Chocolate lovers, discover the best chocolates in Japan here!
This is your go-to guide to the bestselling Japanese chocolate brands for joyful indulgences.
You may notice that chocolate-flavored snacks like Kinoko no Yama are often included in lists like this. As yummy as it is, you won’t see it here.
My focus is on good, simple chocolates that I personally love as well as those that have taken Japan by storm over the years. Now get your tastebuds ready!
11 Best Chocolates In Japan
1. Meiji Almond Chocolate
2. Meiji The Chocolate
3. Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
4. ROYCE’ Nama Chocolates
5. ROYCE’ Pure Chocolates
6. Bourbon Alfort Chocolates
7. Lotte Ghana Chocolate Bars
8. Lotte Liquer Chocolates
9. Meiji Meltykiss Chocolates
10. KitKat Chocolate Wafers
11. Glico Pocky Chocolate Sticks
Related Post
Halal Chocolates In Japan & Where To Find Them (2022)
16 Most Famous Chocolates In Japan by Popular Japanese Brands
1. Meiji Almond Chocolate
Let’s start with the most iconic Japanese chocolate brand, Meiji.
If you’re reading this from outside Japan, you might have come upon this chocolate in the imported food section of your local grocery stores. It’s that famous.
Meiji’s Almond Chocolate is an all-time favorite to many in Japan. Myself included. This combo of premium slow-roasted almonds coated in Meiji’s milk chocolate is so addictive!
Best Chocolates in Japan : Meiji Almond Chocolate
It also comes in other flavors like Ecuador chocolate, matcha green tea, dark chocolate and strawberry chocolate. Honestly, I like them all. When you crave chocolate with a side of good crunch, Meiji Almond Chocolate is where it’s at. A box costs no more than ¥200 (USD1.50).
Meiji Macadamia Chocolate is another variation that’s also well-loved in Japan.
Where To Buy Meiji Almond Chocolate | 明治アーモンドチョコレート
Pretty much everywhere in Japan from convenience stores to supermarkets to drugstores to mini-marts in the rural countryside (speaking from personal experience!).
2. Meiji The Chocolate
Launched in 2016, Meiji The Chocolate is an award-winning series celebrating bean-to-bar dark chocolates. The cocoa in every bar is grown in Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, the Dominican Republic and other countries.
It has sold up to 30 million bars in a year in Japan, where milk chocolate is the preferred variety! Meiji The Chocolate’s continuous popularity till today speaks volumes about the brand’s dedication to exceptional flavor and aroma, akin to specialty chocolate artisans.
Best Chocolates in Japan : Photos by Meiji
Not surprisingly, it’s a hit even among international chocolate connoisseurs – at a surprisingly affordable price of about ¥240 (USD1.80) each. If there’s one chocolate you must try in Japan, this is it.
Where To Buy Meiji The Chocolate | 明治ザチョコレート
Get it easily at convenience stores, supermarkets and selected drugstores throughout Japan.
3. Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
Apollo Strawberry Chocolate is another classic favorite by Meiji Japan.
I grew up with these pocket-sized strawberry chocolates in the cutest cone shapes that are said to resemble Mount Fuji. Actually, its iconic shape is a tribute to Apollo 11’s moon landing in 1969.
Best Chocolates in Japan : Photo by Apollo
Think smooth milk chocolate as its base, topped with strawberry-flavored white chocolate towards the tip. Its creamy rich flavor is complemented by slightly tart, fruity notes which makes these so delicious – for only about ¥130 (USD1).
Maybe it’s the nostalgia talking, but I still love this chocolate now. I mean, can you resist the kawaii box packaging? It’s just so quintessentially Japan.
Where To Buy Apollo Strawberry Chocolate | 明治アポロチョコレート
Pretty much everywhere in Japan from convenience stores to supermarkets to drugstores to mini-marts in the rural countryside (speaking from personal experience!).
4. ROYCE’ Nama Chocolates
ROYCE’ signature chocolate that brought it to global fame is its nama chocolates.
Nama means raw, or fresh depending on the context it’s used in. Nama chocolate is like a barely solidified ganache, made of melted cacao and fresh (nama) cream that are dusted with cocoa powder. It packs a punch in every little bite.
Delicate yet so rich. It’s exquisite.
Best Chocolates in Japan : Photo from ROYCE’
ROYCE’ nama chocolates have a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel that is perfectly balanced no matter what flavor you’re getting. The liquor-infused flavors like Au Lait, Champagne Pierre Mignon and Bitter (with Hennessy V.S.O.P) are popular.
If you prefer non-alcohol types, enjoy the gentle flavors of Matcha green tea or Mild Cacao. Prices start at ¥780 (USD5.50) for a box of 20 pieces. I highly recommend ROYCE’s legendary chocolate-covered potato chips too! Odd but it works.
Where To Buy ROYCE’ Nama Chocolates | ロイズ生チョコレート
Get it from its online store here, in airports or its stores within Japan. ROYCE’ is also available in various locations within the US as well as other parts of the world.
5. ROYCE’ Pure Chocolate
Alongside its world-famous nama chocolates, ROYCE’ Pure Chocolate also deserves a favorable mention as one of the best chocolates in Japan.
It comes in the simplest form of Japanese chocolates – chocolate coins, individually packed in a box, each carved with curvy grooves. From its weight to texture to shape, every element is perfectly calculated to give you an elevated experience of pure chocolate.
Best Chocolates in Japan : Photo from ROYCE’
At first, I underestimated its plain looks. Thankfully, I was proven wrong when a box was gifted to me. All it took was a bite to fall in love. No fuss, no gimmicks.
It comes in 12 varieties of cocoa percentages ranging from 37% to 90%. Seasonal packagings make pretty nice chocolate souvenirs. Prices start at ¥450 (USD3.50) for a box of 20 pieces
Psst, it’s cheaper when you shop at duty-free stores in international airports!
Where To Buy ROYCE’ Pure Chocolates | ロイズピュアチョコレート
Get it from its online store here, in airports or its stores within Japan. ROYCE’ is also available in various locations within the US as well as other parts of the world.
6. Bourbon Alfort Chocolates
Bourbon Alfort is most known for its Mini Chocolate Biscuits – essentially a regular chocolate bar embedded with bite-sized whole-grain biscuits on its back. It’s the right balance of sweet, melty, crunchy and slightly savory. For about ¥100 (USD0.70) each, it’s a steal.
While this isn’t exactly gourmet chocolate, it’s still a must-try for the affordable pricing and fun seasonal flavors (salty vanilla, anyone?). It sure is a staple in many Japanese homes.
Best Chocolates in Japan : Bourbon Alfort Chocolates
Where To Buy Bourbon Alfort Chocolates | ブルボンアルフォート
Pretty much everywhere in Japan from convenience stores to supermarkets to drugstores to mini-marts in the rural countryside (speaking from personal experience!).
7. Lotte Ghana Chocolate Bars
Lotte Ghana is one of the most famous brands of chocolates in Japan.
Its chocolate bars are simple, affordable and good. Lotte Ghana hits the spot every time I’m craving a hit of luscious cocoa that melts in the mouth.
You must try the Roast Milk!
It was recommended by a dear old Japanese farmer friend and has since become my favorite Japanese chocolate. Roast Milk infuses smooth, velvety cacao with a pleasant roasted milk flavor, accentuated with a hint of hazelnut notes.
If you spot it, grab it. It’s not as easily available as the other chocolate flavors.
Best Chocolates in Japan : Photos from Lotte Ghana
Prices start from ¥130 (USD1) for a chocolate bar. There are also individually-packed bite-sized versions that make it convenient to share these delicious morsels with others.
Psst, try Lotte Hershey’s Chocolate Ice Bar bar for an icy cold summer treat!
Where To Buy Lotte Ghana Chocolates | ロッテ ガーナチョコレート
Shop online at Lotte’s official store. Alternatively, find it pretty much everywhere in Japan from convenience stores to supermarkets to drugstores to mini-marts in the rural countryside (speaking from personal experience!)
8. Lotte Liqueur Chocolates
Lotte’s Liqueur Chocolate Bars are made for alcohol lovers!
This fan-favorite chocolate is released exclusively in Japan as the days get colder, in the autumn and winter seasons. Each ganache chocolate bar is deliciously infused with 3.2% to 3.7% Western-style liqueur. Perfect for chilly nights!
Best Chocolates in Japan : Photos from Lotte
Rummy (rum) and Bacchaus (cognac) are Lotte’s long-time bestsellers, though occasional releases include Strawberry liqueur. It’s priced at about ¥200 (USD1.50) each.
Where To Buy Lotte Liqueur Chocolates | ロッテ酒の香りとチョコ
Shop online at Lotte’s official store. Alternatively, find it pretty much everywhere in Japan from convenience stores to drugstores to Don Quijote.
9. Meiji Meltykiss Chocolates
Another popular Japanese chocolate is Meiji’s Meltykiss, a limited edition chocolate that’s so delicate (and melty!) it’s only available in Japan’s winter months.
Meltykiss are mini nama chocolate cubes with flavored fillings, dusted with cocoa powder for an extra hit of bittersweet chocolate. Its high cocoa content gives it a soft, creamy melt-in-the-mouth texture you’ll love. You should not miss getting a box if you see it in winter!
Best Chocolates in Japan : Photo from Meltykiss
Flavors vary depending on the year ranging from all-time crowd-pleasers like milk chocolate, strawberry, matcha green tea to intriguing butter caramel as well as liquor-infused rum & raisin. Meltykiss chocolate prices start from ¥270 (USD2)
Where To Buy Meiji Meltykiss Chocolates | 明治メルティーキッス
Get it easily at convenience stores, supermarkets and selected drugstores throughout Japan.
10. KitKat Chocolates
There’s no way I could end this round up of best chocolates in Japan without the country’s favorite chocolate snack. After all, KitKat is legendary.
There have been over 400 intriguing flavors released in Japan with little signs of stopping. Some are oh-so-desirable while others are beyond your wildest food dreams.
With all the seasonal, collaborative and regional chocolate flavors, any visit to Don Quijote is colored by a kaleidoscope of KitKats. Could I resist? Absolutely not.
Best Chocolates in Japan : Photo from KitKat Japan
Here are the most exciting out-there flavors that have captivated Japan:
✓ Pudding ✓ Wasabi ✓ Miso Soup ✓ Tokyo Banana ✓ Nihonshu Sake ✓ Mint Yogurt ✓ Soy Sauce ✓ Lemon Vinegar ✓ Azuki Red Bean Sandwich ✓ Green Tea & Cherry Blossom ✓ Ginger Ale ✓ Tokyo Island Lemon ✓ Edamame ✓ Umeshu Plum Wine
Japan’s KitKats make the best souvenirs! I love buying at least 3-5 types to share among friends, as most flavors are packed in mini-sizes of two.
Where To Buy KitKat | キットカット
Shop online at KitKat official stores on Amazon & Rakuten. Alternatively, find it pretty much everywhere in Japan from KitKat Chocolatory to supermarkets to convenience stores.
11. Glico Pocky Chocolate Sticks
Pocky is a cultural phenomenon in Japan, and this anytime Japanese snack is just as well-loved in other countries! Each box – about ¥150 (USD1) – gives you a handful of long, thin biscuit sticks covered in classic chocolate or other deliciously flavored chocolate creams.
As seen in animes or Japanese movies, Pocky gives a satisfying little snap when you bite into it! Be warned, it is ridiculously easy to finish all on your own.
Best Chocolates in Japan : Photo from Pocky
I love Pocky’s classic chocolate flavor, though the JIMOTO Pocky collection is irresistible. It celebrates Japanese local produce and regional specialties with flavors like Tokyo Amazake, Amao Strawberry, Gorojima Kintoki Sweet Potato, Sato-nishiki Cherry and Kyoho grapes.
You haven’t been to Japan if you have not tried the iconic Pocky!
Where To Buy Pocky | グリコ ポッキー
Pretty much everywhere in Japan from convenience stores to supermarkets to drugstores to mini-marts in the rural countryside (speaking from personal experience!).
Conclusion
Craving for chocolates yet? I know I am!
I hope this list of best chocolates in Japan lead you to a treasure-trove of the tastiest chocolates. Chocolates will never run out of style, am I right?
The market demand is ever-growing for wider varieties. Even good old Kit Kat has had over 400 varieties.
Let me know in the comments if you have any favorites that should be in this list. I don’t know about you, but there can never be too much chocolates in my home.
FAQ
What Does Japanese Chocolate Taste Like?
Japanese chocolates taste sweeter – though not as sweet as chocolates in the US. Chocolate tastes different across the world. This depends on where it’s cultivated and how it’s made to cater to local demands. Generally in Japan, milder sweeter chocolates are preferred.
What Chocolate Is Popular In Japan?
Milk chocolate is the most popular type of chocolate in Japan. This is proven by a survey done in 2020 among local consumers in Japan. Dark chocolate is also a favorite, based on the sheer amount of bitter or dark varieties in the Japanese chocolate industry.
Why Is Meiji Chocolate So Good?
Attention to detail and ingredient quality make Meiji chocolates so good. One point that elevates the enjoyment is the distinct patterns carved onto different sections within a chocolate bar. Smooth on some parts, curvy zig-zags on others. Each section is designed to slightly change the chocolate bar’s mouthfeel and taste when you take a bite.
Is Kit Kat Halal?
Unfortunately, Kit Kat is not halal in Japan. This is because some are made with alcohol or non-halal animal-based ingredients, which then contaminate the entire production line. Nestle has also stated that Kit Kat Japan is not Muslim-friendly. However, it is certified halal in some countries like Australia and Malaysia with different manufacturing processes.
Looking for halal chocolates in Japan? I have a whole list here!
