As the days go by, many couples’ favorite day is getting closer: Valentine’s Day. And to make it even more special, this year you’ll be spending it in this wonderful, magical country. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is mainly about the act of giving chocolate. Women usually give chocolates to men, whether to someone they like, friends, or coworkers. Chocolate shops and department stores hold special fairs, and many people enjoy trying different sweets. A month later, on White Day, men return the favor with gifts of their own.
But it’s not all about gifting chocolate, especially when it comes to couples wanting to celebrate their relationship together. If you want to make this day unforgettable while enjoying your trip, join us in today’s blog to discover five things you can do on Valentine’s Day with your partner, friends, or even as a solo traveler while exploring Tokyo.
Minimal’s “Works” chocolate bar collection – Photo Credit: Minimal
Chocolate Tasting at Minimal
At this workshop, you can enjoy a guided tasting of nine unique chocolate bars from Minimal’s annual “Works” collection. Led by Minimal’s representative and cacao buyer, Yamashita, the experience invites you to explore the rich and complex world of chocolate in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Keep in mind that the workshop is in Japanese, but remember that we learn more through actions than words. Don’t let the language barrier be a problem when it comes to enjoying and learning, especially when it comes to spending time with someone you care about.
Website: https://mini-mal.tokyo/pages/event (in Japanese)
Opening Hours: February 14th, 10:00 – 11:30／13:00 – 14:30／15:30 – 17:00
*Please make a reservation in advance and select your preferred time slot (click here)
Admission: ¥3,000 per person
Address: 5-chōme-38-23 Kyōdō, Setagaya City, Tokyo 156-0052 (1F)
*Please note that this workshop does not take place in their main shop, but in another building.
Peeling cacao beans by hand – Photo Credit: Tonkachi Works
But if you’re arriving earlier in Japan or even staying longer, you can also try joining another of Minimal’s workshops to make your own chocolate! For this experience, you will learn how to make chocolate from cacao beans, starting with peeling the roasted beans, grinding them into a paste, adding sugar, and shaping the final chocolate. You will compare two different types of cacao beans from Vietnam and Haiti, and create several kinds of chocolate while exploring their unique flavors and textures. The experience also includes a fun cacao quiz, tasting sessions, and insightful explanations about cacao farming and the chocolate-making process.
Opening Hours: February 8th or 22nd, 9:00 – 11:00
*Please make a reservation in advance and select your preferred time slot (click here)
Admission: ¥5,500 per person
Address: 2 Chome-1-9 Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0063
Belgian waffles topped with strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup – Photo Credit: ZATO group
Strawberry and Chocolate Tokyo Solamachi 2026
If you’re not in the mood to eat or make a chocolate bar, you can always treat yourself to a delicious dessert with strawberries and chocolate.
Step into this cute spot filled with a gorgeous flower wall, where strawberries and chocolate are the stars of the show. From fluffy French toast and handmade baumkuchen to Belgian waffles and chocolate churros, there’s something here to satisfy every sweet tooth (click here). Warm up with a cup of hot strawberry milk or strawberry mulled wine while enjoying the cozy winter atmosphere. With comfortable seating and a beautifully decorated space, it’s the perfect place to take a break, snap some cute photos, and enjoy a night of sweets with your significant other!
Website: https://en.www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/event/2675/
Opening Hours: January 15th – February 15th, 11:00 – 21:00 (Drink L.O. 20:00)
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045 (4F Sky Arena)
Candlelight concert in Tokyo – Photo Credit: Metropolis Japan
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special
There’s nothing more romantic than a beautiful orchestra concert by candlelight, right? The Candlelight Concert series is known for transforming unique venues into intimate musical experiences illuminated by the soft glow of hundreds of candles. This year, the Valentine’s Day special concert will take place on February 15th at the Kanze Noh Theater in Tokyo, an iconic traditional venue that adds a beautifully Japanese atmosphere to the evening. The program features a carefully selected mix of timeless love songs and iconic movie soundtracks, and chances are you’ll recognize more than a few of them. From classics like “A Whole New World”, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, and “Beauty and the Beast”, to unforgettable favorites such as “I Will Always Love You” and an ABBA hit, the music is designed to stir emotions and set a truly romantic mood.
Website: https://feverup.com/m/404489/en
Opening Hours: February 15th, 17:30
Admission: ~ ¥8,300 (depending on the seat)
Address: 6 Chome-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061 (Kanze Noh Theater)
Beautiful views from Symphony – Photo Credit: Isao Ogura
Enjoy a Cruise
Another very romantic thing you can do is enjoy a beautiful cruise while taking in the breeze and the stunning views of Tokyo. There are several cruises that offer this experience, but one of the most famous in the city is the Symphony. This cruise sails around Tokyo Bay and offers different options throughout the day, including lunch, afternoon, sunset, and dinner cruises. Guests can enjoy elegant meals such as French or Italian cuisine while admiring iconic sights like the Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, and the Tokyo skyline. The sunset and dinner cruises are especially popular for their romantic atmosphere, making the Symphony a perfect choice for couples or anyone looking to experience Tokyo from a more magical perspective.
Website: https://www.symphony-cruise.co.jp/cruising_plan/
Admission: ~ ¥9,500
*To make a reservation, call here (English available)
Address: 〒105-0022 Tokyo, Minato City, Kaigan, 2 Chome−7−104 東京ベイクルーズシーライン東京
Tokyo Winter Illumination – Photo Credit: nutthapongcs
Enjoy the Winter Illumination
Finally, end the day with a relaxing and romantic walk while enjoying Tokyo’s beautiful winter illuminations. During this time of year, many areas across the city are decorated with thousands of lights that create a warm and magical atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll. Popular spots such as Marunouchi, Tokyo Midtown, Shibuya, and Yebisu Garden Place shine especially bright, with illuminated trees, streets, and buildings that make the city feel even more alive at night. And you’re in luck, the winter illuminations are scheduled to end on February 15, so it’s the perfect time to enjoy this beautiful scenery before it disappears for the year!
Website: https://illumi.walkerplus.com/ranking/ar0313/
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day in Tokyo is really about enjoying the moment, wherever you are and whoever you’re with. Whether you’re sharing chocolates, walking hand in hand under the winter lights, listening to music by candlelight, or simply taking in the city views from a cruise, these little moments are what make the day special. Tokyo has a quiet, romantic charm during this season, and it’s the kind of place that makes even simple plans feel meaningful. However you choose to spend it, it’s sure to be a day you’ll remember forever.
Featured Photo Credit: Natalia Mels
