Today, I woke up and thought to myself "What are the most original snacks you can find in Japan?"

You see, once you live in Japan for longer period of time, you get used to weird things and flavors. So you forget that it's... not really normal anywhere else. Therefore, I decided to search for products that made me question, 'why?'

This is level easy of snacks. I know there are snacks worse than mentioned in this blog, but let's start easy.

And of course, who would I be if I didn't give you the chance to try them yourself?

It doesn't mean it's not good though

Try the Japanese flavors:

Only for brave ones...

Umeboshi (梅干し) are Japanese salted and pickled plums, often considered a traditional food in Japan. They are intensely salty and sour. 

I guess there are many people who love it, since they made gummy version of it.

Adzuki beans (or azuki beans, 小豆 in Japanese) are small, red legumes native to East Asia. They are a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea.

Flavor: Mild, nutty, and slightly sweet, making them versatile for both savory and sweet dishes.

You can often spot them as Anko (Sweet Red Bean Paste), a popular filling for desserts like mochi, dorayaki, and taiyaki.

Made from whole chestnuts, delivering a natural sweetness that feels indulgent yet pure.

Chestnuts, or kuri (栗) in Japanese, are a beloved seasonal snack in Japan, especially during autumn and winter.

How did they find out we can eat chestnut?

"Crafted using real condensed milk from the famous Machimura Farm in Hokkaido" 

if this doesn't sound good enough, then I don't know what else would.

Mitarashi Dango (みたらし団子) is a traditional Japanese sweet made of chewy rice flour dumplings skewered on sticks and glazed with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. It is a popular snack often enjoyed at festivals, tea houses, and street stalls across Japan.

Japan is really a good example of using free will.

Most of you probably have heard about Kracie's DIY Candies (Popin' Cookin'), but in this kit, you make your own aquarium with goldfishes, to "catch" them like during real game at Japanese Festivals. 

And I remember my parents telling me to not play with food when I was a kid.

"A salty, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that delights cheese lovers. Each crunchy biscuit is crafted with care, combining the rich creaminess of Camembert cheese with Lorraine’s famed rock salt, offering a refined salty flavor that lingers pleasantly"

WHO, WHY?

Craving Yakisoba AND snacks?

Well, Japan has solution just for you.

Sanshin Peyoung Yakisoba Moist Sauce Senbei, a moist rice cracker inspired by the iconic Japanese yakisoba sauce flavor. These crackers deliver a satisfying chewy texture with a rich, umami-packed sauce coating that captures the beloved essence of yakisoba noodles.

Exactly as you read in title. 

"Never in my life-"

Tono Jari Bean Coffee – a sophisticated snack crafted for the discerning palate. These sunflower seeds, cultivated exclusively for sweets, are encased in a coffee-flavored coating and roasted with a unique non-frying method.

Like one of these flavors wasn't enough

"This delicious shrimp snack combines the rich, savory taste of shrimp with the refined simplicity of sea salt and a subtle kick of real wasabi"

Make yourself a pudding with Chiikawa face. Because, why not?

This unique kit lets you craft adorable Chiikawa-themed puddings featuring characters like Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi. Comes with a random stamp with one of these characters.

Butter... flavored... Candy 

...

Nothing Unique. Nothing Weird. But if you like mushrooms, YOU HAVE TO TRY IT

DAGASHI BOX takes you on a nostalgic journey through the flavors of Japanese childhood, reminiscent of holidays spent in cozy little shops known as Dagashiya. These charming stores, often run by kind elderly ladies, offer a delightful variety of sweets that evoke fond memories.

Each box contains 250/500/1000g of assorted Japanese treats, with contents that change based on the season, availability, and new products. It’s a fun and delicious way to experience authentic Japanese flavors all in one vibrant package.

P.S. In our Snack Box, we don't add weird things. Only good snacks.
Maybe.

Frequently asked questions:

Dagashi (駄菓子) are traditional Japanese snacks and candies that are affordable, nostalgic, and often targeted at children. The name "dagashi" is derived from "da" (駄) meaning "trivial" or "low-grade," and "kashi" (菓子) meaning "snacks" or "sweets." This reflects their history as inexpensive treats accessible to everyone.

Some of the most iconic Japanese snacks include Pocky (chocolate-coated biscuit sticks), Umaibo (savory puffed corn sticks), and Dorayaki (pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste).

Many Japanese snacks are vegan or vegetarian, such as rice crackers, mochi, and konjac jelly. Always check ingredient labels for clarity.

Wagashi (和菓子) are traditional Japanese confections that are often served with tea and are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and aesthetics. The word "wagashi" combines "wa" (和) meaning "Japanese" or "harmony" and "kashi" (菓子) meaning "sweets" or "confections." These delicacies are celebrated for their beautiful designs, seasonal themes, and delicate flavors.

Japanese snacks and sweets offer a delightful journey into Japan's rich culture, blending innovative flavors, unique textures, and artistic presentation. From affordable and nostalgic dagashi to intricately crafted traditional wagashi, these treats cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With options like squid-flavored chips, matcha KitKats, and sakura-themed mochi, Japanese snacks are a testament to creativity and seasonality. Still not enough? Wait for part 2!