We鈥檙e obsessed with Japanese snacks and those kind-of-addictive snack haul videos! From bold flavors to unique textures to cool packaging, there鈥檚 always something exciting to try.
But here鈥檚 the best part: you don鈥檛 even need to buy a plane ticket to enjoy them. Today, these authentic treats are now super easy to get delivered right to your door鈥攐r even better, to make at home.
What Makes Japanese Snacks Special?
It all comes back to the the classics! Traditional Japanese ingredients like rice, soy, and red bean paste are the stars of snacks like yokan and dango, giving them their authentic, delicious flavor.
While Japanese snacks generally honor classic ingredients and techniques, they鈥檙e also famous for their bold, modern twists.
There are “common” tricks like blending matcha with chocolate, or more adventurous options like adding a savory seaweed touch to a sweet treat. Either way, Japanese snacks love to keep you guessing and certainly aren’t shy about experimenting with flavors or textures. This creativity is what makes them so exciting to try! And here鈥檚 something else which is pretty cool: Japanese snacks are often tied to the seasons. Treats like sakura mochi are made just for cherry blossom season. Do snack foods get any cuter? We don’t think so.
But enough talking. How can you get your fix without leaving the house?Here are our top five Japanese snacks – with recipes you can try at home!
Mochi
Mochi is probably one of the most well known Japanese snacks. This chewy rice cake is filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, matcha, or fruits. There are different variations, such as daifuku, where the mochi is wrapped around a creamy or sweet center.
is a must-try during Japan’s famous cherry blossom season. This pink, slightly sweetened rice cake is filled with sweet red bean paste. It is made even more special by the salted cherry blossom leaf wrapped around it, adding a subtle contrast of sweet and salty flavors. The pink color of the mochi symbolizes the cherry blossoms; so it’s as pretty as it is delicious!聽
wandercooks.com
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![glutinous rice flour]()
115 g glutinous rice flour -
![sugar]()
60 g sugar -
![water]()
125 ml water -
![red bean paste]()
8 tbsp red bean paste -
![cornstarch]()
1 tbsp cornstarch to cover surface
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Dorayaki
Dorayaki is another popular Japanese snack of two fluffy, pancake-like cakes filled with a sweet filling, traditionally sweet red bean paste also locally known as anko. Some modern versions include custard, matcha cream, whipped cream, or chocolate fillings, making it聽 very appealing to a wide range of tastes. Enjoyed by people of all ages, you鈥檒l often find it in both convenience stores and high-end confectionery shops in Japan.. Thankfully, it鈥檚 just as easy to make in the comfort of your home.
justonecookbook.com
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![eggs]()
50 g eggs large -
![sugar]()
140 g sugar -
![honey]()
2 tbsp honey -
![all-purpose flour]()
1.33 cups all-purpose flour plain flour -
![baking powder]()
1 tsp baking powder
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![water]()
1 Tbsp water adjust to achieve the desired batter consistency -
![neutral oil]()
neutral oil for greasing the pan -
![sweet red bean paste]()
1.1 lb sweet red bean paste anko
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Taiyaki
Have you ever watched a travel or food vlog and wondered about that fish-shaped Japanese snack people line up for on the streets? That’s Taiyaki!聽
Taiyaki, just like dorayaki, is traditionally filled with anko. This fun, fish-shaped treat is made from a pancake or waffle-like batter that is poured into a fish-shaped mold and cooked until golden and crispy on the outside. The filling, which can be sweet or savory, is what makes Taiyaki truly special. Some sweet variations that you can try are custard, chocolate, and of course, matcha cream. For a savory twist, you can try it with a cheese filling, creating a unique and satisfying flavor combination.
Taiyaki is especially popular at festivals and street markets, where the fresh, hot versions are hard to resist. The shape of the fish symbolizes good fortune in Japan, adding a bit of cultural significance to its fun design. Taiyaki鈥檚 perfect blend of a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful filling makes it a must-try for anyone wanting to enjoy a unique Japanese treat. With this recipe, you can easily make it at home and share the experience with the whole family!
sudachirecipes.com
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![cake flour]()
125 g cake flour -
![cornstarch]()
25 g cornstarch -
![baking soda]()
0.5 tsp baking soda -
![baking powder]()
0.5 tsp baking powder -
![light brown sugar]()
20 g light brown sugar
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![egg]()
1 egg -
![whole milk]()
150 ml whole milk -
![honey]()
0.5 tbsp honey -
![salt]()
1 pinch salt -
![vanilla essence]()
1 drop vanilla essence -
![cooking oil]()
1 tsp cooking oil extra for greasing -
![red bean paste]()
240 g red bean paste
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Dango
Another street food favorite are the bite-sized, colorful dumplings called Dango. It is a Japanese snack made from small, chewy rice flour dumplings that are skewered on a stick. They are mildly sweet on their own but are often coated with various sauces or toppings, adding layers of flavor. One of the most popular varieties is Mitarashi Dango, where the dumplings are covered in a sweet soy sauce glaze, balancing sweet and savory in each bite.
Dango also has seasonal varieties, enjoyed during various times of the year. For example, Hanami Dango is a colorful version enjoyed during cherry blossom season, with each skewer featuring three pastel-colored dumplings鈥攑ink, white, and green鈥攖hat symbolize spring.
You鈥檒l often find Dango at festivals and street markets, where it鈥檚 freshly prepared and served hot. Its simple, satisfying taste and fun presentation make it a must-try if you want to try authentic Japanese snacks. With this recipe, you鈥檒l find that it鈥檚 also easy to whip it up at home.聽
Ms Shi & Mr He
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![rice flour]()
0.5 cup rice flour -
![powdered sugar]()
0.5 cup powdered sugar -
![glutinous rice flour]()
1 cup glutinous rice flour -
![milk]()
0.5 cup milk cold, soy milk, or water -
![sakura flowers]()
5 sakura flowers dried, edib le, or 1/2 tsp strawberry powder or red food coloring
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![red food coloring]()
1 drop red food coloring -
![matcha powder]()
0.5 tsp matcha powder or green food coloring
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Yokan
Yokan may not be as well-known as some of the other snacks, but it鈥檚 definitely worth trying. This classic confection is made from anko, agar, and sugar. With its firm, jelly-like texture, Yokan is usually shaped into rectangular blocks and offers a simple yet satisfying sweetness. Its dense, smooth texture and subtle sweetness pairs perfectly with green tea, making it a favorite during tea ceremonies and as a simple dessert.
Like many other traditional Japanese snacks made with red bean paste, Yokan can also be enjoyed in a variety of flavors, including chestnut, matcha, and even sweet potato, offering a delightful range of tastes. Yokan is not only loved for its flavor but also for its long shelf life. It keeps in your pantry for ages and ages, which also makes it an ideal gift or souvenir. It鈥檚 definitely a must-bring treat if you’re coming home from a trip to Japan!
sudachirecipes.com
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![kanten powder]()
2 g kanten powder 1 stick usually contains 4g -
![granulated sugar]()
15 g granulated sugar -
![water]()
500 ml water -
![red bean paste]()
400 g red bean paste smooth, koshian -
![salt]()
1 pinch salt
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Bonus Japanese Snacks
While traditional Japanese snacks are must-tries, Japan鈥檚 modern snack scene offers some incredible treats too鈥攅specially in its convenience stores. A trip to 7/11 is an absolute must-do when you’re in Japan and in search of their snacks.
As a bonus to the classics, you鈥檒l find globally loved snacks like Pocky and KitKat, but with exciting Japanese twists. They are easy to find, fun to share, and make great souvenirs. Let’s be honest, they鈥檙e another reason why locals and tourists alike can鈥檛 get enough of Japan!
Pocky
Pocky is one of Japan鈥檚 most iconic and beloved snacks, instantly recognizable by its thin, crunchy biscuit sticks coated in delicious flavors. Originally introduced with a simple chocolate coating, Pocky has grown and grown. Over the years, it’s evolved into a treat with countless varieties to suit any taste. From classic chocolate and strawberry to more unique options like matcha green tea and cookies & cream, there鈥檚 a flavor for everyone to enjoy. The wide range of flavors, both traditional and modern, has earned it a place as a favorite treat not only in Japan but also around the world.
Kit Kat Japan
KitKat in Japan is a whole different experience compared to what most people are used to. Obviously, we all know classic chocolate KitKat. And maybe you’ve tried one with white chocolate or peanut butter. But Japan has taken it to another level with their KitKat flavors. So much so that it’s become one of the most famous Japanese snacks for people visiting. From matcha green tea and sakura (cherry blossom) to more adventurous options like sweet potato, wasabi, and even sake, you can find a chocolate to suit most palates. We like to think of KitKats as fun, collectible (and edible) part of Japanese culture!
Take a bite
Japanese snacks offer an exciting mix of traditional and modern flavors, and they鈥檙e all worth a try! From chewy mochi and fun, fish-shaped taiyaki to convenience store favorites, these snacks are perfect for sharing, gifting, or just treating yourself.
