A few years ago, I found out about "Takurele" from a review and they even gave me directions, but I finally got around to visiting! There was an event happening, so it was the perfect time to go. Of course, I had to stop by my favorite soba place in Kami-Furano before heading there. I did get a little lost on the way, but a quick phone call helped me find my way. When I arrived, I recognized the tomato-colored warehouse (Jumbo) and knew I was in the right place. The exterior had a lovely log house vibe and the interior was filled with attention to detail, showing how much the owner cared about the place. I heard that their chocolates tend to be on the less sweet side, so I decided to try their Original Blend 65% for 1530 yen. It was a bit pricey for a chocolate bar, but I could tell they were confident in their product. I also got to try a few samples and they were delicious. The chocolate had a unique sweetness with a hint of cocoa's natural acidity, making me feel happy. I also couldn't resist trying their Frozen Cafe Mocha for 700 yen, and it was rich, deep, and filled with quality cocoa flavor. The staff, possibly the owner and his wife, were both very friendly. The shop has been around for about 4 years, and I hope it continues to thrive as a wonderful specialty store. Thank you for the delicious experience!

There is a chocolate specialty store called "Bean to Bar" in Furano, and upon discovering this, I decided to visit the store. When I entered the store, I was pleasantly surprised by the prices, as they were lower than expected. The staff offered me some samples to try, and I found the prices to be quite reasonable, ranging from 120 to 160 yen for small sizes and 1300 to 1600 yen for larger chocolate bars. They had recently started offering a new chocolate, and I found my favorite among them, so I made a purchase. The store mainly offered chocolates ranging from 60% to 76% cocoa, without any overly bitter options. I particularly liked a chocolate with brown sugar, which had a simple sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture. Although I was intrigued by a coconut sugar chocolate, I couldn't taste the coconut flavor in it. Overall, I decided to purchase an Indonesian chocolate with 70% cocoa content, which had a fruity taste similar to rum raisins, a balanced bitterness, and a hint of smokiness. It was the most expensive option at 1600 yen, but I thought it was worth it. I enjoyed the unique design of the chocolate bar, which allowed me to break off pieces as I pleased. Although I considered buying some chocolates as souvenirs, I hesitated due to my lack of confidence in choosing the right ones. I plan to return with my chocolate-loving friend in the future to try their chocolate drinks.

While on the move, I stumbled upon a Bean to Bar shop and decided to check it out. It looked like a log cabin, so I initially thought it might be a bike shop or something similar, haha. I went inside and found various samples available for tasting, so I bought a few items. Before leaving, I noticed a drink menu at the register and decided to get a Frozen Café Mocha for 750 yen. It was a generous portion and seemed quite labor-intensive to make. My friend and I enjoyed sipping on it all the way to our next destination.

This chocolate specialty store sources raw cacao beans from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, peels them by hand, and takes a long time to make the chocolate from scratch. I purchased three bars: Original Blend, Indonesia Bali, and Thailand Lampang. The Thailand Lampang bar, with 70% cacao, was quite bitter and adult-like, while the Original Blend and Indonesia Bali, with 65% cacao, were more easy to eat. Their specialty chocolate bars, made with great care, cost around 1,500 yen per bar.

A log house-style building located amidst the rural landscape of Kamifurano town. It is a chocolate shop that also serves as a factory where chocolate is handmade from cocoa beans, following the "BEAN TO BAR" process. The interior of the shop is very charming, with unique features like chairs designed in the shape of wolf tails and lights made from deer antlers, creating a natural atmosphere that is distinct from urban chocolate shops. As it was my first visit, I was unsure about the taste of the chocolates, but the owner kindly offered me samples and guided me through the selection process. The chocolates come in regular 70g sizes as well as 5g sizes for tasting various varieties. I chose the "Original Blend 65%" (70g) and two 5g pieces. The Original Blend had a subtle flavor, made with coconut sugar from Indonesia in addition to cocoa. It had a rich cocoa aroma and a crispy texture. The "Indonesia/Enrekang 72%" (5g) featured black sugar from Miyako and Tarama islands, complementing the bitterness of cocoa with its sweetness. The "Vietnam/Bariavungtau 78%" (5g) had the highest cocoa content among the chocolates available that day, offering a pleasant bitterness for those who enjoy it. Despite some chocolates being sold out due to the owner managing production and sales alone, I found the chocolates to be meticulously crafted and of high quality!

A chocolate specialty store opened, so I decided to buy some. Since they produce in small quantities, it's not always available, and sales are announced on their website the day before. I went to buy after checking the announcement. I wanted to ask the staff about the chocolate. They recommended trying the sample chocolate first, and I got to hear some information. Premium cocoa goes through a fermentation process, so even the same brand can taste different depending on the production. They use cocoa from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Due to the local characteristics, you can taste the sweetness and acidity of the cocoa like fruit. They pair it with black sugar or coconut sugar. I tried "tasting" at home. It crumbles and melts in your mouth, allowing you to enjoy the process slowly. It has a richness similar to when wine opens up its aroma. So, it pairs well with drinks. It's suitable for savoring slowly. I hope they continue to make it diligently. I am satisfied to have found a perfect destination for a drive.

I had been here before, but it was closed. My partner wanted to come, so we decided to try again. It's a bit pricey, but you can taste different flavors and each piece is affordable, so it's a fair shop. Unlike the sweet chocolate I usually eat, it has a slightly bitter taste. It's not for everyone, but I liked it.

I often see this shop in articles. The clean, wood-toned interior has a small sales space. The shop owner seemed quiet but quickly handed me a sample to try. The chocolate had a subtle sweetness and a non-pretentious bitterness. I felt their dedication to quality.