Iconic Japanese Snacks from Kyoto

Sep 07, 2020by Dallas Ernst

Have you ever dreamed of traveling to Kyoto? The shrines, the temples, the tea and snacks! Well, if you’re looking for snacks to take back from Kyoto, we have just the list for you.

The former capital of Japan until 1869, Kyoto is the largest city of Kyoto Prefecture. Home to beautiful natural parks, several Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, along with some more metropolitan areas, Kyoto is a popular tourist destination and cultural hotspot.

Experience a blast from the past with a traditional sweet or go for a popular tried-and-true treat. Whether you prefer your snacks crispy, chewy, or jelly-like, check out this list of some of our favorite iconic Japanese sweets that hail from Kyoto.

Nama Yatsuhashi

Made from the same dough as yatsuhashi, nama yatsuhashi is the unbaked, triangle-shaped version boasting a soft texture similar to mochi.

Yatsuhashi (left), Nama Yatsuhashi (right)

Konpeitō

Konpeitō is an iconic Japanese sugar candy. It can be spotted in many Japanese anime and movies, ranging from shows like Sailor Moon and Hamtaro to the film Spirited Away.

Konpeitō is an iconic Japanese sugar candy

Ohigashi

Ohigashi is a traditional Japanese confection made from a fine-grain Japanese sugar called wasanbon.

Ohigashi is a traditional Japanese confection made from a fine-grain Japanese sugar

Yōkan

Yōkan is a jellied dessert made from red, and sometimes white, bean paste, along with sugar and ajar, which is what makes the gel-like texture. Yōkan typically comes as a block or bar and is eaten in slices.

Today, many yōkan are produced by the Toraya Confectionery Co., which was founded in Kyoto. These yōkan come in a variety of flavors, including black tea, brown sugar, honey, matcha, and night plum.

Yōkan is a Kyoto Japanese snack that comes in a variety of flavors

Yōkan is a jellied dessert made from red (and sometimes white) bean paste, along with sugar and ajar, which is what makes the gel-like texture

Mitarashi Dango

Mitarashi dango are skewered rice dumplings covered in a sweet soy sauce glaze known for its glassy look and strong fragrance. They originated from the Kamo Mitarashi Tea House in Kyoto.

Mitarashi dango are skewered rice dumplings covered in a sweet soy sauce

From traditional Japanese wagashi confections to tasty miyagegashi souvenir snacks there’s a wide variety of snacks that hail from Kyoto. As the former imperial capital of Japan and home to numerous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, Kyoto’s traditional culture influences the area’s cuisine. If you want to experience the authentic flavors of Kyoto without leaving your home, Bokksu is the perfect way to explore Japan's rich and diverse snack culture. Here are some of the iconic snacks you can have delivered to your door.

1. Maeda Seika Kyoto Matcha Waffle Sandwich (12 Pieces)

If you’re familiar with stroopwafels, you'll already be prepped for this delightful snack. Thin waffle cookies are baked to a perfect crispy, golden-brown doneness. They're filled with a tasty matcha cream and white chocolate combination that can't be beat. Uji, a city in Kyoto, is famous for its matcha production. Enjoying these Maeda Seika Kyoto Matcha Waffle Sandwich (12 Pieces) allows you to travel to Kyoto, if only while eating the cookies.

2. Bokksu Handmade Kyoyuzen Candy Mix (1 Bag)

Run, don’t walk to grab this snack! These Japanese sweets are shaped into cute little tiles and prepared exclusively for Bokksu by a candy maker in Kyoto. These Bokksu Handmade Kyoyuzen Candy Mix (1 Bag) sweets are pretty, tasty, and feature flavors found in Japan, like white peaches. This fruity Japanese candy is even vegan and vegetarian-friendly!

Bokksu Handmade Kyoyuzen Candy Mix (1 Bag)

3. Bokksu X Daimonji Ame Honpo Handmade Fig Candy (1 Bag)

Enjoy some of Kyoto’s fruit by eating these Bokksu X Daimonji Ame Honpo Handmade Fig Candy (1 Bag). These candies are created from fig jam that is spun into handmade candy. These sweets are rare in Japan, so it’s a great way to enjoy the taste of Kyoto figs at home.

Bokksu X Daimonji Ame Honpo Handmade Fig Candy (1 Bag)

4. Bunnosuke Warabi Mochi Gift Set (Matcha, Hojicha, Brown Sugar, Plain)

You already know all about the delicious Uji Matcha! This Kyoto matcha is the main ingredient in the Bunnosuke Warabi Mochi Gift Set (Matcha, Hojicha, Brown Sugar, Plain) matcha flavored option. Each jello-like warabi mochi square is packed separately so you can enjoy them flavor by flavor. Or, set out a dish with each flavor and taste test each one with your friends.

Bunnosuke Warabi Mochi Gift Set (Matcha, Hojicha, Brown Sugar, Plain)

5. Busonan Buson Haiku Senbei (6 Packs)

Everything about this snack screams Kyoto, especially because they’re a Kyoto product. This pack of mixed rice crackers, aka senbei, is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors ranging from sweet potato to shrimp, matcha, and even a sugar-covered option. Have fun guessing the flavors of each Busonan Buson Haiku Senbei (6 Packs).

Busonan Buson Haiku Senbei (6 Packs)

If you're not sure what to order, start with Bokksu Japanese snack box. Bokksu is a monthly subscription service that delivers a curated selection of premium Japanese snacks and teas to your door. Each box features a different theme and region of Japan, and includes a cultural guide that explains the history and stories behind each snack. You'll get to taste iconic Kyoto snacks such as yatsuhashi, matcha, and senbei, as well as discover new and seasonal delicacies. Bokksu is the perfect way to explore Japan's rich and diverse snack culture.