Japan is a paradise for chocolate lovers! Want to buy tons of chocolate snacks but worried your suitcase won’t be enough? Curious about the most recommended products you have to bring home—or risk regretting it later?
This time, the Japaholic editorial team has picked out some of the most iconic chocolate products from Meiji. Some are longtime favorites among locals, while others are brand-new on the market.
Let’s see what Japanese chocolate products are a must-buy when going to the land of cherry blossoms. Here are the recommendations.
Pistachio Chocolate (ピスタチオチョコレート)
Rich, aromatic chocolate wraps around whole pistachio nuts, offering a complex and delicious taste experience.
The nutty aroma of pistachios blends perfectly with a light saltiness, making it hard to stop at just one bite. Known as the “king of nuts,” pistachios really shine in this chocolate.
It’s also available in a large-size pack—perfect for pistachio lovers who want to indulge anytime they want!
Galbo (ガルボ)
With its unique crunchy texture and rich chocolate coating, Galbo is a fan favorite for many chocolate enthusiasts!
The chocolate-covered biscuit delivers a tempting cocoa aroma and a satisfying bite that’s hard to resist.
This line comes in four flavor variations, each with its own charm.
Besides the classic chocolate flavor, you’ll find limited-edition Japanese releases like strawberry with real fruit bits, rich dark chocolate for a more mature taste (available only at Japanese convenience stores), and the newest Gateau Chocolate Matcha.
Can’t decide? You’re an adult—buy them all, enjoy them slowly, and discover your personal favorite!
- Product Name: Galbo Crunchy Chocolate / ガルボ
- Flavors: Galbo Choco, Galbo Tsubu Neri Ichigo, Galbo Horoniga Black, Galbo Gateau Chocolate Matcha
Read:
Meiji Products at Japanese Convenience Stores That Are Healthy for Consumption During Travel!
Apollo Chocolate（アポロ）
Strawberry lovers, gather around! When it comes to classic Japanese chocolate-and-strawberry snacks, Apollo Chocolate is a must-mention.
These tiny, triangle-shaped treats combine rich milk chocolate with sweet-and-tangy strawberry chocolate in the perfect bite.
Not only are they delicious, but they also look adorable. Since their debut, Apollo has been a national favorite enjoyed by Japanese people from childhood to adulthood.
This charming chocolate is great as a souvenir or just a sweet treat for yourself!
Kinoko no Yama & Takenoko no Sato（きのこの山 & たけのこの里）
In Japan, the rivalry between “Team Mushroom” and “Team Bamboo Shoot” is an iconic (and fun) debate that never gets old!
Both of these chocolate snacks have loyal fans thanks to their unique characteristics. So, which side are you on?
- Kinoko no Yama（きのこの山）: These mushroom-shaped snacks combine rich chocolate with a crunchy biscuit stem. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of smooth chocolate and crispy texture.
- Takenoko no Sato（たけのこの里）: These bamboo shoot-shaped treats pair chocolate with buttery, softer biscuits, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience loved by many.
No matter which team you’re on, both are irresistibly good! When you visit Japan, make sure to try them both—you can even challenge your friends to a tasty snack showdown!
Must-Buy Chocolate Snacks for Your Japan Trip!
You can easily find all these popular Japanese chocolate treats at convenience stores, drugstores, or major supermarkets. They’re perfect as souvenirs—or just to snack on during your trip.
On your next visit to Japan, don’t forget to take a few of these sweet delights home with you. Let the deliciousness brighten your days, even after the vacation ends!
