🍵 The Ultimate Matcha Snack Guide for Japan Travelers
If you're traveling to Japan and love matcha, get ready — you're entering green tea paradise.
Matcha has been part of Japan’s culture for centuries, and today it’s transformed into some of the most delicious snacks and sweets you’ll ever taste.
From convenience-store treats to elegant Kyoto souvenirs, here are the best matcha snacks to try in Japan in 2025.
🌿 Top Matcha Snacks to Try in Japan
1. Matcha KitKat (Uji Premium & Seasonal Editions)
Japan’s legend. You haven’t truly had matcha KitKat until you try the Premium Uji Matcha version.
✅ Rich, deep matcha flavor
✅ Slight bitterness → authentic taste
✨ Seasonal versions appear constantly
📍 Where to find: Don Quijote, airports, convenience stores
2. Pocky Otona no Kohaku “Matcha”
Crispy sticks coated in fragrant matcha chocolate
with a subtle bittersweet finish — very Japanese.
✨ Limited releases each year
📍 Konbini & supermarkets
3. Kyoto Uji Matcha Langue de Chat Cookies
Light butter cookies sandwiched with rich matcha chocolate.
A sophisticated gift — perfect souvenir.
Recommended brands:
-
Malebranche “Cha no Ka”
-
Kyoto Kitayama
📍 Kyoto station / department stores (depachika)
4. Matcha Mochi
Soft, chewy, filled with matcha cream or anko.
Texture heaven. Pure comfort.
📍 Konbini & Japanese supermarkets
5. Matcha Daifuku (Fresh Daifuku)
A fluffy mochi ball filled with matcha and sometimes…
fresh strawberries + matcha cream 😍
For the best experience: eat same day.
📍 Depachika, local wagashi shops
6. Matcha Chocolate Truffles
Melting matcha ganache coated in cocoa — pure luxury.
Top pick: Royce Matcha Chocolate
📍 Airport duty-free / Tokyo Station
7. Matcha Meltykiss (Winter Only)
Seasonal winter chocolate cubes
that melt instantly on your tongue.
⏳ Only sold in winter (Nov–Feb)
📍 Konbini & supermarkets
8. Matcha Baumkuchen
Soft layered cake infused with real matcha powder.
Moist, buttery, elegant.
Brands:
-
Uji Itohkyuemon
-
Juchheim
📍 Department stores, Kyoto shops
9. Matcha Dorayaki
Fluffy pancakes filled with anko + matcha cream.
Traditional but modern at the same time.
📍 Traditional sweet shops
10. Matcha Ice Cream
You’ve seen matcha ice cream before…
but Japan’s is different: deep, earthy, creamy.
Best spots:
-
Tsujiri
-
Nanaya Gelato (very strong matcha levels!)
📍 Kyoto, Shizuoka, Tokyo
🛒 Where to Buy Matcha Snacks in Japan
| Place | Why go |
|---|---|
| 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart | Limited seasonal matcha snacks |
| Don Quijote | Cheap bulk matcha KitKat & Pocky |
| Tokyo Station “GRANSTA” | Regional matcha sweets in one place |
| Kyoto Station | Best for Uji matcha souvenirs |
| Depachika | Luxury matcha gifts |
🎒 Tip: Save suitcase space — matcha souvenirs disappear quickly!
💡 Insider Tips
-
Look for the words Uji (top-quality matcha region)
-
Buy seasonal editions — they won't be around next time
-
Fresh sweets (mochi, daifuku) taste best same day
FAQ
Q: Can I bring matcha snacks home?
Yes — most packaged snacks are safe for travel.
Q: Is matcha sweet or bitter?
Japanese matcha snacks often balance both — not too sweet.
Q: Where can I try traditional matcha?
Kyoto tea houses & specialty cafes like Tsujiri.
✨ Final Thoughts
Matcha in Japan isn’t just a flavor — it’s a cultural experience.
Whether you're hunting for limited-edition KitKats or tasting fresh Kyoto daifuku, every bite is a taste of Japan’s heritage.
Travel tip: If you see a matcha flavor you've never tried before — buy it. It might be gone next week.
Happy matcha adventures 🍵💚
