On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, after enjoying skiing at Togari Onsen Ski Resort, we stopped by “Okushinano BUNZO” in Iiyama City!
My kids absolutely love the chocolates here, so we visit occasionally. Every time we come, the quality is consistently excellent.
The Shop of Chef Kobayashi Masakazu – The Father of Nama Chocolate
Okushinano BUNZO is owned and operated by Chef Kobayashi Masakazu, known as “the father of nama chocolate” – a true legend in the chocolate world!
Chef Kobayashi’s Background
Chef Kobayashi was born and raised in Iiyama City. After graduating from high school, he moved to Tokyo and enrolled in a pastry school. At age 22, he became an apprentice at “Patisserie Drapée” in Chigasaki, and later studied chocolate-making in earnest at “Swiss Confectionery Heidi” in Kobe.
On February 6, 1982, he opened his first shop, “Swiss Confectionery Silsmaria,” in Hiratsuka. At the time, it was rare to find shops where various types of truffle chocolates were displayed alongside baked goods and cakes.
Chef Kobayashi’s truffles are made using Belgian couverture chocolate and take about 4 days to complete. Although it’s a laborious process, he never changes the method. For 365 days a year, he continuously experiments with chocolate in his mind, bringing countless ideas to life.
The Birth Story of “Nama Chocolate”
He experimented to create an even smoother, more melt-in-your-mouth chocolate using ganache cream. When he succeeded in creating a completely new type of chocolate unlike anything before, he was thrilled.
Soon after, the product name “Nama Choco” (fresh chocolate) spread throughout Japan, and many people sought his teaching.
When he relocated to a larger shop, he named his nama chocolate “Koen-dori no Ishidatami” (Stone Pavement of Park Street). Many other shops then started selling their own “○○-dori no Ishidatami” variations. The chef found this development amusing and enjoyable.
Return to Hometown – Iiyama
He returned to Iiyama four years ago. Naming the shop “BUNZO” after his childhood name “Bunzo”, he opened the new Okushinano BUNZO in December 2023. The shop, built with abundant beams and pillars from old Japanese houses, is located in a beautiful spot facing the Chikuma River.
What We Purchased Today
Today we bought three types of chocolate!
① Alhambra (¥432)
Alhambra comes in an elegant black package. Each piece is individually wrapped, so you can enjoy them little by little.
The moment you put it in your mouth, rich chocolate aroma spreads, and the smooth melting texture is incredible! The refined sweetness pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
② Davos (¥561)
An adult-oriented cake with two layers of white chocolate and dark chocolate. It’s been a long-selling product for 40 years!
The gentle sweetness of white chocolate perfectly matches the bitter taste of dark chocolate. Enjoy two flavors at once in this luxurious cake.
③ Nama Chocolate Milk 12 pieces (¥1,350)
Of course, we couldn’t skip the “Nama Chocolate” that Chef Kobayashi created!
The moment it touches your tongue, it melts, revealing rich milk chocolate flavor and refined sweetness. You’ll be moved by what “authentic nama chocolate” truly means.
Nama chocolate is made using a special process that takes 16 hours to complete. By not breaking the chocolate crystals and protecting the aroma and umami, it achieves smooth melting and a clear aftertaste.
My Kid Couldn’t Wait and Ate It in the Car! (LOL)
They said they’d wait until we got home, but my kid couldn’t resist and ate some in the car (laugh)!
Watching them smile and say “So delicious!” made me glad we bought it. That’s how good BUNZO’s chocolate is♪
Diverse Product Lineup
BUNZO offers not only nama chocolate but also a wide variety of cakes, roll cakes, and gift sets.
◆ Nama Chocolate
| Product Name | 12 pieces | 20 pieces | 35 pieces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nama Choco Milk | ¥1,350 | ¥2,214 | ¥3,834 |
| Nama Choco Strawberry | ¥1,350 | － | － |
| Nama Choco Matcha | ¥1,350 | － | － |
| Nama Choco Sake | ¥1,458 | － | － |
| Nama Choco Bitter | ¥1,674 | ¥2,646 | － |
◆ Individual Chocolates & Cakes
| Product Name | Price (Tax Included) |
|---|---|
| Praline (1 piece) | ¥324 |
| Alhambra | ¥432 |
| Davos | ¥561 |
| Cacao Gramanie | ¥540 |
| Nama Chocolate Mousse 2-piece Set | ¥1,100 |
| Marble Chiffon | ¥1,944 |
※All prices include tax.
Store Information
| Name | Okushinano BUNZO (Oku-shinano Bunzo) |
| Address | 2529-1 Iiyama, Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture 389-2253, Japan |
| Access | Along the Chikuma River, Iiyama city center Approx. 5 min by car from JR Iiyama Station Approx. 15 min by car from Kijimadaira Ski Resort Approx. 10 min by car from Togari Onsen Ski Resort |
| Hours | Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday & Holidays: 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Closed | Monday & Tuesday ※Open on national holidays |
| Phone | 0269-67-0342 |
| FAX | 0269-67-0343 |
| Parking | Available |
| Payment | Cash, Credit Cards |
| Official Website | https://bunzoo.jp |
| Online Shop | Available (via official website) |
Who Should Visit
- ✅ Looking for souvenirs after skiing/snowboarding
- ✅ Want to try authentic nama chocolate
- ✅ Interested in Chef Kobayashi Masakazu’s chocolates
- ✅ Looking for Valentine’s Day or White Day gifts
- ✅ Exploring gourmet spots in Iiyama/Kijimadaira area
- ✅ Want to enjoy chocolate with kids
- ✅ Want to stop by along with beautiful Chikuma River scenery
- ✅ Chocolate lovers, sweets enthusiasts
- ✅ Want to visit the shop of “the father of nama chocolate”
Our Impressions & Summary
On February 14, 2026, we stopped by “Okushinano BUNZO” on our way home from skiing.
This chocolate specialty shop operated by Chef Kobayashi Masakazu, the father of nama chocolate, in his hometown of Iiyama offers authentic nama chocolate and cakes.
The Alhambra, Davos, and Nama Chocolate Milk we purchased were all exquisite! Especially the nama chocolate – the moment it melts in your mouth with its rich flavor was exceptional.
My kid couldn’t wait and ate some in the car – that’s how delicious it was (laugh)!
Located in a beautiful spot along the Chikuma River, it’s perfect for stopping by after skiing or snowboarding. If you visit the Iiyama/Kijimadaira area, definitely stop by!
Visit Details & Rating
- Visit Date: February 14, 2026 (Valentine’s Day)
- Purchased Items: Alhambra ¥432, Davos ¥561, Nama Chocolate Milk 12 pieces ¥1,350
- Total Cost: Approx. ¥2,343
- Satisfaction: ★★★★★
- Recommendation: ★★★★★
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