Latest Blogs

Out of Japan’s many famous snacks and treats, Kit Kats are by far the most iconic. In 2014, Nestlé capitalized on this success by opening the first Kit Kat (or KitKat) Chocolatory: a boutique specialty Kit Kat store offering a range of special edition products. Beloved both locally and internationally, these tasty little chocolate bars...

When it comes to gifts, there is nothing more uniquely Japanese than classic omiyage. Omiyage, a word literally meaning “local product,” is a box of individually wrapped local snacks that Japanese people give their friends and colleagues after returning from a trip. In the West, this might seem like a nice gesture, but in Japan,...

You might already know the Japanese word wagashi, but what about dagashi? While wagashi describes high-end Japanese sweets, dagashi is the exact opposite: small, cheap, dime-a-dozen style snacks and candy. Why do these two words sound so similar? Although they’re both formed from the word for candy, kashi (菓子), wagashi gets the 和 prefix, meaning...

In Japan, sakura season is a big event in the calendar, heralding the arrival of spring, warmer weather, and the start of the school and business year. Beginning anywhere from late March to early May, it’s also an opportunity to experience the quintessentially Japanese activity of hanami, or flower viewing, where Japanese people flock by...

Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma is the anime adaptation of the popular manga written by Yūto Tsukuda and serialized in Shonen Jump. It tells the story of Soma Yukihira, a budding chef who joins the elite Totsuki Saryo culinary school hoping to hone his skills enough to surpass his father and become a full-time chef...

We all know the most familiar Japanese cultural exports. From sushi, anime, samurai, and cherry blossoms, fans of Japan know them all. But in all the years Japan has been exporting its culture, “weird Japan” has got to be among the greatest sources of joy ever gifted to the world. Usually, the term “weird Japan”...

TokyoTreat's February Giveaway & Reviewer Contest Winners Announced Here! （＾ｖ＾） Hello, TokyoTreat fam! Have you been waiting for the February Giveaway winner announcement? Good news – we have the list of lucky winners here! Without further ado, let’s see if you can find your name below: Bárbara S Ben A Sandra H Quimby A Phoenix...

Ask anyone you meet to name popular Japanese snacks or candy, and I’ll bet that the large majority will first mention the famous Pocky snack, confirming the chocolate covered biscuit stick’s international status as a Japanese snack food icon. For most, the Glico produced munchy juggernaut may even be the only Japanese snacks they can...

TokyoTreat's January Giveaway Winners Announced Here! （＾ｖ＾） Hey, TokyoTreat Fam! Hope everyone’s healthy and well! Anyway, we’re back to announce the winners of TokyoTreat January Giveaway! Without further ado, let’s see if your name is on the list: Katie M Susan A Shirley N Mateusz P Ashley K Abby J Linda S Claire G Olga...

Bring me a bento!  What exactly is a Bento? It’s a type of meal (typically for 1 person) full of plenty of goodies that you can eat anywhere! Japan loves a meal on the go! Keeping up your energy with tasty food is super important, and Japan has no shortages of tasty lunch or dinner...

Have you ever been to Harajuku?  This district in Tokyo is famous worldwide as a hub of street fashion and youth culture, with artists like Gwen Stefani and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu taking inspiration from the area’s vibrant trends and street culture. Every day, tourists and locals alike flock to Harajuku’s busy Takeshita Street and Cat...

Studio Ghibli has created such an impact in the world of anime films. Their movies are often regarded as masterpieces by animation fans and critics alike, and throughout the years, they’ve created so many iconic places, stories, and characters.  Studio Ghibli movies not only let viewers experience entertainment, but also a whole new atmosphere and...