Visiting Japan? Check Out Our 10 Must-Try Japanese Snacks!
Planning a trip to Japan? While the sights are stunning, the snacks are legendary. From savory street food classics like octopus balls and fish-shaped waffles to the sweet, chewy comfort of traditional rice dumplings, Japan’s snack scene is a culinary adventure in itself.
Whether you're grabbing a quick rice ball from a convenience store or chasing down the nostalgic jingle of a sweet potato truck, every bite tells a story. If you want to eat like a local, you can't miss these iconic treats. From the spicy and crunchy to the sugary and soft, here are the top 10 Japanese snacks you absolutely have to try on your next journey!
Top 10 Must-Try Japanese Snacks
Explore Japan's snack world with these ten delicious must-try options. Each offers a unique taste experience and cultural insight.
10. Calbee Jagabee / Potato Snacks
Calbee Jagabee potato sticks are an absolute staple. They come in a wide variety of flavors, ranging from classic vegetable and butter to savory cheese and beyond. There are also constant limited-edition releases featuring unique flavors like tuna and mayonnaise, garlic, and seaweed. Move over, cup ramen—it’s time for the cup potato stick!
9. Dango (団子)
Dango are interesting. You may not find yourself eating them often, but when you stumble upon them—at a festival, in a supermarket, or at a roadside stall while out on a hike—they always seem to be there at just the right time to satisfy a craving. Sweet and savory, they are a unique snack that can be surprisingly filling.
8. Pocky (ポッキー
Pocky might be an easy snack to find, but the sheer variety of flavors on offer will pique anyone’s curiosity. How can you deny a pistachio matcha chocolate-flavored Pocky stick? I dare you to resist! Jokes aside, they make perfect gifts, snacks, or anything in between. (We often include Pocky in our sweet snack boxes!)
7. Mochi (餅)
Mochi is a heavy hitter. Most people would put it in their top three, and honestly? They’ve got a point. It’s iconic, it’s chewy, and it’s undeniably great. But on this list, it’s sitting right here at number seven. No, that’s not a typo. I said what I said. 'Nuff said.
6. Wasabi Peas
Looking for a snack that fights back? Wasabi peas offer a spicy, savory crunch that fans absolutely crave. They are the undisputed champion of bar snacks—pairing perfectly with a cold drink—but they’re just as good on their own. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to potato chips that doesn't skimp on flavor, these are your new best friend.
5. Karaage (唐揚げ)
Is it a snack? Is it a meal? It’s both—and it’s legendary. Karaage is essentially the Japanese version of fried chicken, but taken to a whole new level. We’re talking ultra-tender, marinated chicken with a signature crunch that packs a serious flavor punch. It’s beloved by everyone from picky toddlers to hungry adults. If you ever find yourself in a Japanese Izakaya, ordering a plate of Karaage is non-negotiable. Trust us—you’ll thank us later.
4. Yaki Imo (焼き芋
Enter the Yaki-imo: the humble baked sweet potato that doubles as Japan’s ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re browsing a supermarket or wandering through a summer fireworks festival, these steaming, purple-skinned gems are everywhere. They’re cheap, naturally sweet, and incredibly filling—basically a health food disguised as a treat! But the best way to find them? Listening for the haunting, melodic 'Yaki-imooooo' song echoing from a slow-moving truck at night. In Japan, these are the winter equivalent of ice cream trucks, bringing warmth to the neighborhood one potato at a time.
3. Onigiri (おにぎり
The Onigiri is the iconic Japanese rice ball, and it’s a true culinary chameleon. Depending on your mood, it can be stuffed with everything from proteins like grilled salmon or beef to savory vegetables, crunchy roots, or even tangy pickled plums (umeaboshi). Onigiri might just be the most prevalent snack in Japan, largely because—unlike many other convenience snacks—they are so often homemade with love.
Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of the classic ham sandwich: a staple in every school lunchbox. However, they aren't just for home; you can find them in high-end restaurants or specialized onigiri 'diners.' If you’re in Tokyo, places like the legendary Onigiri Bongo have turned this humble snack into an art form. Trust us, it’s a game-changer.
2.Taiyaki (たい焼き)
Is this ranked too high? Maybe. But am I going to move it? Absolutely not. Taiyaki is the king of Japanese street treats. It’s a gorgeous, fish-shaped cross between a cake and a waffle, traditionally stuffed with sweet red bean paste—though you can find them oozing with custard, chocolate, or even stuffed with soft-serve ice cream. Seriously, who can say no to a warm, crispy waffle-fish filled with sweetness? It’s a crowd-pleaser that wins over everyone, every single time.
1. Takoyaki (たこ焼き
We’ve finally reached number one, and honestly? We have some regrets. Takoyaki is a wild ride. I mean, do you like octopus? Cool. But do you like octopus tucked inside a ball of batter with 'flaming lava' heat levels, topped with dancing bonito flakes, savory sauce, and creamy mayonnaise? It sounds bizarre, but if you’ve been to Japan, it’s easily the most memorable snack you'll ever experience. I know so many people who nearly burned their mouths off by being too impatient! Pro tip: Poke a small hole in it and blow on it first. It is usually REALLY hot—consider yourselves warned!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there’s no pressure to check every single one of these off your list. Honestly, in Japan, you can’t miss! We see too many travelers stressing over planning the 'perfect' culinary experience, but the truth is that wherever you go or whatever you eat, it will be memorable, delicious, and made with care. If you can hit a few of these during your stay, definitely go for it. If a snack crosses your path, accept it with open hands! But if you can't make it out here just yet, don't worry—you can always get your monthly fix delivered straight to your door from gachagoodies.com."
Check out our snack boxes for yourself!