There are so many reasons to plan a foodie trip to Japan. You can visit the famous 3-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant made famous in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, snack on street foods like takoyaki and yakitori while you roam around Tokyo, test out vending machines that serve up everything from dashi and noodles to eggs and bananas, and sample local delicacies like Hokkaido milk tea and fluffy Japanese cheesecake.
Luckily, if you want to taste your way across the prefectures, you don’t have to spend your savings on a plane ticket. Both Bokksu and TokyoTreat will send authentic Japanese snacks and confections straight to your front door. But which one offered me the better taste tour of Japan?
If you want to snack like a local? Bokksu wins!
If you wanted to introduce an overseas eater to your favorite American snacks, would you send them a bag of Doritos and a Diet Coke? Nah, you’d probably want to send chocolates from your favorite local maker or delicacies from your own home town. Bokksu takes the same proud approach by sourcing snacks from family-owned and small-batch producers across Japan. I received things like handmade Ume Sake Candy from Kyoto, melt-in-your-mouth Azuki Chocolates from Hokkaido, and Sakura Mochi from Nagano. With TokyoTreat, I received more mass-produced snack foods like Pringles and Kit-Kats.
If you want tons of treats? It’s a close call, but Bokksu wins!
When it comes to snacking, more is definitely more. Both Bokksu and TokyoTreat get it, and they each send boxes that are packed full of tasty treats from Japan. While a subscription to either will keep your pantry stocked with goodies, you’ll get more cookies, marshmallows, gummies, and savory snacks with Bokksu. Bokksu includes 20-25 snacks in every box. TokyoTreat only sends 15-20.
If you're looking for thoughtful curation? Bokksu wins!
Every shipment from Bokksu is curated around a different theme. In one box, you’ll snack on treats that are picked to represent the different Seasons of Japan, while in the next you might receive tastes that embody Sakura Season or Spring Otozure. Every box contains a new selection of goodies that have been thoughtfully selected to transport you to a particular time or place in Japan.
If you want to also sample Japanese beverages? TokyoTreat wins!
True, Bokksu will send you a wide variety of high-quality snacks in every box, but if you also want to sample Japanese beverages, ToykoTreat may be the best box for you. Every shipment contains a sippable inclusion like Calpis Melon Cream Soda, Fanta Yogurt Rush White & Yellow Peach, or Maroyaka Strawberry Milk. With a subscription to ToykoTreat, you’ll be able to eat AND drink your way through Japan.
The ultimate winner? Bokksu wins!
If you want to sample lots of local treats from around Japan that have been thoughtfully curated to take you on a taste tour of the country, Bokksu is my vote!
