Japan is a snack-lover’s paradise.
Whether you’re exploring city streets, relaxing in a park, or stopping at a train station, there’s always something sweet or savory to discover.
In this article, I’m sharing 10 must-try Japanese snacks that are fun, flavorful, and perfect for families visiting Japan with kids. Some are traditional, some are modern—but all are delicious!
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Contents
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is a popular street food made of a wheat-based batter filled with diced octopus, tempura bits, green onions, and pickled ginger, grilled into round, golden balls. Topped with savory sauce, mayo, and dried bonito flakes, they’re crispy on the outside and creamy inside.
TIPS:
Be careful—the inside of freshly made takoyaki is extremely hot and can burn your mouth!
Better to break one open with chopsticks and let it cool for a bit before eating.
Please make sure to help your children with this so they don’t get burned.
Fluffy Japanese pancakes
These super-thick, jiggly pancakes have become famous worldwide for their cloud-like texture.
Made with whipped egg whites and a light batter, they’re more like a soft sponge cake than a traditional pancake.
Japanese-Style Crepes
Japanese crepes are thin, soft, and rolled into a cone shape, making them easy to eat on the go. They’re filled with sweet treats like strawberries, whipped cream, custard, or even cheesecake.
You can find crepe stands in places like Harajuku, shopping malls, and train stations.
Kids will love choosing their favorite fillings!
Soft-served ice cream
Soft-serve ice cream in Japan comes in many fun and unique flavors, like matcha, sweet potato, sesame, and sakura, as well as the classic vanilla.
You can find it in many places—cafés, sightseeing spots, and even convenience stores. It’s a perfect treat for both kids and adults, especially on a warm day!
Matcha Sweets
Matcha is powdered green tea, traditionally enjoyed by mixing it with hot water to drink.
But today, it’s been transformed into all kinds of sweets—like matcha ice cream, cookies, cakes, and mochi.
It has a slightly bitter taste, which balances nicely with sweetness.
However, it’s not always a favorite for younger kids—matcha treats are more popular with adults.
Still, it’s a fun way to experience a traditional Japanese flavor in a modern form.
Taiyaki
This cute, fish-shaped snack is typically filled with red bean paste, custard, or chocolate. Made from pancake or waffle batter, it’s crispy on the outside and warm on the inside.
It’s especially comforting in the colder seasons, but you can enjoy taiyaki year-round.
Ichigo Daifuku
It’s Strawberry-mochi! A soft mochi (rice cake) filled with sweet red bean paste and a fresh strawberry.
It’s chewy on the outside, sweet in the middle, and juicy in one bite!
You can find it at Japanese sweets shops – so cute and tasty treat that kids often enjoy.
Shaved ice
Kakigori is a classic summer treat in Japan and a big favorite at festivals—especially for kids!
You’ll find simple versions topped with flavored syrups like strawberry, melon, or lemon.
But in recent years, kakigori has evolved into a more refined dessert.
Many specialty shops now serve fluffy, high-quality ice with premium syrups, fresh fruits, or even matcha cream. Some are so beautiful and delicious, they feel like a work of art!
7-Eleven smoothies
7-Eleven in Japan sells fresh smoothies and big hit!
You pick a frozen cup filled with fruits and vegetables from the freezer, place it in the smoothie machine, and it blends your drink in under a minute.
It’s quick, healthy, and fun—great for a refreshing drink for family!
Seasonal fruits
Lastly, don’t miss the chance to enjoy Japanese seasonal fruits—they’re incredibly fresh and flavorful!
Strawberries, cherries (only in June), peaches (summer only), Japanese pears (early autumn), grapes (autumn), and persimmons (autumn) are especially delicious.
These fruits are delicate and hard to export. Even if they’re available in your country, they’re likely to be very expensive.
So while you’re in Japan, treat yourself and your family to as much local fruit as you can—you won’t regret it!
Tips & My favorite places
Tips in Japan:
To look for place to eat, Search the name of the food you craving on Google MAP,
it’ll recommend great places near you!
My Favorites Place
These are some of my personal favorites.
- Naruto Taiyaki Shinbashi Store (I love this store’s Taiyaki the most )
- Cafe bibliotheque Yurakucho ( love this place’s pancake…! ) *You can reserve via Auto-reserve page
- Kyoto Saryo Suisen (Matcha!)
I hope you enjoy the food!
Coming soon: Stay tuned for Part 4, I’ll update “Vegan menus in Japan” !
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