Immerse Yourself in the Sweet Delights of Tokyo Chocolate Salon 2026
The Tokyo Chocolate Salon 2026 is set to take place at TOKIA in Marunouchi on October 3rd and 4th, promising chocolate enthusiasts a delightful journey into the world of cocoa and confectionery. This year's theme not only emphasizes purchasing chocolate but also enriches the experience through various engaging activities that explore, learn about, taste, play with, and buy chocolate.
The event will boast a variety of exciting attractions, including a special booth dedicated to introducing the unique cocoa from the Ogasawara Islands, hands-on exhibits displaying actual cocoa pods, mini-games centered on cocoa, voting for favorite cocoa origins, exclusive event merchandise, and dine-in options that cater to both children and adults alike.
Expanding the Chocolate Experience
In recent years, the cocoa landscape has undergone significant transformations. Changes in climate, production risks, and fluctuating demand have all impacted the cocoa market. To ensure cocoa remains a staple in our diets, it is essential to acknowledge and support the efforts of those involved in its production, distribution, and manufacturing. According to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), the cocoa market in 2026 is expected to be highly sensitive to these factors.
It is with this in mind that the Salon seeks to foster a deeper understanding of cocoa not only through complex discussions but by initiating an enjoyable experience where participants can taste and explore cocoa first-hand. Questions such as “Where does this chocolate’s cocoa come from?” and “Is cocoa a fruit?” will encourage guests to delve into the fascinating world of cocoa, its origins, producers, and cultural significance.
A Must-Attend Event for Industry Insiders
The Tokyo Chocolate Salon aims to become an annual must-visit event, transforming chocolate from a seasonal treat into a year-round beloved item. This autumn will mark the 6th installment of the Salon, with approximately 1,400 visitors joining last year.
A total of 44 brands, including 10 newcomers, will showcase their products at this year's event, featuring unique items exclusive to the Salon, limited tasting experiences, and cocoa-themed merchandise. Notably, the event also serves as an early celebration for the 2027 Valentine's season, presenting trends and insights. Direct interaction between producers, artisans, and consumers is a unique appeal of this event.
Discover the Depth and Diversity of Cocoa
Attendees will have the chance to learn about a wide spectrum of cocoa—from artisanal chocolates to mass-produced varieties—by exploring the latest in cocoa production and processes. Engaging displays will showcase the fermentation and drying processes of cocoa beans, providing visitors hands-on opportunities to touch, smell, and experience cocoa in various stages of production. This year, attendees can actively participate by voting for their favorite cocoa origin, facilitating an interactive tasting experience.
Special Ogasawara Booth: A Cocoa and Cultural Showcase
One of the highlights of this year's event will be a dedicated booth for Ogasawara's cocoa, allowing participants to explore its unique qualities through visual, tasting, purchasing, and educational experiences. The booth will feature seminars by expert speakers involved in Ogasawara cocoa, where attendees can also sample chocolates made from local cocoa.
Moreover, patrons will have the opportunity to buy fresh cocoa pods and indulge in a tasting set featuring chocolate made with cacao from both Chichijima and Haha-jima islands, highlighting the distinct characteristics of Ogasawara cocoa from each island.
Visitors can also look forward to purchasing local Ogasawara food products, viewing photography exhibitions, and discovering a variety of cocoa pod species on display. Dive deep into Ogasawara’s offerings, including unique foods like Duka, spice sauces, and roselle (edible hibiscus).
The Return of the Cocoa Pod Cracking Event
After a successful introduction in 2014, the beloved cocoa pod cracking event makes a comeback! Participants can witness cocoa pods from Ogasawara being cracked open, allowing them to view, smell, and taste the cocoa pulp, providing a tangible understanding of cocoa as a fruit.
Learn About Cocoa From Pod to Chocolate
This year, the Salon will take attendees on a journey of cocoa from its pod to chocolate, with real, hands-on displays. Guests can explore cocoa pods and learn about each step of the fermentation and processing stages while gaining insight into the machinery used in chocolate production. It’s an immersive experience that answers the question: “How does cocoa turn into chocolate?” while engaging all the senses.
Fun and Interactive Cocoa Activities for All Ages
The Salon has planned plenty of engaging activities, where participants can interact with cocoa actively. Fun games like building a cocoa tower within a time limit or finding cocoa bean look-alikes among almonds will bring excitement, with original stickers awarded to those who succeed!
Family-oriented workshops will also be available, allowing parents and children to create chocolate from cocoa beans.
Event Details
- - Event Name: Tokyo Chocolate Salon 2026
- - Date: October 3rd (Saturday) 11 AM - 7 PM & 4th (Sunday) 11 AM - 6 PM
- - Location: Marunouchi Tokyo Building, TOKIA, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo (3 minutes from JR Tokyo Station)
- - Website: Tokyo Chocolate Salon
- - Instagram: Tokyo Chocolate Salon Instagram
- - Admission Fee: Pre-sale: 1,320 yen / At the door: 1,650 yen (Free for children under elementary school age)
- - Ticket Purchase: Peatix Ticket
- - Organizer: Tokyo Chocolate Salon Executive Committee
Come and immerse yourself in an educational yet indulgent world of chocolate at the Tokyo Chocolate Salon 2026!