“Japanese sweets” are popular among tourists.
With so many types of sweets in Japan, it can be hard to know which ones are truly delicious and popular.
In this article, I, who know all about Japanese sweets, will introduce only the ones I genuinely want you to try.
These are all sweets I personally eat regularly, so I guarantee their deliciousness.
Ranging from 50 to 200 yen, these sweets are also budget-friendly and highly recommended.
You Can Buy Sweets Anywhere in Japan
Easily Available at Convenience Stores
Convenience stores, found in every city across Japan, are a great place to buy sweets easily.
Major chains like Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson offer a wide variety of popular snacks, chocolates, and even regional specialties.
Since they are open 24 hours, you can stop by anytime during your trip.
The small packages and travel-friendly sizes of the sweets make them perfect for souvenirs as well.
Souvenir Corners at Stations and Airports
Tourist destinations, major train stations, and airports all have well-stocked souvenir sections featuring famous sweets from all over Japan.
Here, you can easily purchase local specialties unique to each region.
For example, in Tokyo, there’s “Tokyo Banana”; in Kyoto, “Yatsuhashi”; and in Hokkaido, “Shiroi Koibito.”
These famous sweets from various regions are perfect for remembering your trip.
There are also many seasonal products and attractive packaging options that are a feast for the eyes.
Bulk Purchase at Supermarkets
For those who want to buy a lot of sweets during their trip, supermarkets are the best option.
Japanese supermarkets offer a wide range of classic popular sweets and rare regional snacks at affordable prices.
You can find local sweets enjoyed daily by residents, making it a great way to experience authentic Japanese treats.
Large stores have an extensive selection, making them ideal for bulk purchases.
10 Recommended Sweets for Tourists
Jagariko
- Once you start eating, you can’t stop
- Recommended flavor: Butter Potato
- About 100 yen each
“Jagariko” is a highly popular snack in Japan, known for its light, crispy texture.
It’s so delicious that you might find it hard to stop eating once you start.
This snack is a potato-based, stick-shaped treat that comes in a small cup, making it easy to carry around—a perfect snack for your travels.
The most recommended flavor is “Butter Potato,” which has a rich, buttery taste that gives you a true Japanese experience.
Priced at around 100 yen per cup, it’s easily available at any convenience store or supermarket.
Pocky
- A beloved snack that everyone in Japan loves
- Wide variety of flavors beyond chocolate
- Guaranteed to be a popular souvenir
“Pocky” is a beloved snack in Japan, enjoyed by almost everyone.
It features a thin biscuit stick coated in chocolate, offering the perfect balance of light texture and sweetness.
Besides the classic chocolate flavor, there are many other options like strawberry and matcha, including seasonal and regional varieties.
It’s a great choice as a souvenir, and its lightweight and easy-to-carry packaging make it ideal for travel.
Country Ma’am
- A favorite cookie among Japanese children
- Even tastier when warmed in the microwave
- There are stores where you can enjoy them freshly baked
Country Ma’am is a popular cookie among Japanese children, known for its soft texture and delicious chocolate chip flavor.
It’s easy to find anywhere and the perfect size for a quick snack.
Warming them up in the microwave makes them even more delicious, giving them a freshly baked, soft texture.
There are even stores where you can enjoy freshly baked Country Ma’am, offering a special experience unique to Japan.
If you visit Japan, you must try it!
KitKat
- A perfect combination of wafer and milk chocolate
- Popular as a good luck charm with the phrase “Kitto Katsu”
- Also available in strawberry and matcha flavors
KitKat is a popular snack in Japan, known for its crispy wafer and milk chocolate combination.
In Japan, it is especially loved as a good luck charm due to its name, which sounds similar to “kitto katsu” (sure to win).
The snack also comes in a variety of Japan-exclusive flavors like strawberry and matcha.
You can easily find them at any convenience store or supermarket, making it a great souvenir.
Don’t miss out on trying it during your trip!
Happy Turn
- A perfect balance of sweet and salty
- Popular with both adults and children
- Delicious “mystery powder”
Happy Turn is a classic Japanese snack known for its unique combination of sweet and salty flavors, loved by both adults and children alike.
The special highlight is the “delicious mystery powder” that makes Happy Turn stand out.
Its crispy texture and sweet-salty taste make it hard to stop eating once you start.
You can easily find it at convenience stores and supermarkets, making it a popular choice for snacks or souvenirs during your trip to Japan. Be sure to give it a try while you’re here!
Black Thunder
- Priced around 30 yen per piece
- Addictive crunchy chocolate
- Available in large packs
Black Thunder is a popular Japanese chocolate snack with a crunchy texture, priced around 30 yen per piece.
The combination of crunchy bits and chocolate creates an addictive taste that will have you hooked!
It also comes in large packs, making it perfect for buying in bulk as souvenirs for family and friends.
You can easily find it at convenience stores and supermarkets across Japan, so be sure to experience its great taste and affordability!
Kororo
- Incredibly fruity, almost like real fruit
- Soft and chewy texture
- Popular flavors include muscat and grape
“Kororo” is a gummy candy that offers a juicy, fruit-like taste as if you’re eating real fruit.
Its soft and chewy texture provides a unique and enjoyable experience that you won’t find in other candies.
The most popular flavors are muscat and grape, both of which have a rich fruit flavor, making them a favorite for fruit lovers.
These gummies are easily available at convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Japan, making them perfect for a snack or a souvenir during your trip. Be sure to try this unique Japanese treat!
Hi-Chew
- Offers regional exclusive flavors
- Chewy texture and juicy flavor
- A popular candy among children in Japan
“Hi-Chew” is a chewy candy with a juicy fruit flavor that is very popular among children in Japan.
The strong fruit flavor and chewy texture make it a favorite for anyone who loves sweets.
One of its unique attractions is the variety of regional exclusive flavors available throughout Japan, allowing you to enjoy flavors specific to the area you are visiting.
Its compact size makes it easy to carry, making it a great choice for a souvenir. Be sure to try Hi-Chew when you visit Japan!
Shimi Choco
- Star-shaped, crispy texture
- Available in whole grain and stick varieties
- Priced around 100 yen
“Shimi Choco” is a cute, star-shaped snack with a crispy texture that is popular among people of all ages.
The chocolate-soaked, light and crispy texture is highly addictive, making it a favorite for both children and adults.
Priced at around 100 yen, it is an affordable and easy-to-try option.
This Japanese snack is perfect for a quick treat during your trip or as a small souvenir.
Umaibo
- Delicious snack for just 12 yen per stick
- Best flavor: Takoyaki
- Popular corn potage flavor for kids
“Umaibo” is a classic Japanese snack available for just 12 yen per stick, known for its affordability and great taste.
With a crispy texture and a wide range of flavors, it’s a huge hit among Japanese kids. The recommended flavor is “Takoyaki,” which has a sweet and savory takoyaki taste.
Another favorite among kids is the “Corn Potage” flavor, known for its sweet and creamy taste.
You can easily find Umaibo at any convenience store or supermarket in Japan, so be sure to try it during your trip!
Conclusion
In this article, I have introduced a selection of Japanese sweets that I, as a resident of Japan, genuinely recommend to tourists.
From “Jagariko” to “Pocky,” these are all snacks that my family and I enjoy regularly, so I highly recommend trying them as souvenirs or for yourself.
While Japanese sweets are all delicious, the 10 items featured in this article are particularly popular, so be sure to check them out at convenience stores or supermarkets when you have the chance!
