In Japan, summer isn’t just about fireworks and festivals, although those are a pretty significant component! It also marks the return of one of the country’s most beloved seasonal flavors: chocolate mint. It offers a cool, refreshing contrast to the hot and humid weather, and each year sees new snack variations appear in supermarkets and convenience stores across the country.

Starting from June 10th, FamilyMart is rolling out their annual Chocolate Mint Fair at locations nationwide. With 14 limited-edition treats on offer, this lineup is a must-try for anyone curious about seasonal Japanese eats.

This year’s selection includes drinks, ice cream, cookies, bread, and even a dessert sandwich. The headliner is the Chocolate Mint Frappe, which is back for the first time in five years. It’s made with crisp peppermint and crunchy chocolate chips blended into a creamy frozen drink.

Ice cream fans will find plenty to enjoy, from the choc-mint waffle cone to the new entry in the Taberu Bokujo series. These cool treats are made with first-picked mint, which has a clean, light taste perfect for early summer.

For those who prefer something baked, FamilyMart has added chocolate mint tarts, steamed cakes, and even melon bread stuffed with mint cream and chocolate chips.

One of the most interesting items is the chocolate mint sandwich. It’s filled with mint whipped cream and chocolate sauce, tucked between soft bread for a uniquely Japanese take on the dessert sando.

The Chocolate Mint Fair is a great way for visitors to experience a distinct taste of summer in Japan. The items are available for a limited time and in limited quantities, so don’t wait too long if something catches your eye.

Getting there

FamilyMart has over 16,000 stores throughout Japan, making it one of the most accessible places to pick up seasonal snacks. Please visit their website for more information on locations.

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