Located in Ogori City (Fukuoka Pref.), "NICO chocolaterie" is a chocolate specialty store filled with surprises. When you have entered the white modern building, what come into sight is the jewel-like chocolates in the showcase. The owner, Mr. Yakabe, who trained in France told us that the chocolate is made by using different types of cacao and other ingredients. For examples, shiso (Japanese basil) is added to chocolate that contains white cacao in order to create a refreshing taste; for chocolate that contains white yōkan (jellied Japanese dessert made from Azuki beans), it is often mixed with simmered chestnuts and accented with yuzu ganache. Worth mentioning, the yōkan is made at a Japanese confectionery (wagashi) store run by Yakabe's brother! Moreover, the store offers dining area where you can enjoy delicious chocolate and cake in the modern Japanese ambience. You will definitely have a lot of fun discovering Japanese garden-like chocolates and cakes on the stone plate, as well as other little surprises that would make you redefine desserts! It is time to explore a new dessert world at NICO chocolaterie♪