Japan makes snacks like no other country I’ve ever experienced, but it's not always possible to make the trip there. If you're looking for a taste of Japan right from your own home, Sakuraco and Bokksu are two Japanese snack subscription boxes that will deliver the taste of Japan you crave. Here’s my attempt to help differentiate between Sakuraco and Bokksu (spoiler alert: there's a clear winner).
If you want authentic locally-sourced Japanese snacks … Sakuraco
This is one of the most noticeable differences between Sakuraco and Bokksu. Sakuraco is committed to more traditional Japanese snacks, moving away from dagashi, or snacks from large-scale markets. Bokksu includes dagashi in their box, and as someone who appreciates a truly unique experience, I definitely prefer Sakuraco's authentic experience over Bokksu's mass-produced snacks.
I love that Sakuraco highlights locally sourced snacks from smaller makers, as well as Japanese-owned family businesses that have been in business for generations. In Sakuraco's box, you're getting a range of Japanese snacks, ceramicware, glassware, and tableware you won't find in any other box.
Sakuraco also partners with local prefectures to highlight a specific area of Japan. Through partnerships with local governments, they can highlight even more local makers. Learning about each snack’s history of traditions rooted in generational family recipes made the whole experience of eating these snacks feel more special.
If you want premium Japanese homeware … Sakuraco
Every Sakuraco box has at least one piece of Japanese tableware, ceramicware, or glassware to keep a piece of Japan with you once the snacks are gone. I know Japanese craftsmanship is one of the oldest in the world, and as someone who loves home decor, I enjoy having these pieces made from generational traditions in my home. Plus, it feels like I get to keep something once I eat all the yummy snacks. They feel elegant and premium, unlike something you’d find at your local store here in the US.
Bokksu only includes snacks in their box, so Sakuraco is definitely the winner here based on the box inclusions. I absolutely love that Sakuraco makes sure to include a beautiful Japanese memento that you can keep for long after the box is gone, and this is something that is noticeably missing from Bokksu's box of mass-produced snacks.
If you are looking for seasonal snacks … Tie
Both Sakuraco and Bokksu have a range of regular themes and seasonal boxes, so both box options offer a holistic range of snacks you can expect from Japan (though Sakuraco's are more authentic than Bokksu's).
Sakuraco's seasonal boxes include a gorgeous sakura-themed box in April and an autumn-themed box for November. Additionally, Sakuraco highlights different areas in Japan beautifully. Bokksu boxes are still missing that authentic lean I've come to appreciate from Sakuraco, so while both boxes include seasonal snacks, I enjoy opening and enjoying my Sakuraco box more.
If you want different subscriptions … Both!
Both Sakuraco and Bokksu offer different subscription plans. They’re both available as a monthly subscription but also have the option to pre-pay for 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, helping you save more money.
If you want an authentic and premium experience … Sakuraco
After trying different Japanese snack boxes, I genuinely feel Sakuraco offers a unique experience. The premium selection of snacks is unmatched. Sakuraco shies away from mass-produced market snacks and show you locally-sourced options instead, which I really enjoy–choosing these handpicked snacks from different areas of Japan is not an easy feat! Each Sakuraco box feels carefully curated and prepared with love. Just the fact that the box arrives with protective materials to prevent any snack from breaking is a clear indicator of Sakuraco's care, quality, and originality.
The box I'm loving: Sakuraco
When it comes to delivering authentic Japanese snacks and a little bit more, Sakuraco wins my heart. Everything feels genuine and premium in this box, from the booklet to the taste of each item and the houseware addition. Each box has a story that connects the snack to the region and the makers they come from, so it doesn't just feel like a box of snacks–it's a true learning experience. Through Sakuraco, I've gained invaluable knowledge about Japanese culture and connected with it through its carefully curated snacks. Plus, the homeware item is an extra something I get to keep at home for display and use.
To me, Sakuraco is the winner over Bokksu. Sakuraco offers superior-quality snacks, a more unique offering with locally-sourced snacks, and extra items to offer a complete experience.
