After I tried the TokyoTreat box in June, I thought that I’d already grasped the fun and thoughtful idea of a snack box. However, after trying the Sakuraco snack box for July, and writing this I realized I was in for quite a lovely surprise. You see, I never knew I could feel so nostalgic for a place I’ve never actually been to. Each of the snacks’ origin stories was as memorable as their distinct flavors, and the whole box is easily a cultural experience that you don’t wanna miss out on – especially if you’re a fan of exploring beyond Japan’s major cities and well-trodden travel routes.
First off, what is Sakuraco? As the sister company of TokyoTreat, Sakuraco is also a subscription box of monthly curated Japanese sweets that highlight local and authentic specialties. They mainly work with many family-owned businesses that are passionate about each of their crafts. Today, Sakuraco has become a well-known name worldwide and has created a diverse tapestry of flavors that travel across borders.
The Review – Trying the Sakuraco Snack Box for the First Time
At first glance, the Sakuraco snack box feels elegant with its dark pink color and cherry blossom designs. Once open, the first thing that greets you is the guidebook and a card designed with traditional Japanese art. The book is written in English and describes the snacks with illustrations. I also noticed that the box was smaller as compared to TokyoTreat’s box, but it didn’t matter much since the 20 items were comfortably packed inside.
To be completely honest, consuming the box was easy, but it was the review writing that took a little bit more time. It’s hard to properly articulate how strangely wonderful my unboxing was because of the yummy treats that told rich stories of the local craftsmen and their traditions. Before I even started my unboxing, I was nose-deep in the guidebook! Unlike the usual Tokyo or Kyoto tourist spots, Tohoku felt like a unique and authentic experience often overlooked by travelers – just like those off-the-beaten-path places you just gotta love.
If you didn’t know, Tohoku is located in the northern part of Honshu island, a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and bask in the slower, more peaceful pace of the countryside. It offers beautiful rural landscapes, magnificent forests, delicious food, and a way of life with a rich history and culture. To paint the picture further, I think it’s best to share with you my favorite words from the card I received from the founder, Ms. Ayumi Chikamoto. It goes like this:
“Exploring the Tohoku region, and the prefectures within, has allowed me to discover the beauty and rich culture of lesser-known areas of Japan. My mind is filled with memories of their lively festivals, each one a testament to the region’s heritage and community spirit… Inspired by the flavors that define Tohoku, I’ve curated a box that captures its vibrant culinary culture. With each taste, may you experience the joy of Tohoku’s festivals and feel a connection to its warm-hearted communities. Celebrate the Festivals of Tohoku.”
The first treat that I picked up from the Sakuraco box was the Iyemon Matcha Genmaicha tea pack. I don’t know much about the refinements of Japanese tea culture, but as a casual tea-enjoyer, I do love a good and smooth roasted taste. This one was especially soothing and delightful, not to mention how easy it was to prepare. This also came with the Neko Tenegui, a traditional Japanese towel with a cute cat design. When someone gives you a gift from their hometown and it’s not usually found in stores, those are usually the best kinds of gift.
Meanwhile, the pastry in the box was perfectly matched with the hot tea. First off, the Senbei: sweet and salty crackers that bring a crunch of flavoring. For example, the sweet and spicy taste of the Ginger Senbei was light yet stimulating, while the chewy Peanut Senbei Cookie was so satisfying and filling.
It was also pleasant to try the fluffy and heavenly Custard Pan which really added to my authentic Japanese snacks experience. The Walnut Mochi and the Michinoku Miruru were unique in taste and texture – both amazing pieces of traditional delights that Tohoku has to offer.
I loved how tasty all the pastries were, but I think my favorite is the thin Apple Cream Cookie. The layers were crisp while the cream was a sweet cloud of happiness that instantly won over my foody heart. It was even designed with Tanabata festival themes, like the bamboo trees with colorful pieces of paper to celebrate the legend and the strips of paper to make wishes come true.
The fruits of Tohoku made me very happy too. I particularly enjoyed the Pear Gummies and the Peach Konjac Jelly. They were very refreshing and bursting with sweetness, and I just loved how the description gave homage to their respective prefectures. Then there was the Sweet Potato Amanatto (sweet beans) which was fun to munch on as small cubes. My Mom loves the sweet potatoes at Donki, but I can never finish one serving of it so I quite like the cute size of this snack.
Because of Sakuraco, I also discovered the term Arare, a tiny type of Japanese snack, known and loved for its crunchy texture, that comes in all shapes and sizes. The Roasted Corn Arare and the Iburi Gakko (Pickled Radish) Arare that I tasted were so crunchy and had strong yet simple flavors. However, the most noteworthy of them would be the Mini Shrimp Tempura! The flavor was so bad that it was so good (fishy, if you get what I mean), and sharing this with my family while saying “YUMMY!!” was one of the best highlights of my unboxing.
All in all, my Sakuraco snack box review experience has been amazing. It’s not a lot for sharing, but it’s enough for a fun discovery. It’s a great little piece of Japan that you can enjoy at home when you haven’t been or are planning your next trip. The guidebook that comes along with is really informative too. It tells you what kind of snack it is, the hearty region where it’s from, and then the vibrant traditions and festivals that make up the rich culture of Tohoku. It even has an allergy and vegetarian-friendly guide.
On the cons side, however, I have the same feelings about it as my previous TokyoTreat review. The Sakuraco snack box comes at around 37 USD (about PHP 2,000 for me) with the 10 USD shipping fee, so it might make for a pricey purchase. But then again, the box does offer the convenience of an experience, not to mention a unique selection that cannot be found at your local stores – 100% Wagashi, not Dagashi. That said, I think that the price is actually good considering the value of the traditional snacks and their cultural significance. Plus, it comes with home goods that become a souvenir you can keep.
The delivery from Japan to the Philippines was also just a few days, so I’m really happy about that. If you’re curious about their subscription rates, here are the plans that they offer (shipping fee not included):
- 1 Month for $37.50/mo
- 3 Months for $35.50/mo
- 6 Months for $33.50/mo
- 12 Months for $32.50/mo
Final Thoughts – Is Sakuraco Worth It?
Sakuraco is something a fan of Japanese traditional culture and food would enjoy. If you have the funds for it and appreciate a great selection of authentic artisan Japanese treats, then yes, I think Sakuraco is more than worth it. It’s a complete tea ceremony delivered right into your home. To list my favorite things about it:
- Supporting local Japanese businesses and communities who dedicate their lives to the art of snack-making
- The 24-page Culture Guide that accompanies you on an in-depth journey to explore monthly makers, themed articles, and snack info
- The aesthetic box is packed to the brim with artisan snacks that will take you on a tasty adventure
My Mom always said that if you wanted to learn about a place and its culture, the best way to start is by trying their local food. These snack boxes are a cute and fun way to do that, but Sakuraco especially shines with its mission to carry the people’s passion and pride in craftsmanship. There’s beauty in tradition and the community, and the Sakuraco box just goes to show how much love and appreciation there is, so much so to share them with the rest of the world. For that, I am grateful and happy because I was able to experience Tohoku, all from a box of snacks. I hope that someday, I’ll be able to travel and experience it for myself.
My only regret is not being a faster writer because the Sakuraco snack box that I reviewed was only available to order until July 15th. Although the Festivals of Tohoku may not be available anymore, you can still try to check for individual items from their store, JapanHaul. Every month has a different theme, so make sure to check out the adventures of Sakuraco.
For more information, make sure to visit Sakuraco’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram. If you’re also more interested in having a bite of Japan’s modern snacks, then you should check out their sister company, TokyoTreat. Special thanks to the friendly people at Sakuraco!
Disclaimer: Anime Corner was given a free Sakuraco box in exchange for a review.
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