Experience the Sweet World of Anko: Odakyu's 6-Day Anko Love Festival

The Odakyu Department Store in Shinjuku is set to host its much-anticipated annual event, the "Anko Love Festival" or as it is officially titled, "Odakyu Sweets Journey: 6 Days of Anko Love." This delightful festival will run from October 1 to 6, transforming the 7th-floor event space into a paradise for lovers of those sweet red bean delights, anko. With around 230 different types of anko sweets on display, this year's festival promises a delectable experience for all ages.

Celebrating Autumn with a Sweet Twist

As a popular autumn-themed sweets event that's now in its fourth iteration, the Anko Love Festival has gained a loyal following over the years. Each year showcases a diverse lineup, including traditional favorites like dorayaki and daifuku, as well as innovative creations that bring a modern flair to classic recipes. Attendees will also find a selection that allows them to sample various types of anko in one sitting, making for a truly unique tasting experience.

In addition to the sweet treats, the event will pair anko with beverages that complement its rich flavors. Attendees can also look forward to special weekend talks featuring influential figures in the anko world, including the president of the Japan Anko Association, Mr. Nishii Anko, and Ms. Noriko Kuroiwa, who leads the "Wa no Kashi Meguri" organization.

A Variety of Sweets to Savor

Here are a few highlights of what's on offer:

- Tokyo's No-Hagi: Indulge in a box of all their signature treats, priced at 2,700 yen (limited to Odakyu), featuring an exquisite selection of flavors.
- Kyoto's Kahou: Experience the Ichiru, a luxurious fusion of pistachio and mascarpone with white anko for 1,728 yen.
- Tokyo's Dango ya Mori: Their popular six-piece set of mochi dango, renowned for its delightful chewiness, is available for 1,800 yen.

Reimagined Western-Inspired Anko Desserts

- Anko Cafe Tokyo: Their anko rare cheesecake combines smooth anko and creamy cheese for just 720 yen.
- Anna Sun Tokyo: The fermented anko fromage is available in limited quantity for 2,160 yen, featuring a unique blend of non-sugar, non-flour robsweets made from fermented anko and premium plant cheese.
- Kanagawa's Magobee Dango: Enjoy the anko brulee dango, a sweet and savory fusion priced at 360 yen.

Traditional and Contemporary Flavors

- Wakayama's Kumano Kodou: Offers unique yomo-gi mochi at 777 yen.
- Tokyo's Nakayama-ya: They feature a smooth anko pudding for 650 yen, blending traditional and contemporary dessert styles beautifully.
- Mie’s Ito o Kashi: Their Daifuku with raspberry and chestnut cream is a small paradise for just 378 yen.

Autumn Flavors in Anko Desserts

- Hyogo's Mochi Cream: Celeberate with the whole chestnut mont blanc cream for 380 yen.
- Fukui's Habutaemochi: A luxurious dorayaki filled with anko and chestnuts, available for 432 yen (limited to 50 units a day).
- Osaka's Hanakanzashi: Enjoy in their unique dorayaki featuring sweet potato filling for 540 yen.

Perfect Pairings with Anko Sweets

To elevate the enjoyment of these anko sweets, attendees will find a selection of teas:

- Tokyo's Organic Puerh: A premium green tea with floral notes priced at 1,404 yen.
- Pure Tips Indian Tea: A rare hand-rolled Nilgiri green tea at 3,510 yen, designed to pair perfectly with anko desserts.
- Kyoto's Nakakubo Tea Garden: Offers a kabuse tea that complements any anko related treats.

Special Talks for Anko Lovers

Join exclusive discussions featuring:

- Nishii Anko will guide attendees through the world of regional anko sweets with a tasting session.
- Discover the nuanced flavors of Japan’s three major manju varieties.
- Noriko Kuroiwa will share insights into the enriching world of sweets and their impact on our well-being.

For details on talk sessions or other inquiries, please check the event's official website.

Event Details

- Event Name: Odakyu Sweets Journey: 6 Days of Anko Love
- Duration: October 1 (Wed) - 6 (Mon), from 10 AM to 8 PM (last day until 5 PM)
- Location: Odakyu Department Store, Shinjuku, 7th Floor Event Space
- Address: 1-5-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
- Access: Just a short walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station
- Contact: 0570-025-888 (Navigation Dial)
- URL: Odakyu Official Site