20 Best Food Souvenirs From Japan: Famous and Tasty Snacks

Top Food Souvenirs to Buy in Japan

When traveling throughout Japan, food and snacks are essential souvenirs to collect from your journey. Beyond their delectable flavors, many treats feature adorable packaging, making them perfect gifts.

This article showcases 20 popular and delicious food souvenirs and treats to buy in Japan, ranging from traditional sweets to miso soup and cooking condiments.

The Best Food Souvenirs from Japan

1. Japanese Candy
2. Matcha Green Tea Flavored Snacks
3. Potato Chips
4. Tokyo Banana
5. Yokan Confections
6. Senbei Rice Crackers
7. Dorayaki Sweets
8. Karinto Snacks
9. Wasanbon Sugar Confectionery
10. Yuzu Kosho Seasoning
11. Shichimi Seasoning
12. Wasabi
13. Edible Rayu Chili Oil
14. Miso and Instant Miso Soup
15. Japanese Mayonnaise
16. Bulldog Sauce
17. Cup Noodles: Instant Ramen
18. Japanese Rice
19. Sake
20. Umeshu Plum Wine

Japanese Snacks

1. Japanese Candy

Price: 300 - 500 yen

In addition to the candies available at convenience stores, Japan offers traditional sweets like the konpeito sugar candy and the long-standing favorite, Kintaro candy, which have been cherished for generations.

All of them are very colorful and visually appealing.

2. Matcha Green Tea Flavored Snacks

Price: 100 - 500 yen

Matcha (powdered green tea) flavored snacks are especially popular among visitors from overseas. They are filled with the slightly bitter, but deep and delicious flavors of green tea.

Japan offers an impressive variety of matcha-infused candies, desserts, and snacks that are sure to amaze you. Most supermarkets and convenience stores stock matcha green tea flavored caramels, cookies, and chocolates throughout the year. The matcha green tea KitKat stands out as a favorite among travelers and is widely available for purchase in stores across the country.

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3. Potato Chips

Price: 100 - 300 yen

There are many potato chips flavors exclusive to Japan. Many international visitors delight in purchasing a variety of unique flavored chips as souvenirs from Japan. Among the most sought-after flavors are seaweed and salt, pizza-flavored potato chips, and the Jagarico potato sticks. Additionally, you can discover matcha-infused chips and seasonal variations.

Japanese potato chips are not only affordable but also lightweight, making them ideal gifts for friends. Keep an eye out for renowned brands such as Calbee and Koikeya, celebrated for their exceptional flavors and quality.

4. Tokyo Banana

Price: 300 - 500 yen

There are plenty of regional Japanese snacks that can only be bought in those particular areas of Japan. One example is the Tokyo Banana, a sweet banana-shaped snack filled with custard. They come in a variety of flavors, including a special edition for the Olympics.

One of the best places to find Tokyo Banana is at train stations; head to JR Ueno Station to find an adorable panda-themed Tokyo Banana at the souvenir shop stands there.

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5. Yokan Confections

Price: 300 - 500 yen

Yokan is a traditional Japanese confectionery made by blending sugar and beans into a paste that is then solidified. It is typically savored with green tea. Variants made without beans and using sweet potato are known as imo youkan.

Funawa, a renowned store located on Asakusa's Nakamise street, is famous for its delectable imo youkan offerings.

6. Senbei Rice Crackers

Price: 300 - 500 yen

You can discover senbei rice crackers globally, but the ones found in Japan are slightly larger and come in an array of flavors like soy sauce, green tea, and sugar. Their satisfying crispy texture sets them apart.

When purchasing senbei rice crackers in Japan, you'll be pleasantly surprised by their exceptional quality and flavors. While convenience stores and supermarkets stock them, dedicated shops offering homemade senbei are worth exploring for unique finds. Be sure to try these one-of-a-kind crackers for a memorable taste experience.

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7. Dorayaki Sweets

Price: 100 - 300 yen

Dorayaki is a Japanese confectionery consisting of anko red bean paste sandwiched between two small pancakes. This delightful treat pairs perfectly with green tea and coffee.

The pancakes used in dorayaki are typically fluffier compared to standard pancakes. Variations in the red bean paste and pancake textures and flavors can be found based on the shop, so exploring different establishments is recommended to discover your preferred combination of flavor and texture.

8. Karinto Snacks

Price: 300 - 500 yen

Karinto is a classic Japanese snack made from fried dough that has been coated in brown sugar and dried. It is a very crispy snack that goes well with tea or coffee. It is very sweet and is enjoyed by both young and old people.

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9. Wasanbon Sugar Confectionery

Price: 500 - 1,000 yen

Wasanbon is a sweet confectionery crafted from premium wasanbon sugar, molded into delicate shapes like flowers and fans.

This candy-like treat is not only aesthetically pleasing but also boasts a subtle sweetness. The pieces practically dissolve in your mouth, offering a delightful experience. They are often served during traditional tea ceremonies.

Wasanbon sweets can often be found at Japanese confectionery stores within department stores. What makes them particularly suited as souvenirs is the fact that they have a relatively long shelf-life of at least two months or more.

Seasonings to Buy in Japan

10. Yuzu Kosho Seasoning

Price: Around 500 yen

Yuzu kosho is especially popular for adding flavor to salads, pasta, and other Western dishes.

It is a seasoning that is frequently used in the Kyushu Region. It is a paste made using yuzu citrus and chili peppers as the main ingredients; the refreshing taste with a hint of spice makes it flavorful and popular around the world. You can find yuzu kosho in Japanese supermarkets in the seasonings section.

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11. Shichimi Seasoning

Price: Around 300 yen

Shichimi is a mix of spices such as sansho pepper, sesame, and chili pepper that has been blended and is used as toppings for udon or soba noodles. Many people find this distinctive aroma quite addictive. The shichimi pepper from the shop Yawataya Isogoro in Nagano comes in beautiful packaging that makes it a perfect souvenir.

12. Wasabi

Price: 300 -1,000 yen

If you are a fan of sushi and sashimi, don't miss trying wasabi while visiting Japan.

Wasabi from Shizuoka Prefecture is particularly renowned and comes highly recommended. Various products like fresh wasabi in squeeze tubes are available, offering a genuine taste of this flavorful condiment.

Even outside Shizuoka Prefecture, you can locate Shizuoka wasabi at supermarkets and department stores. Be sure to explore and taste this authentic Japanese ingredient during your visit.

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13. Edible Rayu Chili Oil

Price: Around 300 yen

Edible rayu chili oil is a liquid seasoning originally used in Chinese restaurants. Around ten years ago, a Japanese company made rayu with a moderate spiciness level and fried garlic in it. It is a seasoning that contains many ingredients and is used in many households.

There are several ways to use edible rayu chili oil. Some people put it on rice, ramen, pasta, or even use it in fried rice. This would be a great gift for someone who likes spicy food.

14. Miso Paste and Instant Miso Soup

Price: 300 - 500 yen

Miso paste combined with soup stock offers a convenient method for preparing miso soup at home—all you require is hot water and toppings. Additionally, there are instant miso soup cups with freeze-dried additions such as onion and tofu, providing a quick and easy way to enjoy miso soup by simply adding hot water.

Miso paste and instant miso soup cups can be easily found in supermarkets throughout Japan, making it accessible for anyone to enjoy this traditional Japanese soup.

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15. Japanese Mayonnaise

Price: 200-300 yen

Known for its rich flavor, Kewpie Mayonnaise can be found in supermarkets and convenience stores. This unique mayonnaise, commonly used to top takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other hearty dishes, offers a flavor profile distinct from Western mayonnaises. It is definitely worth trying for its distinctive taste.

16. Bulldog Sauce

Price: 200 - 500 yen
The Worcestershire sauce, chuno sauce, and tonkatsu sauces from the Bulldog brand enjoy popularity among people in and outside Japan. These sauces are readily available in supermarkets at an affordable price.

Worcestershire sauce is commonly used with yakisoba noodles or okonomiyaki, chuno sauce complements potato croquettes, and tonkatsu sauce is ideal for tonkatsu dishes. Notably, these sauces are additive-free, with the chuno sauce also being suitable for vegetarians.

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Other Foods to Find in Japan

17. Cup Noodles

Price: 100 - 300 yen

The origins of Cup noodles cup noodles can be traced back to Japan, where they have become popular worldwide. Instant noodles in Japan span a variety of types including ramen, udon, soba, yakisoba, and pasta, all of which are easily prepared by adding hot water.

While in Japan, if you discover a flavor that entices your taste buds, why not bring some back home with you? These convenient and diverse instant noodle options make for easy and enjoyable meals anytime.

18. Japanese Rice

Price per 2 kg: 1,000 - 3,000 yen

Japanese rice is known for its sweetness and depth of flavor. Japanese rice, known for its shorter grain and slightly sticky texture when cooked, distinguishes itself from long-grain varieties like Jasmine and Basmati.

Some renowned Japanese rice brands include Koshihikari, Akitakomachi, Sasanishiki, and Hitomebore. Additionally, there are brand-named rice varieties from diverse regions like Shichijomai, each offering a unique flavor profile based on the area it is cultivated.

For those interested in bringing back a special type of rice as a souvenir, we recommend opting for a small-sized bag, typically 1 kg or 2 kg, to take home a taste of Japan's distinct rice varieties.

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Japanese Alcohol

19. Sake

Price: 1,500 -10,000 yen
Japanese sake often carries a higher price tag overseas due to shipping and import taxes, making it more cost-effective to purchase in Japan.

Sake is available in various sizes, ranging from small 360 ml bottles to the standard large 1800 ml bottles. You can find these in liquor stores, department stores, or the alcohol section of supermarkets, with the selection differing based on region and type.

Consider buying a selection of small Japanese sake bottles to host a sake tasting party back home, allowing you and your guests to savor a variety of flavors from Japan.

20. Umeshu Plum Wine

Price: 1,000 - 3000 yen

Umeshu, also known as plum wine, boasts a luscious, sweet, and fruity profile, making it an excellent souvenir choice for those with a preference for sweeter liquors. Easily accessible in liquor stores, supermarkets, and even convenience stores in Japan, umeshu stands out as a distinctive option.

Given that authentic plum wine is often challenging to find outside Japan at reasonable prices, acquiring umeshu while in Japan is highly recommended for those seeking a slightly sugary adult beverage to relish.

Bring Home the Finest Japanese Flavors

Japan offers a delightful array of tasty treats that cater to all palates. Remember to bring home these timeless snacks as souvenirs and relish their distinct flavors whenever you desire.