A list of The best Japanese snacks To buy in japan
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Japanese Snacks To Buy in Japan
Heading to Japan and wondering what are the best Japanese snacks you should buy?
I visited Japan on a 2 week in Japan and 3 week Japan trip. I wish I had brought back more snacks. Even with a luggage full of snacks It wasn’t enough.
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If you are already back from Japan and didn’t get your fill of Japanese snacks, check out TokyoTreat and SakuraCo Japanese snack boxes. It has satisfied my cravings for Japanese snacks.
Related: Read my review about the Best Japanese Snack Subscription Boxes
From chocolate-covered treats to soft chewy candies, Japan offers a huge variety of sweet snack options. Many of them come in unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
No Time to Read Now? Here Are the Best Japanese Snacks Highlights
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Japanese Snacks To Buy in Japan
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary of some of the best Japanese snacks that are must-tries:
- Pocky – iconic chocolate-covered biscuit sticks in flavors like matcha, strawberry, and coconut
- Kit Kats – available in 350+ flavors in Japan like green tea, sake, and sweet potato
- Hi-Chew – soft, chewy fruit candies with flavors like grape, mango, and lemon
- Jagariko – potato sticks coated in flavors like seafood, plum, and cheese
- Takenoko no Sato – biscuit sticks shaped like bamboo shoots and coated in chocolate
- Kororo – gummy candy with real fruit juice and a collagen casing
- Pretz – savory, thin biscuits in flavors like salad, seafood, and camembert cheese
- Baby Star – dried ramen snacks in flavors like salt, soy sauce, and seafood
- Konjac jelly – low calorie treat made from konjac potato with green tea and berry flavors
- Meiji Apollo – premium strawberry chocolate covered biscuit sticks
- & much more
The Best Sweet Japanese Snacks
Here are the best sweet Japanese snacks list you need to try on your next trip.
Popular Japanese Snacks & Japanese Snacks Brands
Pocky – japanese candies
Why it’s popular: Pocky is THE iconic Japanese snack – a delicious, moreish biscuit stick enrobed in chocolate. The contrast of crunchy biscuit and smooth chocolate coating makes Pocky incredibly addictive.
Flavors: Originally just chocolate, but now there are over 50 flavors like matcha, strawberry, mango, coconut, and almond crush. Special editions are often tied to seasons, holidays, or locations.
Where to buy japanese candy:
Every convenience store, snack aisle, souvenir shop. Also try the Pocky Chocolatory in Tokyo for premium flavors.
Tip: Great for souvenirs as Pocky keeps well. Flavors like matcha and sake can only be found in Japan. Go for the Mount Fuji boxes for bonus style points!
Kit Kat Japanese candy
Why it’s popular: Kit Kat took Japan by storm thanks to its 350+ exotic flavors – most not available anywhere else! Think citrus fruits, Japanese teas, sake, regional desserts and more.
Flavors: Top picks are matcha, sake, sweet potato, strawberry cheesecake, baked apple pie, and Otona no Amasa (“adult sweetness” with less sugar).
Where to buy: Mainstream flavors in any convenience store. Boutique flavors at tourist shops, train stations, airports. Find rare local flavors in their region of origin.
Tip: Great gift idea as flavors are truly unique to Japan. Hunt for special editions like purple sweet potato or Tokyo banana. Check out the cool Japan-themed packaging too!
Hi-Chew – Japan candy
Why it’s popular: Hi-Chew’s soft, chewy texture and fruit flavors have earned it global fans. It was created as an alternative to gum that you could swallow.
Flavors: Grape, lemon, green apple, mango and strawberry are classics. Premium lines feature fancy Japanese citrus fruits and berries.
Where to buy: Convenience stores, supermarkets, candy shops.
Tip: Stock up on Hi-Chew before heading home as the Japanese versions tend to be higher quality with natural flavors and dyes. Limited editions are extra fun!
Kororo – Japanese candy
Why it’s popular: Gummies with a delicate fruity flavor and unique dual texture – a firm collagen gel casing around a smooth fruit juice filling.
Flavors: Grape, peach, muscat, Sato Nishiki cherry, strawberry, apple, orange
Where to buy: Select souvenir shops, Don Quijote stores
Tip: Kororo gummies must be kept refrigerated, so they make better gifts before heading home. Great for adventurous foodies who want to try something new!
Related: What To Buy In Japan & Best Japanese Souveneirs
Bake
Why it’s popular: Buttery shortbread with a decadent cream cheese filling. Looks unassuming but delivers incredible flavor.
Flavors: Plain, matcha, chocolate
Where to buy: Select souvenir shops, Don Quijote stores
Tip: Only available in Japan! Grab a pack to share with friends back home. Can be kept and eaten at room temperature.
Meiji Apollo – candy from japan
Why it’s popular: Meiji’s premium chocolate covered biscuit stick, considered the “Rolls Royce” of Pocky! Has a dedicated fanbase in Japan.
Flavors: Strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, matcha
Where to buy: Select souvenir shops, Don Quijote stores
Tip: Apollo can be hard to find so keep an eye out. Makes a nice gift for Pocky lovers who want an elevated experience!
Alfort
Why it’s popular: Alfort chocolate biscuits became an instant hit for their perfect ratio of quality dark chocolate to crunchy cookie. A common presence in Japanese homes!
Flavors: Dark chocolate, white chocolate, strawberry, matcha
Where to buy: Supermarkets, convenience stores, souvenir shops
Tip: Alfort makes a nice casual souvenir that most people will enjoy. Affordable too – usually between 100 to 250 yen a pack.
Nama Chocolate
Why it’s popular: Fresh cream is whipped into velvety smooth chocolate for an incredible melt-in-your-mouth experience. Less sweet than typical chocolate.
Flavors: Milk, white, dark, hazelnut
Where to buy: Department store basements like Takashimaya, Isetan, Mitsukoshi are best bets.
Tip: As nama chocolate is unwrapped, it must be consumed quickly. Perfect for a luxurious last-minute souvenir or gift to self! Brands like Royce and Meltykiss are excellent.
The Best Savory Japanese Snacks
Japan boasts a huge variety of savory snacks too – from crackers and chips to dried noodles and seafood fritters. If you need a break from sweet flavors, try out these satisfying savory picks!
Japanese popular snacks & Japan Famous Snacks
Senbei – best japanese snacks
Why it’s popular: These crispy rice crackers are a longtime favorite in Japan, often enjoyed with tea. Traditional and moreish.
Flavors: Nori seaweed, soy sauce, consomme, wasabi peas, brown sugar, matcha, chocolate (!)
Where to buy: Supermarkets, souvenir stores, temple shops
Tip: Senbei packed in a mailing tube or decorative tins make nice gifts. Remember to try unusual flavors like milk tea senbei!
Japanese Ramen Packets
Why It’s popular: The original ramen is from Japan. These delicious and cleverly packaged Ramen packets with all sorts of flavors that are only available in Japan.
I especially loved the taste and flavor of Ichiran ramen packets. It tasted just like Ichiran. Well worth buying these japanese ramen packets back with you.
Types: Tonkatsu, spicy tonkatsu, yuzu, and more
Where to buy: Ichiran, DonQ, supermarkets, 7/11 stores
Tip: You can bring back dried meat in ramen to the US. (but double check with your country regulations)
Arare -Japan snacks
Why it’s popular: Japanese rice crackers are addictively crunchy and come in endless shapes and coatings. Great bar snack.
Types: Noritamago (seaweed egg), kaki no tane (spicy rice crackers), kompeito (colored sugar candy), okoshi (malt and rice cake)
Where to buy: Supermarkets, souvenir shops
Tip: Arare keeps well so it’s a handy souvenir. Try unique ones like tomatillio or curry flavored kaki no tane. They all pair fabulously with drinks!
More Japan Articles
Jagariko / Jagabee – japan snacks
Why it’s popular: These crispy sticks made from potatoes will satisfy any potato chip craving. Jagariko comes in a range of flavors encased in a crisp jagged tube.
Flavors: Fries, pizza, Takoyaki octopus, claypot noodle, salad, kimchi, cheese, seafood, plum, butter soy and more.
Where to buy: Every convenience store and supermarket
Tip: Jagariko is a familiar yet unique snack to bring back. Excellent temple fair snack or along with drinks. Keep an eye out for rare flavors!
Pretz – snacks from japan
Why it’s popular: Pretz are savory crunchy breadsticks from popular snack maker Glico. Often enjoyed with drinks or as a quick snack.
Flavors: Salad, seafood, camembert cheese, roast almonds, honey butter, tomato, garlic, mystery flavor
Where to buy: Every convenience store and supermarket
Tip: Mystery Pretz with randomized flavors are fun. Pretz are lighter than potato chips making good snacks on the go. Singles are easy to slip into bags too.
Kaki no Tane – Japan
Why it’ popular: Spicy puffed rice crackers. Kaki no tane translates to “persimmon seeds”, which they resemble. Highly addictive!
Flavors: Original is flavored with soy sauce, sugar, and chili pepper. Also nori seaweed, teriyaki burger, kimchi, garlic butter and more.
Where to buy: Every convenience store and supermarket
Tip: Kaki no tane is a classic bar snack in Japan. Take home a few flavor varieties to share with friends!
Mike Popcorn
Why it’s popular: Mike’s popcorn features unique Japanese flavorings like soy sauce butter, chocolate, and sake. Much lighter and crispier than typical popcorn.
Flavors: Soy sauce butter, white chocolate, milk tea, sea salt, honey butter chipotle
Where to buy: Supermarkets, Kaldi, souvenir shops
Tip: Mike’s popcorn makes a nice casual snack souvenir. Much easier to pack than chips!
Umaibo – Japanese snacks
Why it’s popular: Umaibo are puffy corn sticks filled with creamy goodness. An iconic cheap snack in Japan thanks to their unique flavors and cute mascot.
Flavors: Cheese, chocolate, strawberry milk, takoyaki octopus, shark fin soup, tonkotsu ramen, curry and more
Where to buy: Every convenience store
Tip: Umaibo only cost around 10-30 yen so definitely give this Japanese snack icon a try! Great for kids and the young at heart.
The Best Japanese Snack Shops: Where to Buy Japanese Snacks in Japan
With thousands of snacks on offer across Japan, it helps to know the best places to shop for maximum choice and deals. We’ve compiled a list of top Japanese snack stores that should be on every foodie’s radar.
Don Quijote
Why it’s good: Billed as Japan’s discount theme park, Don Quijote (Donki) shops are open 24 hours and pack just about everything under one roof. Their snack selection is unmatched in variety, exclusives and price.
What you’ll find: Aisle after aisle of both local Japanese snacks and international imports. Also plenty of gift sets, souvenir packs and rare flavors. Donki snack buying tip: Look up for the best deals
Kaldi Coffee Farm
Why it’s good: Kaldi is dedicated entirely to food and drinks. Think upscale Japanese deli meets international supermarket. Great for coffee and capsules too!
What you’ll find: A heavy focus on sweets but also whole snack aisles. Look for seasonal limited releases, Japanese kit kat boutique, imported crisps and chocolate, DIY candy kits.
Tokyu Hands
Why it’s good: The “Creative Life Store” stocks niche hobby supplies alongside everyday items like snacks. Hands is paradise for fans of cute character and creative Japanese packaging designs.
What you’ll find: Candy, chocolate, biscuits and popcorn with signature Japanese kawaii characters from Sanrio, Pokemon, Sentai squads and more. Also artsy Japan-themed gift boxes.
Loft
Why it’s good: This stationery store meets lifestyle shop carries snacks with trendy packaging alongside their artsy goods. Aimed at Japanese youth so very on-pulse.
What you’ll find: Photo-worthy snacks and treats ranging from desserts, biscuits, candy and chocolate to crisps and gum. Also DIY food kits.
Japan Candy Store (Buy Japanese Snacks Online)
For a premium price, you can get your hands on your favorite Japanese snacks outside of Japan at Japan Candy Store
Narita & Haneda Airport
Why it’s good: Narita and Haneda airport terminals house excellent souvenir shopping before departure gates, with dedicated sweet and snack shops. Tax-free shopping too!
What you’ll find: Almost every classic Japanese snack or sweet under one roof. Hi-Chew, Kit Kat, Tokyo Banana, Royce chocolate…you name it. Also nice gift sets and treats you won’t find at convenience stores.
What Makes Japanese Snacks So Special
Now that your snack radar is locked onto Japan, you’re probably wondering — what’s so special about their snacks, anyway? Here’s a quick look at what sets Japanese snacks apart:
Incredible Flavor Variety
Japan releases up to 100 new snacks every year and has over 2000 snack varieties in rotation! From chili octopus chips to Japanese plum potato sticks or soy sauce butter popcorn — flavors here go boldly where none have gone before. Even familiar snacks like Pocky and Kit Kat come in wild limited editions.
Seasonal & Regional Flavors
Unlike most global snacks that taste the same year-round, Japanese snacks eagerly highlight seasonal ingredients like sakura cherry or autumnal chestnut. Regional flavors also abound — get apple Kit Kat in Aomori, strawberry chocolate from Hokkaido or matcha varieties in Kyoto and Uji.
Artful Packaging
Snacks here target all five senses, and Japanese packaging cranks up the eye candy factor. Stores like Loft stock snacks adorned with characters, colorful prints and gorgeous graphic designs. This transforms ordinary snacks into photo ops and travel mementos.
Innovative Textures
Ever had squashy, jewel-like fruit juice gummies? Creamy yet airy Japanese chocolate? Biscuits that fizz then melt in your mouth? Japanese candy makers never stop innovating to create snacks with intriguing textures.
Made for Sharing
Sharing snacks is part of cultural bonding, so Japanese snacks tend to be packed in small portions with polite, resealable bags. Ideal for trying a variety or breaking out at gatherings instead of digging into a family-sized pack!
High Quality & Safety
Japan holds their food manufacturers to exceptionally stringent safety standards and quality control. You can count on authentic flavors, responsible farming and ethical treatment here more than just about anywhere.
TIP: The next time you’re browsing snacks at a convenience store, look for the 国産 (Kokusan / domestic) label to support local farmers and minimize your carbon footprint!
Top Souvenir Japanese Snacks
While just about any snack makes a decent takeaway treat, bringing home Japan exclusive flavors tends to have the most impact with friends overseas. Limited editions also up the gift value for fans of Japanese pop culture. Here are some all-star Japanese snack souvenir ideas to round out your shopping list!
12 Souvenir Japanese Snacks Price (avg.)
- Royce Matcha Chocolate Bar ¥800
- Tokyo Banana Custard Cake ¥500+
- Kumamon Limited Edition Pretz ¥150
- Genji Matcha or Sakura Pocky ¥120
- Sakusaku Panda Cookies ¥880
- Shiroi Koibito Ishiya Cookies ¥800+
- CALBEE Butter Soy Sauce Chips ¥150
- Wasabi / Sake Kit Kat Box ¥800+
- UHA Mikakuto Peanut Snacks ¥500
- Meiji Hello Panda Chocolate ¥200
- Glico Papico Ice Cream Cones ¥125
- CALBEE Hot Chili Chips ¥125
Japanese snacks online
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Read my review about the best Japanese snack box.
Order your Japanese Snack Box with 5% off here.
What’s your favorite Japanese snack? Did we miss anything super tasty or iconic? What new flavor would you invent if you ran a snack company here? Let us know in the comments
