I am beyond excited to share my experience with Sakuraco, a Japanese sweets and candy box that brings the authentic taste of Japan right to your doorstep. You know me, I love everything Japan and when it comes to Japanese food and Japanese desserts, I’m the first to get excited.
In this Sakuracox box review, I will delve into the details of this Japanese snack box, guiding you to decide if it’s worth the investment, what’s inside, and how it all works.
Born from the heart of Japan and the sister brand of TokyoTreat, Sakuraco blossomed in 2021, with the mission of sharing the roots of Japanese snack and afternoon tea culture. With a dedicated community of food lovers, artisans, and local makers, Sakuraco is more than just a box of authentic Japanese snacks; it’s a gateway to experiencing the rich traditions and flavours of Japan.
Every month, Sakuraco curates a unique collection of snacks, candies, and tea, designed to transport you to a new corner of Japan, while supporting family-owned businesses and promoting cultural exchange. Imagine indulging in premium wagashi, traditional Japanese treats crafted by local artisans, paired with carefully selected teas like matcha and hojicha, all while flipping through a 24-page culture guide that brings the stories behind the snacks to life. You’re essentially getting a bit of Japanese culture delivered to you.
If your taste buds are tingling with anticipation, stay tuned as we unravel the magic of Sakuraco’s monthly subscription box.
My Sakuraco box review
My Sakuraco box arrived impeccably packaged, wrapped in bubble wrap to ensure the contents were well-preserved and protected during transit. The box arrived just a few days after ordering, which was a nice surprise.
Upon opening, I was immediately struck by the visually stunning, elegant, and delicate presentation of the box with Japanese cherry blossoms on it, a testament to the attention to detail that Sakuraco is known for.
As a subscription-based service, Sakuraco delivers a thoughtfully curated assortment of authentic Japanese sweets, snacks, tea, and other delightful items from local makers across Japan every month. It’s clear to me that Sakuraco aims to connect you with the artisans behind these authentic treats, share their stories, and offer valuable insights into Japanese landmarks, culture and traditions.
The box I received contained 20 unique items, showcasing the rich Japanese afternoon tea culture, which has evolved over centuries from humble beginnings to a cherished custom of enjoying tea, sweets, and light snacks in the company of friends. Sakuraco makes it possible for you to experience this tradition at home.
How does Sakuraco box work?
Hand-packed and shipped directly from Japan, the Sakuraco box offers a flexible, auto-renewing subscription with the option to pause or cancel anytime.
Much like other Japanese subscription boxes, you can sign up for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 12 months. The longer you subscribe for, the more you save. Order yours today!
Target audience for Sakuraco box
The Sakuraco box is tailored for a more discerning audience that appreciates higher quality, specialized treats with a refined taste. Alongside the snacks, you’ll find a 24-page culture guide that takes you on an in-depth journey to explore the stories of the local makers, themed articles, and detailed information about the snacks. Each box also includes authentic home goods such as ceramics, chopsticks, and furoshiki sourced from traditional Japanese makers, further enhancing the overall experience. I received a superb Japanese tea cup made of glass with the visually stunning Sakuraco logo on it.
What’s inside the Sakuraco box
Inside the Sakuraco box, you will discover a delightful assortment of 20 items, thoughtfully curated to represent the authentic flavours of Japanese sweets and snacks representative of that month. Among these, you may find a few duplicate items, allowing you to share the experience with friends or simply enjoy more of your favourite treats.
As previously mentioned, each box features an authentic home good item, such as ceramics, chopsticks, or furoshiki which is the perfect Japanese souvenir.
Each monthly box is different and representative of Japan’s seasonality. Here’s what was inside my box. I received the Moonlit Sakuraco box. This May box is all about the beauty of nighttime Sakura. I loved my time in Japan during the cherry blossom festival, so what better time to celebrate Hanami than with the Sakuraco box.
The Ichigo Roll (Osaka) is a dessert that is both visually stunning and delicious. The sponge dough is soft and tender, crafted into a vibrant mosaic pattern using shades of pink and white, much like the Sakura petals throughout Japan. The strawberry cream filling is sweet and tangy, perfectly complementing the sponge cake’s delicate flavour.
Hibiscus Tea (Shizuoka) is a craft tea with a delicate blend of green tea and hibiscus that creates the perfect pink hue.
Ume Salt and Vinegar Senbei (Saitama) is a crispy rice cracker is flavoured with slow-pickled Nanko plums, sourced from the lush fields of Kishu, imparting a rich, savoury taste to the snack. The addition of tangy vinegar complements the umami essence of the pickled plums.
Sakura Sweet Potato (Ibaraki) is a bite size sweet that might look small but it’s packed with flavour. One bite will reveal the flavour of Ibaraki-produced Beniazuma sweet potatoes and combines it with sakura bean paste.
Sakura Cream Gaufrette (Mie) is a cream sandwich that is not only visually appealing, but also heavenly to the taste buds. The delicate wafer layers of the gaufrette have a stunning cherry blossom pattern, which make it look so delicate and elegant.
Mini Plum Mochi (Aichi) are old-fashioned plum mochi candies that are super addictive and so delicious. They are retro, yet very much still loved Japanese sweets that remind most people of childhood memories.
Sakura Ame (Kyoto) are cherry blossom hard candies infused with cherry blossom powder.
Hana Warabimochi (Kyoto) originated during the Edo period and were made as an offering to the gods at Shinto shrines. This is a jelly like dessert with salted cherry blossoms.
Sakura Uiro (Aichi) was initially enjoyed by the wealthy classes in the Edo period. Now Uiro is a beloved snack accessible to everyone. It’s a soft and chewy steamed cake made of glutinous rice flour and sugar.
Sakuraco Tea Glass (Aichi)
Rich Ogura Bread Loaf (Saitama) is a cake like bread filled with swirls of ogura which is an azuki bean jam.
Genji Pie (Shizuoka) are delicious Japanese brittle biscuits in the shape of hearts with a glossy sugar finish.
Tetra Pon (Osaka) are small rice crisps packed with flavour.
Mame Mochi (Osaka) are fluffy and biscuity like mochi, slightly salty with a rich flavour of black soybean.
White Soy Sauce Sakura Arare (Niigata) are the perfect small snacks in the shape of sakura flowers. They are made with 100% Niigata glutinous rice and the result is a perfect crisp with the best crunch. They have a blend of shrimp with white soy sauce.
Apart from the White Soy Sauce Sakura Arare, everything else in the box is vegetarian-friendly. If you are curious to see what was in the past boxes, you can do so on the Sakuraco box website. You can also see a preview of the upcoming box to get you excited, although I recommend just waiting for the box to be a surprise. It’s a lot more fun unpacking it to discover all the good snacks for the first time.
My favourite Sakuraco treats
While I LOVED every single treat in my Sakuraco box, I do happen to have a few favourites. After all, I have my unique snack journey with authentic Japanese flavours I love so much.
The Ume Salt and Vinegar Senbei was definitely the highlight for me. I loved the taste, but I have all the love in the world for everything ume. Ume is a Japanese fruit that is similar to a plum, but it is actually a type of apricot. It has a tangy and slightly sour taste and is often pickled to preserve it.
Mini Plum Mochi is another favourite. I basically opened the small box and ate them all in one sitting. I’m not even ashamed to admit this.
The Ogura bread loaf was a family favourite here. I cut it into small slices to ensure we pace ourselves, but I kinda fought my husband for the last bite. I do love azuki bean jam in just about everything, and it reminded me of some Tokyo street foods I love.
Loved, loved, loved the Sakura arare which reminded me of our trip to Fushimi Inari Shrine. That was the first time I tasted something akin to arare. It was a trip down memory lane.
How much does sakuraco box cost
Sakuraco offers a variety of subscription plans tailored to suit your needs, providing both flexibility and savings.
The best value is the 12-month plan, priced at just $32.50 per month, allowing you to save a total of $60.00.
The popular 6-month plan offers a saving of $24.00, with a monthly cost of $33.50.
For those seeking a shorter commitment, the 3-month plan saves you $6.00, at $35.50 per month.
Lastly, the 1-month plan is available for $37.50 per month, giving you the freedom to try out Sakuraco without a long-term commitment.
Regardless of the plan you choose, you can cancel anytime, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Sakuraco box delivery
While the Sakuraco box is packed with value, it’s important to note that there is an additional delivery cost of $12.50 per box.
In exchange for this fee, all boxes are shipped via Japan Post Priority Shipping, which includes tracking, allowing you to follow the journey of your box from Japan to your doorstep. For customers residing in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada, the estimated delivery time is between 3-7 business days.
Sakuraco vs Tokyo treat box
When comparing Sakuraco and Tokyo Treat boxes, distinct differences cater to specific preferences and tastes. While Sakuraco may be slightly smaller in size, it offers a selection of higher quality, authentic, and elegant Japanese treats. This box is tailored for adults, young adults, and teens who appreciate a more refined and cultured Japanese experience, further enhanced by the elegant packaging.
On the other hand, Tokyo Treat is geared towards a younger audience, including kids and those who have a fondness for the vibrant subcultures of Japan. This box is perfect for those who yearn for the sweets found in konbini stores and prefer a more youthful vibe.
Sakuraco appeals to a more sophisticated palate, while Tokyo Treat captures the playful and colourful essence of Japanese snack culture.
Is sakuraco box worth it?
In conclusion, the Sakuraco box is undoubtedly worth it, especially for those who have a deep love for Japan and find themselves missing the country’s unique flavours and experiences. Considering the high cost of travelling to Japan, the Sakuraco box offers a more affordable way to indulge in your favourite snacks while supporting family-owned businesses dedicated to the art of snack making.
Ultimately, I wholeheartedly recommend the Sakuraco box for anyone seeking a taste of Japan, and I am proud to count myself among the ever-growing community of Sakuraco converts. Wanna join us? Subscribe to Sakuraco box as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Sakura box?
Here are the current prices for Sakuraco boxes. Sakuraco works on a subscription model.
Is Sakuraco and TokyoTreat the same?
Sakuraco and Tokyo Treat are not the same, but they are sister brands. Both subscription boxes focus on delivering Japanese snacks and treats to customers worldwide. However, Sakuraco emphasizes traditional, authentic, and elegant Japanese sweets, teas, and afternoon tea culture, catering to a more sophisticated palate. Tokyo Treat, on the other hand, targets a younger audience and those interested in the vibrant subcultures of Japan, offering more playful and colourful snacks often found in konbini stores.
Is bokksu and sakuraco the same?
Bokksu and Sakuraco are not the same, but both are subscription boxes that deliver Japanese snacks and treats to customers worldwide. The main differences between the two are:
Pricing and Shipping: Bokksu is more expensive but offers free shipping, while Sakuraco charges for shipping.
Curated Selection: Both boxes feature a curated assortment of snacks and teas, but Bokksu focuses on 20-22 premium Japanese snacks based on a cultural theme, whereas Sakuraco emphasizes traditional and elegant Japanese sweets, teas, and afternoon tea culture.
Culture Guide: Both Bokksu and Sakuraco include a culture guide magazine, providing information on how to enjoy the items in the box, the stories behind them, and their craftsmanship.
Snack Sourcing: Bokksu directly sources artisanal snacks from local makers in Japan, some of whom have been around for over 200 years. It focuses on high-quality, gourmet snacks and includes a tea pairing for each box. Sakuraco also sources its treats from local artisans and makers, supporting family-owned businesses and promoting cultural exchange.
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