Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho to Host dari K Collaboration Event on August 2, 2026 – 'The More You Know, the Better It Tastes: The World of Cocoa Fermentation and Chocolate'

Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho (located at 4-6-1 Kinshicho, Sumida-ku, Tokyo; General Manager: Tomoya Fukui) will host a collaboration event with Lotte's chocolate brand 'dari K' on Sunday, August 2, 2026, titled 'The More You Know, the Better It Tastes: The World of Cocoa Fermentation and Chocolate'—an immersive experience engaging all five senses.

In recent years, 'fermentation' has gained attention across various fields such as wine, coffee, and sake. This event focuses on cocoa fermentation, a key process that enhances the unique flavor of chocolate, offering guests a special opportunity to learn, taste, and experience its profound world.

Under the supervision of dari K, which operates in cocoa-producing regions, guests will enjoy a comparative tasting of chocolates made with different fermentation methods, along with a special experience of freshly made 100% cocoa chocolate served over vanilla ice cream. Additionally, guests can enjoy cocoa-based drinks such as cocoa cocktails while learning about the journey from cocoa bean to chocolate and the crucial role fermentation plays in shaping flavor—discovering new dimensions of chocolate enjoyment.

Experience New Ways to Enjoy Cocoa Beyond Chocolate

The event begins with a welcome drink: either a 'Cocoa Squash' (non-alcoholic) or a 'Cocoa Highball' (4–5% alcohol). Experience the rich taste of cocoa—the key ingredient in chocolate—served in a refreshing beverage. Enjoy this popular drink, also served at dari K’s Marunouchi Atrio store, as your gateway into the deep world of cocoa.

The Story of Cocoa: From Bean to Chocolate

Staff from dari K, who have visited cocoa farms and worked directly with producers, will explain the entire process of transforming cocoa beans into chocolate. Through clear explanations of cultivation, harvesting, fermentation, and drying, they will highlight the factors that influence chocolate flavor and share real-life stories from the production frontlines.

Experience Freshly Ground Cocoa Chocolate On-Site

Using a tabletop cocoa grinder called the 'Cocoa Grinder,' guests will witness and participate in the live demonstration of turning cocoa beans into chocolate paste (cocoa mass). The aroma released the moment the beans are ground, along with the unique flavor of freshly made chocolate, offers a rare experience not found in regular chocolate. Through all five senses, guests will experience the authentic taste of cocoa. The freshly made chocolate will be served over vanilla ice cream.

Taste the Depth of Fermentation with a Three-Chocolate Tasting

Cocoa fermentation is a crucial step that defines the aroma and flavor of chocolate. In addition to traditionally fermented chocolate, guests will taste uniquely flavored chocolates fermented using fruits. Participants will use tasting sheets to record flavor differences and personally experience how fermentation transforms taste.

Event Details

Date

August 2, 2026 (Sunday)

Time

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Doors open at 2:45 PM)

Venue

Charlotte, 4F, Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho

Fee

・4,000 JPY per person (tax and service included)

※ Payment is required in advance. Details will be provided via email upon reservation confirmation.

Capacity

20 guests

※ Open to middle school students and above.

Program

・Overview of the process from cocoa bean to chocolate

・Demonstration: turning cocoa nibs into cocoa mass

・Explanation of fermentation as the key to flavor, including comparative tasting of differently fermented chocolates

＜Offered Items＞

・Cocoa Squash (non-alcoholic) or Cocoa Highball (4–5% alcohol)

・Hot Cocoa Husk Tea

・Three types of fermented chocolates

・Vanilla ice cream with freshly made cocoa mass

＜Take-Home Gift＞

・dari K 'Chocolate Assortment' (one box per guest)

How to Apply

Please fill in the required details via the form below:

https://reserva.be/lottecityhotel/reserve?mode=service_staff&search_evt_no=17eJwzNbY0NTMEAARjAT4

Application Period

Thursday, July 9, 2026, 12:00 PM – Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 11:59 PM

Results Notification

Confirmed reservations will receive an email from Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho ([email protected]) by Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Cancellation Policy

・Cancellation the day before: 50% charge

・Same-day cancellation: 100% charge

※ No-shows without notice will be charged 100% of the fee.

Additional Notes

※ As this is an experiential event, observation-only attendance is not permitted.

※ Some ingredients contain allergens. Please consult in advance if you have allergies.

Inquiries

General Manager's Office TEL: 03-5619-1087 (Reception hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Chocolate Brand 'dari K'

dari K chocolates are made from cocoa carefully cultivated in partnership with farmers in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Using carefully selected ingredients and simple recipes, they bring out the naturally fruity flavor of cocoa. With the concept of 'All-win Chocolate—where producers, consumers, and nature all smile,' they aim for sustainable practices by trading high-quality cocoa at fair prices.

About Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho

Located in the nostalgic downtown district of 'Kinshicho,' offering stunning views of Tokyo Skytree®

Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho is ideally situated—directly connected to Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line's 'Kinshicho Station' and just a 1-minute walk from JR 'Kinshicho Station'—making it the perfect base for exploring Tokyo. Enjoy a 'perfect morning' with rooms offering beautiful views of Tokyo Skytree® and health-conscious breakfasts. Guests are welcomed at a front desk featuring 'Edo Kiriko,' a traditional Japanese craft. Located in 'Sumida, the town of craftsmanship,' the hotel creates unique experiences and spaces for gathering.

Official Website

https://lottecityhotel.jp/

Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho Official Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/lottecityhotel_kinshicho_tokyo/