Japan Rankings
Keywords: Japanese chocolate snacks, Japan kids candy, best Japanese sweets, Koala’s March, Pocky, Takeno no Sato, Japanese snacks for kids
Japan is home to some of the most adorable and delicious snacks in the world — and when it comes to chocolate treats, Japanese children have their all-time favorites.
These snacks are not only tasty but also nostalgic, fun, and often come with playful packaging or characters.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most popular chocolate snacks among Japanese kids, many of which have been loved for generations.
If you’re visiting Japan or shopping for authentic Japanese snacks online, these are must-try items — and perfect gifts for young ones!
Why kids love it: Cute koala faces + creamy chocolate = pure joy!
These bite-sized biscuits feature adorable koala characters printed on each piece, and they’re filled with smooth milk chocolate. With over 300 unique koala designs, kids enjoy collecting and discovering new patterns.
📦 First released: 1984
📍 Where to buy: Convenience stores, supermarkets, souvenir shops
Why kids love it: Crispy cookies + rich chocolate topping, shaped like bamboo shoots!
"Takenoko no Sato" literally means "bamboo shoot village." Each piece is a crunchy cookie base topped with creamy chocolate. It's fun to eat and visually appealing.
📦 First released: 1979
📍 Where to buy: Supermarkets, souvenir shops, online stores
Why kids love it: Mushroom-shaped fun and a perfect crunchy bite.
These treats resemble little mushrooms, with a biscuit “stem” and a chocolate “cap.” They’ve sparked playful debates among fans: Are you Team Kinoko or Team Takenoko?
📦 First released: 1975
📍 Where to buy: Everywhere in Japan
Why kids love it: Fun mascot, collectible prizes, and bite-sized goodness!
Each box features the iconic bird mascot "Kyoro-chan," and lucky kids might find a gold or silver angel token inside — which can be exchanged for a secret prize tin!
📦 First released: 1967
📍 Where to buy: Convenience stores, supermarkets
Why kids love it: Elegant chocolate meets crunchy biscuit, with a mini sailing ship design.
This treat feels slightly more “grown-up,” making it popular with older kids. The detailed chocolate mold and satisfying crunch make it a staple in many lunchboxes.
📦 First released: 1994
📍 Where to buy: Convenience stores, drugstores
Why kids love it: Easy to share and fun to snack on!
Thin biscuit sticks coated in chocolate — iconic and internationally recognized. Pocky comes in many flavors, but classic milk chocolate remains a kid favorite in Japan.
📦 First released: 1966
📍 Where to buy: Global availability, Japan-exclusive flavors in specialty stores
Why kids love it: Tiny, tasty, and perfect for snack time.
From the “Petit” series, these bite-sized cookies are easy to carry and share. With just the right amount of chocolate chips, they're ideal for school snacks.
📦 Where to buy: 100-yen shops, supermarkets
Why kids love it: “Little branches” packed with crunch and flavor.
Koeda means “twig” in Japanese. These mini chocolate sticks are mixed with puffed rice and nuts, giving them a satisfying texture and depth.
📦 First released: 1971
📍 Where to buy: Convenience stores, gift sets
Why kids love it: Disney magic + creamy choco center = snack-time fun.
Each small biscuit is stamped with Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie, and inside is a gooey chocolate or strawberry filling. Fun to eat and adorable to look at!
📦 First released: 1983
📍 Where to buy: Supermarkets, character-themed stores
Why kids love it: Mini sweet buns filled with rich chocolate cream.
Shaped like tiny "anpan" (red bean buns), these treats instead contain chocolate — making them a cute and delicious surprise. Great for toddlers and young kids.
📦 First released: 1995
📍 Where to buy: Supermarkets, 100-yen shops
Many of these popular Japanese chocolate snacks can be found at Asian grocery stores, on Amazon, or on Japanese snack subscription boxes like Bokksu or Japan Crate.
Japanese children's snacks combine flavor, fun, and creativity. Whether it's collectible characters, cute shapes, or nostalgic packaging, these chocolate treats are more than just food — they’re a joyful part of growing up in Japan.
If you’re curious about Japanese culture, grabbing a few of these will give you a taste (literally!) of what makes childhood in Japan so sweet 🍬
