covered cherries stuffed with liqueur and chocolate-covered cherries with a variety of fillings. The shop isn’t very big, but they give out a lot of free samples, so they must be moving a decent amount of merchandise.
Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Dōtonbori, Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 542-0071, Japan(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Namba
Hours & Prices: 10am-8:30pm, Sun.-Thu. & 10am-9pm, Fri./Sat. (¥140-¥215 per truffle)
Demel
Demel is one of the numerous chocolate shops that can be found in the basement levels of department stores in Osaka. Demel offers chocolates that are imported from Europe. In this instance, the Austrian chocolates are wrapped in magenta rectangles and placed among boxes of cookies. Inside each chocolate is a unique combination of fruits, caramels, and ganaches. The prices are ordinary, and the flavors are basic as well; if you are set on purchasing a gift at the shopping center, I would recommend spending a little extra elsewhere to obtain a better box to put your present in.
Address: Japan, 〒542-0076 Ōsaka-fu, Ōsaka-shi, Chūō-ku, Nanba, 5 Chome−1−5, 高島屋大阪店(Google Maps)
Metro Stop: Namba
Hours & Prices: 10am-8:30pm, Sun.-Thu. & 10am-9pm, Fri./Sat. (~¥300 per truffle)
Osaka Chocolate Map
