Japan Crate is a Japanese snack subscription box that sends you snacks, candies, and beverages. Each box comes with 15 to 20 full-size sweets and snacks that are tricky or impossible to find outside Japan.
This review is for the Japan Crate Premium Box, starting at $49.95 monthly.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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The Japan Crate box for this month had a Sakura season theme centered around the iconic cherry blossom. 🌸🏯
However, I have to say that I was a bit surprised to find that there wasn't a single cherry blossom-inspired snack in the whole box. Instead, the box was filled with a variety of sweet strawberry treats. While I enjoyed the strawberry extravaganza, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more of a connection to the cherry blossom theme.
To add to that, the box arrived a bit damaged this time around, which was a bit surprising as the boxes usually arrive in perfect shape. Aside from the cherry blossom tree on the box, there wasn't really any other relation to the theme within the snacks. I was hoping for at least one or two Sakura-themed snacks, so it was a bit of a letdown.
What's Inside: Japan Crate April 2023 Box
Butter & Rock Salt Chips
Oh my goodness, these chips are dangerously delicious! I seriously need a jumbo-sized box of these bad boys. They're so creamy and buttery, it's like eating a savory cloud. I'm giving these a perfect score of 100/10!
Bisco Strawberry Mini Pack
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I was so excited to try these cute little biscuits with strawberry cream filling. Unfortunately, mine arrived all squished up, but I could still taste the yummy strawberry flavor. These are definitely a must-have for any tea-time snack.
Strawberry Wheat Chocolate
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Hmm, these puffs covered in strawberry chocolate were a bit of a mixed bag for me. They're not bad, but they're not as delicious as I was hoping for. I wouldn't go out of my way to buy them again.
New Whistle Candy
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Okay, so maybe these soda-flavored candies aren't exactly "new" to us Japan Crate subscribers. And I have no idea if they're supposed to whistle, but I tried and failed miserably. Still, they're a fun little snack to munch on.
Gundam the Witch from Mercury Tomato Snack
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I have to admit, I'm already a huge fan of these crunchy, airy chips. But the real shocker? They taste exactly like tomato soup! It's like a warm hug in snack form. Don't knock it 'til you try it!
White Chocolate Soaked Mini Asparagus
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I'm sorry, but I cannot believe these are made from asparagus. They're too tasty to be true! Whatever they are, I can't get enough of them.
Snack Sticks with 11 Vegetables
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Now these are the kinds of snacks that I need in my life. Not only are they delicious, but each little stick has 11 different veggies in it! It's like healthy snacking without even trying. And they taste like a yummy, herbed breadstick. Score!
Grape Soda Gummy
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Okay, so I was hoping for a little more excitement from this grape soda-flavored gummy. Unfortunately, it didn't have any fizzy goodness to it. But hey, it's still a tasty little treat.
Strawberry Cream Roll Cake
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Holy moly, this roll cake was a game-changer. I'm already a fan of roll cakes in general, but this one was next level. The inside was super creamy and dreamy, and it tasted so fresh. I seriously need a giant version of this in my life.
Mini Peach Hard Candy
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These little peach-flavored mints are great to have around for a quick freshen-up. My only complaint is that the package doesn't reseal, but I'll overlook it for the yummy peach goodness.
Strawberry Marble Gum
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Japanese gum never ceases to amaze me with how flavorful it can be. This strawberry marble gum was no exception – it tasted like a sweet, creamy strawberry milkshake. Yum!
Petit Donut Biscuit
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This vanilla biscuit was just too cute to pass up. It's the perfect little bite-sized treat to pair with your favorite cup of tea.
Pocky Strawberry Sprinkle
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Oh boy, do I love me some Pocky. These strawberry sprinkle ones were no exception – they're crunchy, sweet, and just plain delicious.
Fish Chew Snack
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Okay, so this fish stick snack was definitely the most traditional snack in the whole box. It had a pretty strong fishy flavor, and apparently, you're supposed to eat it with mayo (which I didn't have on hand). It wasn't the crispiest snack, but it was definitely interesting.
Fruit Donut Gummy
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This sugary gummy had a fruity flavor, but it wasn't anything too exciting or unique. Still, it satisfied my sweet tooth cravings.
Sweet Fermented Rice Drink
This amazake rice drink was a bit of a mystery to me. It had a sweet taste, but you could definitely taste the fermented notes in there. I'm not sure if I could drink a whole can of this, but it was an interesting experience.
Mushroom Shaped Chocolate DIY
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This was such a fun DIY project! It's perfect for anyone with kids or anyone who loves cute little things. I have to admit, my mini mushrooms didn't turn out looking very mushroom-like, but it was still a blast to make.
Magical Growing Sakura Tree
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I am seriously obsessed with this magical growing Sakura tree. Unfortunately, it's been raining non-stop here in Florida, and it's supposed to be an outdoor plant. But I still hope my tree will blossom soon and bring some extra magic into my life.
My Verdict
Overall, while the snacks themselves were tasty and enjoyable, I was a bit underwhelmed with the lack of cherry blossom inspiration and of the condition of the box upon arrival.
Some of my personal favorites included the Butter & Rock Salt Chips, Bisco Strawberry Mini Pack, Snack Sticks with 11 Vegetables, Strawberry Cream Roll Cake, and Pocky Strawberry Sprinkle. These snacks were all absolutely delicious, and I couldn't get enough of them. A few snacks didn't quite hit the mark for me, like the Strawberry Wheat Chocolate and the Fish Chew Snack. But even with those, I appreciate the opportunity to try something new and unique.
To Wrap Up
Can I still get this box if I sign up today? Yes! Crates are shipped on a rolling schedule with three shipment dates every month.
Value Breakdown: This box costs $49.95 monthly (including free shipping), and I received 18 items. That breaks down to a value of $2.77 per item.
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