Score Sweet Deals When You Get Souvenirs at These Confectionery Outlets
If you visit Japan, finding good souvenirs is a must. To get a lot of authentic Japanese souvenirs for yourself, your friends, your family, your workmates, and everyone you care about, we recommend buying confectioneries. These make good souvenirs to get from Japan as they don’t cost a lot and are easy to take home.
At famous destinations like Asakusa in Tokyo, you’ll discover tons of outlets that offer many types of sweets such as chocolates, rice crackers, and cookies. What makes them good souvenirs is that they are often available in fun flavors unique and limited to Japan. You can get matcha-flavored treats, as well as seasonal flavors like strawberries or chestnuts, which your loved ones will surely appreciate.
Looking for where to buy sweet souvenirs in Japan is pretty easy as you’ll find a load of Japanese souvenir shops scattered around the country. But if you want to score popular and limited-edition confectionery items for your sweet-toothed friends, check out these three popular shops before you depart!
1） Niki no Kashi
Niki no Kashi is a confectionery specialty store that sells over 5,000 kinds of sweets, including some from outside Japan. Currently, its best-sellers are furikake (dry Japanese seasoning) and locally made confectionery with retro packaging. We recommend getting these as authentic Japanese souvenirs for your families at home. Recently, it has become a trend for people to buy in bulk, not as gifts, but for people to enjoy for themselves. Considering their great value, feel free to bag a ton to treat yourself as well!
There’s a Niki no Kashi branch located at AmeYoko, but if you also want to do a bit of sightseeing as you do your souvenir shopping, visit the branch at Tokyo Skytree Town’s Solamachi.
2）Shop Tirol Chocolate
Bite-sized chocolate candy Tirol Choco is a long-selling product in Japan. Tirol Choco comes in a variety of flavors and can be easily purchased at convenience stores, making it a popular Japanese souvenir.
At Shop Tirol Chocolate, one of Tirol chocolate’s specialty shops, you can find a lot of store-exclusive variations. The shop also stocks chocolate mixed with local flavors including ones that are limited to regions such as Tohoku and Kyushu. Another popular product for tourists is the Milk Nougat Pack, which is an updated version of the original Tirol Choco Milk Nougat sold in 1962.
If you want to buy a lot of sweets without breaking the bank, consider getting Tirol chocolates sold at outlet prices. These might be closer to the expiration date or may be slightly misshapen, but they’re nonetheless delectable.
Shop Tirol Chocolate has a fun atmosphere with its colorful and bright interiors. When you shop for souvenirs, don’t forget to take many photos and make fun memories of your trip!
3）Okashi No Machioka
Okashi no Machioka is one of the most convenient Japan souvenir shops as it has over 160 branches mainly around central Tokyo and the Kanto region. You’re bound to find one in popular destinations like Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.
It sells over 1,000 snacks including chocolates, potato chips, candies, and gum, as well as brands that are trending on social media and TV. More than the variety they offer, Okashi no Machioka shops have become such nostalgic spots for locals as they sell snacks that remind them of their childhood.
Products that are popular with foreign tourists these days are matcha-flavored baked goods. Okashi no Machioka also sells sweets in bulk, packed in large assorted bags and boxes that can be distributed to many friends. There are also some items that can only be found in Okashi no Machioka, so be sure to get them when you can!
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