The Weirdest Japanese Candies And Confections

Japan has a reputation for innovation and that extends to its food and desserts as well. Some Japanese confections are traditional, simple and sweet. Others are more modern creations that are almost indelible, while some are even used by the Japanese Imperial Family as thank-you treats. Whether they’re gag gifts for friends back home or local favorites you didn’t expect you’d love, here are some of the weirdest candies to find in Japan.

KitKat

The famous Japanese KitKat comes in all kinds of flavors. From bittersweet matcha to the bold hot-pepper yuzu (citrus), and Yubari melon to pumpkin without the spice, the flavor combinations are virtually endless. Almost none of them ever reach the overseas markets. In part due to this exclusivity, the Japanese KitKat have become a classic souvenir, and tourists eagerly snap up the special editions to bring back home to eager fans.

Popin’ Cookin’

http://instagram.com/p/BLqqD40DwkZ/

Konpeitō

The seemingly childlike confetti candies known as konpeitō (also spelled kompeitō) have quite a regal history. When the process to make them was introduced from Portuguese traders in the 16th century, the high volume of sugar required made them an expensive and luxurious treat. They could even be used – in large quantities – as a bribe. These days, anyone can afford these sweet but flavorless treats, but the Imperial House of Japan still distributes konpeitō to guests as a thank-you gift.

Wagashi

Wagashi – confections usually served with tea – come in various shapes and sizes, and commonly depict natural objects or even entire scenes. Yōkan is one of the oldest styles of Japanese wagashi sweets. It is a gelatin-style dessert made with agar, sugar and red bean (adzuki) paste. Modern gelatin-making recipes have evolved this type of wagashi into a work of art. With clear gelatin, the wagashi artist can depict a realistic scene that you’ll want to keep on display, rather than eat.

Local Specialty Drops

These unusual snacks look and feel like ordinary drop candies. The only difference is their unusual flavor combinations. As the name would suggest, the regional specialty drops take on the taste of regional specialties – like takoyaki (grilled squid balls) or okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancakes) from Osaka or noodles from Kumamoto. The drops are at best a quirky invention and at worst all but inedible – though they do make great souvenirs from the cities they’re inspired by!

Usagi Manju (Rabbit Bun)

More of a cake than anything (though still classified as a confection), these desserts are made from rice flour, similar to mochi (glutinous rice cakes). Manju’s low price point and versatility have made them a popular Japanese snack for over 700 years. The bunny manju are the most famous type, and feature frequently in popular culture. They are typically eaten during the autumn moon-viewing or fall matsuri.

An atypical usagi manju with the ears cut instead of imprinted with edible ink

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.