I’ve been to Japan for serveral times, and the country’s treats are absolutely incredible! You’ll find the best japanese snacks list right here, featuring my personal favorites that I highly recommend.
During my travels through Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Osaka, I discovered that Japanese snacks offer a unique taste adventure that you won’t find anywhere else. From convenience stores to vending machines on every corner, here is the japanese snack list for you.
10 Best Japanese Snacks - Editor’s Choice
Based on my extensive experience exploring Japanese convenience stores and local markets, here are the 10 best Japanese snacks that you absolutely must try:
1. Umaibō (うま棒)
These corn puff sticks are a Japanese classic! I remember being amazed by how light and airy they are, with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. You can find them in countless flavors, but the original corn potage flavor is a must-try. Trust me on this - it’s incredibly addictive and costs just around ¥100 per pack, making it an affordable treat for any budget.
2. KitKat Matcha Flavor (キットカット 抹茶味)
As a matcha lover like me, you won’t believe how perfectly this combines the familiar KitKat texture with authentic Japanese green tea flavor. I highly recommend trying this iconic Japanese twist on a classic treat when you’re in Japan. You’ll find these in most convenience stores, and they make an excellent souvenir that’s truly unique to Japan.
3. ROYCE’ Nama Chocolate (ロイショコラ 生チョコレート)
This is pure luxury in a box! I was completely blown away by how smooth and creamy these fresh chocolates are - they literally melt in your mouth. The high-quality cocoa and fresh cream create an incredible texture that’s unlike any chocolate you’ve tried before. You’ll find these in specialty shops, and while they’re pricier at around ¥1,200-1,500 per box, they’re absolutely worth every penny.
4. Pocky (ポッキー)
These crispy biscuit sticks dipped in chocolate or other flavors are incredibly popular! When I was exploring Tokyo, I discovered that Pocky comes in dozens of flavors, from classic strawberry to unique regional varieties. You can easily find them in vending machines, convenience stores, and supermarkets. The thin, crispy texture combined with the sweet coating makes for a satisfying snack that’s perfect for sharing.
5. Black Thunder (ブラックサンダー)
This Japanese snack is an absolute game-changer! I was surprised by how the combination of chocolate coating, crispy wafer, and cookie pieces creates such a satisfying crunch. You’ll find it in the snack aisle of any convenience store, and it’s an affordable treat at around ¥150 per stick. Don’t miss this unique Japanese candy that’s completely different from Western snacks.
6. Meiji Almond Chocolate (明治 アーモンドチョコレート)
This is one of my personal favorites! I love how the crunchy roasted almonds are perfectly encased in smooth milk chocolate, creating a perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors. You can find this iconic snack in almost every store in Japan, and it’s been a beloved treat for decades. The almonds add a satisfying texture that makes this snack feel more substantial than other chocolate bars.
7. Kakinotane (柿の種)
What an incredible combination of flavors! I was fascinated by how this traditional snack perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes with the crunch of rice crackers and peanuts. The name literally means “persimmon seeds,” and while it doesn’t taste like persimmon, it’s an iconic Japanese flavor experience. You’ll find this in train station shops and convenience stores, and it’s a perfect accompaniment to drinks.
8. Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人)
These delicate white chocolate sandwich cookies are from Hokkaido and absolutely gorgeous! I actually bought several boxes as gifts during my visit to Sapporo, and everyone loved them. The buttery cookie layers with smooth white chocolate filling create a sophisticated flavor profile that represents Japanese confectionery excellence. They’re beautifully packaged, making them perfect souvenirs.
9. Caramel Corn (キャラメルコーン)
This is such a delightful treat that I discovered in department store food halls! The bite-sized corn puffs are coated in sweet caramel and have an amazing crunch that’s incredibly satisfying. You’ll find several brands making this snack, with Tohato’s version being particularly popular. The combination of sweet caramel and light, airy corn creates a perfect sweet and salty balance.
10. Seaweed Tempura (海苔天ぷら)
Don’t let the name fool you - this is an amazing savory snack that’s absolutely incredible! I was initially hesitant to try seaweed-based snacks, but the crispy tempura coating with seasoned nori creates a unique umami flavor that’s addictive. You’ll find various versions in convenience stores, and it’s a perfect example of how Japanese snacks embrace the ocean’s flavors in innovative ways.
Japanese Snacks Commonly Found in Vending Machines
Japan’s vending machine culture is absolutely incredible and truly unique in the world! During my travels, I was fascinated to discover that these 24-hour “mini convenience stores” offer far more than just drinks - they’re filled with an amazing variety of snacks and treats that satisfy every craving you might have.
I spent considerable time exploring vending machines across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and I can tell you that they’re an essential part of the Japanese snack experience. Here’s what you can expect to find:
1. Chocolates & Candies
Chocolate and candy are among the most common snack categories in vending machines, with many iconic Japanese brands having dedicated slots:
- Meiji (明治): You’ll find their iconic “Mushroom Mountain” (きのこの山) and “Bamboo Shoot Village” (たけのこの里) - these chocolate cookies are Japan’s beloved “national snacks” that I highly recommend trying. The savory-sweet contrast is simply amazing!
- Glico: Pocky and Pretz sticks are classic choices that are perfect for eating on the go, just like I enjoyed countless times while exploring the city.
- KitKat: Although it’s an international brand, Japan has countless exclusive flavors that you can sometimes find in vending machines - trust me on this, the green tea and sake flavors are incredible!
- MINTIA: These small mints and gum pieces by Asahi are a must-have for many office workers, and you’ll definitely want to try them after a big meal.
2. Cookies & Baked Snacks
Several famous Japanese confectionery manufacturers have installed special vending machines in stations and commercial areas to sell their star products:
- Bourbon Petit Snacks: I discovered these in “Petit Mall” vending machines at train stations, which offer small snack packages that are perfect for a quick bite.
- Seven’s Crepe: These frozen cream crepes are absolutely delicious! The vending machines offer multiple flavors of these chilled treats, which are perfect for beating the summer heat.
- MUJI (Muji) Pocket Snacks: In locations with MUJI POCKET vending machines, you can buy Muji’s own marshmallows, wafers, and other small snacks that I found to be incredibly satisfying.
3. Ice Cream & Chilled Desserts
Temperature-controlled vending machines make ice cream and chilled desserts possible, especially during hot summer months:
- Ice Cream & Popsicles: Various brands including Morinaga, Glico, and Lotte offer cones and popsicles that are absolutely refreshing during Japan’s humid summers.
- Jar Cakes: These have become increasingly popular in recent years - imagine finding premium desserts like strawberry cake, tiramisu, or Mont Blanc in transparent jars! I was amazed by the quality when I tried one during my visit.
- Japanese Confections (Wagashi): Local specialty shops like Momijido sometimes install vending machines in their regions to sell chilled traditional sweets, which I found to be a unique cultural experience.
4. Savory & Unique Snacks
Beyond sweets, vending machines also offer various savory snacks and unique ready-to-eat products:
- Savory Snacks: Calbee’s potato chips and Kameda Seika’s rice crackers are common choices that I enjoyed with drinks during my evenings out.
- Hot Soups (Winter): Canned corn soup and red bean soup are considered “half-snacks” that warm both your hands and stomach during winter months.
- Unique Snacks: Some specialty vending machines offer unusual items like edible insects or fresh bananas for health-conscious consumers.
Japan’s vending machines provide a quick, efficient, and surprisingly diverse shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re looking for internationally known chocolates or locally crafted traditional sweets, you might just find them in any corner vending machine, showcasing Japan’s unique retail convenience culture.
Traditional Japanese Snacks
When exploring Japan, you can’t miss the incredible world of traditional Japanese confections that have been perfected over centuries! During my visits to traditional tea houses and specialty shops, I discovered that these treats offer a completely different experience from modern snacks - they’re deeply rooted in Japanese culture and seasonal traditions.
1. Wagashi (和菓子) - Japanese Confections
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are absolutely gorgeous and often works of art! I was amazed by how these confections are crafted to reflect the seasons, with beautiful colors and shapes that change throughout the year. You’ll find them in traditional tea houses, where they perfectly complement the bitter taste of matcha. The textures and flavors are delicate and subtle, offering a refined snacking experience that’s completely different from Western sweets.
2. Daifuku (大福) - Mochi filled with sweet stuffing
These soft, chewy rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste (anko) are incredibly satisfying! I remember visiting a small traditional shop in Kyoto where they made fresh daifuku right in front of me. The contrast between the slightly chewy mochi exterior and the sweet, smooth filling is simply amazing. You can also find modern variations with different fillings like strawberries or ice cream, but the classic version remains my favorite.
3. Senbei (仙贝/米饼) - Japanese Rice Crackers
Senbei are crispy rice crackers that come in countless flavors and styles! During my travels, I discovered that these crackers range from sweet and soy sauce-flavored to spicy varieties. The texture is satisfyingly crunchy, and they’re often enjoyed with tea. I highly recommend trying the nori (seaweed) flavored ones, which offer that distinctive umami taste that’s so characteristic of Japanese cuisine.
4. Yōkan (羊羹) - Thick, jellied dessert made of red bean paste
This firm, jelly-like dessert made from sweet red bean paste, agar, and sugar is a fascinating traditional treat! I was initially skeptical about yōkan, but the smooth, dense texture and subtle sweetness completely won me over. It’s often served in neat rectangular blocks and pairs beautifully with green tea. The quality varies significantly depending on where you buy it, so I suggest trying premium versions from established wagashi shops.
5. Dorayaki (铜锣烧) - Sweet Red Bean Paste Pancake
These pancake-like treats sandwiched with sweet red bean paste are absolutely delightful! I first tried dorayaki at a small street vendor in Asakusa, Tokyo, and was immediately hooked. The soft, fluffy pancakes combined with the sweet, chunky red bean filling create a comforting snack that’s perfect with a cup of tea. You might recognize this as the favorite snack of the famous cartoon character Doraemon!
6. Dango (团子/御手洗团子) - Skewered rice dumplings with sweet soy glaze
These sweet rice dumplings on skewers with a sweet soy glaze are a wonderful street food experience! I enjoyed these during cherry blossom season in Ueno Park, where the combination of the slightly chewy dumplings and the sweet-savory sauce was perfect. The most famous variety is mitarashi dango, glazed with a thick, sweet soy-based sauce that’s absolutely delicious.
7. Chinsukō (金楚糕) - Okinawan Traditional Cookies
These crumbly, slightly sweet cookies from Okinawa are a unique regional treat! When I visited Okinawa, I discovered that these cookies have a texture somewhere between a shortbread and a crumbly cookie, with a subtle sweetness that’s not overwhelming. They’re made with local ingredients and offer a taste of Okinawa’s distinct culinary culture.
8. Monaka (最中) - Azuki Bean Jam Wafers
These wafer cookies with sweet azuki bean jam filling are incredibly elegant! The contrast between the crispy, wafer-like exterior and the sweet, smooth bean paste inside creates a wonderful textural experience. I found the best monaka at traditional wagashi shops where they’re made fresh daily, and the quality difference was immediately noticeable compared to mass-produced versions.
For a comprehensive look at traditional Japanese snacks, check out our Your Ultimate Guide to Traditional Japanese Snacks.
Japanese Snacks Near You
Japan’s convenience stores (konbini) are a snack lover’s paradise! With over 50,000 stores nationwide across major chains like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, you’ll find these 24/7 establishments on nearly every corner of every city, town, and even rural area. During my extensive exploration of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other cities, I discovered that each major chain offers unique and delicious snacks that you absolutely must try. The convenience and accessibility of these stores make them perfect for satisfying any craving at any time of day or night - whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, late-night snack, or unique regional treats that change by location and season. These stores are open 24/7 and offer an incredible variety of both sweet and savory options.
7-Eleven (711) Exclusive Snacks
7-Eleven has some amazing exclusive snacks that I highly recommend. For full list of Japanese snacks available at 7-Eleven, check out our guide to 7-11 Japan food.
- SUGAR BUTTER TREE: These buttery, crumbly cookies are absolutely addictive! I found them to be the perfect sweet treat with coffee during my mornings in Japan.
- Rich Chocolate Cake: This dense, fudgy chocolate cake is incredibly satisfying and perfect for chocolate lovers like me.
- Bite-Size Chocolate Puffs: These small, airy puffs filled with chocolate cream are perfect for portion-controlled snacking.
- Custard Cream Donuts: The smooth, rich custard filling in these donuts is simply amazing and reminds me of traditional pastries.
- NANACHIKI Chicken: These are 7-Eleven’s famous fried chicken pieces that offer a perfect savory option when you’re craving something salty.
- Hokkaido Potato Beef Croquette: This premium croquette combines Hokkaido potatoes with beef filling, creating a satisfying snack that’s perfect for lunch.
FamilyMart Exclusive Snacks
FamilyMart offers some unique treats that you won’t find anywhere else:
- Squid Tempura & Seaweed Chips: This combination snack offers both crispy tempura and seasoned seaweed, providing an amazing umami experience.
- BAKAUKE Rich 4 Types of Cheese Flavor: These rice crackers with four different cheese flavors are incredibly rich and satisfying - a must-try for cheese lovers.
- Squid Cartilage: This unique snack offers a crunchy texture and rich umami flavor that’s quite addictive once you get used to it.
- Marathon Peanuts Spicy Flavor: These spicy peanuts pack a punch and are perfect with drinks during evening hours.
- FamilyMart Fried Chicken (Famichiki): These are FamilyMart’s signature fried chicken pieces with various seasonings that are incredibly popular.
- UFO Yakisoba Rice Ball: This innovative rice ball combines the flavors of yakisoba noodles with onigiri - a unique fusion that I found surprisingly delicious.
Lawson Exclusive Snacks
Lawson has some of the most creative and gourmet convenience store snacks:
- Karaage Kun: Lawson’s signature fried chicken has a distinctive flavor that I found to be different from other chains - it’s definitely worth trying.
- L Chiki Butter Soy Sauce Taste: Another variation of Lawson’s fried chicken that’s equally delicious.
- Cream Cheese and Prosciutto Roll: This sophisticated snack combines creamy cheese with savory prosciutto in a soft roll - it’s surprisingly gourmet for a convenience store item.
- Spiced Pollock Roe and Baked Cheese: This combination of spicy cod roe with melted cheese creates an incredible umami explosion that I absolutely loved.
- Godiva Chocolate Dorayaki: These premium dorayaki sandwiches filled with Godiva chocolate are a luxury treat available exclusively at Lawson.
- Devil’s Rice Ball: This spicy rice ball with a kick of heat is perfect if you enjoy spicy foods.
Seicomart Exclusive Snacks (Hokkaido Region)
Seicomart is primarily found in Hokkaido and offers regional specialties:
- Hokkaido Squid Tempura: These crispy squid pieces showcase Hokkaido’s fresh seafood in a convenient snack format.
- Squid and Pollock Roe Snack: This combination creates an intense umami experience that’s quite addictive.
- Hokkaido Dried Squid: High-quality dried squid that’s perfect for those who enjoy chewy, savory snacks.
- Hokkaido Grilled Squid Skewers: These offer the taste of grilled squid in a convenient, ready-to-eat format.
Each convenience store chain has its own specialties, and I highly recommend exploring all of them during your visit to Japan. The quality and creativity of these snacks are truly remarkable, and they represent some of the best japanese snacks you can find in the country. For more about Japanese convenience store food, see our comprehensive guide to Japanese Convenience Store Food 2025.
Popular Japanese Snacks Categories
Japanese snacks come in countless varieties, each with unique flavors and textures. Based on my extensive tasting experiences across Japan, I’ve organized these popular categories to help you discover your favorites:
Japanese Rice Snacks
Rice-based snacks are fundamental to Japanese snacking culture, and I discovered some incredible varieties during my travels:
- Kaitaku Okaki: These Hokkaido rice crackers made with glutinous rice and salt are absolutely incredible! I tried the versions with local ingredients like 函館烏賊 (Hakodate squid), 增毛甜蝦 (Masu salmon), and 標津秋鮭 (Shibetsu autumn salmon). The way they concentrate the essence of Hokkaido’s local ingredients is simply amazing.
- Sapporo Okaki Oh! Yakitoukibi: This rice cracker with corn has an incredibly rich corn aroma with a savory soy sauce flavor that’s perfectly balanced. I found it to be quite addictive with its sweet and salty combination.
- Kakinotane: This is Japan’s家喻户晓 (household name) snack that I absolutely love! Named for its shape resembling persimmon seeds, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty with a hint of spiciness that keeps you reaching for more.
Japanese Fish Snacks
Seafood-based snacks showcase Japan’s rich maritime culture, and I was impressed by their unique flavors:
- Fujisawa Kyousei Amond Small Fish: This combination of small dried fish (sand lance) and almond slices creates a surprisingly delicious and nutritious snack. The crispy texture and rich, sweet flavor make it quite addictive, and it’s packed with calcium as well.
- Ogiyaya Cheese Snack: These codfish strips wrapped in rich cheese offer a soft, chewy texture with perfectly balanced savory flavors. I found them to be an excellent accompaniment to drinks in the evening.
- Sushi no Moto Su-zake Ika: These vinegar-flavored squid strips pack a punch with their strong acidic taste combined with seafood umami. The chewy texture makes them a classic beer accompaniment that I highly recommend trying.
Learn more about these unique snacks in our guide to 15 Japanese Fish Snacks You Must Try When Visiting Japan.
Japanese Corn Snacks
Corn-based snacks are incredibly popular in Japan, and I discovered some amazing varieties:
- Umaibo Corn Potage: These lightweight, crispy stick-shaped snacks perfectly recreate the sweet, creamy flavor of Japanese corn soup. I found them to be incredibly addictive - the texture and flavor combination is just right.
- Tohato Caramel Corn: These fluffy, crispy corn puffs coated in sweet caramel with salty roasted peanuts at the bottom create an amazing sweet and salty contrast that I absolutely loved.
- Sucorn Cheese Corn: These crescent-shaped corn chips with rich cheese flavor have a substantial texture that satisfies any craving for something cheesy and savory.
Discover even more about these treats in our comprehensive guide to 2025 Popular Japanese Corn Snacks: 10 Must-Try Flavors You’ll Absolutely Love!.
Japanese Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks highlight Japan’s ocean flavors in delightful ways:
- Fuga-maki Seaweed Rolls: These refined snacks wrap various beans in premium seaweed, creating rich textural layers that I found fascinating to experience.
- Goshoku Nori Tempura: Seaweed coated with a thin tempura batter and fried offers the perfect combination of seaweed’s umami and tempura’s crispiness that’s absolutely incredible.
- Nagai Nori Ajitsuke Nori: These classic seasoned seaweed sheets are thin, crispy, and perfectly balanced in sweet and salty flavors - they’re the standard by which I judge all other seaweed snacks.
To explore more options, see our complete guide to 10 Must-Try Japanese Seaweed Snacks for Your Next Trip to Japan.
Japanese Chocolate Snacks
Japanese chocolate snacks offer unique experiences that I found to be quite different from Western chocolates:
- ROYCE’ Nama Chocolate: With 17% moisture content and fresh cream, these fresh chocolates are incredibly smooth, silky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I was amazed by the texture difference compared to regular chocolate.
- Black Thunder: The rich chocolate coating with crispy cocoa wafer and plain crackers creates an amazing value snack that I highly recommend. The combination of textures is simply perfect.
- Meiji Almond Chocolate: The perfect balance of crunchy almonds completely wrapped in premium milk chocolate creates a satisfying snack that I enjoyed countless times during my stay.
For more chocolate delights, read our guide to 12 Irresistible Japanese Chocolate Snacks for Your Trip to Japan.
Japanese Matcha Snacks
Matcha-based snacks showcase Japan’s tea culture in delicious forms:
- KitKat Matcha Flavor: The crispy wafer with rich matcha chocolate coating is globally famous for good reason! I found this Japan-exclusive flavor to be perfectly balanced between sweetness and the distinctive matcha taste.
- Gion Tsujiri Tsujiri no Sato: These thin, crispy roll cookies filled with delicate matcha cream offer the perfect fusion of tea and cream flavors that I absolutely loved.
- Royce’ Nama Chocolate Matcha ロイショコラ 生チョコレート 抹茶味: The silky smooth fresh chocolate with premium matcha creates an incredible matcha experience that melts in your mouth - a must-try for matcha lovers like me.
Discover more about these treats in our guide to 10 Must-Try Treats You Can’t Miss When Visiting Japan.
Japanese Cheese Snacks
Japanese cheese snacks offer unique interpretations of dairy flavors:
- NewYork Perfect Cheese: Developed by three international cheese masters, these cream cheese crackers have a rich filling of concentrated cream, white chocolate, and cheddar that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Morinaga Bake Creamy Cheese: These handheld semi-sweet cheese cakes have a slightly crispy exterior with a dense, creamy interior that melts in your mouth - I found them to be quite addictive.
- Marusei Butter Sand: These soft cookies sandwich thick cream and white chocolate with aromatic raisins in the center - the combination of textures and flavors is simply amazing.
Learn more about these unique treats in our guide to Japanese Cheese Snack.
These categories represent the diversity and creativity of Japanese snack culture, offering something for every taste preference. Each type showcases Japan’s attention to detail and innovative approach to flavors that I found truly impressive during my exploration of the country’s snack scene.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
I have to say that Sapporo Okaki Oh! Yaki Toukibi is my personal favorite - there’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of crispy rice crackers with real corn kernels and that distinctive grilled soy sauce sweetness that keeps me coming back for more. The attention to detail in Japanese snacks, from the packaging to the flavor profiles, truly reflects the country’s dedication to craftsmanship.
For those unable to travel, many Japanese snacks are available through online retailers or Asian grocery stores. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’re gonna love discovering your own favorites from among the best japanese snacks from japan!