Sakuraco snack box review: An authentic taste of Japan, wherever you are

Author Avatar Hana Victoria Shiraishi

As the Kamakura breeze drifts into my home office and the cicadas belt out their iconic summer tunes, I am snacking on a treat I have never tried before: crunchy peanuts coated in the comforting aroma of cinnamon and the deep molasses sweetness of kokuto, Okinawa’s traditional brown sugar that has been a regional specialty for over 400 years.

Not only am I mind-boggled by how well these familiar flavors come together, but I am also tasting a snack that normally cannot be found outside Japan’s southernmost prefecture. This pack of kokuto cinnamon peanuts is just one of 20 thoughtfully curated snacks, teas, and other goodies included in this month’s Okinawa-themed Sakuraco Japanese snack subscription box.

As I hope to convey in this review, Sakuraco is more than just a box of treats; it’s a way to experience a little piece of authentic Japan, wherever you are. This month, it is taking me southward to the wonders of Okinawa, by way of flavor.

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TokyoTreat vs Sakuraco

In contrast to its sister brand TokyoTreat, which focuses on trendy, pop-culture-inspired snacks like Japan-exclusive KitKats and anime-themed treats (think Pikachu-shaped gummies!), Sakuraco spotlights the traditional, artisanal flavors of Japan. 

If I were to describe them in terms of seasons, TokyoTreat embodies the vibrant energy of summer that makes you feel like a giddy little kid again, while Sakuraco evokes the mellow mood of autumn, which I would characterize as oshare, a Japanese word that means something like “mature elegance” or “stylishly chic.”

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A snack box that tells a story

The exterior of the box, adorned with a gold sakura emblem and a soothing reddish-burgundy hue, immediately conveyed a refined sense of “Japanese-ness,” setting the stage beautifully. Lifting the lid revealed a card featuring traditional Japanese artwork on the front and a message from Sakuraco founder Ayumi Chikamoto on the back:

“On past visits [to Okinawa], I’ve been struck by how everyday life feels intentional—from the pottery passed down through generations to the distinct flavors shaped by the island’s subtropical climate.”

“This month’s selection draws from that feeling. I’ve chosen snacks that reflect the warmth and character of Okinawa—simple, thoughtful, and rooted in tradition. I hope they offer a small taste of island life, wherever you are.”

Ayumi-san’s words were both inviting and illuminating, giving me a clear sense of the care poured into every detail of the box. They put me in the right mindset to savor each step of opening and enjoying the wondrous gifts tucked inside.

Next, I picked up the 24-page brochure, a true work of art. Having dabbled in designing pamphlets myself, I was in awe of its masterful layout—from the seamless integration of text and graphics, which made it easy to navigate, to the vibrant, mouthwatering photographs of each treat, complete with descriptions and allergy details. The brochure also included backstories of several brands behind the snacks, along with features on Okinawa’s sacred sites and year-round festivals.

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A journey through Okinawan flavors

This month’s selection included 12 different types of snacks, with a few varieties coming in pairs. I recognized one right away: the honey plum, featuring the iconic Suppaiman character on the package in his bold yellow suit and red cape giving a big thumbs-up. This product line comes from a famous Okinawan confectionery called Uema Kashiten that has been in business for over 50 years. I usually go for Suppaiman’s seedless dried plum variety available at my local Lawson, so it was a treat to revisit these plump, honey-soaked ones. 

They also brought back cozy childhood memories of my obaachan (grandma on my Japanese side), who always kept big jars of homemade honey plums at her house in Fukuoka. The brochure notes that these mineral-rich plums support hydration and fatigue recovery—benefits my obaachan always said were especially good for enduring the harsh summer heat. I love that the Sakuraco selection is curated with both the theme and the season in mind.

Chinsuko was another snack I instantly recognized and have adored for a long time. One of Okinawa’s most iconic treats, it resembles shortbread with a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture. When I visited Okinawa years ago on a high-school graduation trip with my friends, we couldn’t resist taking free chinsuko samples whenever we encountered them at souvenir shops. They are simple but irresistibly delicious!

But my favorite of the bunch was the Okinawa baked chocolate. At first glance, it looked like a simple chocolate cookie, but it was actually richer and fudgier. Consulting my beautiful brochure, I learned it wasn’t actually a cookie, but a thin slab of bite-sized chocolate that has been slow-baked and infused with Okinawan sea salt—yum.

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Beyond the sweets: Mino ware ceramics

The final item I unwrapped was a stunning piece of ceramic from Bloom, a company nestled in the hills of Gifu Prefecture. They specialize in Mino ware, a style of Japanese ceramics with a cherished history spanning over 1,300 years.

The box includes either a floral-patterned yellow teacup or a small rustic bowl, and I received the latter, which I am completely in love with. While the product isn’t Okinawan* itself, learning that the bowl’s design was inspired by the sea breeze and titled Minamikaze (south wind) made its creamy white surface with wavy blue patterns instantly evoke images of sitting along one of Okinawa’s many breathtaking turquoise beaches.

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What makes Sakuraco special

Beyond the snacks and artisanal products, Sakuraco offers something timeless. I believe it’s because every detail is curated with the mission of helping people feel connected to the heart of Japan through story. Tasting the honey plum, for example, was enriched by learning about the makers’ dream “to be a 100-year brand that represents Okinawa to the world.” Trying the beni imo (purple sweet potato) pie felt even more meaningful after seeing photos of local farmers dedicated to cultivating this ingredient, which is central to Okinawa’s culinary identity.

Reading about the Naha Tug-of-War Festival—celebrated for over 500 years, where teams compete using one of the largest ropes in the world (over 40 tons and nearly 200 meters!)—gave me insight into the region’s vibrant community and deep reverence for tradition. Altogether, these moments made me feel closer to Okinawa than ever—even more than when I actually visited, since I was mostly just passing through as a tourist rather than actively engaging with local life.

Through flavor and craft, Sakuraco offers a beautiful chance to step into the local stories of Japan’s hidden corners I might never have discovered—and that, I believe, is what makes it so special.

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* It’s worth noting that not every item in my box was made in Okinawa or by an Okinawan brand. I’m sure this can vary by box, but this is just a friendly heads-up that your location-themed selection might include products from other regions of Japan. The Sakuraco website provides a full content list for every box, including past ones, which you can always check beforehand if you’re curious.

ICHIGO Inc., the parent company of Sakuraco, kindly sent us this snack box so we could try it out and share our honest thoughts with you. This page also has affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase a box through our website (at no extra cost to you, of course). Thank you so much for supporting Deep Japan!