In Japan, the New Year is a time for celebration and enjoying special seasonal flavors. Our team has carefully selected some of their favorite traditional treats from this year to share with you. Which one did you receive?
Take a look below for the snack you received in your box, plus detailed allergy information.
Pear Gummies
By Zen-noh (Tokyo)
Common Allergens: Gelatin
May Contain Traces Of: Egg, Dairy, Wheat, Almond, Orange, Cashew, Kiwi, Walnut, Sesame, Soy, Banana, Peach, Apple
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Delight in these refreshing gummies that are infused with pear juice from Yamagata Prefecture’s renowned La France pears, which are regarded as the “Queen of Fruits.”
Wasabi Sesame Arare
By Maeda Confectionery (Osaka)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Sesame, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Shrimp, Crab, Egg, Dairy, Peanuts
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Crafted with sesame seeds and seasoned with wasabi, these arare have a subtle spiciness that will invigorate your palate.
Shikuwasa Kokuto
By Ryukyu Kokuto (Okinawa)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Peanuts, Walnut, Sesame, Soy
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
This cherished confection is a sweet treat crafted from Okinawan brown sugar and infused with the subtle citrus flavors of shikuwasa—a sweet and sour citrus fruit native to Okinawa, Japan.
Mango Jelly
By Kawachi Surugaya (Osaka)
Common Allergens: Apple
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peach, Almond, Salmon
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Indulge in the refreshing flavor of this mango jelly. Thoughtfully crafted using healthy, carefully selected ingredients, it is the perfect summer island treat.
Tsukimi Mikan Cream Cookie
By Itogawaya (Mie)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Orange, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Buckwheat, Shrimp, Crab, Walnut, Sesame
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Smooth mikan-flavored cream is sandwiched between crisp, thinly baked cookies adorned with the captivating design of rabbits under the full moon. Pleasantly sweet and tart, they pair perfectly with a cup of tea.
Kodaimai Senbei
By Amanoya (Tokyo)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Sesame, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Peanuts, Shrimp
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
These senbei capture the authentic flavors of ancient rice, quinoa, and black sesame. Cultivated since ancient times, this rice is renowned for its exceptional sweetness, aroma, and texture.
Cocoa Black Soybeans
By Takuma Foods (Aichi)
Common Allergens: Dairy, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Egg, Peanuts, Shrimp, Crab
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
In Japan, black soybeans symbolize good health and are often eaten during auspicious occasions. These black soybeans from Hokkaido are coated in a layer of rich, aromatic cocoa powder for an indulgent, sophisticated treat.
Usagi Pon Senbei
By Matsuoka Confectionery (Osaka)
Common Allergens: Soy, Wheat
May Contain Traces Of: N/A
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Made with simple ingredients and traditional methods, these classic Kansai senbei feature a unique blend of 5 types of flour and 6 soy sauces, delivering a crisp texture and authentic taste.
Tsukimi Candy
By Papabubble (Tokyo)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: N/A
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Admire this artisanal candy, meticulously designed by skilled Tokyo craftsmen and made into lovely images of tsukimi dango and rabbits. Each piece is infused with either Japanese pear or Kyoho grape.
Black Sesame Miso Arare
By Maruhiko Confectionery (Tochigi)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Sesame, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Shrimp, Crab, Egg, Dairy, Peanuts
Vegetarian Friendly: No (fish sauce)
Crafted from 100% domestically produced non-glutinous rice and black sesame, these bite-sized arare are coated with miso for a refined, umami flavor.
Matcha Chocolate Crunch
By B.H. Corporation (Kyoto)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: N/A
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
This Kyoto confection, created as a souvenir for a renowned temple, is crafted using a blend of high-quality matcha chocolate with nutritious azuki beans and traditional okoshi, or puffed rice.
Matcha Cream Roll Cookie
By Gion Tsujiri (Kyoto)
Common Allergens: Egg, Dairy, Wheat
May Contain Traces Of: N/A
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Discover Gion Tsujiri’s matcha masterpiece—a delicate rice cracker roll enfolding a luscious, stone-ground matcha cream infused with Uji matcha. Savor the rich flavors of matcha as it unfolds on your palate.
Osodefuri Soybean Okaki
By Iwatsuka Confectionery (Niigata)
Common Allergens: Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Egg, Wheat, Peanuts, Shrimp, Crab
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Crafted with Osodefuri soybeans specially cultivated in the Tokachi Plain of Hokkaido and lightly seasoned with a touch of salt, these rice crackers offer truly authentic flavors.
Fried Ginkgo Nuts
By Takuma Foods (Aichi)
Common Allergens: Ginkgo Nuts
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Peanuts, Shrimp, Crab
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Enjoy the satisfying crunch and depth of flavor in these ginkgo nuts. Fried under reduced pressure to achieve a light, salty flavor, they offer a subtly bitter but addictive taste.
Nikki Yatsuhashi
By Kyoeido (Kyoto)
Common Allergens: Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Egg, Wheat, Dairy, Sesame
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Yatsuhashi, a cherished Kyoto delicacy, has a delightful crisp texture and graceful cinnamon flavor. Baked in the likeness of a Japanese harp, or koto, each piece echoes a timeless culinary art.
Kitsune Senbei 
By Seki Confectionery (Kyoto)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Egg
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Buckwheat, Peanuts
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Crafted as a souvenir for Kyoto’s renowned Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, this subtly sweet senbei features a charming kitsune, or fox, face holding a key or a jewel—two things treasured by the gods.
Sweet Potato Pie
By Kawachi Surugaya (Osaka)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Egg, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Peach, Almond, Apple, Salmon
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
This confection has a luscious sweet potato paste filling delicately enveloped in several layers of flaky puff pastry. With a perfect balance of sweetness, it’s a delightful and wholesome treat.
Kyoto Arare
By Hanayu (Kyoto)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Egg, Shrimp, Crab
Vegetarian Friendly: No (fish sauce)
Savor this delightful assortment of seven different types of Kyoto arare. Crafted using domestic glutinous rice, they allow you to experience a medley of classic arare flavors.
White Chocolate Strawberries
By Yuka (Osaka)
Common Allergens: Dairy, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Egg
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Delight in an irresistible balance of sweet and sour flavors. These strawberries have been freeze-dried to preserve their tartness and then coated in a rich white chocolate.
Cherry Blossom Yokan
By Kikusuiya (Yamanashi)
Common Allergens: N/A
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Buckwheat, Peanuts, Egg, Dairy, Shrimp, Crab
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Crafted using traditional methods, these bite-sized yokan are deliciously sweet and have a touch of saltiness. The rich white bean paste has been meticulously kneaded with handpicked cherry blossom leaves for a truly exquisite delicacy.
Fried Edamame
By Takuma Foods (Aichi)
Common Allergens: Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Peanuts, Shrimp, Crab
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
These edamame, or green soybeans, are fried under reduced pressure to preserve their natural flavor and create a satisfying crunch—the perfect snack.
Strawberry Milk Almonds
By Momosaki Confectionery (Kanagawa)
Common Allergens: Almond, Dairy
May Contain Traces Of: Soy, Peanuts, Wheat
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Enjoy the satisfying crunch of almonds encased in a rich and subtly tart strawberry milk coating—the perfect harmony of nuttiness and sweetness in every bite.
Yuzu Senbei 
By Nakauraya (Ishikawa)
Common Allergens: Egg, Wheat
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Peanuts, Shrimp, Soy, Sesame
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Nakauraya, renowned for their yuzu mastery, created these senbei exclusively for this box. Each crisp senbei is infused with the refined citrus notes of yuzu, delivering a unique savory and flavorful snack.
Noto Sweet Potato 
By Iwazumi (Ishikawa)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Dairy
May Contain Traces Of: N/A
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Crafted in Noto for over 50 years, these sweet potato confections reflect the region’s heartfelt traditions. Made from carefully selected sweet potatoes and beans, they feature a hint of kelp and warm cinnamon.
Earl Grey or Gorojima Cake
By Kanazawa Kenroku Confectionery (Ishikawa)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Soy, Sesame*
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Peanuts, Walnut, Orange, Cashews, Kiwi, Banana, Peach, Apple, Almond
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
*Only in Gorojima flavor
Indulge in these soft, moist cakes crafted with care from Kaga and Kanazawa. The gorojima cake is infused with the rich flavors of Kaga vegetables and sweet potatoes, while the other is made using Noto black tea for a refined taste.
Kintsuba
By Ajiroan (Ishikawa)
Common Allergens: Wheat
May Contain Traces Of: Dairy, Egg, Walnut
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Kintsuba, a traditional Japanese confection, is a satisfying blend of texture and flavor. With sweet red bean paste encased in a crisp, lightly toasted crust, it showcases rich culinary heritage with every bite.
Cinnamon Walnuts
By Tsukuda Foods (Ishikawa)
Common Allergens: Walnut
May Contain Traces Of: Wheat, Shrimp, Dairy
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
These crunchy walnuts are coated in cinnamon for a sweet and salty treat. Made with a focus on simplicity and without additives, they are flavorful and healthy.
Kombu Arare or Shrimp Arare 
By Hokuriku Confectionery (Ishikawa)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Soy, Shrimp*
May Contain Traces Of: Egg, Dairy, Shrimp, Crab, Wheat, Soy, Sesame, Squid
Vegetarian Friendly: Shrimp no, Kombu yes
*Only in the Shrimp flavor
These crisp arare, crafted from Hokuriku-grown glutinous rice, are a beloved regional favorite. Savor tradition with two rich flavors: the subtle sweetness of Toyama white shrimp or the delicate taste of kombu, kelp.
Cocoa or Plain Ruby Roman Wafer
By Nagatoya (Ishikawa)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Peanuts, Buckwheat, Shrimp, Crab, Orange, Peach, Apple, Sesame
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
These wafers capture the flavor of Japan’s premium Ruby Roman grapes—famed for their rare quality and vibrant sweetness. Enjoy this renowned Ishikawa souvenir with each indulgent bite of grape-infused cream and delicate wafer.
Chocolate Pie
By Nagatoya (Ishikawa)
Common Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Egg, Soy
May Contain Traces Of: Peanuts
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Crafted using Hyukumankoku rice from Ishikawa Prefecture, these delicate chocolate pies are an indulgent treat with flaky layers of pastry, a light dusting of sugar, and a rich chocolate filling.
Grape Jelly 
By Kanazawa Kenroku Confectionery (Ishikawa)
Common Allergens: Dairy, Soy, Apple
May Contain Traces Of: Orange, Peach
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor of grapes in this refreshing jelly—melting smoothly in your mouth for a delightful experience.
