2025 Advent Calendars

Cherish The Moments This Holiday Season


“Enchanted Moments” (24-Days) & "Heartfelt Wonders" (12-Days)"

 



About Kokoro Care

  • Curated journey through the tastes of Japan
  • Centuries-old techniques passed from generation to generation
  • No artificial chemicals, MSG or high fructose corn syrup
  • All-natural, regional products made by local farmers and artisans
  • Preserving time-honored traditions and the stories of the people creating them

Kokoro Care

Hitotoki: Cherished Moments In Time

This holiday season, embrace the nostalgic sense of childlike wonder with our thoughtfully curated advent calendars. Featuring locally sourced artisanal foods (and a few non-food surprises) for you and your loved ones.

 

Nature’s Simple Pleasures

Stories Of Makers

Taste & Discovery


Two Ways To Celebrate

“Enchanted Moments”
(24-Days)

24 ways to connect with loved ones

Create enchanted moments with your loved ones as you countdown towards the holidays with daily, bite-sized selections of easy to enjoy Japanese sweets, snacks, beverages, soups, sauces, and seasonings, all made by our local farmers and producers (and a couple of surprise non-food items as well!).

Premium “Heartfelt
Wonders” (12-Days)

Luxurious flavors bring wonder and delight  

New this year, delight in an elegant curation of one-of-a-kind, premium products including Japan's best sweets, snacks, beverages, sauces, and seasonings (and two non-food surprises). The larger sizes will help the holidays last longer as a treat for yourself or that extra someone special on your gifting list.

 

Choose Your Advent

“Enchanted Moments” (24-Days)

Premium
“Heartfelt Wonders”
(12-Days)

Number of days 24 12
Types of products Easy to enjoy Japanese sweets, snacks, beverages, soups, sauces, and seasonings (including two non-food surprises) Premium one-of-a-kind products including Japan's best sweets, snacks, beverages, sauces, and seasonings (including two non-food surprises)
Size of products Bite-sized daily tastes Full-size
English product descriptions, ingredients and uses included each day
Locally-made and artisanal
All-natural
Perfect for Yourself or a loved one Treat for yourself or that special someone
Gift wrapping and gift card add-on available
Worldwide delivery
Price*Price shown is for shipments to the US and includes all shipping costs and import duties. Please click on the “Buy/Learn More” buttons for prices to all other countries (duties not included for non-US deliveries) US$215 US$325
Buy 24-day Buy 12-day

Schedule & Bonus

Sept 8-Oct 15

Pre-Sale

Shipping: Late Oct / Early Nov

Discount price; Guaranteed purchase; Includes

free limited-edition tenugui hand towel

Oct 16-Nov 23

General Sale

Shipping: As ordered

Regular price; While quantities last; No bonus gift


A Peak Inside

“Enchanted Moments”

(24-Days)

Artisanal Japanese snacks and sweets

“Enchanted Moments”

(24-Days)

Locally-made Japanese soups, teas and desserts

 

Premium “Heartfelt Wonders”
(12-Days)

One-of-a-kind gourmet Japanese products

 


Meet Some Of Our Local Makers

Yasashi Ume Yasan

Meaning “Kind Plum Shop”, Yasashi Ume Yasan is one of the few organic ume farmers located in Wakayama Prefecture, a region famous for its big, plump ume (Japanese plums). They have been cultivating ume for 70 years and create products made without the use of chemicals and artificial fertilizers, in hopes of preserving the unique flavor of ume for generations to come.

Matsuoka Shiitake

Deep in Oita Prefecture, Matsuoka Shiitake has been cultivating shiitake mushrooms for over 100 years. Grown for two years on kunugi (Japanese sawtooth oak trees) in the cold, dark mountains, their shiitake are succulent and juicy with a distinct earthy, sweet flavor. The shiitake are then dried for 24 hours which further concentrates the umami flavors and rich aroma.

 

Gifting

The perfect gift for your loved one or treat for yourself. Gift wrapping and personalized message cards available at checkout. Bulk discount available for orders of 10 or more (please contact as at info@kokorocares.com)

 

For your loved onesCo-workersJapan foodieTreat yourself

Community ReviewsHear’s what our Kokoro Community had to say about last year’s Kokoro Care Advent Calendar

★★★★★ 5.0

Viktoria Baklanova (12/15/2024)

"Amazing gift of joy and discovery. I love-love-love the 2024 Advent calendar! … Each product is very meaningful with a lot of tradition and history behind it. … I am delighted with this Advent Calendar and highly recommend to all."

★★★★★ 5.0

Arielle (12/13/2024)

"Magical! We LOVE this advent calendar. Each day is truly an adventure… generous portions… would absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in Japanese food and culture!"

 

★★★★★ 5.0

Alicia Berberich (12/06/2024)

"Daily Delights. We love opening our daily door to discover new wonders from Japan… Hopefully we’ll get more next Christmas too!"

 

★★★★★ 5.0

Candice Kumai (12/05/2024)

"Japanese Mom, Okaasan Loved it! … My Japanese mother LOVED the treats inside of this advent calendar… dedication to craft and passion for what you create!"

 

★★★★★ 5.0

Justine Sherratt (11/22/2024)

"The most magical Japanese food journey… to open a window on the lead up to Christmas to find a piece of Japan inside is truly magical."

 

★★★★★ 5.0

Candice S (11/22/2024)

"Great gift idea! An excellent gift for food and Japan lovers alike — lots of unique and interesting sweet and savory foods, drink mixes, snacks, etc. with an informative sheet detailing the local maker and its ingredients. Super fun!"

 

More 2024 Advent Reviews

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is the difference between the “Enchanted Moments” 24-Day Advent Calendar and the Premium “Heartfelt
Wonders” 12-Day Advent Calendar?

While both advent calendars include a curation of all-natural, locally-made, artisanal Japanese sweets, snacks, beverages, soups, sauces, and seasonings (including two non-food surprises), the “Enchanted Moments” 24-Day Advent Calendar includes 24 smaller, easy-to-enjoy items while the Premium “Heartfelt Wonders” 12-Day Advent Calendar includes 12 full-size, one-of-a-kind gourmet products.

What types of products are included?

Both advent calendars include a curation of all-natural, locally-made, artisanal Japanese sweets, snacks, beverages, soups, sauces, and seasonings (including two non-food surprises) from sweet to savory and everything in between.

Are the items full-size or sample-size?

The items in the “Enchanted Moments” 24-Day Advent Calendar are smaller portions perfect for trying something new each day while the items in the Premium “Heartfelt Wonders” 12-Day Advent Calendar are larger, full-size products that will last throughout the holiday season.

What about allergens/dietary restrictions?

Every product in each advent calendar includes a slip with English translations of the ingredients and common allergens based on the original packaging. To be used as a reference only, please consume with caution based on your own individual health concerns as we cannot guarantee the presence or lack of certain ingredients, allergens and/or animal products.

Are there vegetarian/vegan options?

While many products may be vegetarian/vegan-friendly, not all are and therefore may not be suitable for strict vegetarians/vegans. Please check individual product slips included for specific ingredients.

Will I get duplicate items?

No, each of the compartments has been specially curated to contain a different item.

Can I see what's included before ordering?

Part of the advent calendar experience is the surprise! We don't reveal the specific contents beforehand, but we guarantee a diverse mix of all-natural, artisanal products from Japan.

How much does each advent calendar cost?

  1. The “Enchanted Moments” 24-Day Advent Calendar costs US$179 and the Premium “Heartfelt Wonders” 12-Day Advent Calendar costs US$299.

     


  2. Both advent calendars include shipping, however 15% duty will be charged at checkout for all deliveries to the US. Duties and custom clearances fees for all other countries will be charged upon delivery according to the individual country's import laws. Please see our FAQs page for more details.

Are there only limited quantities available?

Yes! We sold out last year so we recommend ordering as soon as possible to ensure your and your loved ones receive our 2025 advent calendars.

Shipping & Delivery

When will my calendar ship? 

Shipping begins mid-Oct for all orders placed in Sept to mid-Oct. All orders made after mid-Oct to Nov 23rd (while supplies last) will ship within 2-3 business days to do our best to ensure all packages arrive before Dec 1. Orders placed after Nov 23 will also ship within 2-3 business days but may arrive after Dec 1.

What shipping methods do you use?

We ship via DHL or Japan Post + your local country carrier with tracking provided.

Which countries do you ship to?

We ship to most countries worldwide. Please visit our FAQs page for more details.

Are shipping costs and duties included?

US - Shipping costs and duties are included in the price. No other costs will be required for delivery.

All other countries - Shipping costs are included in the price. Please check your own country’s duties and import rules as there may be additional charges for delivery.

 

What if my package is damaged or lost?

Please contact us immediately at info@kokorocares.com if your package arrives damaged or doesn't arrive. We'll work with you to resolve the issue promptly, including replacement shipments when necessary.

Usage & Storage

How should I store the advent calendar?

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. All items are shelf-stable, but avoid extreme temperatures. Do not refrigerate the entire calendar.

Are the advent calendars suitable for children?

Yes! Our “Enchanted Moments” 24-Day Advent Calendar in particular is a great way for children to experience new flavors from Japan. Adult supervision is recommended for young children due to small parts and unfamiliar ingredients.

What if I don't like an item?

Part of the adventure is trying new things! We include a variety of flavors to introduce you to authentic Japanese tastes. Some items may be acquired tastes, but we encourage you to keep an open mind and palate.

 

Customer Service

Can I return or exchange my advent calendar?

Due to the food nature of our products, we cannot accept returns for hygiene reasons. However, if you receive a damaged or defective calendar, please contact us at info@kokorocares.com and we’ll work with you to resolve the issue promptly.

What if I have questions about a specific item?

Each item includes a slip with English product descriptions, ingredients, common allergens, and uses, as well as a QR to the product page on our site.

Do you offer corporate or bulk orders?

Yes! We offer discounts for orders of 10 or more calendars. Perfect for office gifts or family orders. Contact us at info@kokorocares.com for bulk pricing.

When is the best time to order for the holidays?

We sold out last year so we recommend ordering as early as possible, well before Nov 23 to guarantee your purchase and delivery before Dec 1.

Have a question not answered here?

Please don't hesitate to contact us at info@kokorocares.com. We're passionate about sharing these special products from Japan and want to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Cherish The Moments This Holiday Season

Celebrate “hitotoki”, the Japanese word for a cherished moment, with our “Enchanted Moments” (24-Day) & "Heartfelt Wonders" (12-Day) advent calendars. Order today while quantities last.


Cherish The Moments
This Holiday Season

Celebrate “hitotoki”, the Japanese word for a cherished moment, with our “Enchanted Moments” (24-Day) & "Heartfelt Wonders" (12-Day) advent calendars. Order today while quantities last.