Whether you’re a first time visitor or a long-term resident of Tokyo, the city is a paradise for discovering new snacks and treats both new and old. Many of Tokyo’s best snacks come from decades or even centuries of history, as simple, pleasing tastes are refined and remixed for the modern era.
To help you find all of the most authentic Japanese snacks, sweets, and souvenirs in Tokyo, this guide provides a brief description of each item, informative articles on their varieties and history, and shop/cafe recommendations and reviews for where to enjoy them. If you’re looking for the sweet and salty to bring home and share with family and friends either near or far, you’ll find everything you need below!
Senbei
SNACK | SOUVENIR | TRADITIONAL | EASY-TO-FIND
Beloved Japanese snack with endless varieties - the perfect authentic souvenir from Tokyo
Senbei are crunchy rice crackers which originate in China and came to Japan over 1300 years ago. There are endless styles and flavors ranging from salty to sweet, and they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes as well. Senbei are one of the most popular snacks in Japan for young and old, and you can enjoy them fresh in Tokyo as yaki-senbei or at unique shops and cafes throughout the city. Senbei make a dependable and tasty gift to bring home for family and friends.
Matsuzaki Shoten: Fashionable senbei and cookies in Ginza
If you're searching for a souvenir blending modern and traditional Japanese snacks, look no further. Matsuzaki has two centuries of experience with senbei, and their new stylish storefront has great gift assortments and an eat-in cafe space for tea and sweets. Check out their original Shami-do cookies and more tasty treats!
Sakuramochi
SWEET | TRADITIONAL | SEASONAL
A tasty symbol of springtime in Tokyo to be enjoyed year-round
Sakuramochi are named after the pink cherry blossoms which adorn Japan in springtime. Though many modern types of sakuramochi are dyed pink, they originally gained their name not from the flowers, but from the vinegared leaves which are wrapped around the mochi. Sakuramochi don't keep for long, so they're best enjoyed with matcha at a cafe like Chomeiji Sakuramochi (see below) or on a walk by the river as a sweet memory of your time in Tokyo.
All About Sakuramochi:The Varieties, Styles, and History
Local Recommendation: Taste the original sakuramochi at Chomeiji Temple in Tokyo
Sakuramochi was invented over 300 years ago at a Tokyo shop where you can still try the original recipe today! The shop makes the treat fresh every day, so make sure to visit while you're in the Asakusa/Skytree area.
Karintō
SWEET | SOUVENIR | TRADITIONAL
Unique fried, crunchy sweet which makes an unforgettable souvenir from Tokyo
Karinto is traditional fried sweet with a light, crunchy texture and one of my top picks as a unique Japanese souvenir. Karinto are commonly coated in brown sugar for a dark brown color (see above), but other types coated with white sugar, matcha, and other sweeteners can vary in appearance and flavor. Karinto are one of my personal favorite traditional Japanese snacks, and it's sure to be a hit regardless of nationality or age group.
There are three famous karinto shops in Tokyo, including Tachibana in Ginza. Each of these shops has different specialties and varieties of this traditional snack, so make sure to check out our articles below!
Local Recommendation:
Tachibana: Rustic Japanese karinto shop tucked away in the busy streets of Ginza
Hidden in the middle of one of Tokyo's most upscale business and fashion districts, this take-out only shop has been around for over a century, a testament to the quality of their one and only product: karinto. Pick a box or tin of each of their varieties to bring home and share while you're in the area!
Thank you for reading!
This guide will continually be updated with more information on the best local, authentic sweets, treats, and gifts you can pick up throughout Tokyo, so make sure to check back and subscribe to our newsletter below for more info in your inbox!
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