Holiday Snacks from Japan: Best Ones to Try in 2024!

While Christmas may not be a national holiday per se, there’s no lack of festive cheer in Japan at Christmastime. And as the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing better than enjoying delicious holiday snacks. While classic treats like gingerbread and eggnog are charming, why not spice things up with Japanese holiday snacks? 

These festive nibbles offer a delightful twist on traditional treats. From melt-in-your-mouth confections to decadent chocolates to fluffy Japanese cheesecake, these Japanese treats are the ultimate holiday snack for anyone with a sweet tooth! Here’s a roundup of the best Japanese snacks in 2024 to add some fun flavors to your festivities. 

Japanese Cheesecake 

Christmas in Japan is only complete with enjoying a Japanese cheesecake. If you’ve never tried Japanese cheesecake, you’re in for a treat this holiday season. It’s not like the dense cheesecake you might be used to—this one is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like in texture.  

It’s usually layered with red strawberries and topped with white whipped cream that looks just like snow. A colorful holly, faux Christmas trees, or a Santa figurine make the strawberry cheesecake dessert festive.  Plus, it’s easy to find in most Japanese grocery stores or order online. So why not add it to your holiday spread this year?

Manneken Waffles

On chilly winter nights, there’s no better treat to pair with a warm cup of cocoa than a Manneken Waffle! At first, it might seem odd to associate a Belgian waffle with a Japanese brand. But there’s a fascinating history behind it. 

Manneken’s founder, Isao Araki, discovered these delicious waffles while traveling through Belgium. Inspired by what he found, Araki brought the ingredients and waffle molds back to Japan. He worked through several trial runs before perfecting the signature Manneken waffle we know today. The white chocolate version brings Belgium’s crisp, cold winters to mind, making it the perfect indulgence for anyone dreaming of a white Christmas. 

Another popular holiday flavor is the caramel apple with caramel icing and a chocolate drizzle. It’s the perfect, well-balanced treat for a cozy holiday vibe. It’s sour, sweet, and crispy outside with a tender center. Treat yourself to this delicious holiday flavor and enjoy one of the best seasonal delights!

Are you interested in some delicious holiday snacks? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese drinks and snacks directly from Japan!

Ghana Chocolate 

If you’re a fan of rich, smooth chocolate, Ghana chocolate is one treat you’ve got to try this holiday season. Originally from Japan, it’s not just any chocolate—it’s creamy with a nice balance of sweetness that melts in your mouth. 

The original red milk chocolate packaging with gold letters couldn’t bring any more holiday spirit. Around the holidays, you might find unique flavors or limited-edition packs, so it’s fun to add to your snack stash, such as the Ghana truffle released in winter with gold reindeer and Christmas tree decorations on the packaging.

Green Tea Snacks

Green tea snacks are a great way to mix things up if you want to try something different this holiday. Baked treats and Christmas go hand in hand, but one thing could make it better — matcha. We’re talking about matcha-flavored cookies, brownies, muffins, pies, cheesecakes, donuts, rice krispies, croissants, and more. 

These treats bring a little taste of Japan right to your holiday spread. Its vibrant green color and rich, earthy taste make it a comforting choice for Christmas gatherings. Combining sweet and slightly bitter matcha (Japanese green tea) with creamy fillings or crunchy textures is addictive. 

Today, many fun snacks use matcha, a type of green tea. For example, you can find matcha-flavored Kit Kats and ice cream! These tasty treats show just how flexible and popular green tea can be!

Why should I try these holiday snacks from Japan?

People love these Japanese holiday snacks because they offer a fun and flavorful twist on the usual holiday treats. From the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of Japanese cheesecake to the earthy sweetness of matcha snacks, these treats bring something fresh and exciting. 

Japanese snacks are also usually lighter and less sugary than many Western options. So they offer an excellent balance that’s not overly indulgent with all that heavy holiday food. So whether you’re a Japan snack fan or just curious, these snacks could be your new holiday favorites! Have you tried any of these holiday snacks? Do you have a favorite one? Let us know in the comments below!