A Comprehensive Guide to Osaka Chocolate Shops

One thing that will strike every first-time traveler to Japan is simply how gosh darn nice people are. They'll hand you free cookies as you leave the store, and place a free plate of tempura between your bowls of noodles. It makes it a wonderful country to visit as a family; Japanese people just want to make sure you're comfortable.

To avoid awkwardness is the Japanese way, and often they do that in the most heartwarming way possible: through food. Arguably the trendiest food of the last decade is chocolate, although nothing named Godiva or Lindt thrives over here.

​Japanese consumers value quality and uniqueness at the same time as they'll wait in line for hours for some fancy ice cream they saw on Instagram. There's a reason Kobe beef is always my top recommendation of what to do in Japan for first timers.

Many brands even now choose to debut unique items in Japan specifically because of their openness to new products, like the infamous ruby chocolate. So if you're wondering what to buy in Osaka, the answer is definitely chocolate.

Even though the Japanese still seem to prefer overly sweet things, that is finally on the mend with this selection of Osaka chocolatiers. The chocolate in Japan's biggest cities is seen as an affordable and acceptable present.

So unlike in other countries, you'll find fewer freestanding cafes and more department store chocolate stands. Any of these cafes would make the perfect rest stop between tourist activities, like a day trip to Nara.

So just for your sanity, this guide is divided by the three regions in which most of the shops fall: Northern Osaka, North-Central Osaka, and Southern Osaka. There are surely some shops we missed outside of these regions, but if we were to list and review every chocolate in Osaka, we'd need to write a book.

So in lieu of that, these are still some of the best chocolate cafes in Kansai, and some we'd rather warn you away from.

If you're really excited about chocolate in Osaka, check out the city's annual chocolate festival.

Northern Osaka (Umeda/Shin-Osaka)

This is not the most tourist-friendly part of Osaka. It's largely a business district, but despite the skyscrapers, this is the most walkable region for chocolate shops, and after your visits, you can even sit down in Utsubo Park to people watch and break into your chocolate stash.

Nearby Hanshin-Umeda Station is also where you can catch the train to Kobe, Japan's chocolate city, or up to Tokyo, the center of Japanese chocolate culture.

Chocolat Bel Amer

Just a tiny outlet of the main Tokyo branch, this setup offers a smaller selection of their madeleines and an assortment of their circular chocolates, as well as set boxes of truffles.

It's the same confections as you can buy at their main store, so unless you're dying for a hit of it, I'd head elsewhere. They are some of the prettiest options in the department store, however, so if you're pressed for time then this would be my pick.

Address: Japan, 〒530-8350 Ōsaka-fu, Ōsaka-shi, Kita-ku, Kakudachō, ８−７ 阪急うめだ本店 (Google Maps)

Metro Stop: Umeda

Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Sun.-Thu. & 10am-9pm, Fri./Sat. (¥280-¥400 per truffle)

Goncharoff

The second Kobe chocolatier on this list also struck me as being of lower quality, probably because of their cutesy animal-shaped bonbons, very popular with locals. The focus here is on their large product line of cookies, truffles, cafe-exclusive desserts.

Their offerings are inexpensive and sweet, though as a Japanese sweets' staple, they would still impress all but the most discerning dinner party guests. I would direct you down the street to a different shop if you were hoping to buy a unique collection of Japan-inspired flavors, though they are remarkably cheap.

Address: Japan, 〒530-8350 Ōsaka-fu, Ōsaka-shi, Kita-ku, Kakudachō, ８−７ 阪急うめだ本店 (Google Maps)

Metro Stop: Umeda

Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Sun.-Thu. & 10am-9pm, Fri./Sat. (¥50 per truffle)

La Maison du Chocolat

A Parisian staple going back decades, La Maison is one of the better imported chocolates in Japan. The various outlets throughout the country offer sleek-looking truffles in classic flavors, as well as French pastries and macarons.

Eclairs seem to be a local favorite, and they marry perfectly with the elegant French theme portrayed in the decorations. The Hankyu branch also sells financier cookies and ice cream in cups or cones. Hold on to your wallets, however, because that wasn't a cheap flight, and the prices reflect that.

Address: 阪急うめだ本店地下1階, 8-7 Kakudachō, Kita-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 530-8350, Japan (Google Maps)

Metro Stop: Umeda

Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Sun.-Thu. & 10am-9pm, Fri./Sat. (~¥350 per truffle)

Address: 2 Chome-6-37 Nishimiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 532-0004, Japan (Google Maps)

Metro Stop: Shin-Osaka

Hours & Prices: 12pm-6pm, Fri. & 11am-5pm, Sat./Sun. (¥240-¥300 per truffle)

Chocolatier Palet D'or

Known as one of the finest chocolatier brands in Japan, Palet D'or is also the bean to bar chocolate brand of master chocolatier Shunsuke Saegusa. Started in Osaka in 2004, the shop has been creating waves in the Japanese chocolate market, motivated largely by their unique chocolate collections.

They were quite popular at Osaka's chocolate festival this year. Single origin "healthy" truffles and melty chocolate disks round out an impressively extensive collection of pastries, flavored bonbons, and drinks. In each of their locations around Japan, there is also space for customers to sit and enjoy their selections.

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)

North-Central Osaka (Higobashi)

Encompassing both the Kita and Shin-Osaka areas, northern Osaka is touted to tourists as the entrance to Osaka, and includes a bevy of attractions visitors often overlook. Walking around the tall buildings near Umeda feels overwhelming at first, but large region is not restricted to its most popular subway stops.

The area also houses Banpaku Memorial Park, Minoh Falls, and Suntory Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery, as well as some amazing chocolate shops. This is also home to Yodoyabashi Metro Station, where you can catch the train to visit Kyoto's chocolate shops.

Royal Chocolat L'Eclat

Don't be like me, wandering the halls of this massive hotel in mass confusion. Just head straight to the center of the first floor lobby; the long rectangular chocolates and tall circular solar system truffles will catch your eye immediately, though the outlet also sells chocolate bars.

Although more famous than their counterparts, the planets ring up at about ¥500 a piece, making them a very special gift indeed. Of the small selection we chose from their regular line-up, the most worthy of the bunch were the the Passion Fruit and the Salt.

Despite being a touch out of the way, this is a nice spot to pick up some beautiful sweet truffles, though if price is a factor I would head elsewhere.

Address: Rihga Royal Hotel, 5 Chome-3-68 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 530-0005, Japan (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

As one of the larger chocolatiers in Osaka, Gokan has quickly become known for their extensive selection of bonbons and ornate French-style pastries. On the second floor of their shop, customers can sit down to a small lunch with drinking chocolate, coffee, and teas.

From the moment you set eyes on the front door until the moment you devour the treats you brought home, the elegant Gokan aesthetic permeates the air around you. Even the fake cacao tree displayed in the center of the store has a sophisticating effect.

Their most popular item is either their chocolate eclairs or single chocolate bonbons from their collection.

Address: 2 Chome-6-9 Kōraibashi, Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 541-0043, Japan (Google Maps)

Metro Stop: Yodoyabashi

Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Mon.-Sat. & 10am-7pm, Sun./Holidays (¥215-¥240 per truffle)

Solilite Chocolate

This sunny shop smells like sweet pastry bread, and the scent is hard to shake. Gazing around at the small but elegant presentation of cookies, tiny confections, and bars & truffles is your very first order of business.

The only English here is in their name, though if you don't look Japanese they may run back and grab the one person on staff who speak some English. He describes the line up, and you choose whether you want your new collection boxed or bagged.

The bright & clear Yuzu and the creamy Raspberry Caramel were our overall winners, though we were happy with every bonbon.

Address: 2-2-5 Edogori, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, 550-0002, Japan (Google Maps)

Metro Stop: Higobashi

Hours & Prices: 10am-8pm, Wed.-Mon.; closing at 7pm on Sat./Sun./Holidays (¥250 per truffle)

Tikal Chocolate

It is a travesty that chocolate chip cookies are not more popular in Japan. The thick French-style madeleine cookies which dominate department store displays are just not the same, and Tikal Chocolates is here to rememdy the situation.

Though not a large shop by any means, Tikal has a wide selection of goods, from the aforementioned American-style cookies to posh pastries and nearly two dozen flavors of bonbons. Customer favorites seem to be the chocolate bars and seasonal specialties on display along one side of the shop.

If you're not tempted by cacao cheesecake, then I don't even know who you are, anymore.

Address: 3 Chome-3-3 Fushimimachi, Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 541-0044, Japan (Google Maps)

Metro Stop: Yodoyabashi

Hours & Prices: 10am-7pm, Tue.-Sun. (¥250-¥300 per truffle)

Les Petites Papillotes

Quite frankly, on the day we visited this cafe it smelled like cooked lunch meat inside. All was left well enough alone once we uncrinkled our noses and gazed at their collection of pastries and cookies and bonbons. Everything was dual-language, described in both French and Japanese.

From the partition looking into the entire pastry kitchen to the wall-hugging circular seating arrangement, the design is very open. Their line of over a dozen chocolates contains smooth and strong ganaches, melting with flavors of your choosing (half of which contain liquor).

I found them pleasant, but not tempting enough to go back for seconds. Papillotes also offers a variety of drinks and pastries to be enjoyed in-house or as take out.

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

Seemingly just another elegant bakery with sparse seating and a side street address, Seiichiro Nishizono also knows when to give in to customer demands. When you walk in, their display case of pastries draws your eye at first, and may continue to— this shop only sells chocolates around the holiday season.

It's such a shame, because as delicious as their cookies and treats are, their chocolate is the real hidden gem. Beautiful and bright, the bonbons we had were delightful, especially the Passion Fruit and Ginger ones.

Unfortunately the signage only features a touch of English, but the staff was able to assist and convince us to buy a small box. There's no choosing your selection, but there's also no need when everything is so good.

Address: Japan, 〒550-0003 Ōsaka-fu, Ōsaka-shi, Nishi-ku, Kyōmachibori, 1 Chome−12, 西区京町堀１丁目１２−２５(Google Maps)

Metro Stop: Higobashi

Hours & Prices: 11am-8pm, Thu.-Mon. (¥300-¥400 per truffle)

Southern Osaka (Namba)

The area surrounding Namba station and just north of it is considered the second party epicenter in Osaka (just behind Umeda). A list of what to buy in Osaka and where to stay will often begin & end here, and that is with good reason. Minami, the name of this region, is renowned for its nightlife and shopping, as well as its wandering and shopping.

People seem to do a lot of buying here, so it stands to reason that the chocolate shops are a good place to start spending— but only once you have all the facts. For more impressive Japanese chocolate, don't forget to check out Tokyo's many chocolate shops, as well.

Ek Chuah

Despite the nice spread of chocolates, between the Truffe Caramel (a very strong rum flavor with weak caramel), Salt (fudgey ganache with salinity on the finish), and Strawberry (very sweet white chocolate with a vague strawberry flavor), this is not even close to my favorite chocolatier in Osaka.

It was a disappointing realization, because their boxes and bonbons are beautiful, well-branded with a Mayan aesthetic. But the flavors are just too weak and sweet. They are probably a favorite for some people, however, as they have more than one location in Osaka.

Each flavor is written out in English and Japanese, making it one of the more accessible shops in the region. If you like the strong flavors of liquors without the alcoholic punch, look out for the martini glasses on the name cards.

Address: Japan, 〒542-8501 Ōsaka-fu, Ōsaka-shi, Chūō-ku, Shinsaibashisuji, 1 Chome−7−1 大丸心斎橋店 B2F (Google Maps)

Metro Stop: Shinsaibashi

Hours & Prices: 10am-8:30pm, daily (¥324 per truffle)

324 per truffle

Chocolaterie Coco

One of the shops I most regret missing out on, Coco offers mouthwatering bonbons in over a dozen flavors, presented on slate trays in both French and Japanese. The variety of flavors is dizzying, and you can tell from the outset how seriously the chocolatier takes their work.

From blackberry chestnut to green tea strawberry, smooth ganaches tantalize the eyes as well as the nose and mouth. In addition to boxes of bonbons, the shop sells cookies, and a variety of chocolate-covered fruits and nuts.

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 shop offers a bit of everything. It reminds me of fancy fast food, but for chocolate. They have fresh cut ganaches, cookies, truffles, chocolate-covered orange peels and squares of molded chocolates.

The selection is not the widest, but the quality is remarkably good, especially the chocolate-covered orange peels. Bonbons are only sold in set boxes with a you-get-what-you-get mentality. The staff is all friendly and spoke little to no English when we visited.

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

Located in the middle of all of Osaka's hustle and bustle, Minamoalley catches your eye with its bright yellow exterior and lures you in with free samples. The tiny hearts wrapped up in packs, like truffles, seem to be the best seller, though with such cheap prices it's no wonder that the quality is quite low.

They have set boxes of bonbons, and liquor-filled chocolate-covered cherries, as well as tiny flavored chocolate hearts. It's a small storefront, but they offer copious samples and definitely get their product sold.

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

Like many of the chocolate shops you find on the bottom floor of Osaka department stores, Demel sells European imports. In this case, the Austrian chocolates are filled with a variety of fruits, caramels, and ganaches, packaged in magenta rectangles and stacked alongside boxes of cookies.

The offerings are standard in price, and equally standard in flavor; if you're attached to buying a present in the mall, I'd spend a little more and get a nicer box elsewhere.

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

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