What Makes Toshi Yoroizuka Special? A Comprehensive Look at Their Chocolates and Limited-Edition Menus
Toshi Yoroizuka is a brand created by Japan’s renowned chocolatier, Toshiro Yorozuka, and is celebrated for its exceptional chocolates crafted with meticulous attention to ingredients and technique.
Using cacao cultivated on its very own farm in Ecuador, Toshi Yoroizuka’s chocolates are masterpieces in both flavor and design, representing the pinnacle of culinary artistry.
In this article, we will thoroughly explore the allure of Toshi Yoroizuka chocolates, delve into their seasonal exclusives, provide details on how to purchase them, and highlight special events held at their stores.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand why Toshi Yoroizuka’s chocolates captivate so many people. Don’t miss out—read on to discover the magic!
A Comprehensive Guide to the Appeal of Toshi Yoroizuka
What is Toshi Yoroizuka?
Toshi Yoroizuka is a premium pastry brand founded by internationally renowned pâtissier Toshiro Yorozuka.
Building on his experience training in Europe, Yorozuka opened his first store in Ebisu, Tokyo, in 2004.
Since then, the brand has expanded to multiple locations, including Tokyo Midtown and the “Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm” in Odawara. It is now cherished as a prestigious confectionery brand by many.
The hallmark of Toshi Yoroizuka lies in its meticulous focus on ingredients. Toshiro Yorozuka personally travels worldwide to source only the highest-quality ingredients from trusted producers.
At the “Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm” in Odawara, the brand uses fresh local fruits and vegetables cultivated on its own farm, crafting desserts that harmonize with nature.
The brand offers delicately crafted sweets that maximize the natural flavors of the ingredients. In addition to classic cakes and chocolates, Toshi Yoroizuka features a wide range of seasonal specialties and exclusive items at each location, offering something new to discover with every visit.
About Toshiro Yorozuka
Toshiro Yorozuka, born in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, in 1965, is one of Japan’s leading pâtissiers.
He began his pâtissier career relatively late at the age of 23, first learning the basics at Japanese hotels before traveling to Europe for advanced training.
Yorozuka spent approximately eight years honing his craft at prestigious confectioneries in Switzerland, Austria, France, and Belgium, mastering both tradition and innovation. His talent is evident in his impressive achievements, including winning first place at the “INTERSUC 2000” competition in Paris and becoming Head Pastry Chef at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant “Bruneau” in Belgium.
After returning to Japan, Yorozuka established his own brand, “Toshi Yoroizuka,” and has since been a prominent figure in the confectionery world.
Yorozuka is also deeply involved in agriculture. At the “Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm” in Odawara, he personally engages in farming activities, using fresh ingredients in his sweets. Additionally, he owns a cacao farm in Ecuador, pursuing the innovative challenge of crafting “chocolate from the farm.”
He is also known as the late actress Naomi Kawashima’s husband. Although Kawashima passed away in 2015, Yorozuka continues her legacy through activities like serving as a selection committee member for the “Naomi Kawashima Animal Welfare Award.” He actively supports animal welfare, promotes animal protection laws, and advocates for stricter regulations, contributing significantly to social causes.
Beyond his confectionery creations, Yorozuka has appeared on television, authored books, and given lectures, extending his influence far beyond the pastry world to society at large.
Toshi Yoroizuka’s Dedication to Ingredients and Agriculture
Commitment to Quality Ingredients
Toshi Yoroizuka operates under the philosophy that “delicious sweets are 70% ingredients and 30% technique.”
Yorozuka himself travels globally to source the finest ingredients from trusted producers, ensuring the authentic flavors of his sweets.
For example, the cacao used in Toshi Yoroizuka’s chocolates is cultivated at their own farm, “Toshi Yoroizuka Cacao Farm,” in Ecuador, a region renowned for high-quality cacao. By practicing sustainable farming and managing every step from cacao cultivation to chocolate production, the brand delivers chocolates with a rich aroma and deep flavor.
At the “Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm” in Odawara, fresh fruits and vegetables are cultivated without relying heavily on pesticides or chemical fertilizers. These ingredients are incorporated into various sweets such as cakes and tarts, offering unique flavors that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Creating Value Through Agriculture
Toshi Yoroizuka takes an active role in agriculture to craft exquisite sweets.
The “Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm” in Odawara spans approximately 2,000 tsubo (about 6,600 square meters) and grows a variety of fruits and vegetables. Soil improvement and compost utilization ensure eco-friendly farming practices.
Yorozuka frequently visits the farm, collaborating with local farmers to enhance ingredient quality. The freshly harvested produce is immediately used in the adjacent patisserie and restaurant, ensuring the highest freshness and flavor in every creation.
Additionally, the “Toshi Yoroizuka Cacao Farm” in Ecuador collaborates with local farmers to practice sustainable cacao cultivation. This effort not only produces high-quality chocolate but also contributes to community support and environmental conservation.
The Artistry and Diversity of Toshi Yoroizuka Chocolates
Toshi Yoroizuka’s chocolates are the epitome of excellence, combining carefully selected ingredients, traditional methods, and modern techniques.
The brand manages every step, from cacao cultivation at its Ecuadorian farm to product creation, ensuring meticulous quality control. This results in chocolates with a rich aroma and bold flavor, captivating chocolate lovers worldwide.
Additionally, the brand offers unique flavors that incorporate fruits and spices, seasonal specialties, and intricately designed chocolates. These products are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them popular as gifts.
Toshi Yoroizuka: Menu and Store Information
Toshi Yoroizuka Chocolate Menu
Here are some of the main chocolate items available on the Toshi Yoroizuka online shop, along with their prices:
- Yoroizuka Collection 2024 “JOY”: ¥2,150 (~$19.50)
- Chocolat Pistachio: ¥2,100 (~$19.00)
- Chocolat White Cacao: ¥2,100 (~$19.00)
- Chocolat Butterscotch: ¥2,000 (~$18.00)
- Chocolat Fraise (Strawberry): ¥2,100 (~$19.00)
- Chocolat YUZU: ¥2,100 (~$19.00)
- POP CHOCOLATE!: ¥3,200 (~$29.00)
- POP STRAWBERRY!: ¥1,600 (~$14.50)
- Circlocho: ¥4,000 (~$36.00)
- Chocolat 16-Piece Set: ¥8,500 (~$77.00)
- SACHER: ¥2,750 (~$25.00)
Highlights of the Toshi Yoroizuka Menu
The Toshi Yoroizuka menu is renowned for its premium ingredients and unique offerings. Here are three key highlights:
- Carefully Selected Ingredients: Supervised by Toshiro Yorozuka, the menu features top-quality ingredients sourced from trusted producers worldwide, including seasonal fruits and uniquely blended chocolates.
- Store-Exclusive Menus: Each store offers exclusive sweets you can’t find elsewhere. The interactive counter desserts are particularly popular, providing an immersive experience.
- Health-Conscious Options: With reduced sugar and gluten-free options, the menu caters to a wide range of dietary needs without compromising flavor.
Every visit offers new surprises with meticulously crafted menu items that delight the senses.
Toshi Yoroizuka Cakes: Lineup and Recommendations
Toshi Yoroizuka cakes are celebrated for their artistic presentation and variety. Among these, the Fondant Chocolat, made with cacao from their Ecuadorian farm, is a must-try.
Recommended Cake: Fondant Chocolat with Farm-Managed Cacao
This set of five fondant chocolates uses 100% cacao grown on the Yoroizuka Cacao Farm in Ecuador, embodying the essence of the Toshi Yoroizuka brand.
- Features: The chocolates are roasted briefly to bring out the cacao’s natural flavors and rich aroma.
- How to Enjoy: Serve as is, or warm in the microwave for 20 seconds to release the molten chocolate inside, revealing a perfect balance of cacao’s tangy and intense flavor.
- Experience: The velvety texture and aromatic richness make it a luxurious treat for yourself or as a gift for someone special.
Toshi Healthy Sweets: A New Low-Carb Brand
Toshi Yoroizuka has launched “Toshi Healthy Sweets,” a brand dedicated to offering health-conscious yet delicious low-carb desserts.
Key Features and Philosophy
- Farm-to-Bar Chocolate: Using cacao cultivated at their own Yoroizuka Cacao Farm, this chocolate is crafted entirely in-house, offering a fruity acidity and deep, rich flavors.
- Use of Lakanto S: Made from natural ingredients like monk fruit and erythritol, this zero-calorie sweetener ensures reduced sugar content without compromising on taste.
- Endorsement by Experts: Recommended by Dr. Satoru Yamada, Director of the Diabetes Center at Kitasato Institute Hospital, as a safe and delightful option for maintaining health.
Main Products
- Low-Carb Roll Cakes: Available in pistachio, tiramisu, matcha, chocolate, and more, with two-piece sets also available.
- Low-Carb Chocolate: Made with Ecuadorian cacao, this rich and indulgent chocolate offers a sophisticated flavor for adult palates.
- Chocolate Brownies: Dense and moist with walnuts for added texture, each brownie contains just 3.6g of carbs and 182 calories.
- Pound Cakes: Available in sesame, matcha, and coconut varieties, these cakes are rich and flavorful with unique textures.
- Busse: Featuring a light, fluffy texture made with soybean flour and okara, these pastries come in coffee, matcha, and vanilla flavors.
Highlight: Low-Carb Chocolate Brownie
With a perfect blend of rich chocolate and walnut crunch, these brownies are low in carbs (3.6g per piece) yet highly satisfying. They make an excellent gift or personal treat.
Toshi Yoroizuka Store Locations
1. Toshi Yoroizuka TOKYO
Address: 1F, Kyobashi Edogrand, 2-2-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0031
Access:
- Directly connected to Tokyo Metro Ginza Line “Kyobashi Station”
- 5 minutes’ walk from JR “Tokyo Station”
Hours: - Shop: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- 1F Cafe: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last order: 5:00 PM)
- 2F Salon: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Last order: 5:00 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays
2. Atelier Yoroizuka
Address: 1F Music Heights, 1-8-3 Kamitakaido, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-0074
Access: 1-minute walk from Keio Line “Hachiman-yama Station”
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
3. Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm
Address: 1352-110 Hayakawa, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0021
Access: Best accessed by car (parking available)
Hours:
- Patisserie: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Restaurant: By reservation only for lunch sessions
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Online Shopping Information
Toshi Yoroizuka products are available nationwide through the official online shop. From baked goods to chocolates, seasonal items, and exclusive online sets, there’s something for everyone.
Valentine’s Day Event Participation
Toshi Yoroizuka participates in Japan’s largest Valentine’s chocolate events every year, including Salon du Chocolat and Amour du Chocolat. These events feature exclusive and new chocolate items unavailable in regular stores.
- Salon du Chocolat: Held annually at select department stores like Isetan Shinjuku, this global event showcases the finest chocolates from around the world.
Salon du Chocolat Official Site - Amour du Chocolat: Organized by Takashimaya, this event features an extensive lineup of chocolates from domestic and international chocolatiers.
Amour du Chocolat Official Site
These events are a must-visit for chocolate enthusiasts. Don’t miss the chance to experience the world of Toshi Yoroizuka firsthand!
Highlights of Toshi Yoroizuka: Summary
- Uses carefully selected ingredients with a reputation for high quality
- Incorporates unique methods honed through international experience
- Offers exclusive menus at each store location
- Operates stores in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Nagoya
- Runs a farm-integrated store at Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm in Odawara
- Provides easy online shopping access
- Features a wide range of seasonal and online-exclusive products
- Regularly participates in the Salon du Chocolat, attracting significant attention
- Sells Takashimaya-exclusive items at Amour du Chocolat
- Offers a diverse lineup of chocolates, baked goods, and cakes
- Oversees every step from cacao cultivation to product creation
- Utilizes fresh fruits and vegetables from their own farm in their desserts
- Popular for event-exclusive items and gift sets
- Recognized nationwide as a premium sweets brand
- Ideal for gifting and suitable for various occasions