How about a yummy bite of Japan? In this hands-on Sakuraco review, I’ll test whether Sakuraco is really worth it, both in terms of price and snack-wise.
If you’ve ever seen any cooking anime or even a regular anime, there is usually some Japanese cuisine explored, at least to some extent.
In Naruto, our rowdy protagonist is more than fond of the delicious Ichiraku ramen, while in Shakugan no Shana, Shana, a flame haze, has a cute obsession with melon bread, a popular sweet bread that, despite its name, doesn’t typically contain melon as an ingredient.
I would be lying if I said that I didn’t salivate just watching them eat those dishes.
With that being said, let’s explore the Sakuraco box together, filled with delightful Japanese goodies.
Disclaimer: Sakuraco kindly provided me with their December box in exchange for an honest review. As always, I want to assure you that all opinions expressed in this article are my own.
Additionally, I want to be transparent about the fact that if you choose to make a purchase through the links provided, I may earn a commission. This commission helps support my work in bringing you informative and engaging content.
What’s inside Sakuraco Box
Each month, Sakuraco box contains 20 different Japanese snacks, teas, and home goods from local makers. The array of snacks included is nothing short of impressive. You will find treats like mochi, rice crackers, or konpeito.
They change the flavors based on the season or month, featuring a different prefecture each month. In other words, it’s always different compared to the previous one. You will consistently discover and learn something new, without having to worry about being bored.
Moreover, there is always a 24-page booklet that includes helpful information about the background of snacks, which is in English. There is also information about their origin, allergens, and whether it’s vegetarian or vegan-friendly. You don’t have to Google anything, which is something I appreciate as a vegetarian.
My Sakuraco box was the December 2023 edition, and it was called “Holidays in Hokkaido.” Hokkaido is known for breahtaking views in winter, so I wasn’t that surprised about the theme. The booklet featured really pretty scenery and was not overwhelming in terms of text.
In conclusion, the box featured a variety of savory, salty, and sweet snacks, along with a matcha tea and a hand-crafted Indigo Yuzen Dish.
My favorite Sakuraco snacks
First of all, let me say that there are a lot of snacks to try, so picking favorites is challenging.
Of course, I didn’t enjoy every single snack, I won’t lie to you. Some were a bit fishy, and as a vegetarian, I obviously didn’t like those (but I knew it beforehand because it was mentioned in the diet section in the snack guide). And that’s fine. Someone else will like those.
However, with the variety available, you will still discover many favorites and taste new flavors, which is the main point for me.
Let’s start with my favorites from this Sakuraco box.
Okinawan Salt Daifuku
I’m obsessed with mochi ever since I tasted it for the first time, so I knew right away that I’m gonna love Daifuku. It’s soft, chewy, and filled with yummy red bean paste. This is what dreams are made of!
Baumkuchen
There is something irresistible about Baumkuchen. I can’t pinpoint it, but the flavor is mildly sweet, and it just melts in your mouth. I could eat this cake every day and not get tired of it, that’s how much I liked it!
White Chocolate Fruit: Strawberry
If you love white chocolate and berries like me, you’re going to love this small strawberry soaked in white chocolate. It’s perfectly sized because you can savor it in just one bite, fitting perfectly in your mouth, coating your tongue in its delicate flavors.
Milk Mochi
It would be a shame not to mention the second mochi since I adored its luscious softness so much. As it’s a bit sticky, it was delicately wrapped in edible oblate paper. In Slovakia, we don’t really practice this, so receiving a snack wrapped in edible paper is always a surprise for me.
Indigo Yuzen Dish
This beautiful kitchenware is obviously not a snack, but it’s a part of the Sakuraco box, and I appreciate that they include these hand-crafted pieces every month. It’s a nice addition that you can use practically or for decoration, making the Sakuraco experience truly memorable.
Sakuraco shipping cost
Sakuraco offers worldwide shipping, but the costs and estimated delivery times vary. For instance, delivery to India is priced at $10.50, and the box typically arrives within 2 to 14 business days. On the other hand, shipping to Sweden is $12.50, and you can expect the package to reach you in 7 to 28 days. It’s important to note that some countries may impose additional customs fees on Japanese packages.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about shipping, I recommend visiting their official website, as it provides the latest updates and details regarding shipping policies.
How much does Sakuraco cost?
Since Sakuraco is a subscription service, you can save money by opting for a longer plan. For instance, a 12-month subscription reduces the cost of each box to $32.50 per month. If you were to purchase the box for only one month, the cost would be $37.50 for that month.
Sakuraco vs TokyoTreat
Sakuraco is a sister company of TokyoTreat, so they share a similar feel, but there are some differences in their snacks. From my own experience with both boxes, Sakuraco appears to be more focused on sweet flavors compared to Tokyo Treat, and the snacks and tea exude a more traditional vibe.
Is Sakuraco legit?
Based on not only my positive experience but also more than 1,500 reviews on TrustPilot with a 4.7 rating, it’s safe to say that Sakuraco is a legitimate and authentic company based in Japan that delivers the goodies it promises.
Final thoughts on Sakuraco
If you’re a Japan enthusiast looking for a taste adventure, Sakuraco is the way to go. My snack sessions with them have been consistently positive, thanks to their friendly customer service and a treasure trove of delicious treats.
Overall, it’s a go-to for those wanting a genuine Japanese snack experience. It will always have bunch of yummy treats in the mix, making it a solid pick for anyone after a real taste of Japan.