During your trip, don't miss out on Japan's amazing variety of sweets, from KitKat and Hi-Chew to unique chocolates and candies. If you're on the hunt for the perfect souvenir, look no further! Our editors have carefully curated a list of some of the finest confections to consider buying in 2023.
Join us at MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya—one of the Tokyo area's top stores. There, we've handpicked must-try treats, featuring both Japan-exclusive sweets and unique Don Quijote items, perfect for everyone on your gifting list.
MEGA Donki Shibuya - Great Selection of Japanese Sweets & Snacks!
Shibuya is a popular spot for international visitors in Tokyo, and stands as one of the city's premier tourist attractions. MEGA Donki Shibuya is just a short 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station.
Spanning eight floors, from the basement to seven floors above ground, this store has everything you need, from fresh food and snacks to home appliances, medicines, clothing, and travel goods. Conveniently nestled in the heart of Shibuya, it is also open 24 hours a day, making it ideal for tourists. This means that visitors can easily find anything they may need during their trip, including daily necessities and Japan-exclusive souvenirs, at any time of the day or night!
Mega Donki Shibuya is especially well-stocked with a selection of products tailored to the needs of international tourists. This includes boxed snacks, which make great souvenirs, and Japanese sweets have gained acclaim on various social media platforms.
There’s also a tax-free counter on the 7th floor, offering tax-free shopping. Staff members can also speak English as well as other foreign languages, allowing travelers to browse with ease and confidence.
Don Quijote Must-Buys! Top 10 New Recommended Snacks
1) KitKat: Flavors You'll Only Find in Japan!
KitKat is a familiar name all around the world. However, in Japan, this treat it stands out for its extensive range of unique flavors.
This wide variety of flavors includes many which you’ll only find in Japan, such as Matcha Green Tea, and seasonal fruits like Peach, Strawberry, and Melon. There are also flavors that cater to more adult preferences, with a less sweet and slightly more bitter profile (called 'Otona no Amasa').
There are also local varieties featuring ingredients unique to each specific region of Japan. Don Quijote has a large selection of regional products, including Aomori Apple, Kyoto Matcha, and Hakata Amaou Strawberry.
Particularly popular souvenirs include the Wasabi and Sake flavors, which are also exclusive Japan. For added Japanese charm, there are even some varieties that come in packaging shaped like Mount Fuji!
For those who want to share the joy, we recommend the generously-sized Special Assortment, which contains about 50 mini KitKats in five different flavors in a single box! The flavors include Classic, Otona no Amasa, Whole Grain Biscuit, Strawberry, and Chocolate Orange.
2) Baked Creamy Cheese Cake: Tastes Just Like A Real Cheese Cake!
BAKE is a beloved cheesecake snack that tastes just like the real thing, and Bake’s Creamy Cheese is a limited-edition flavor collaboration between Morinaga Seika and Don Quijote, exclusively available at Don Quijote.
Bake Creamy Cheese Uji Green Tea is one of their limited-edition collaboration products. Each baked chocolate treat is crafted to prevent melting in your hand, making it a safe choice as a souvenir to take home, especially during the hot summer months.
3) Hi-Chew: Delicious Soft Candies in All Kinds of Flavors
Hi-Chew is a longtime favorite soft candy from Japan.
This assortment, featuring three different flavors in a Mt. Fuji-shaped packaging, is a popular souvenir choice amongst tourists. Each candy is individually wrapped, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.
The Suppai Chew brings a fun and novel twist to the classic Hi-Chew, with a crisp texture and a tart, lemony center.
Amongst the many different types are the Fanta-flavored Hi-Chew and the Hi-Chew Punishari, which offer two other textures to try–plump and crunchy. Be sure to give them all a try! (Hi-Chew Punishari is available in a limited quantity while supplies last.)
4) Alfort: A Perfectly Balanced Chocolate Biscuit
Since its introduction in 1994, Alfort has remained a long-time favorite. Known for its perfect balance of chocolate and biscuit flavors, this satisfying treat has become a staple in Japanese households.
Alfort’s selection includes not only standard flavor, but Strawberry, Matcha, Vanilla, and more, offering an extensive variety that sets it apart from what you’d typically find in most supermarkets or convenience stores.
This Mt. Fuji package is a special kind of treat, with the sweets themselves embellished with designs of Mount Fuji. A real must-have Japanese souvenir!
This pack of six featuring an adorable Mickey Mouse design is just the right size for a souvenir!
5) Konjac Jelly: A Sweet, Healthy Treat!
When it comes to konjac jellies, Orihiro’s Purunto Konjac Jelly series is a stand-out favorite, with its firm, chewy texture and addictively delightful taste. The assortment, featuring three flavors in one bag, is a particularly popular choice.
What makes this konjac jelly even more appealing is that it contains zero calories, making it a top choice for health-conscious individuals and those watching their calorie intake. It’s also a convenient snack option for those moments of hunger!
We also recommend the konjac jellies from Don Quijote's original brand, Jonetz Kakaku. Available in a generous 1kg packaging, it’s a great value for your money!
6) Chokotto Pucchin Pudding: A Treat for Any Time and Place
Pucchin Pudding is a classic childhood snack in Japan. Combining condensed milk, unpasteurized milk, butter, and cream from Hokkaido, this pudding treat continues to enjoy widespread popularity, even 50 years after its debut!
Chokotto Pucchin Pudding is the bite-sized version of the same favorite treat. But while the original Pucchin Pudding requires refrigeration, Chokotto Pucchin Pudding is safe to store at room temperature. This means you can enjoy them anytime and anywhere, whether out and about, or for snacking at home.
Upon opening the package, you’ll notice that despite being bite-sized, they look just like the original Pucchin Pudding! It's a fun, easy way to treat yourself to a Japanese snack, so be sure to add these to your souvenir selection.
7) Kororo Fruit Juice Gummy: A Fantastic, Fruity Texture
Gummies are some of the most popular Japanese snacks, especially overseas. Amongst the most highly recommended are Kororo Fruit Juice Gummies, a unique gummy candy with a fresh, fruity texture enveloped in collagen. Its distinctive texture, bursting with fruit flavor, has drawn considerable attention, earning widespread popularity worldwide.
In addition to Muscat and Grape flavors, they also have Sato Nishiki, a brand of cherries regarded as some of the finest in Japan.
To meet the needs of overseas customers, Don Quijote also offers a six-piece box, a rare purchase option you won’t usually find elsewhere. This makes them a great souvenir choice, as they can be bought in bulk and easily handed out as gifts.
8) Chiiku Kashi: DIY Treats Just Like the Real Thing!
Another interesting and attention-grabbing Japanese souvenir are these educational DIY candies you can put together yourself. But these kits aren't just for kids. With all the kneading, rolling, and overall crafting you get to do, adults will also find them fun and engaging! They come in various themes, including "Whip Cake Shop" and "Fun Sushi Shop."
The hamburger set is another excellent choice for something more familiar to the international crowd! Not only can you make burgers, double burgers, fries, and Cola, but they all taste just like the real thing!
9) Japan & Shibuya-Exclusive Sweets featuring Popular Characters!
Don Quijote also boasts an extensive selection of boxed souvenir sweets. Our first recommendation is the Hello Kitty Cream Daifuku, an adorable treat imprinted with an illustration of Hello Kitty. Sanrio characters, beloved by fans worldwide, are amongst the top souvenirs from Japan!
You'll also find an array of other character sweets, featuring not only Sanrio characters, but Doraemon and Hachiko, too.
For souvenirs exclusive to Shibuya, we recommend Puri-cakes, tiramisu cakes, and chocolate mochi, all adorned in special Shibuya-themed packaging for an added touch. Sesame Dango is another recommended Japanese sweet, as are those featuring illustrations of Hachiko, Shibuya’s beloved loyal pup.
Shibuya no Koibito is another chocolatey crunchy treat that, as the name suggests, is exclusive to Shibuya. It's also a great conversation starter for when you return back home!
10) Jonetz Kakaku Sweets: Don Quijote's Own Private Brand
Products bearing the prominent katakana "Do (ド)" character are all part of Don Quijote's in-house brand, Jonetz Kakaku. In recent years, these products have become a hot topic in Japanese media for their uniqueness, intriguing (and often lengthy) product names, budget-friendly prices, and delectable flavors. Some favorites include Beni-shoga Sen, Shiso Sen, Hitokuchi Yaki-imo, and Imo-kenpi.
Delicious, just like a candy! Even those who don’t consider themselves fans of shiitake mushrooms will be pleasantly surprised by these recently trending Shiitake mushroom snacks. They’re definitely worth trying at least once.
So head to Don Quijote Shibuya and discover the vast array of Jonetz products that await!
LIVE JAPAN Exclusive! Shop Smarter with Our Discount Coupons!
LIVE JAPAN is currently offering a special coupon for up to 10% tax-free rate + 5% off on purchases of tax-free items of 10,000 yen (excluding tax) or more at Don Quijote. Simply tap the coupon below and present it to the cashier.
In Japan, it is customary to share small souvenirs like snacks acquired during trips with friends and family. And MEGA Donki Shibuya boasts a particularly extensive selection of great gift ideas that international visitors will love, including bulk bags perfect for sharing that you won’t find anywhere else! So, if you've been curious about trying or buying specific sweets, Don Quijote Shibuya might be your one-stop shop!
MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Main Store. MEGAドン・キホーテ渋谷本店
Address28-6 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0042 View Map
Nearest Station: Shibuya Station (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Tokyu Toyoko Line / Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line / Keio Inokashira Line), 5 minutes on foot
Phone Number: 0570-076-311
Interview location: MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Main Store Information in article as of August 2023. Please see official website for the latest updates & information.
English translation by: Krys Suzuki
Via Live Japan