Cotton Candy: Why Is It So Popular in Japan?

Cotton candy is one of those rare sugary treats that can help turn everyday memories into unforgettable ones. Giant balls of fluffy sugar, sometimes spun bigger than your head, in shades of blue, pink, purple, and more, tasting like strawberries, grapes, and other fruits: cotton candy is a versatile snack that can cater to everyone.

Whether you pick little pieces off one at a time or take big bites right out of the side, cotton candy is super easy for candy lovers of all ages. In Japan, there are some fantastic places to enjoy cotton candy, from small single-serve pieces to giant balls in the shape of animal heads!

What is cotton candy?

Cotton candy is sugar spun at high speeds until it forms thin strands. More specially, sugar is heated, liquefied, and then spun through tiny holes in a machine that forces the sugar out through centrifugal force. As the sugar spins out of the holes, it can be collected on sticks or cones and swirled into large shapes.

This treat can come in various colors and flavors, depending on what is injected into the sugar as it spins. Particularly talented operators can shape the candy into all sorts of shapes and decorate them with more pieces of sugar and flavoring. While simple, the treat can take quite a bit of skill to turn into something fantastic and unforgettable.

How did cotton candy arrive in Japan?

Known as wataame in Japan, cotton candy became very popular during the Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) eras. When the sugary treat was introduced to the public at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, interest in it peaked in Japan, where it became a fun and popular snack. Shortly after, special machines designed to make cotton candy sprouted across Japan, cementing the treats’ presence nationwide.

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Where can I enjoy cotton candy in Japan?

For those looking for a quick snack, it can be found in Don Quijote’s and other stores nationwide. But these places are worth checking out for those looking for the best of the best, those extra unique servings of candy.

Totti Candy Factory (Harajuku)

Totti Candy Factory is the perfect place for an unforgettable sugary snack on Takeshita Street in super-stylish Harajuku. Totti’s offers a kaleidoscope of pastel colors and shapes for customers of all ages. The snack usually looks like large balls, but you can also find cool triangular pyramids and cone shapes here. There isn’t anywhere to eat inside the store, so make sure you find an excellent place to stand outside to enjoy your candy!

Strawberry Tiger (Ikebukuro)

Ikebukuro is a bustling neighborhood with stores, restaurants, and the famous Sunshine City. Strawberry Tiger is the place to go for those who need a good treat after a day of shopping. Their claim to fame is offering massive pieces of cotton candy in various cute shapes and colors. Be sure to have someone to share them with, as they are easily large enough for two to three people! (The strawberry flavor is incredibly yummy!)

Zarame Gourmet Cotton Candy (Kyoto)

If only the most luxurious cotton candy experience is what you’re after, then Zarame Gourmet Cotton Candy in Kyoto is the ultimate destination. Located in Arashiya, Zarame prides itself on offering hyper-local ingredients that are high-quality and organic. Like kinako from Tanba and green tea from Kyoto, Zarame offers only the finest.

Zarame uses local bamboo for its candy sticks, which helps keep its forests healthy. They also sell pop rocks, coffee, drinks, and more. Eco-friendly, locally sourced, and gourmet? Zarame is the complete package.

Why is cotton candy popular in Japan?

When first introduced at the St. Louis World’s Fair, this trest was a novelty for Japan. Snacks made from sugar were hardly anything new, but the technology to make such a treat was new for Japan then. It can be difficult for people today to remember that once upon a time, the world was a much simpler place.

The joy of eating sugar spun to a gossamer thin consistency felt like magic. It brought smiles to people’s faces and elicited laughter from children. Maintaining that legacy today is essential, not only because it’s a sweet snack that’s fun to indulge in but also because it represents a time when Japan opened its doors to different cultures.

Have you had cotton candy in Japan before? If so, what kind did you have? Where did you go to get it? Was it the best you ever had? Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear about your sweet adventures in Japan!