What Is “Salon du Chocolat,” One of the World’s Largest Chocolate Events?

A Once-a-Year Celebration of Chocolate

Every year, there’s one event that chocolate lovers across Japan eagerly look forward to: Salon du Chocolat. While it’s hugely popular in Japan, this festival actually originated in Paris, France, and is recognized as one of the world’s largest chocolate events. Today, it’s held in cities around the globe, including France, Japan, and the United States, drawing chocolate fans from all over.

What Is Salon du Chocolat All About?

Salon du Chocolat first began in Paris in 1995. It brings together chocolatiers, pastry chefs, and cacao producers from around the world to showcase the many charms of chocolate, from craftsmanship to creativity.

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is widely known as a time when women give chocolate to men. Beyond romantic gifts, there are also chocolates given to colleagues as giri-choco (courtesy chocolates) and chocolates exchanged between friends, known as tomo-choco. In this way, chocolate often serves as a small but meaningful form of communication.

Because of this cultural background, Salon du Chocolat, held just before Valentine’s Day, has become a beloved event where people can enjoy everything at once—finding the perfect gift for others, or treating themselves to something special.

Salon du Chocolat 2026 Venues

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

Salon du Chocolat 2026 will be held in major cities across Japan. Among them, the Tokyo venue at Isetan Shinjuku is especially well known as the largest and main venue in the country.

Tokyo Venue (Japan’s Largest Main Venue)

• Location: 6th Floor, Main Building Event Hall, Isetan Shinjuku (Tokyo)

• Period: Mid-January to mid-February 2026

• Structure: Three phases (PART 1 to PART 3)

The Tokyo venue stands out for its sheer scale, with an impressive number of participating brands and exclusive, limited-edition chocolates. Whether it’s your first visit or a yearly tradition, there’s always something new to discover.

Please note that entry rules may vary depending on the date, and some days are reserved for members only.

※On especially busy days, advance reservations may be required, either through a lottery or first-come, first-served system. As the Tokyo venue is extremely popular, checking the official website before your visit is highly recommended.

Venues Outside Tokyo

Salon du Chocolat isn’t limited to Tokyo. The event is also held in several other major cities across Japan:

• Osaka: Hankyu Umeda Main Store

• Kyoto: JR Kyoto Isetan

• Nagoya: JR Nagoya Takashimaya
  

• Fukuoka: Iwataya Main Store

• Sapporo: Daimaru Sapporo Store

All venues are hosted inside major department stores, making them easy to access and convenient to stop by. Even if you’re not visiting Tokyo, you can still enjoy Salon du Chocolat at a location close to your travel destination or place of stay.

What Kind of Chocolate Can You Expect?

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

At Salon du Chocolat 2026, more than 150 brands from around the world come together in one place, offering a wide variety of chocolate styles and flavors to explore.

This year’s theme is “Ingredients × Creation,” highlighting the natural qualities of cacao and other ingredients, along with the creativity and craftsmanship of the chocolatiers behind each piece.

Chocolate by World-Class Chocolatiers

One of the greatest appeals of Salon du Chocolat is the chance to experience the work of internationally acclaimed chocolatiers right here in Japan. Among them, these three names are especially worth watching.

• Alban Guilmet

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

A French chocolatier known for his classic yet refined approach, Alban Guilmet creates chocolates that highlight the natural character and individuality of cacao.

• Bernachon

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

Founded in 1953 in Lyon, France, this long-established chocolatier is known for its rich, intense, and powerful chocolate flavors.

• Philippe Bel

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

An award-winning chocolatier and recipient of the MOF title, Philippe Bel is known for his meticulously crafted pralines and ganaches, celebrated for their delicacy and exceptional balance.

Bean-to-Bar & Craft Chocolate: Celebrating the Character of Cacao

In recent years, craft chocolate has gained attention for its focus on cacao origins, fermentation, and roasting methods. These chocolates allow you to experience the distinct aromas and flavors of cacao more directly, much like specialty coffee.

• Rodic Chocolate

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

Using cacao beans sourced from different regions for each item, Rodic Chocolate offers chocolates that clearly express the unique aroma and flavor profiles of their origins.

• KARATIER

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

A Japan-based craft chocolate brand dedicated to showcasing cacao character and thoughtful ingredient pairings. Their chocolates highlight differences in origin and production methods, resulting in deep, layered flavors.

Japanese Chocolate with a Distinctive Sensibility

One of the special pleasures of the Japan edition is discovering chocolates shaped by Japanese aesthetics and sensibilities.

• Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki Paris

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

A Japanese pastry chef based in Paris, known for refined chocolates that incorporate Japanese ingredients such as matcha and yuzu, creating elegant and well-balanced flavors.

• Naomi Mizuno

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

A chocolatier praised for her refined use of ingredients and expressive aromas. Her chocolates are gentle yet complex, with a sense of depth that unfolds gradually.

• PATISSIER eS KOYAMA

Source: Salon du Chocolat 2026 – The Chocolate Festival from Paris

A popular patisserie from Hyogo Prefecture, known for its playful designs and approachable flavors that appeal to a wide range of generations.

Sweets & Eat-In Options to Enjoy at the Venue

At Salon du Chocolat, it’s not just about buying chocolate. You can also enjoy a variety of sweets and desserts right on the spot.

• Chocolate-based sweets and desserts made with cacao

• Special collaboration menus created by different brands

The venue-exclusive eat-in offerings are one of the event’s most anticipated highlights each year, giving visitors a chance to taste something truly special.

In Summary

Salon du Chocolat is a once-a-year event where you can casually explore and enjoy chocolates from around the world. From Japan’s largest Tokyo venue to locations across the country, the festival offers limited-edition creations and beloved brands all in one place. If you’re visiting Japan during this season, it’s definitely an event worth adding to your travel plans.