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Sakuraco is a monthly Japanese Snack Box subscription celebrating authentic Japanese flavors. They support family-owned businesses, featuring snacks from a 'new corner of Japan' every month. 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 13 snacks to try this month, plus the cutest tea cup! This box shipped directly from Japan; everything arrived in perfect condition and didn't take long to get to me.
First Impressions
The packaging for this box is stunning. Delicate cherry blossoms are printed all over the box with some subtle gold detailing. This is packaging that I will definitely be reusing. I love it when subscriptions put so much care into their boxes.
Sakuraco included a poetic note describing the autumnal streets of Kyoto, where this month's snacks are from.
It was not surprising that Sakuraco included a gorgeous booklet since their packaging was so impressive. This booklet describes each snack and lists if it contains any common allergy. It also includes several articles ranging from Japanese folklore to Kimono making to historical Japanese sites in Kyoto. I learned so much that I really worked up a hunger. Let's dig into these snacks!
What's Inside:
Kitsune Senbei - Seki Confectionery
This is the snack that immediately caught my interest while unboxing, and I had to pry it from my daughter's kung-fu grip (she is going through a kitty cat phase). This crunchy cracker was sweet enough to curb my sweet tooth. It would have been perfect with a glass of milk. This cookie is a souvenir you could find for Kyoto's renowned Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine; the fox printed on the cookie is holding a gem in its mouth, an item treasured by the gods.
Sweet Potato Pie - Kawachi Surugaya
This little pie was a delight! It remained so fresh in its packaging; the flaky crust was soft, and the sweet potato paste filling mildly sweetens the entire treat. I would have loved to have another for breakfast tomorrow; this is something I think my kids would also enjoy.
Yuzu Dorayaki - Suzuya Masamichi
This pastry was rich and downright tasty. The flavors of the wheat dough infused with yuzu and the white bean paste filling are a perfect match and harmonize beautifully. If I were to compare the dough to anything, I would say the texture is pancakey. That white bean paste, though... I don't have any references to it, but I will say that it was scrumptious. It was what I had for girl dinner tonight, along with a few other various bites, and it was the highlight of my day!
Nikki Yatsuhashi - Kyoeido
I had no idea what to expect out of this very hard, thin cracker, but I was very pleasantly surprised. There are three of them stacked in each wrapper. I bit into one, and I was a little surprised at how crunchy it was. I immediately tasted cinnamon, and it became a fast favorite. This would be a really smart option for someone who needs a sweet little pick-me-up after every meal.
Matcha Pudding - Morihaku Confectionary
This is the last item I tried in this month's box. I was nervous, I won't lie. The green pudding was a little ominous for me since I am very picky about anything matcha flavored. Well, I was pleasantly surprised by the silky, smooth texture and the authentic matcha taste. It was sweet and definitely what I consider to be a comfort food.
Matcha Cream Roll Cookie - Gion Tsuijiri
When I bit into this cookie, I couldn't believe how soft and creamy the filling was. The matcha cream's flavor really complimented the rice cracker roll, and you're left with an enjoyable subtly sweet flavor.
Matcha Chocolate Crun - B.H. Corporation
This is one treat that I could see myself ordering in bulk. It is designed in Kyoto as a souvenir for a well-known temple. They use a blend of high-quality matcha chocolate with azuki beans and traditional puffed rice, creating a bite-sized masterpiece. If I had to Americanize it, I would say it reminded me as if someone took a tiny rice crispy treat and dipped it in white chocolate. Delish!
Fried Ginkgo Nuts - Takuma Foods
Neither my husband nor I enjoyed these. At first bite, it reminded us of a corn nut, but after some in depth chewing, we both looked at each other and shook our heads noooo. We aren't used to bitter components in our food, and even the lightly salted, fried exterior couldn't save it.
Osodefuri Soybean Okaki - Iwatsuka Confectionary
I am always down for rice crackers. This is a thick, lightly salted version that I would definitely buy again. It had a light sesame taste that I could easily become addicted to.
Soba Boro - Heiwa Confectionery
These cookies are considered to be traditional Kyoto confections. Even though there is a definite hearty crunch, it manages to be airy and not dense at all. I really enjoyed trying these sweet, crispy biscuits.
Kyoto Arare - Hanayu
I really liked the variety of crackers in this cheeful packaging. The arare medley consisted of seven different types of nearly bite-sized snacks. The savory bunch all had a base of soy sauce, but the majority had a delicious sesame seed taste while one of them was wrapped in seaweed. I wish I could get over the seaweed taste and embrace it, but I simply cannot. Six out of seven were perfection!
Sencha - Gion Tsujiri
Green tea is one of life's simple pleasures that I can just never get enough of. At any given time, I am a true to form beverage goblin; I keep my green tea tumbler and my water by my side all day long. This green tea is much more potent than I am used to. It has a wonderful taste, and I think it would be equally delicious iced.
Momiji & Chestnut Wagashi - Kakushoan x Sugiura Confectionary
How cute are these sweet jelly candies? I bit into each candy without any expectations and I was a little confused. I couldn't detect any distinguishable flavor, besides sugar. I asked my husband to try them as well, and he agreed that sugar or bland sweetness was what he was tasting. They were interesting, but I expected to at least taste the bean paste.
Floral Kamon Yunomi - Sanpou Touen
I wasn't expecting anything besides snacks in this box, so I was so excited when I pulled this brilliant teacup out of its box. It was manufactured in Gifu, but they painted the yellow flowers on it to 'represent the beauty of Kyoto in autumn'. It holds about six ounces of tea, and it is microwave safe and dishwasher safe.
The Verdict
Sakuraco's October box presented me with some flavors that were definitely not a part of my everyday palate. I was really excited to dive into this box blindly, giving my honest opinion on what this subscription presents and trying new-to-me snacks that I've never even seen before. I am happy to report that I was wowed by the whole experience; everything from unboxing to the taste testing session I enjoyed with my family was definitely worth the $37.50 price tag.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $37.50. This box ships directly from Japan and included 13 artisanal snacks and a teacup. It is like spending $2.68 per item.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes
What do you think of this season's Sakuraco's box?
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