An honest review of the popular Japanese snack subscription box.
Jump to:
The Taste of Kyushu box is a curated selection of authentic Japanese treats, complete with a Japanese tea, sweet and savory bites, and even a handcrafted home good from a local maker.
It’s a box of traditional Japanese snacks that offers a slow-down-and-savor kind of experience. And it’s beautifully done.
As a holistic health coach and someone who finds meaning in rituals, I love when food connects us to culture and mindfulness.
I love learning about Japanese culture, (one of my kids is deeply immersed and fluent in the language) so, when this box arrived, it felt incredibly meaningful.
The Sakurako box hit all the right notes for me—quality, authenticity, and it brought a lot of joy.
What is Sakuraco?
Sakuraco is a monthly Japanese snack box subscription that delivers about 20 authentic Japanese snacks, regional teas, and a small piece of traditional tableware — like handcrafted chopsticks or ceramics made by family-owned businesses.
Each month’s box explores a different theme, rooted in a specific region, season, or custom, offering a glimpse into local life and the beauty of Japanese culture.
Taste of Kyushu was a flavorful tribute to Japan’s southern island, known for its craft, ceramics, and distinctive local flavors. Previous themes have highlighted everything from cherry blossom season to Osaka street food, bringing the authentic part of Japan to your door.
Taste of Kyushu Box: What’s inside & my first impressions
The box arrived in perfect condition, beautifully packed with a sense of care that was felt from the start.
Inside was a snack guide with allergy information, ingredient notes, and stories that added meaning.
Here’s what came in the June 2025 box — plus my take on each item:
Tea & tableware
- Chiran ryokucha: Smooth and quietly energizing. A beautiful match for slow mornings.
- Wakasa lacquer chopsticks: Elegant and reusable. A true piece of functional art.
Sweet treats
- Nagasaki honey castella: Soft, rich sponge cake with a good balance of sweetness.
- Amaou strawberry crunch: This one was so delicious. One of my favorites!
- Kumamoto watermelon gummies: Chewy, and different from typical gummies.
- Tsuru no sato marshmallow: A soft, fluffy marshmallow, with yellow bean paste (azuki beans) at the center.
- Kokuto donuts: Tiny rings of caramelized brown sugar coating, hard to stop at one!
Savory snacks
- Wasabi pistachios: Just the right amount of heat (I wanted more!). A good balance between tingle and crunch.
- Kyushu soy sauce arare: Classic rice cracker with a smoky umami finish.
Wild cards
- Gyokuro chocolate wafer: Earthy green tea cream wrapped in crisp, airy wafer. Luxe and surprising.
- Black sesame taiko kuzukiri: Chilled DIY dessert with kuromitsu syrup — fun, but a bit sweet for me.
- Issa senbei: Light and crunchy with simple ingredients. Pure and traditional.
What I loved, what I’d skip
Favorites
- The wasabi pistachios, amaou strawberry crunch, and gyokuro chocolate wafer, were my absolute favorites!
- The Nagasaki honey castella had such a beautiful, subtle sweetness — it’s something I’d expect to find in a department store in Japan.
- My son loved the Kumamoto watermelon gummies. That was the first thing to disappear.
Least favorites
- The Tsuru no Sato Marshmallow and the Black Sesame Taiko were beautifully presented, just not my thing. (Though, if you love traditional Japanese sweets that lean sweet and soft, they might hit differently for you.)
Is Sakuraco worth it?
Absolutely. This snack box is a whole experience. A carefully curated selection of flavors, textures, and stories that invite you to connect with the beauty of Japanese culture through food.
For fans of traditional Japanese snacks, those curious about Japanese convenience stores reimagined through small batch artisans, or anyone looking to discover Mt. Fuji through a bite of sponge cake, this is one of those Japanese snack boxes that delivers.
It’s such a fun thing to look forward to each month — and a beautiful way to support local makers and family-owned businesses.
Wondering how Sakuraco compares to other snack boxes?
While this isn’t a TokyoTreat review, I know that question comes up a lot, so here’s my take:
Sakuraco has a slower, softer energy. It’s rooted in tradition, highlighting authentic Japanese sweets, savory treats, regional teas, and thoughtfully crafted home goods.
If you’re more drawn to the bold, pop-culture energy of bright candies and anime packaging and novelty, other boxes do that beautifully.
But if you’re here for a selection of Japanese snacks that feel connected to local life, this one’s for you.
Who will love Sakuraco?
- Anyone interested in Japanese tea culture or traditional Japanese sweets.
- Gift-givers looking for something meaningful, beautifully presented, and a little unexpected
- Curious foodies craving a monthly subscription box that highlights a unique aspect of Japanese culture each month.
- For those who love the anticipation of unboxing, the fun of trying new flavors, and the chance to learn about a different culture.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- High-quality Japanese treats
- Reusable home goods (like chopsticks or ceramics)
- Presentation — entire box feels premium.
- Includes allergy information and a well-designed snack guide.
- Supports small businesses and family-owned makers in Japan.
Cons:
- Shipping cost is additional (common with international subscription services).
- You can’t choose your snacks — perfect for adventurous eaters, less so for picky ones.
Final verdict: Is it worth it?
For me — absolutely. I loved the intention behind the details and how it made me feel like I was discovering something new each time I opened a package.
Where to get the Sakuraco box
If you’re craving something thoughtful, beautifully made, and rooted in authentic Japanese snacks and traditions, this subscription service delivers.
If you're thinking about trying Sakuraco, they offer trial boxes or subscriptions (3, 6, or 12 months—the longer you go, the better the deal). Here’s the link if you want to learn more: Sign up for Sakuraco
Comments
No Comments