Sakuraco is a monthly Japanese Snack Box subscription celebrating authentic Japanese flavors. Committed to supporting family-owned businesses, each month this box features snacks from a ''new corner of Japan.'' Indulge in artisan treats and learn more about Japanese culture with them through flavor and tea.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
Sakuraco costs $37.50 monthly; you can save more by committing to a longer subscription. I received plenty of snacks to try this month, plus a beautiful plate inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa. This box shipped directly from Japan; everything arrived in perfect condition and didn't take long to get to me.
First Impressions
Once again, the packaging for this box is stunning. ♡
June's box gives you a taste of Kyushu. It was not surprising that Sakuraco included a gorgeous booklet, since its packaging is so impressive. This booklet describes each snack and lists if it contains any common allergens. It also includes articles about crafts, traditions, and the natural wonders of Mt. Fuji.
What's Inside:
Nori Wasabi Arare
No matter how hard I try, I can never get past the potent taste of wasabi; this snack's wasabi flavor was very mild, but I am still not a fan. I am sure these are delicious for anyone remotely interested in that particular experience, but my taste buds do not agree.
Sakura Shrimp Kakimochi
Kakimochi is a rice cracker with a mighty crunch and fluffy interior. This version has a strong shrimpy flavor. It is perfectly salted, and this cracker is the perfect prelude to a rich, sweet treat.
Ako Salt Agemochi
I am obsessed with this deep-fried snack. Small pieces of mochi are fried until they bloom into crunchy savory snacks. They are blessed with a renowned roasted salt seasoning from Ako, and they are perfect.
Shizuoka Green Tea Cookie
I've been crazy about green tea for years now. A sandwich cookie bursting with green tea flavor is right up my alley! The thin layer of green tea cream complements the subtle sweetness of the green tea cookie. There is a satisfying crunch, and I am wishing I had another.
Amaou Strawberry Dorayaki
These dorayaki are like cute little pocket pancakes. They are filled with a white bean paste infused with Amaou strawberry. It has a lovely, almost tart, flavor. My kids and I absolutely love these pancake pastries.
Matcha Friand
I hesitate when I see matcha, because it is definitely not my favorite flavor profile or beverage, but I am always impressed with how much I enjoy the matcha treats I discover through Sakuraco. This cake is decadent and impressively moist. I thoroughly enjoy the color, which my kids and I decided was "Grinch Green."
Chocolate & Plain Crown Melon Wafers
Okay, I have a love for wafers, but the ones I've had from Sakuraco are on a different level. The flavor they pack into these is so unique, not to mention utterly delicious. The fruity flavor hails from Shizuoka's famous Crown Melons, which are then blended perfectly into a chocolate. Add in the flaky wafer, and it's a match made in heaven.
Mt. Fuji Kohakuto
Kohakuto is a sugar candy with a sugar-crystal shell and an indulgent soft center. It is so satisfying to bite into this type of sweet; you're immediately met with the crunchy sugar crystals and fruity center, which is surprisingly not overwhelmingly sweet. I haven't met a candy like this in the US, so I always look forward to receiving a few in this subscription. And how cute are these little tiny Mt. Fuji-shaped candies?
Mt. Fuji Dish
When I was a teenager, I had a poster of The Great Wave hanging in my bedroom; I still appreciate the beauty and depth of this image, enough to put this gorgeous plate on display in my house. The contrast between the white detail and indigo glaze is stunning in person. This plate is dishwasher and microwave safe but may be too pretty to eat off of.
Mt. Fuji Jelly
Of course, I had to share this treat with my little ones. They love having an opportunity to slurp any kind of treat, especially a fun, colorful jelly. I wasn't expecting it to have an apple cider flavor because of its blue hue, but it was very tasty. The blue and white mountain-inspired shape is a tribute to Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain.
Mt. Fuji Chocolate Crunch
Corn hailed from Hokkaido is roasted then doused in white and milk chocolate to make this tasty, crunchy confection. We have had similar snacks from Sakuraco, but I was pleasantly surprised by the complex peanut and white chocolate flavor of the lighter version. The chocolate variety was delicious as well, and they both disappeared in a flash.
Muscat Konjac Jelly
My kids were ecstatic to see several slurp-able packets in this bag. Muscat Konjac Jelly is packaged in a handy little pouch, just like fruit snacks but refreshing and low-calorie.
Mt. Fuji Biscuit
Who can resist a sandwich cookie shaped like Mt. Fuji? It is delightful in appearance and taste. A thin layer of smooth milk cream is spread between two subtly sweet, mountain-shaped biscuits.
Matcha Genmaicha
Woah, I wasn't expecting to enjoy this tea so much. It is a blend of Shizuoka sencha, Hokkaido brown rice, and Shizuoka matcha; normally, I don't reach for anything Matcha flavored, but this invigorating combination was really lovely.
The Verdict
Sakuraco's July box was, as always, stacked with diverse flavors and a range of textures. My favorites were the jellies, Kohakuto candies, and of course, the strawberry dorayaki - so good! It's always impressive to see how many treats they can cram into this box, and I absolutely love that they always include a home good or utensil, like this month's gorgeous snack plate. This box always bursts with authentic Japanese flavors, and I thoroughly enjoy everything from unboxing the lovely packaging to our taste-testing session. It is especially fun sharing this experience with my family, and it is so worth the $37.50 price tag.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $37.50. This box ships directly from Japan and included 14 artisanal snacks and a pair of snack plate. It is like spending $2.50 per item.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes
What do you think of this month's Sakuraco's box?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.