Japan is home to a vast selection of delicious and easily accessible snacks, available at convenience stores, supermarkets, and souvenir shops at train stations. From traditional Japanese sweets to chocolate, chips, and ice cream, there is a wide variety of treats to enjoy, featuring Japan’s unique and diverse flavors.
Whether you’re looking for classic snacks for a quick treat or region-exclusive specialties as souvenirs, here are 40 carefully selected representative Japanese snacks. If you’re unsure which ones to try, use this guide as a reference.
Snacks Are Available Everywhere in Japan
Easily Accessible at Convenience Stores
Many convenience stores in Japan operate 24 hours a day, making it incredibly easy to grab snacks anytime. From potato chips and chocolate to traditional Japanese sweets, the variety is extensive, including region-exclusive items. Small-sized snack packs are also widely available, making them perfect for eating on the go or enjoying in your hotel room.
Souvenir Shops at Train Stations and Airports
Train stations and airports offer a wide range of locally famous snacks and special edition packaged sweets. Major Shinkansen stations often feature snacks made with regional flavors, while airports sell premium Japanese sweets and matcha-flavored treats.
These locations are ideal for finding souvenirs and travel mementos. In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, there are many exclusive products only available at airports and train stations, providing a unique selection for travelers.
Bulk Purchases at Supermarkets
If you want to buy Japanese snacks at a more affordable price, supermarkets are the best option. Nationwide supermarket chains carry a wide selection of popular snacks, as well as region-exclusive sweets.
Prices are often lower than in convenience stores, making supermarkets ideal for bulk purchases. Large supermarkets, in particular, offer bigger packs and special discount items, making them convenient when buying snacks as souvenirs.
11 Popular Sweet Snacks
Alfort
Alfort is a popular Japanese snack that combines fragrant whole wheat biscuits with smooth chocolate. The crispy texture of the biscuit and the rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate create a perfect balance.
The chocolate features an elegant sailboat design, adding a stylish touch. Available in various flavors such as milk chocolate, bitter chocolate, and white chocolate, each offers a delicate sweetness unique to Japan.
Individually wrapped, Alfort is great as a souvenir or a quick snack. Its simple yet satisfying taste has made it a long-time favorite among many.
Kit Kat
Kit Kat is a globally recognized chocolate treat, but in Japan, its wide variety of exclusive flavors sets it apart. In addition to classic milk chocolate, you can enjoy flavors like matcha, roasted green tea, sakura, and strawberry—distinctively Japanese flavors.
Kit Kat is also associated with good luck, as its Japanese pronunciation sounds similar to “sure victory,” making it a popular gift for students taking exams.
With numerous region-exclusive flavors, Kit Kat is an excellent souvenir. Its crispy wafer and chocolate coating create a perfect combination, and its bite-sized format makes it easy to enjoy.
Pocky
Pocky is a simple yet addictive snack consisting of thin biscuit sticks coated with chocolate. Its easy-to-hold shape allows you to enjoy it without getting your hands messy. In addition to milk chocolate, flavors like matcha, strawberry, and almond crush are available, along with seasonal limited-edition varieties.
Japan has even designated November 11 as “Pocky Day” due to its popularity. Pocky is a fun snack to share with friends and family, making it perfect for any occasion.
Choco Ball
Choco Ball is a bite-sized chocolate snack with a crunchy caramel or peanut filling. It is famous for its “Toy Can” campaign, where finding a gold or silver “angel” mark inside the package allows you to claim a special prize.
Its light texture and moderate sweetness make it an irresistible treat. The adorable mascot, “Kyoro-chan,” has also become a beloved symbol of Japanese snack culture.
Country Ma’am
Country Ma’am cookies are known for their unique texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Available in classic vanilla and cocoa flavors, as well as limited-time seasonal varieties, they showcase Japan’s signature delicate sweetness.
One special feature of Country Ma’am is that warming them in a toaster or microwave makes them taste freshly baked. Individually wrapped for convenience, they are great as souvenirs. Their gentle sweetness and rich aroma make them a staple Japanese cookie.
Kinoko no Yama / Takenoko no Sato
Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato are long-loved Japanese chocolate snacks, famous for the ongoing debate over which is better—the “Kinoko vs. Takenoko” rivalry.
Kinoko no Yama consists of crispy cracker sticks topped with chocolate, offering a light and crunchy texture.
On the other hand, Takenoko no Sato features soft, buttery cookies infused with chocolate for a richer flavor. Both have distinct textures and tastes, making it fun to try and compare them.
Black Thunder
Black Thunder is a chocolate bar known for its crunchy texture and rich flavor. Made with cocoa cookies and puffed rice coated in chocolate, it delivers a satisfying bite with every piece. As the slogan says, “A taste like a lightning strike,” it offers a bold and impactful chocolate experience.
Available at convenience stores at an affordable price, Black Thunder is a beloved everyday chocolate snack in Japan. It also comes in limited-edition and regional flavors, making it a favorite among repeat buyers.
Shimi Choco
Shimi Choco is a light and crispy snack made from corn puffs soaked in chocolate. Though it looks simple, the moment you take a bite, the chocolate gradually melts in your mouth, perfectly complementing the airy texture of the snack.
Each bite is packed with chocolate flavor, making it an addictive treat that keeps you reaching for more.
Koala’s March
Koala’s March is a classic Japanese snack featuring crispy biscuits filled with creamy chocolate. Each biscuit is imprinted with an adorable koala design, with hundreds of different illustrations to discover—some even rare and collectible.
Bite-sized and moderately sweet, Koala’s March is loved by both children and adults. As a popular souvenir from Japan, it not only tastes great but also comes in charming packaging, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Almond Chocolate
Meiji Almond Chocolate is Japan’s No.1 nut chocolate brand, enjoyed for decades. The almonds are carefully selected and slow-roasted to enhance their natural aroma and flavor, then coated in Meiji’s signature high-quality chocolate.
The combination of crunchy almonds and rich, smooth chocolate creates a luxurious taste experience in every bite.
Pai no Mi
Pai no Mi is a long-selling Japanese pastry snack filled with rich chocolate. Made with 64 delicate layers of flaky pie crust, it offers a light yet crispy texture, perfectly balanced with its smooth chocolate filling.
Its bite-sized format makes it easy to enjoy, and it pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee. A fun tip: warming Pai no Mi slightly in a toaster enhances its flavor, making it taste just like freshly baked pastries.
7 Popular Snack-Type Treats
Potato Chips
Japanese potato chips come in a wide variety of flavors, ranging from simple salted to uniquely Japanese options. Popular brands like Calbee and Koikeya offer classic flavors such as lightly salted, consomme punch, and seaweed salt. Additionally, regional specialty flavors make them even more exciting. Unique varieties like wasabi and plum shiso are flavors you won’t find easily outside Japan.
With their light, crispy texture, these chips are an addictive snack. They also pair well with alcoholic beverages, making them a great option for a casual treat.
Jagariko
Jagariko is a crispy stick-shaped potato snack with a satisfying crunch. Packaged in a cup-shaped container, it’s convenient to carry and easy to eat on the go.
Flavors like salad, cheese, and butter potato are widely available, each offering a rich and savory taste. Despite being a snack, Jagariko has a firm texture, allowing the deep potato flavor to develop with every bite.
Karl
Karl is a classic Japanese corn snack known for its light and airy texture. Available in flavors like cheese and light soy sauce, it has a nostalgic and mild taste that has been loved for generations. Its crispy bite and rich flavor make it a comforting treat.
Though it is still sold in western Japan, Karl has become harder to find in eastern Japan, making it even more sought after. The character “Karl Ojisan” on the packaging is also a beloved mascot, representing Japanese snack culture.
Pretz
Pretz is a long-selling Japanese biscuit stick snack with a crispy texture and a simple yet addictive flavor. While the classic salad flavor is popular, there are also varieties like tomato, butter, and teriyaki chicken, offering plenty of options.
With its perfect balance of saltiness, Pretz is ideal not just as a snack but also as a savory treat to pair with drinks. Alongside Pocky, it is one of Japan’s signature snacks, easy to carry and enjoy anywhere.
Happy Turn
Happy Turn is a uniquely Japanese rice cracker snack coated in a sweet and salty “Happy Powder”, which makes it irresistibly delicious.
The name “Happy Turn” was created in the 1970s during the oil crisis, symbolizing the hope that happiness would return. With its light, crispy texture and addictive flavor, it’s a beloved treat. The individually wrapped portions make it a great souvenir as well.
Umaibo
Umaibo is a crunchy corn puff stick with an impressive variety of flavors. From cheese and takoyaki to mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and corn potage, its lineup features uniquely Japanese tastes.
One of its biggest appeals is its affordability, making it popular among both children and adults. The packaging features the adorable mascot “Umaemon,” making it an iconic part of Japan’s dagashi (traditional snack) culture.
Baby Star Ramen
Baby Star Ramen is a one-of-a-kind snack made from crushed, deep-fried ramen noodles. Its crispy texture and bold seasoning make it a flavorful snack, with chicken being the most popular variety among many options.
Originally created to reduce waste by repurposing broken noodles, Baby Star Ramen has since become a beloved snack across Japan.
6 Popular Ice Cream Treats
Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs in Japan offers a luxurious ice cream experience with a unique twist—exclusive Japanese flavors. While the brand is globally recognized, Japan features flavors like matcha, roasted green tea latte, and purple sweet potato, making it stand out.
Despite its premium quality, Häagen-Dazs is readily available at convenience stores and supermarkets, making it an easy yet indulgent treat.
PARM
PARM is a luxurious ice cream bar coated with a thick layer of chocolate. Unlike crunchy coatings, the chocolate has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that enhances the richness of the ice cream.
Available in flavors like milk chocolate, matcha, and strawberry, PARM is a sophisticated dessert perfect for adults. It offers a refined taste in a convenient form, making it a must-try for ice cream lovers in Japan.
Super Cup
Super Cup is a generously sized cup ice cream that delivers great value without compromising on taste. Flavors like vanilla, chocolate cookie, and matcha offer a rich and satisfying experience.
With its smooth texture and well-balanced sweetness, Super Cup appeals to both kids and adults. Its cup format makes it easy to enjoy at your own pace, whether in one sitting or over multiple servings.
Gari Gari Kun
Gari Gari Kun is a beloved Japanese summer staple, known for its refreshing shaved ice texture. With a crunchy outer layer and a finer, icy interior, it’s the perfect cool-down treat for hot days.
The classic soda flavor remains a favorite, but seasonal variations like cola, pear, and grapefruit add excitement. Japan also surprises consumers with unusual limited-edition flavors, such as corn potage and stew, which often become talking points.
Mona-Ou
Mona-Ou is a traditional Japanese-style ice cream encased in a crisp monaka wafer. The ice cream inside is smooth and creamy, while the wafer provides a light and airy crunch.
Vanilla is the classic flavor, but matcha and chocolate variations are also available, offering authentic Japanese flavors. With its satisfying texture yet refreshing aftertaste, Mona-Ou is a delightful snack that blends tradition with modern convenience.
Gatsun to Mikan
Gatsun to Mikan is a fruit-filled ice bar packed with real mandarin orange pieces, delivering a burst of citrus flavor. The taste is juicy and refreshing, with the perfect balance of natural sweetness and tangy acidity.
With its juicy texture and crisp finish, this ice bar is an ideal choice for hot days or a post-bath refreshment.
5 Popular Gummy and Jelly Treats
Kajyu Gummy
Kajyu Gummy is a popular Japanese gummy candy packed with real fruit flavor. It features a natural sweetness and a pleasantly chewy texture, making it feel like you’re eating fresh fruit.
Available in flavors such as grape, apple, and muscat, these gummies contain a high percentage of fruit juice. Their convenient small packaging makes them perfect for on-the-go snacking, whether traveling or just enjoying a quick treat.
Cororo
Cororo is a unique bite-sized fruit gummy with an exceptionally soft and bouncy texture. The outer layer is slightly chewy, while the inside is filled with a juicy, jelly-like center.
Flavors such as grape, muscat, and peach offer a rich, natural fruit taste. The texture and flavor make it feel as if you’re eating real fruit, making Cororo one of Japan’s most distinctive and luxurious gummy candies.
Hi-Chew
Hi-Chew is a long-loved Japanese chewy candy known for its intense fruit flavors and satisfying chewiness. As it softens in your mouth, its juicy sweetness spreads, creating a delicious experience.
Classic flavors include grape, strawberry, and green apple, while limited-edition and region-exclusive flavors add variety. Hi-Chew is also extremely popular overseas, particularly in the United States and Asia, where it is recognized as one of Japan’s best chewy candies.
Konjac Jelly
Konjac Jelly is a healthy, fiber-rich jelly treat with a uniquely firm and bouncy texture. Made with konjac (a traditional Japanese plant-based ingredient), it has more chewiness than regular jelly.
Available in flavors like grape, apple, and mango, it offers a refreshing sweetness. Conveniently packaged in small pouches, it’s an easy and satisfying snack for any time of day.
Pucchin Pudding
Pucchin Pudding is one of Japan’s most iconic pudding desserts, known for its smooth and creamy texture. It has a fun feature—pressing the tab at the bottom releases the pudding neatly onto a plate, making it an enjoyable treat for both kids and adults.
The combination of slightly bitter caramel sauce and milky pudding creates a perfect balance of flavors. Easily found in convenience stores and supermarkets, it’s a must-try Japanese dessert.
5 Popular Candies and Tablets
Milky
Milky is a long-selling Japanese candy from Fujiya, known for its gentle and creamy milk flavor. It has a rich, smooth texture that melts in your mouth, delivering a satisfying sweetness.
The packaging features the iconic “Peko-chan” character, making it easily recognizable. Its simple yet deep flavor brings a nostalgic charm, making it a beloved treat across generations.
Morinaga Caramel
Morinaga Caramel is a traditional Japanese caramel candy with over 100 years of history. It has a soft, chewy texture and a slightly bitter sweetness, creating a rich and comforting flavor.
The retro-style packaging adds to its nostalgic appeal. Each small box contains individually wrapped caramels, making it convenient to carry and enjoy as a quick treat.
Ramune
Ramune candy is a classic Japanese tablet known for its refreshing soda-like flavor and fizzy, dissolving texture. Inspired by the iconic Japanese carbonated drink “Ramune,” it melts lightly in the mouth, creating a fun, unique sensation.
Morinaga Ramune, in particular, contains a high percentage of glucose, making it a great pick-me-up for studying or working. The cute bottle-shaped packaging adds to its charm, and its portability makes it an easy-to-carry snack.
Frisk
Frisk is a highly popular mint tablet in Japan, offering an intense burst of freshness. Its compact case makes it easy to carry, allowing for a quick refresh anytime—whether at work, commuting, or on the go.
Flavors include peppermint, spearmint, lemon mint, and more, providing a variety of refreshing options. The “Extra Mint” version is particularly famous for its strong, awakening sensation. Available at convenience stores and drugstores, Frisk is a must-have for a quick energy boost.
Mintia
Mintia is a compact Japanese mint tablet that offers a lighter, crispier texture compared to Frisk. The tablets are smaller and easier to chew, providing a quick refresh with a variety of unique flavors.
With options like cool mint, grape, peach, and Japanese plum, Mintia offers flavors beyond the typical mint varieties. The slim case design makes it easy to slip into a pocket or bag, making it an ideal companion for freshening up on the go.
6 Popular Traditional Japanese Sweets
Daifuku
Daifuku is a traditional Japanese sweet made of soft, chewy mochi filled with sweet red bean paste. While classic versions use smooth (koshian) or chunky (tsubuan) red bean fillings, variations like matcha, chestnut, and even whipped cream-filled daifuku have become popular.
The mochi’s chewy texture and mild sweetness pair perfectly with green tea. Its palm-sized portion makes it easy to eat, offering a simple yet deeply satisfying taste of Japan.
Warabi Mochi
Warabi Mochi is a jelly-like Japanese dessert known for its soft, translucent appearance and delicate chewiness. Made from bracken starch, it is typically enjoyed with roasted soybean flour (kinako) and black sugar syrup (kuromitsu).
With its gentle sweetness and melt-in-the-mouth texture, warabi mochi offers an elegant and refreshing dessert experience for fans of Japanese sweets.
Dorayaki
Dorayaki consists of two fluffy, pancake-like layers filled with sweet red bean paste. The combination of the moist, sponge-like dough and smooth red bean filling creates a nostalgic and satisfying flavor.
Recently, modern versions featuring matcha, whipped cream, and even chocolate fillings have emerged, offering more variety. Its convenient size and packaging also make dorayaki a great Japanese souvenir.
Manju
Manju is a steamed bun with a soft, slightly dense exterior and a sweet filling, available in many regional variations. A famous type, “Onsen Manju,” often found at hot spring resorts, features a deep, rich flavor from brown sugar.
Other varieties include matcha, sweet potato, and custard-filled manju, each offering a distinct yet delicate Japanese sweetness.
Senbei
Senbei is a traditional Japanese rice cracker known for its crispy texture and aromatic flavors. While classic versions are seasoned with soy sauce or salt, there are many variations, including seaweed-wrapped, sesame-flavored, and spicy shichimi-coated senbei.
Perfect for pairing with tea, senbei is also a satisfying snack or light appetizer.
Yokan
Yokan is a traditional Japanese confection made from sweetened red bean paste, agar, and sugar, resulting in a firm yet smooth texture. Flavors such as brown sugar, matcha, and chestnut are common, offering a rich yet refined sweetness.
Its long shelf life makes it a popular gift or souvenir. Sliced into bite-sized pieces, yokan pairs exceptionally well with Japanese tea, allowing you to savor the essence of traditional Japanese sweets.
Conclusion
Japan offers a wide selection of delicious snacks, readily available at convenience stores, supermarkets, and souvenir shops in train stations and airports.
This article introduced 40 carefully selected Japanese snacks, covering everything from chocolates and chips to traditional Japanese sweets, ice cream, gummies, and candy. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or a personal treat, there’s something for everyone.
・Japanese snacks are widely available nationwide
・Different stores (convenience stores, supermarkets, souvenir shops) offer unique selections
・Alongside classic favorites, Japan offers many regional and limited-edition flavors
If any of these snacks caught your eye, be sure to try them! Regional-exclusive snacks, in particular, make great souvenirs and add to the experience of traveling in Japan.
