The Sakuraco Japanese snack box is the ideal way for you to explore an array of traditional Japanese snacks without the price of a flight to Japan. This curated monthly snack subscription box delivers a variety of snacks, tea, and home goods straight to your doorstep, giving you or your loved ones a true taste of Japan.
Each month, Sakuraco brings to life a new themed box surrounding a festival, season, or regional specialty in Japan, providing an authentic and immersive experience for a memorable unboxing. And after several trips to Japan during my years in South Korea, my standards for authentic Japanese snacks are high.
My ideal subscription box is fun and affordable, perfect for one-off gifts or ongoing subscriptions. So when I was invited to write a Sakuraco box review, I just had to see for myself if it lives up to the hype.
In this Sakuraco review, you’ll see what’s inside each of these boxes, how much each box costs, and what Sakuraco coupon code is currently available.
Jump To
Sakuraco Box: Quick Review
Imagine enjoying a taste of Japan without leaving the comfort of your home – that's what the Sakuraco Japanese Snack Box offers. In this quick review, I'll give you an idea of what to expect when you subscribe to this popular Japanese snack box.
When you receive your first Sakuraco Box, you'll initially notice the beautifully-decorated packaging, filled with as many as 20 high-quality Japanese treats inspired by the elegant Omotenashi culture. Inside, you'll find a range of snacks, including traditional mochi, artisanal bites, and locally sourced Japanese teas.
Monthly Price: $32.50-$37.50
Includes: 20 full-sized items
Favorites: white chocolate strawberry, delicate jellies, monthly Japanese tea
The creators at Sakuraco take great care in curating each month's box, ensuring you get a unique experience every time. Compared to other Japanese subscription boxes like Tokyo Treat, Sakuraco distinguishes itself by focusing on traditional and artisanal flavors.
So if you're looking for an authentic Japanese experience, this box is perfect for you. One of the highlights of the Sakuraco box is the inclusion of a hand-selected afternoon tea, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing tea time while savoring your snacks.
In each box you'll also receive a booklet that provides detailed information about each item in the box, deepening your appreciation for the rich history and culture behind the treats. Here's a quick overview of what you might find in a Sakuraco box:
- Traditional snacks: mochi, dorayaki, wagashi
- Sweet treats: Japanese chocolates, cookies, candies, Pocky sticks
- Savory items: rice crackers, seaweed snacks, shrimp chips
- Artisanal bites: handmade confections, regional specialties
- Japanese tea: locally sourced varieties, carefully paired with your snacks
- Japanese tableware: one item in each box; chopsticks, tea cups, plates
If you're a fan of Japanese snacks and want to experience the essence of Japanese food culture, give the Sakuraco box a try. Of the 18 *edible* treats in our box, we liked about 80% of the treats, and all but one snack got eaten (the squid-flavored rice cracker... it just wasn't to our tastes), so this is a great gift to be able to share with a group.
What's Inside a Sakuraco Box?
Sweet and Savory Japanese Snacks
In each box, you'll find a delightful assortment of the sweet and savory. One of my favorites in this category is mochi, a soft and chewy confection made from sweet rice flour, which can be made either sweet or snacky.
Your box might also contain some crispy senbei crackers, while the white chocolate fruits and jellies are other must-try items, offering a unique and flavorful snacking experience. And don't forget about the delicious flavored cakes, moist and spongy treats that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Some snacks you can expect in your box:
- Mochi
- Cookies
- Senbei crackers
- Japanese chocolate
- Traditional homegoods
- Jellies or marshmallows
- Japanese tea or tea bags
Authentic Japanese Teas
No Japanese snack experience would be complete without authentic Japanese teas to enjoy alongside your treats. In the Sakuraco box, you'll discover quality teas like sencha matcha or genmaicha.
Another tea you might find is hojicha, a roasted green tea with a soothing aroma and smooth taste. Though whatever is chosen for you, each of these Japanese drinks have been carefully selected to complement the snacks in your box.
Bonus: Japanese Home Goods
As a special treat, Sakuraco almost always includes Japanese home goods in their boxes, adding a touch of culture and authenticity to your snacking experience. These items range from traditional tea cups to decorative accessories and plates, providing a unique piece of Japan for you to enjoy in your own home.
What Are the Monthly Themes?
Artisanal Snacks and Sweets
When you subscribe to Sakuraco, you'll discover different regional themes each month, which adds an exciting element of surprise as you eagerly await your box's arrival. From springtime cherry blossoms to autumnal chestnut flavors, each box offers a unique selection of treats that celebrate the colors, flavors, and textures of Japan's beautifully changing seasons.
To ensure the authenticity and quality of the products in your box, Sakuraco works closely with local makers who specialize in crafting artisanal snacks and sweets. These talented individuals use time-honored techniques, ingredients, and recipes to create items that convey the essence of Japanese culture and food from their region.
Each box is focused on either a unique overarching theme, such as the Autumn Moon Festival or Sakura in the Evenings, while others are focused on the specific delicacies from various Japanese perfectures, such as Okinawa in Springtime or the Wonders of Saitama.
By supporting these craftspeople, Sakuraco helps preserve and promote traditional gastronomy while also allowing you to enjoy exclusive treats that are hard to find outside of Japan. Some of the notable items you can expect to find in your box include:
- Wagashi: Traditional Japanese confections often made with sweetened rice flour, red bean paste, and seasonal fruits.
- Dorayaki: A popular dessert consisting of two fluffy pancakes filled with sweet bean paste or other delectable fillings.
- Mochi: Soft and chewy rice cakes that come in various flavors and are often filled with different kinds of sweet and occasionally salty fillings.
- Seasonal Preserved Fruits: whether turned into jam, freeze-dried, liquified, or made into 'essence,' every box has some touches of seasonal fruits to celebrate the flavors of Japan.
All these treats will captivate your taste buds every month, giving you a true taste of the different flavors each season has to offer. Think of it as a giftable edible adventure, letting you experience the best of Japan's artisanal snacks and sweets once a month. For more ideas of what you can expect in Sakuraco boxes, check out their page on what's in past boxes.
Sakuraco Box Price and Subscriptions
Sakuraco Subscription Model
Sakuraco offers one-off boxes for gifts, as well as a subscription model that ensures you'll receive a new box filled with authentic Japanese sweets and treats every month for as long as you'd like. The curated box is highly popular amongst those who love traditional Japanese sweets and the general vibe of the Japanese countryside.
Sakuraco Price and Plan Options
There are various subscription plans to choose from, so you can find the perfect option for your preferences and budget. Subscriptions start at $37.50 per month for the basic plan of just one box.
If you're looking to save a bit more on your snack box, Sakuraco offers discounts for committing to a longer subscription period, ranging from 3-12 months. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy a longer-lasting taste of Japan while saving some money.
Here is a summary of the plans and their prices:
| Subscription Plan | Price per Month | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $37.50 | - |
| 3 Months | $35.50 | 6% |
| 6 Months | $33.50 | 12% |
| 12 Months | $32.50 | 15% |
Sakuraco Shipping and Packaging
Sakuraco ships worldwide, ensuring that all snack-craving fans can enjoy the treats regardless of their location. However, it's important to note that shipping costs are not included in the subscription price and will vary depending on your country.
As for packaging, you can expect your Sakuraco box to be neatly packed with care, keeping the contents safe and fresh during their journey to you. Their commitment to detail and presentation ensures that your box will look great when it arrives, even if it's gifted to someone else.
My own Sakuraco box took about 5 days to get to me by DHL on the East Coats of the US from Japan, and it did have a tiny scratch on the very top of the box (see images below), but nothing inside was at all damaged. I even had to take the box itself out of shipping packaging, so it will remain a surprise gift, even if you have the box sent to yourself to wrap as a gift for someone else you live with.
Sakuraco Coupon and Promotions
If you're looking to indulge in some authentic Japanese treats, Sakuraco is a fantastic option. To help you enjoy these delightful delicacies without breaking the bank, Sakuraco offers various promotions and coupon codes throughout the year, generally for a specific amount or percentage off your first box.
To find such deals, be sure to keep an eye on their website and social media channels for any ongoing promotions. They often have limited-time offers on their Japanese subscription boxes, so staying on their email list can keep you in the loop. You'll also get a $5 off Sakuraco coupon when you subscribe to their emial list.
Dietary Considerations
Allergen Information
Sakuraco boxes contain a variety of snacks, which may include common allergens such as nuts, dairy, soy, wheat, and more. Unfortunately, there's no way to customize the boxes for any type of dietary restriction.
If you have any type of sensitivity, it's crucial for you to review the provided information booklet that comes with each box, detailing all ingredients and potential allergens for every item, including cross-contamination.
I found when comparing Sakuraco vs. Tokyo Treat, the former has many more rice-based treats, while the latter has many more wheat-based treats, though neither is very gluten-friendly.
Vegetarian Friendly Options
Sakuraco boxes include several vegetarian-friendly options within the box, but not every snack will be suitable for vegetarians. To help identify vegetarian options, refer to the information booklet that came with your box for detailed descriptions and ingredients lists of each item.
Sakuraco FAQ
Yes, there is a difference between Sakuraco and Tokyo Treat. While both companies offer monthly subscription boxes containing Japanese snacks, Sakuraco's focus is on traditional and artisanal Japanese snacks inspired by the elegant Omotenashi culture. Tokyo Treat, on the other hand, mainly focuses on popular and contemporary Japanese snacks.
Yes indeed, Sakuraco is a Japan-based subscription service that brings a taste of authentic Japanese culture through their carefully curated snack boxes.
Yes, the snacks in the Sakuraco box are authentic Japanese traditional snacks. They are carefully curated to represent unique, high-quality treats, such as mochi and locally-sourced teas, all of which are from various regions of Japan.
The cost of Sakuraco boxes depends on the subscription plan you choose. The 12-month plan offers the best value at $32.50 per month, with a saving of $60 in total. The 6-month plan, priced at $33.50 per month, allows you to save $24, though a single box costs $37.50.
Based on reviews, Sakuraco seems to have a good customer service reputation, though I've never personally needed to contact them. They are known for their responsiveness and willingness to assist with any issues or queries.
To cancel your Sakuraco subscription, you will need to log in to your Sakuraco account and navigate to the subscription management section. From there, you can choose the option to cancel your subscription. Before cancellation, always double check the terms and conditions of your subscription, as cancellation policies may vary depending on the plan you chose.
Comments
No Comments