10 Recommended Japanese Snacks That Are Loved by Locals

Japanese snacks are known for their creativity, variety, and delicious taste. While some of them have gained global recognition, many remain everyday favorites among people living in Japan. From school lunch treats to late-night cravings, these snacks are a regular part of life here. In this article, we introduce 10 classic Japanese snacks that are commonly enjoyed by locals.

1. Why These Snacks Are So Loved in Japan

Snacking in Japan isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s also about enjoying textures, unique flavor combinations, and fun packaging. Convenience stores and supermarkets carry a wide range of snacks that appeal to both children and adults. Many of these items have been on the shelves for years, making them nostalgic comfort foods for generations.

Whether it’s a savory crunch or a sweet bite, Japanese snacks often reflect the country’s attention to detail and passion for variety. The following selections are not necessarily the most famous worldwide, but they are staples in many Japanese homes.

2. 10 Recommended Japanese Snacks

1. Jagariko

A crunchy potato stick snack that comes in a cup-shaped container. It’s popular for its crispy texture and classic flavors like cheese and salad. Easy to carry and mess-free, Jagariko is a go-to snack for both kids and adults.

【ふるさと納税】じゃがりこ カルビーじゃがりこサラダ1箱（12個）【下妻工場産】 価格：7,000円（税込、送料無料) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

2. Umaibo

This puffed corn stick has been a childhood favorite for decades. Each stick costs about 10 yen and comes in dozens of flavors, including takoyaki, cheese, and tonkotsu ramen. Affordable, fun, and nostalgic.

駄菓子 うまい棒 10種食べ比べセット 【計330本入り】 | うまい棒 詰め合わせ おやつ 駄菓子 まとめ買い 子供用 食べ比べ セット 10種類 お菓子 食品 バーベキュー 遠足 町内会 運動会 業務用 価格：4,980円（税込、送料別) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

3. Pocky

Thin biscuit sticks coated with chocolate or other flavored coatings like strawberry and matcha. It’s a popular choice for sharing and a regular item in snack aisles across Japan.

いちご お菓子 福岡 お土産 帰省土産 ジャイアント ポッキー あまおう苺 (13袋入り)11月〜5月 発送可能【九州限定】 お取り寄せ 贈り物 博多土産 帰省 お菓子 チョコスイーツ ポッキー 手土産 お返し glico グリコ お土産 博多 名物 帰省土産 お盆 敬老の日 価格：1,166円（税込、送料別) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

4. Kaki no Tane

A mix of spicy rice crackers and peanuts, often enjoyed as a beer snack. The rice crackers are shaped like persimmon seeds, which is where the snack gets its name.

【お買い物マラソン期間 ポイント2倍!】≪楽天1位≫ 亀田製菓 柿の種 小袋 小分け 9g 詰め合わせ セット 50袋 100袋 200袋 ケース出荷 業務用 亀田 個包装 まとめ買い 差し入れ プレゼント 袋詰め 敬老の日 法人 イベント 集会 価格：2,480円～（税込、送料無料) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

5. Baby Star Ramen

Crunchy dried noodles flavored like instant ramen. This snack is fun to eat straight from the bag and is often found in children’s lunch boxes or convenience stores.

おやつカンパニー ベビースターラーメンチキンミニ 21g×30袋 価格：975円（税込、送料別) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

6. Black Thunder

A chocolate bar with a crunchy cookie and rice puff interior. Its bold flavor and catchy name have made it a favorite among young people, especially students looking for a quick sweet fix.

1000円ポッキリ 送料無料 お菓子 詰め合わせ チョコ ポイント消化 個包装 子供 有楽製菓 ブラックサンダー ミニバー 12g 25個 駄菓子 業務用 駄菓子詰め合わせセット 駄菓子セット プチギフト チョコレート チョコスナック 価格：1,000円～（税込、送料無料) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

7. Pretz

Pretz is a biscuit stick similar to Pocky but without the sweet coating. Flavors like salad, tomato, and roast are popular. It’s a light, savory snack perfect for travel or work breaks.

【企画品】プリッツ大袋 2種×各4個(合計8個)アソート(2種×各4個(合計8個))[グリコ プリッツ サラダ 菓子 おかし 個包装] 価格：2,828円（税込、送料無料) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

8. Karamucho

These chili-flavored potato snacks come in both chip and stick varieties. They’re spicy, but not overwhelmingly so, and have a rich, savory depth that keeps people coming back.

湖池屋 スティックカラムーチョ ホットチリ味 97g 価格：203円（税込、送料別) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

9. Happy Turn

A sweet and salty rice cracker dusted with a sweet-and-salty powder known as “Happy Powder.” It’s got a gentle flavor that many people find strangely addictive.

ハッピーターン BOX 28g x 30袋 – Kameda Happy Turn Box 28g x 30 bags 価格：1,990円（税込、送料無料) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

10. Ottotto

A fun snack shaped like sea creatures such as whales, crabs, and fish. Ottotto is light, airy, and lightly salted, making it a favorite among children and nostalgic adults alike.

森永製菓 おっとっと うすしお味 52g×60個入り 価格：7,711円（税込、送料別) (2025/4/17時点) 楽天で購入

3. Where to Find These Snacks

Most of these snacks can be found at any convenience store, supermarket, or 100-yen shop in Japan. Some are even available internationally at Asian grocery stores or through online snack boxes. They’re often sold in both individual packs and larger family-size bags, making them easy to enjoy at home or on the go.

4. Final Thoughts

Japanese snacks offer more than just great taste—they’re a fun and delicious part of daily life in Japan. From nostalgic childhood favorites to quick bites on busy days, these snacks reflect the country’s culture of convenience, creativity, and seasonal fun.

If you’re living in Japan or planning to move here, exploring the snack aisle is a great way to discover small joys of daily life. It’s also a conversation starter—asking your Japanese friends about their favorite snacks can be a fun cultural exchange!

Whether you’re a long-term resident or just passing through, these 10 recommended snacks are a delicious introduction to what everyday life tastes like in Japan.

Note:Please note that this article was translated from Japanese.
We’ve done our best to ensure clarity, but we appreciate your understanding if anything feels slightly off in English.