Heading to Tokyo? Don’t forget to grab these yummy souvenirs! I’ve picked 10 treats that’ll make your taste buds dance.
From soft Tokyo Banana cakes to crunchy Calbee snacks, these goodies are pure Japan in every bite.
Curious? Let’s explore the flavors you won’t want to miss. These treats make great gifts for family and friends too! 😊
1. Tokyo Banana
a. What It Is
- Soft sponge cake shaped like a banana.
- Filled with sweet banana custard cream.
- The original flavor uses real banana puree in the filling.
- Individually wrapped for freshness and easy gifting.
b. Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a unique and authentic Japanese snack experience.
- Tokyo Banana is primarily sold in Tokyo, making it a special regional treat.
- It’s a popular omiyage (souvenir) to bring back for friends, family, or coworkers.
- The cakes are individually wrapped, making them perfect for sharing or eating on-the-go.
- Buying in Tokyo ensures you get the freshest product, as they have a short shelf life.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Original Banana: The classic flavor that started it all.
- Honey Flavor: A Haneda Airport exclusive with a cute bear pattern.
- Chocolate: A variation that combines banana and chocolate flavors.
- Seasonal Flavors: Look out for limited-edition flavors like sakura (cherry blossom) in spring.
d. Where to Find Them
*Tip: Check the expiration date when buying, as Tokyo Banana has a short shelf life of about 7 days.
Read More: 10 Places I Regret Not Visiting in Tokyo
2. Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory Cookies
a. What It Is
- These are premium cookies made with high-quality cheese and carefully selected milk.
- The cookies have a crispy texture with a smooth chocolate filling flavored with cheese.
- They’re known for their unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.
- Their most popular flavor is the Salt & Camembert cookie.
b. Why You’ll Love It
- You’ll get the freshest products directly from the source.
- Unique blend of sweet and savory tastes.
- Elegant packaging makes them perfect for gifts.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Salt & Camembert: The signature flavor combining Camembert cheese and French Guérande salt.
- Honey & Gorgonzola: Features Spanish rosemary honey and Italian Gorgonzola cheese.
- Porcini & Gouda: Blends Italian porcini mushrooms with Gouda cheese.
- Milk Cheesecake: A creamy cheesecake flavor that’s also available as a standalone dessert.
d. Where to Find Them
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory Cookies Stores
Read More: 17 Must Try Foods in Tokyo
3. Press Butter Sand
a. What It Is
- Buttery shortbread cookies with rich butter cream filling.
- “Sand” refers to sandwich, not actual sand.
- The cookies sandwich a double-layered filling of rich butter cream and butter caramel.
- They use high-quality ingredients, including fresh Hokkaido butter.
- Known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
b. Why You’ll Love It
- Combines rich buttery flavor with a hint of caramel.
- Perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures.
- Comes in stylish packaging suitable for gifting.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Original Butter Sand: The classic flavor that started it all.
- Chocolate: A variation on the original, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Hazelnut Chocolate: Combines the richness of hazelnut with chocolate.
- Seasonal and limited-edition flavors: Look out for unique offerings like strawberry or matcha.
d. Where to Find Them
Butter Sandwich Cookie Specialty Stores
Read More: 10 New Things to Do in Tokyo
4. Japanese Seasonal Kit Kat
a. What It Is
- Japan offers over 300 unique Kit Kat flavors.
- Flavors often reflect traditional Japanese ingredients and cultural elements.
- They’re designed to capture the essence of each season in Japan.
- Seasonal Kit Kats are often beautifully packaged, making them perfect as souvenirs.
b. Why You’ll Love
- They offer a unique taste experience you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
- Kit Kats are considered good luck charms in Japan due to their name sounding like “kitto katsu” (to surely win).
- The packaging often features beautiful seasonal designs, making them collectible items.
- They make great gifts for friends and family back home.
- Trying different flavors can be a fun way to explore Japanese culture and cuisine.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Spring: Cherry blossom Kit Kats – taste like Japan’s famous pink flowers.
- Summer: Try cool lemon or citrus flavors.
- Fall: Look for sweet potato or chestnut Kit Kats.
- Winter: Warm up with strawberry or chocolate ice cream flavors.
- All year: Different parts of Japan have their own Kit Kat flavors, like apple from Nagano or red bean from Hokkaido.
d. Where to Find
Read More: 11 Must Try Street Foods in Tokyo
5. Shiroi Koibito Cookies
a. What It Is
- Shiroi Koibito means “White Lover” in Japanese, named after a snowy day in Hokkaido.
- They’re butter cookies with a layer of white chocolate sandwiched in between.
- Known for their delicate texture and perfect balance of cookie and chocolate.
- Available in white chocolate (original) and milk chocolate versions.
b. Why You’ll Love
- They offer a unique taste experience combining crispy cookies with smooth chocolate.
- Shiroi Koibito is one of Japan’s most popular souvenirs.
- The packaging features beautiful Hokkaido-inspired designs, making them great gifts.
- They’re a perfect blend of Japanese innovation and European-style confectionery.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Original White Chocolate: The classic and most popular flavor.
- Milk Chocolate: A delicious alternative to the white chocolate version.
- Seasonal flavors: Look out for limited-edition varieties that may be available.
d. Where to Find
Read More: 12 New Japan Snacks You Have to Try on Your Next Trip
6. ROYCE’ Chocolate
a. What It Is
- ROYCE’ is a Japanese chocolate company founded in Sapporo, Hokkaido in 1983.
- They’re known for their high-quality chocolates made with fresh Hokkaido cream.
- ROYCE’ is famous for their “Nama Chocolate”, a rich, ganache-like treat.
b. Why You’ll Love
- Tastes special – mixes Japanese ideas with European-style sweets.
- Uses fresh, tasty cream from Hokkaido.
- Their famous Nama Chocolate feels super smooth in your mouth.
- Lots of flavors to choose from – plain chocolate to fun mixes.
- Comes in pretty boxes – great for gifts.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Nama Chocolate: Their signature product, available in various flavors like champagne, matcha, and milk.
- Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips: A unique sweet and salty combination that’s become a fan favorite.
- Chocolate Bars: Available in different varieties like white, creamy milk, almond, and dark.
- Nutty Bar Chocolate: Crunchy bars packed with various nuts and crispy puffs.
- Fruit Bar Chocolate: White chocolate mixed with fruit powders and given a touch of banana flavor.
d. Where to Find
7. Calbee
a. What It Is
- Japanese snack maker started in 1949.
- Famous for potato chips and other tasty snacks.
- Their name comes from “calcium” and “vitamin B1” – showing they care about making healthy snacks.
- They make snacks with special Japanese flavors that many people enjoy.
b. Why You’ll Love
- Calbee offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic to uniquely Japanese.
- Their snacks are made with high-quality ingredients, often sourcing potatoes from Hokkaido.
- You’ll get to taste authentic Japanese flavors in a familiar snack format.
- Calbee snacks are perfect for on-the-go munching during your Tokyo adventures.
- They make great souvenirs that are easy to pack and share with friends back home.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Classic Potato Chips: Thin, crispy, and available in various flavors.
- Jagarico: Stick-shaped potato snacks with a satisfying crunch.
- Kappa Ebisen: Light, airy shrimp-flavored crackers.
- Pizza Potato: A unique blend of cheese and tomato flavors on potato chips.
- Jagabee: Thick-cut, crispy potato fries in various seasonings.
d. Where to Find
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart all stock Calbee products.
- Tokyo Station: Check out the Calbee Plus store in Tokyo Okashi Land.
- Don Quijote: This discount chain often has a wide selection of Calbee snacks.
Read More: 5 Days in Tokyo Itinerary: How to Do It Under $550
8. Hiyoko
a. What It Is
- Hiyoko is a famous Japanese confectionery shaped like a cute baby chick.
- It’s a soft sponge cake filled with sweet bean paste (anko).
- Hiyoko was created in 1912 in Fukuoka Prefecture by Shigeru Ishizaka.
- The name “Hiyoko” means “chick” in Japanese.
- It’s considered one of Japan’s most iconic souvenir sweets.
b. Why You’ll Love
- Its adorable chick shape makes it a unique and memorable souvenir.
- The soft cake and sweet bean paste offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Hiyoko represents a blend of traditional Japanese sweets and modern cute culture.
- It’s individually wrapped, making it easy to share or enjoy on-the-go during your Tokyo adventures.
- Trying Hiyoko allows you to experience a piece of Japanese confectionery history.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Original Hiyoko: The classic chick-shaped cake with sweet bean paste filling.
- Seasonal variations: Look out for limited-edition flavors that might be available during your visit.
- Hiyoko no Pinanciers: A popular spin-off product, now their third best-selling item.
- DOUX D’AMOUR: A flavored sablé cookie that comes in five flavors (strawberry, caramel orange, pistachio, golden sesame, and coffee).
d. Where to Find
9. Instant Ramen
a. What It Is
- Fast-cooking noodles created in Japan in 1958.
- Comes with dried noodles and a packet of seasoning.
- Some have dried veggies or meat too.
- Just add hot water and wait a few minutes to eat.
- Many types available, from simple to fancy ones.
- Popular in Japan and around the world because it’s quick and tasty.
b. Why You’ll Love
- Lots of flavors to try, from simple soy sauce to special local tastes.
- Tastes like real Japanese food, some are based on famous ramen shop recipes.
- It’s a fun and affordable way to experience Japanese food culture, even after you’ve returned home.
- Cool packages that are nice to look at and keep as souvenirs.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Nissin Cup Noodles: Try unique flavors like Tom Yum Goong or Luxury Thick Bacon.
- Ichiran Instant Ramen: A premium version of the famous tonkotsu ramen chain’s signature dish.
- Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen: A classic instant ramen with a rich miso flavor.
- Maruchan Seimen: Known for its fresh-tasting noodles that closely resemble restaurant quality.
d. Where to Find
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart offer a wide selection of instant ramen.
- Don Quijote, a popular discount store chain, often has an extensive instant ramen section.
Read More: 35 Best Things to Do in Tokyo
10. Dorayaki Sweets
a. What It Is
- A traditional Japanese sweet snack.
- Two small, fluffy pancakes with a sweet filling in between.
- Pancakes are made from castella, a type of sponge cake.
- Most common filling is sweet red bean paste, called “anko”.
- The sandwich-style dorayaki was invented in 1914 by Usagiya, a shop in Tokyo’s Ueno district.
b. Why You’ll Love
- It’s a perfect blend of textures – soft, fluffy pancakes with a smooth, sweet filling.
- It’s portable and easy to eat, making it a great snack for on-the-go exploring in Tokyo.
- It’s a taste of authentic Japanese culture, beloved by locals and featured in popular media like the Doraemon anime series.
c. Popular Flavors to Try
- Classic anko (red bean paste): The traditional and most popular variety.
- Custard cream or chestnut: For those who prefer non-bean alternatives.
- Chocolate: A variation that combines the traditional pancake with a modern filling.
- Matcha (green tea) flavor: Both in the pancake and as a filling.
d. Where to Find
- Usagiya: The original creator of the modern dorayaki, located in the Ueno district.
- Kameju: A popular dorayaki shop in Asakusa, just a one-minute walk from Kaminarimon Gate.
- Convenience stores: For a quick and easy dorayaki fix.
