What’s the number one rice snack in Japan? These delicious treats are some of the most authentic souvenirs you can bring back from your trip, and they’re perfect for experiencing the unique flavors that only Japan can offer.
Rice snacks are more than just simple treats - they’re a cultural experience that captures the essence of regional flavors and traditional craftsmanship. When you travel to Japan, these snacks offer you a chance to taste local ingredients and time-honored recipes that have been perfected over generations. You’ll find that each region has its own special varieties, making them perfect mementos of your journey.
So stick around as I share this amazing japanese rice snacks list that you absolutely must try during your visit!
Japanese Rice Snacks List
1. 北海道 開拓おかき Kitakaro Kaitaku Okaki
Overview: This amazing rice cracker uses Hokkaido’s premium glutinous rice and salt to create a concentrated flavor of local ingredients. I tried the varieties with Hakodate squid, Masuho sweet shrimp, Shimoji autumn salmon, Echikawa scallops, Shiratorikizome cod roe, Shiranuka octopus, and Erimo kelp - each one was absolutely incredible! The craftsmanship really shows in every bite. I highly recommend getting them while you’re in Hokkaido since the ingredients are all locally sourced - you won’t find this authentic taste anywhere else!
Where to Purchase:
- New Chitose Airport
- Sapporo Main Store
- Daimaru Sapporo
- Otaru Sakaicho-dori
Price: ￥2655/5 bags
More info of Kitakaro Kaitaku Okaki
2. 札幌おかきOh!焼とうきび (Sapporo Okaki Oh! Roasted Corn)
Overview: This rice cracker combines domestic glutinous rice with corn, and let me tell you - the corn aroma is incredibly rich! The soy sauce seasoning is perfectly salty and savory, making it taste just like real grilled corn! What surprised me most was finding actual corn kernels inside the package - it’s such a delightful texture contrast that makes it hard to stop eating. Don’t miss out on this unique flavor combination that perfectly captures Hokkaido’s agricultural excellence!
Where to Purchase:
- New Chitose Airport
- Various local specialty shops throughout Hokkaido
Price: ￥930 per box (6 packages)
More info of Sapporo Okaki Oh! Roasted Corn
3. 柿の種 Kameda Kakinotane
Overview: This is a household name in Japan that you won’t be able to stop eating! Named for their resemblance to persimmon seeds, these crackers have a distinctive shape that’s different from regular round rice crackers. The sweet-salty taste with a hint of spiciness makes them perfect as a drinking snack. When I was in Japan, I found myself reaching for more every time I opened a pack. This is a must-try that represents the classic Japanese rice snack experience!
Where to Purchase:
- All major convenience stores across Japan
- Supermarkets across Japan
Price: ￥268 for 180g (including tax)
More info of Kameda Kakinotane
4. 海老せんべい Luxurious Shrimp Crackers
Overview: This premium rice cracker from Glico (亀田製菓) is absolutely incredible! They’ve managed to infuse rich shrimp flavor into each cracker, so every bite delivers that distinctive “shrimp taste.” Besides the shrimp flavor, I was surprised by the rich chicken broth taste that adds another layer of umami. Trust me on this one - the flavor complexity is worth every penny!
Where to Purchase:
- All major convenience stores across Japan
- Supermarkets across Japan
Price: ￥138 (including tax)
More info of Luxurious Shrimp Crackers
5. 粟おこし Millet Crackers
Overview: This traditional Osaka snack is made by roasting rice to create a crispy, fragrant treat mixed with sesame seeds. I was fascinated to learn that this was beloved by Emperor Meiji himself! The texture is wonderfully crispy and aromatic, making it a perfect example of traditional Japanese confectionery. This is a wonderful taste of Japan’s traditional snack culture!
Where to Purchase:
- Selected specialty shops (Osaka Station)
- Shin-Osaka Station
- Tennoji Station
- Hankyu Umeda
- Kintetsu Department Store
- Namba Walk store
Price: ￥756 for 10 pieces
6. 岩おすぎ Rock crackers
Overview: This traditional Osaka snack contains ginger for a spicy kick that elevates the brown sugar sweetness to another level. The hard, crunchy texture is delicious and satisfying. Like the栗米香, this was also beloved by Emperor Meiji, and I can see why - the flavor balance is perfect. The spicy-sweet combination is unique and absolutely addictive!
Where to Purchase:
- Selected specialty shops (Osaka Station)
- Shin-Osaka Station
- Tennoji Station
- Hankyu Umeda
- Kintetsu Department Store
- Namba Walk store
Price: ￥756 for 10 pieces
7. ハッピーターン Happy Turn Baked Rice Crackers
Overview: This product from Japan’s largest rice cracker manufacturer, Glico (亀田製菓), features crackers that are 0.5 times thicker than regular ones. The outer layer is dusted with chocolate, cheese, and salty cream seasonings. When I tried this, the rich rice flavor combined with the generous coating of thick seasoning powder completely颠覆ed my expectations of traditional rice crackers. You won’t find these anywhere else in Osaka, so this is definitely a unique treat to seek out!
Where to Purchase:
- 8-7 Kudahigashi, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hankyu Umeda B1F (the only location in Osaka!)
Price: ￥692 for 10 pieces
More info of Happy Turn Baked Rice Crackers
8. Chinsuko
Overview: This traditional Okinawan confectionery from the Ryukyu Kingdom era is made with lard, sugar, flour, and eggs. The result is a beautifully fragrant, delicate, and crispy texture with a soft, fluffy interior and sweet flavor that appeals to both adults and children. When I visited Okinawa, this was one of the most memorable treats I tried. These make perfect Okinawan souvenirs!
Where to Purchase:
- International Street Arakane Confectionery
- Don Quijote
- Okinawa Airport
Price: ￥372 at Arakane Confectionery (snow salt variety costs ￥143)
9. プレミアムおにぎり 焼さけハラミ Premium Onigiri Grilled Salmon Skirt Steak
Overview: This Lawson rice ball series uses salt koji-marinated grilled salmon with rich oils, perfectly paired with white rice. The portion is substantial and perfect if you enjoy savory flavors. I actually bought these regularly during my trip because they were so satisfying for a quick meal. Don’t miss out on this convenient and delicious option!
Where to Purchase:
- All Lawson stores throughout Japan
Price: ￥297/ea
More info of Premium Onigiri Grilled Salmon Skirt Steak
10. 悪魔のおにぎり
Overview: This rice ball is called “devil” because it’s so good it’s almost sinful! Made with fried coating, tempura sauce, and seaweed, it’s incredibly addictive. Japanese netizens highly recommend this, and I completely understand why after trying it myself. I found these to be worth every yen - they’re that good!
Where to Purchase:
- All Lawson stores throughout Japan
Price: Prices vary by location
11. Seicomart Large Rice Balls
Overview: This is a Seicomart exclusive item, these large rice balls are handmade in-store. They add salmon, cod roe, and salted eel to perfectly cooked rice, and the texture of the hand-shaped rice with its natural sweetness and the warmth of just-cooked rice is irresistible. When I visited Seicomart, I was amazed by the quality. This is a perfect example of how Japanese convenience stores go above and beyond!
Where to Purchase:
- All Seicomart stores (a popular convenience store chain that offers unique regional products)
Price: Prices vary by location, but the quality justifies the cost
More info of Seicomart Large Rice Balls
12. 桂新堂 Shrimp Crackers - Panda Journey
Overview: This incredible product turns Tokyo’s major attractions into delicious shrimp crackers! The set includes 5 shaped cookies representing Tokyo Tower, Asakusa Kannon Gate, Ueno Zoo, sumo, and kabuki. While eating them, you’ll recall unforgettable memories of your Tokyo free travel. I bought several sets as gifts and everyone loved them. This is a perfect souvenir that combines sightseeing memories with delicious flavors!
Where to Purchase:
- Kikushindo store in Tokyo Station
Price: ￥2808 for 16 bags
More info of 桂新堂 Shrimp Crackers - Panda Journey
13. 小倉山莊 米菓 Rice Crackers
Overview: Their signature “Ogura Mountain Seasons” hides Japan’s seasonal scenery in one package. The shrimp, salt, and soy sauce flavors are all incredibly delicious. I was particularly impressed by how the seasonal theme was incorporated into the taste profiles. If you’re exploring Kyoto, these make perfect souvenirs that capture the city’s aesthetic sensibilities.
Where to Purchase:
- Kyoto Station
- Kyoto Takashimaya
- Heian Shrine
- Arashiyama
Price: ￥584 for 5 bags
More info of 小倉山莊 米菓 Rice Crackers
14. 舞妓はんひぃ～ひぃ～カレーせんべい
Overview: This popular Kyoto specialty product features crackers dusted with one of the world’s hottest peppers - Japanese-grown habanero peppers and other peppers mixed into an exclusive extra-spicy formula. If you’re a spice lover like me, you’ll find these incredibly addictive and hard to stop eating. Only try these if you can handle serious heat!
Where to Purchase:
- Kyoto Station
- Various locations throughout the city
Price: ￥486 per pack
More info of 舞妓はんひぃ～ひぃ～カレーせんべい
15. 一陽來福 Ichiyo Raifuku Rice Cracker
Overview: This cookie pairs black beans, peas, and broad beans with a baked, fragrant, and enduring rice-based confectionery. I found this to be particularly well-suited for gifting to elders, as it has a more traditional, refined flavor profile. This is a thoughtful gift option for those who prefer milder flavors.
Where to Purchase:
- Kyoto Station
- Various locations throughout the city
Price: ￥3348/box 24 pieces
More info of 一陽來福 Ichiyo Raifuku Rice Cracker
FAQ
Final Thoughts
My personal favorite is the 北海道 開拓おかき because all the ingredients are Hokkaido specialties. Every time I eat them at home, I’m transported back to my Hokkaido travel memories.
Check out these related products for more Hokkaido specialties and other regional Japanese snacks!