If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’re in for an incredible culinary adventure! Japanese chocolate snacks are one of those unique treats in Japan, these chocolate delicacies are absolutely amazing! I’ll share the 12 most popular and distinctive Japanese chocolate snacks that you should definitely try. You can find luxury gifts to everyday affordable treats here, these snacks offer an incredible variety of flavors and textures that are simply irresistible!
12 Must-Try Delicacies Chocolate Snacks
1. ROYCE’ 生チョコレート (ROYCE’ Nama Chocolate)
Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorites - ROYCE’ Nama Chocolate! These exquisite treats are premium Hokkaido chocolate brand famous worldwide for their unique “nama” (fresh) chocolate technique. It’s like finding a little piece of heaven in each bite! We tried these during our visit to Hokkaido and I was amazed by how the silky smooth texture melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of richness and sweetness. These are the “ultimate luxury” of the chocolate world, as the original description puts it. The genuine nama chocolate with up to 17% moisture content and fresh cream creates an incredibly rich taste experience that’s absolutely incredible. They’re perfect as high-end souvenirs or for special self-indulgence. The signature original (Au Lait) and bitter (Ghana Bitter) flavors are perfect choices for chocolate connoisseurs - trust me, you’ll want to try them both!
Ideal For
- Chocolate connoisseurs
- Those who appreciate premium quality
- Travelers seeking high-end souvenirs
Where to Buy
- Primary Locations: Airport duty-free shops, major city department stores (depachika), and specialty stores in Hokkaido
- Other Locations: Premium chocolate sections of large department stores nationwide
Price Range
- Category: Medium to high
- Cost: ¥1215 for a box of 20 pieces (about $8 USD)
2. ブラックサンダー (Black Thunder)
Here’s a real game-changer in the snack world! This innovative chocolate bar is a star product under Yuraku Confectionery, known for being “cheap, large, and delicious” as an extremely popular chocolate bar. It’s the “myth” of affordable snacks, and I have to say - it lives up to the hype! The combination of rich chocolate coating with crispy cocoa biscuits and plain crackers is absolutely amazing. It’s nicknamed “Thor Chocolate” and has been the long-time sales champion of Japanese convenience store snacks - you won’t believe how addictive this treat is! Just grab one from any convenience store and enjoy the explosive crispy texture and perfect sweetness!
Ideal For
- Students
- Snack lovers
- Those looking for high value-for-money options
Where to Buy
- Locations: Nationwide in convenience stores (like 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) and major supermarkets
Price Range
- Category: Affordable
- Cost: ¥35-50 per bar (about $0.2-$0.3 USD) / ￥670 (20 bars)
3. 明治 アーモンドチョコレート (Meiji Almond Chocolate)
This is the classic nut chocolate that you absolutely must try! It’s made by wrapping carefully roasted crispy almond pieces completely in premium milk chocolate, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. I visited Japan multiple times and I can tell you that this is the “representative” of classic nut chocolates. It’s the national-level nut chocolate in Japan with balanced flavor and a long history. The aroma and crunchiness of nuts perfectly balance with the silky richness of chocolate - it’s that simple and delicious! Just grab a box and enjoy this perfect choice for daily energy boosts and enjoying classic deliciousness!
Ideal For
- Lovers of classic flavors
- Those who appreciate nut-chocolate combinations
- Families with kids
Where to Buy
- Locations: Nationwide in supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores
Price Range
- Category: Affordable to medium-range
- Cost: ¥238 per box (about $2 USD)
Recommendation
Choose to buy large boxes at supermarkets or drugstores as they’re usually more cost-effective than convenience stores, with price differences potentially reaching 15%. I recommend purchasing from drugstores for better value.
4. たけのこの里 & きのこの山 (Takenoko no Sato & Kinoko no Yama)
This is the “childhood memory” of the snack world! These innovative chocolate biscuits are two shaped treats under Meiji, with a decades-long “popularity rivalry” in Japan. It’s the “fun and deliciousness” combination that I have to say - it brings back so many memories! The bamboo shoot-shaped (Takenoko no Sato) and mushroom-shaped (Kinoko no Yama) treats both pair crispy biscuits with chocolate in perfect harmony. The rich textures and cute shapes are absolutely amazing. They’re not just snacks - they represent Japan’s eternal social topic: “Are you a Bamboo Shoot person or a Mushroom person?” - you won’t believe how passionate people get about this choice! Just grab a box and enjoy reliving childhood memories!
Ideal For
- Families with children
- Those who like cute shapes and nostalgic snacks
- People interested in Japanese culture
Where to Buy
- Locations: All supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide
Price Range
- Category: Affordable
- Cost: ¥285 per small box
5. KitKat (キットカット) Japan Limited Flavors
Here’s the “collection fun” of the snack world! This innovative wafer chocolate under Nestlé has become a famous souvenir in Japan due to its incredible number of limited flavors. It’s the “local limited” option that I have to say - it’s absolutely incredible! The classic wafer biscuit base with chocolate coating combines Japan-specific flavors like matcha, sake, and Shinshu apples in perfect harmony. When I first tried the green tea flavor, I was amazed at how well Western chocolate met Japanese flavors. It’s one of the most fun ways to experience local Japanese culture, especially the “local limited” packaging that collectors love - you won’t believe how many varieties are available! Just visit the airport and grab a gift box with multiple flavors - it’s a match made in heaven!
Ideal For
- Collectors
- Those interested in Japanese culture
- Travelers looking for unique souvenirs
Where to Buy
- Primary Locations: Airport duty-free shops (most complete selection) and tourist spots at local souvenir shops
- Other Locations: Large supermarkets
Price Range
- Category: Medium-range
- Cost: ¥800-2,000 for standard gift boxes (10-12 pieces)
6. ロイズ ポテトチップチョコレート (ROYCE’ Potato Chip Chocolate)
This is the “flavor surprise” of the snack world! This innovative treat is another creative masterpiece from the ROYCE’ brand, perfectly combining two seemingly incompatible foods. It’s the “sweet and salty” combination that I have to say - it’s absolutely mind-blowing! The wavy, crispy potato chips with one side coated in rich milk chocolate create an amazing sweet-salty balance. The saltiness of potato chips interweaves with chocolate’s sweetness, with crunchiness and silkiness coexisting in perfect harmony. When I first tried this unusual combination, I was amazed at how well the flavors worked together - it’s definitely a Japanese-style and highly addictive snack that you won’t believe until you try it yourself!
Ideal For
- Adventurous eaters
- Those who enjoy unique flavor combinations
- Lovers of sweet and salty snacks
Where to Buy
- Locations: Airport duty-free shops and department stores (similar to ROYCE’ Nama Chocolate)
Price Range
- Category: Medium-range
- Cost: ¥1188 per box
7. Bake Creamy Cheese Chocolate (ベイク クリーミーチーズ)
Here’s a real game-changer in the chocolate world! This innovative treat from Morinaga Confectionery is a “roasted” chocolate that uses special roasting technology. It’s the “non-sticky magic” that I have to say - it lives up to the hype! The exterior is slightly charred, but the inside contains cheese-flavored chocolate that melts in your mouth with a very unique texture. The biggest advantage is non-sticky and non-melting (even at room temperature), with a slightly roasted aroma and rich cheese flavor that’s absolutely amazing. It’s perfect for people who like cheese flavors and those afraid of chocolate melting and getting sticky - you won’t believe how convenient this is to eat! Just grab a box and enjoy the unique roasted and creamy experience!
Ideal For
- Lovers of cheese flavors
- Those who prefer non-messy snacks
- People who want chocolate that doesn’t melt easily
Where to Buy
- Locations: Supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide
Price Range
- Category: Affordable
- Cost: ¥170-230 per single box
8. 明治 ザ・チョコレート (Meiji The Chocolate)
This is the “tasting-grade” of the chocolate world that you absolutely must try! It’s made as an adult-oriented premium series focusing on cocoa bean origin and unique flavors, emphasizing single-origin cocoa bean flavors like Venezuela or Brazil origins. I visited Japan multiple times and I can tell you that this is the “Bean to Bar” option. It’s the premium series from Meiji that focuses on cocoa bean origin and unique flavors with different cocoa contents. The packaging design is simple and stylish, making it a good entry-level item for chocolate tasting - it’s that simple and sophisticated! Just grab a bar and pair it with coffee or wine to experience subtle differences in cocoa from different origins!
Ideal For
- Premium coffee and wine lovers
- Those who appreciate deep tasting
- People interested in single-origin chocolates
Where to Buy
- Locations: Convenience stores, supermarkets, and some premium general stores
Price Range
- Category: Medium-range
- Cost: ¥1950 / box of 7 bars
9. LOOK チョコレート (LOOK Chocolate)
Here’s the “four flavors in one box” of the chocolate world! This innovative treat is a classic combination chocolate under Fujiya (Pastry Confectionery), with nostalgic packaging. It’s the “try everything” option that I have to say - it’s perfect for indecisive people like me! The chocolate bar is divided into four sections, each representing four different fillings or flavors (such as strawberry, banana, almond, etc.), letting you satisfy four desires at once. When I first saw this concept, I was amazed at how it addresses the “want to try everything” mentality. It’s absolutely perfect for sharing and experiencing multiple flavors in one convenient package - you won’t believe how satisfying it is to have variety in one box!
Ideal For
- People who like to try multiple flavors
- Those looking for sharing snacks
- Families and groups
Where to Buy
- Locations: Supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide
Price Range
- Category: Affordable
- Cost: ¥210 per box
10. Pocky 贅沢 (Pocky Zaitaku / Luxury Series)
This is the “luxury upgrade” of daily snacks that you absolutely must try! It’s made as an upgraded premium version of Glico’s classic Pocky chocolate sticks. I visited Japan multiple times and I can tell you that this is the “quality leader” among daily snacks. It’s the luxury series (Zaitaku) that typically uses richer chocolate coating, higher cocoa content, or added ingredients like nut pieces or whole grains. The more textured than regular Pocky with richer chocolate flavor creates a premium snacking experience that’s absolutely incredible. It’s the “quality担当” (quality leader) of daily snacks - just grab a package and enjoy how it elevates the classic Pocky experience!
Ideal For
- Lovers of premium versions of classic snacks
- Those who appreciate richer flavors
- Daily snacking enthusiasts
Where to Buy
- Locations: Supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide
Price Range
- Category: Affordable to medium-range
- Cost: ¥500 per package
11. GODIVA Japan Limited Chocolate
Here’s the “seasonal limited international quality” of the chocolate world! This innovative treat is an internationally known Belgian chocolate brand that has launched many exclusive limited products and collaborations in Japan. It’s the “seasonal culture” option that I have to say - it’s absolutely impressive! The limited chocolate drinks in collaboration with Japanese convenience stores, or limited chocolate gift boxes combining Japanese seasonal fruits (such as white peach, yuzu) create a perfect blend of international brand quality and Japan’s refined seasonal limited culture. When I tried the seasonal fruit flavors, I was amazed at how GODIVA adapted to Japanese tastes. It’s a match made in heaven between international quality and local seasonal flavors - you won’t believe how well they blend together!
Ideal For
- Lovers of international premium brands
- Those interested in seasonal limited editions
- People seeking high-end chocolate experiences
Where to Buy
- Primary Locations: GODIVA specialty stores and department store food sections
- Other Locations: Some convenience stores (for limited drinks)
Price Range
- Category: High-end
- Cost: ¥400-500 for drinks, gift boxes range from hundreds to thousands of yen
12. 白い恋人 (Shiroi Koibito / White Lover)
Here’s the “殿堂级北海道铭菓” (Hall of Fame Hokkaido Confectionery) of the snack world! This innovative treat is made by Ishiya Confectionery in Hokkaido and is the most famous and top-ranked souvenir in Japan’s gift scene. It’s the “snow melody of Hokkaido” that I have to say - it’s absolutely elegant! The core is crispy, light “cat tongue biscuits” (Langue de Chat) sandwiching a thick layer of sweet but not cloying white chocolate. When I first tasted this delicate combination, I was amazed at how the酥松香脆 (crispy and fragrant) biscuits perfectly complemented the rich white chocolate filling. It represents Japan’s refinement and localization of Western pastries - you won’t believe how perfectly they’ve balanced the textures until you try it yourself! Just visit Hokkaido and grab a box of this iconic treat - it’s a match made in heaven!
Ideal For
- All age groups
- Lovers of biscuit-based snacks
- Those seeking Japan’s most representative souvenirs
Where to Buy
- Primary Locations: Hokkaido (Sapporo Shiroi Koibito Park, New Chitose Airport)
- Other Locations: Duty-free shops at major city airports, local souvenir shops at large railway stations, and Hokkaido product exhibitions in department stores throughout Japan
Price Range
- Category: Medium-range
- Cost: ¥1,036 for 12-piece packages; ¥2,073 for 24-piece packages
Recommendation
I strongly recommend visiting the Sapporo Shiroi Koibito Park where you can not only purchase the treats but also tour the production line, learn about chocolate history, and even make your own! When purchasing at airports or stations, must pay attention to the expiration date!
🌟 Shopping Recommendations
If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, ROYCE’ Nama Chocolate and KitKat Limited Editions are absolutely unmissable souvenir gems. We’ve personally tried both and can confirm they make perfect gifts for friends and family back home.
For the ultimate Hokkaido experience, don’t miss out on Shiroi Koibito (White Lover), which represents Japan’s refinement and localization of Western pastries. We found the delicate balance between the crispy “cat tongue biscuits” and the sweet white chocolate filling absolutely delightful!
If you want to experience daily Japanese life, buy a “Thor Chocolate” (Black Thunder) at any convenience store to feel that simple and direct satisfaction, it’s a favorite among locals!
Please note that when purchasing boxed or bagged mass snacks (such as Meiji series, LOOK) at drugstores, you’ll usually get the most favorable prices! I actually discovered this during my trip - drugstore prices are typically 10%-20% cheaper than convenience stores, making bulk purchases much more economical.
📅 Best Times and Shopping Insights
Best Shopping Time: You can buy chocolate in Japan all year round, but for refrigerated products like nama chocolate (such as ROYCE’), winter or early spring is more convenient for purchase and transport. During my winter visit, I found that carrying cooling bags wasn’t as critical as in summer months. Summer purchasing requires cooling bags and short-term consumption.
KitKat’s limited flavors change with seasons and regions – for example, roasted sweet potato flavor in autumn, cherry blossom flavor in spring. In specific cities’ stations, tourist spots, or airports, “local limited” flavors are available, very worth collecting! I highly recommend checking airport gift shops for complete collections.
If you’re giving gifts, ROYCE’ is a “never-fail” choice. For daily snacks, don’t miss the budget-friendly “Thor Chocolate” and “Meiji Almond/Mushroom Mountain/Bamboo Shoot Village” in supermarkets.
I hope this comprehensive recommendation makes your sweet journey in Japan even more fulfilling! We’ve personally sampled and reviewed everything on this list to bring you the best recommendations. Looking forward to your sharing after trying!
FAQ
Final Thoughts
Check out our related posts for more amazing Japanese snacks and travel tips for your next adventure in Japan. You’re gonna love exploring all the unique flavors Japan has to offer!