First, What Is Valentine’s Day Like in Japan?

Valentine’s Day in Japan is a little different from many other countries.
Traditionally, women give chocolate to men, but today the culture has expanded far beyond romance.

You’ll find:

• Gifts for loved ones
• Chocolates for friends or coworkers
• And most importantly… luxury chocolates bought as a reward for yourself

In fact, Valentine’s season in Japan is less about obligation and more about celebrating high-quality chocolate from around the world.
Department stores turn into massive chocolate festivals, attracting millions of visitors every year.

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Not Tokyo, Not Osaka — Valentine’s Day Belongs to Nagoya

Here’s a surprising fact many travelers don’t know:

Nagoya is the No.1 city in Japan for Valentine’s chocolate sales.

Every year, Nagoya’s Valentine events generate the highest sales in the country, surpassing even Tokyo and Osaka.
At the center of this phenomenon is a legendary chocolate festival that has become a national icon.

That’s why many Japanese people say:

“If you love chocolate, you go to Nagoya in February.”

Now, let’s explore the three biggest Valentine events in Nagoya and Aichi that make this city Japan’s ultimate chocolate destination.

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1. 2026 Amour du Chocolat

Japan’s Largest Valentine Chocolate Festival

When people talk about Valentine’s Day in Nagoya, they’re talking about Amour du Chocolat, held at JR Nagoya Takashimaya.

In 2025, the event achieved:

• Over 49 billion yen in sales
• More than 900,000 visitors
• The largest scale and highest sales of any Valentine event in Japan

Yes — Valentine’s Day in Japan starts here.

During the event, long lines form even before the store opens.
This has become a seasonal tradition and a famous Nagoya sight in itself.

Highlights of Amour du Chocolat 2026

The 2026 edition will be the largest ever, featuring:

• Around 150 chocolate brands
• About 20 brands appearing for the first time
• Hugely popular brands such as:
  • SNOWS
  • SNOW CHEESE
  • AUDREY

These brands are known for selling out quickly, sometimes within hours.

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Past Popularity Rankings (Amour Award)

In previous years, Amour du Chocolat announced a visitor-based popularity ranking called the “Amour Award.”
Although no ranking was released in 2025, here are the 2024 Top 3 for reference:

1. AUDREY
2. MAISON CACAO
3. CLUB HARIE

Good news: all three brands will return in 2026.

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Entry Restrictions & Priority Admission (Important for Visitors)

Due to extreme crowds, entry restrictions and reservation systems are in place again this year.

Important notes:

• Reservations are personal and non-transferable
• ID checks may be required
• Some brands have no free entry at all

Reservation Methods by Area

• 10F Main Venue (Before opening): Advance lottery via Lawson Ticket
• AUDREY (10F, 10:00–10:59 entry): First-come reservation via Lawson Ticket
• SNOWS (3F), SNOW CHEESE (8F), L’ARGESTE (10F):
  Reservation required via LINE (no walk-in entry)

Reservation guide (official website)

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Amour du Chocolat Venue Guide

All venues are located inside JR Nagoya Takashimaya, unless noted.

• 10F: Main venue, AUDREY special area
• 9F: Buyer’s selected brands
• 8F: SNOW CHEESE special area
• 7F: International chocolate brands
• 6F: Online order pickup
• 5F: Cute & gift-style chocolates
• 4F: Character chocolates
• 3F: SNOWS special area
• 1F: French toast specialty shop “Ivorish”

Satellite Venue: Okazaki

A satellite venue is also set up in Okazaki, offering popular brands and limited JR Nagoya Takashimaya items.

• Location: JR Nagoya Takashimaya Food Maison Okazaki (AEON Mall Okazaki)
• Dates: January 21 – February 14, 2026
• Hours: 10:00–20:00 (last day until 19:00)

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Event Information: 2026 Amour du Chocolat

• Number of brands: Approx. 150
• Main venue: JR Nagoya Takashimaya, 10F
• Access: Directly connected to JR Nagoya Station
• Dates: January 16 – February 14, 2026
• Hours: 10:00–20:00 (final day closes at 19:00)

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2. Chocolat Promenade 2026

Classic & Exclusive Chocolates at Matsuzakaya Nagoya

Located in Sakae, Matsuzakaya Nagoya hosts its annual Valentine event, Chocolat Promenade.

For 2026, the event features:

• 87 brands in total
• 14 brands appearing for the first time
• Carefully curated chocolates selected by Daimaru Matsuzakaya

You’ll find:

• Classic favorites
• Items available only in the Tokai region
• Soft-serve chocolate and sweets available for eat-in at the venue

Event Information

• Location: Matsuzakaya Nagoya, Main Building 7F Event Hall
• Access: Directly connected to Yabacho Station (Meijo Subway Line)
• Dates: January 17 – February 14, 2026
• Hours: 10:00–19:00 (final day until 18:00)

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3. Sweets Collection 2026

The Best Choice for French Chocolate Lovers

If you love French chocolate, this is the event you shouldn’t miss.

Nagoya Mitsukoshi Sakae hosts Sweets Collection 2026, known for its strong lineup of French chocolatiers.

Venues

• Main Venue: LACHIC 1F
• Second Venue: Mitsukoshi Main Building, B1F Food Floor

Event Information

• Access: 3-minute walk from Sakae Station (Exit 16)
• Dates:
  • LACHIC 1F: January 24 – February 14, 2026
  • B1F Food Floor: January 14 – February 14, 2026

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Final Tip for Travelers

If you’re visiting Japan in winter and love sweets, schedule Nagoya into your itinerary.
No other city offers such a powerful, passionate, and large-scale Valentine chocolate experience.

In Japan, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance — it’s about chocolate culture.
And that culture reaches its peak in Nagoya🍫✨

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