There are so many famous chocolates in Japan.
The widely available chocolates in supermarkets and convenience stores come in various forms – classic chocolate bars, flavored chocolates, bite-sized chocolate blocks, chocolate-coated snacks and more. Artisanal specialty chocolate is a whole other game.
Japan has a long history of loving chocolates, until this very day!
So much so that it’s a secret ingredient in Japanese curries. Let’s unveil some of the most prominent Japanese chocolate brands that have been producing these delicious treats for decades. Some even for more than a hundred years.
Meiji is the chocolate brand dominating the market share, alongside leading manufacturers like Lotte, Morinaga, Nestle and Glico. You’ll be seeing a lot of these popular brands here in this complete list of the most famous chocolates in Japan!
16 Most Famous Chocolates In Japan
1. Meiji Milk Chocolate Bars
2. Meiji Almond & Macadamia
2. Meiji The Chocolate
4. Yuraku Black Thunder
5. Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
6. Lotte Ghana Chocolate Bars
7. ROYCE’ Nama Chocolates
8. ROYCE’ Pure Chocolates
9. Meiji Meltykiss Chocolates
10. Bourbon Alfort Chocolates
11. Glico Pocky Chocolate Sticks
12. Kinoko no Yama & Takenoko no Sato
13. Tirol Choco Chocolates
14. Morinaga DARS Chocolates
15. Morinaga Carré de Chocolat
16. KitKat Chocolates
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1. Meiji Milk Chocolate Bars
Let’s kick start with the all-time favorite. Meiji Milk Chocolate is arguably the most famous chocolate in Japan. It was introduced in 1926 as a pioneer in mass-market chocolates.
This is Japanese chocolate in its simplest, most pleasurable form.
Carefully-roasted cacao and rich Japanese milk come together to form these smooth, aromatic chocolate bars. Its distinctive flavors have set the standards for milk chocolates until today. You can find Meiji Milk Chocolate anywhere in Japan for about ¥130 (USD1) a bar.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Meiji Milk Chocolate Bars
I was never a fan of milk chocolate, but there’s just something special about Japanese milk chocolates. Maybe it’s the local full-fat milk that’s so wonderfully creamy. Maybe it’s how sometimes there’s a hint of hazelnut notes in its flavor profile? Whatever it is, I’m all for it.
2. Meiji Almond & Macadamia
Another bestseller by Meiji is the Almond Chocolate & Macadamia Chocolate.
These delicious milk chocolate-covered premium nuts have seen continuous popularity in Japan since their release in 1962. That was 60 years ago!
Meiji takes pride in its stringent selection of the highest grades of almonds and macadamia, roasting them slowly to bring out the rich flavor.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photos by Meiji
Don’t you love the natural sweetness of roasted almonds? The nutty crunch and smooth chocolate make an addictive combination. A box costs no more than ¥200 (USD1.50).
Other newer variations include chocolate-covered Hazelnut and Pistachio.
3. Meiji The Chocolate
Relatively new in the chocolate market, Meiji The Chocolate has broken sales records with 30 million chocolate bars sold in a year! It speaks volumes about this series of dark chocolates that found such success in a market where milk chocolate is the no. 1 favorite.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photos by Meiji The Choco
Meiji The Chocolate’s dedication to cacao beans grown in countries like Venezuela, Brazil and Peru is evident in the elevated flavors of these delicious dark chocolates.
It catapulted to fame with the clever use of Instagram and captured the tastebuds of connoisseurs with multiple international awards. For only ¥240 (USD1.80) a bar, it’s a steal!
4. Yuraku Black Thunder
Cheap, tasty and unpretentious. Black Thunder is all that and more.
While it may not look as stylish or conventionally marketed as other chocolates, Black Thunder is widely recognized in Japan. It is essentially a dark chocolate confectionary, embedded with bittersweet cocoa cookies and crisp biscuits that give it its characteristic texture.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo by Black Thunder
It kinda looks like a mini Snickers candy bar – just a little less sweet and a lot more kick. Priced at a super affordable ¥30 (USD0.20) a piece, Black Thunder is a sure staple in many Japanese households since its launch in 1994.
Look forward to Yuraku’s unusual approach to marketing and seasonal releases!
5. Apollo Strawberry Chocolate
Apollo Strawberry Chocolate is another famous smash hit by Meiji Japan.
I grew up with these dainty pastel-pink strawberry chocolates in the cutest cone shapes, a tribute to Apollo 11’s moon landing in 1969. The chocolate’s thin base is made of milk chocolate, while the top section is strawberry-flavored white chocolate.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo by Meiji
Apollo Strawberry Chocolate gives you a mellow chocolate flavor balanced by subtly tart, fruity notes, making these an everyday snack when you want a quick sweet treat.
Priced at about ¥130 (USD1) for a pocket-sized box, can you resist the cuteness?
Grown-ups in Japan still enjoy this nostalgic childhood chocolate today, either on its own or in inventive collaborations that take it to a whole new level.
6. Lotte Ghana Chocolate Bars
Lotte is one of the most famous chocolate brands that has made headlines in Japan for its, well, complicated history. Regardless of its origins, it is a mainstay of the Japanese market. My favorite of the lot (teehee) is the popular Lotte Ghana Chocolate Bars.
It comes in varieties like milk chocolate, black chocolate, white chocolate and roast milk.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photos from Lotte
You must try roast milk, it’s sublime. This was recommended by a Japanese friend and has since become almost an addiction of mine. Roast milk infuses smooth, velvety cacao with a pleasant roasted milk flavor, accentuated with a hint of hazelnut notes.
Prices start from ¥130 (USD1) for a bar. There are also mini individually-packed versions that make it convenient to share Lotte Ghana’s exceedingly popular chocolate with others.
7. ROYCE’ Nama Chocolates
Alas, it’s time to talk about ROYCE’ world-famous 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 is dusted with cocoa powder. Every little square is delicate, yet incessantly rich. It’s exquisite.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo from ROYCE’
ROYCE’s gourmet nama chocolates are made in Hokkaido, Japan with the prefecture’s famed full-cream dairy milk. You can taste the finest ingredients with its extraordinarily smooth, luxurious mouthfeel. Prices start at ¥780 (USD5.50) for a box of 20 pieces.
While you’re at it, give ROYCE’s unforgettable chocolate-covered potato chips a try too!
Pro tip – shop duty-free at airports for cheaper prices! Most major airports sell it.
8. ROYCE’ Pure Chocolate
Alongside its notable nama chocolates, ROYCE’ Pure Chocolate is also popular in Japan as a gourmet gift for loved ones or just for your own personal indulgence.
These simple chocolate coins come individually packed in a box. Each piece is carved with curvy patterns that are the signature of ROYCE’. From its weight to texture to shape, every element is perfectly calculated to give you an elevated experience of pure chocolate.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo from ROYCE’
It comes in 12 varieties of cocoa percentages ranging from 37% to 90%. The limited edition seasonal packagings make really nice chocolate souvenirs or celebratory gifts.
Prices start at ¥450 (USD3.50) for a box of 20 pieces
9. Meiji Meltykiss Chocolates
As fall approaches, Japan’s got its own version of pumpkin spice that locals look forward to every year when the weather cools. Chocoholics on Twitter come alive, seeking news of this highly anticipated chocolate available only in autumn and winter seasons.
Meet Meltykiss, one of the most famous chocolates in Japan.
Meltykiss are limited edition nama chocolate cubes with flavored fillings, dusted with bittersweet cocoa powder. Its high cocoa content gives a soft, velvety melt-in-the-mouth texture you’ll love. This makes it too delicate for warm weather; it starts melting around 25°c (77°f).
The 2022/2023 seasonal flavors have just been announced:
Premium Milk Chocolat, Fruity Rich Strawberry, First Flush Matcha Green Tea, Honey-Soaked Orange Peel Brandy (Bar Type), Strawberry & Orange Peel Cassis Liqueur (Bar Type)
Meltykiss chocolate prices start from ¥270 (USD2)
10. Bourbon Alfort Chocolates
Bourbon Alfort is a popular Japanese brand best known for the Mini Chocolate Biscuits – essentially a standard chocolate bar embedded with bite-sized whole-wheat biscuits.
It’s the right balance of sweet, melty, crunchy and slightly savory.
While this isn’t exactly gourmet chocolate, it’s still a crowd-favorite for the affordable pricing and exciting seasonal flavors (salty vanilla, anyone?). As of this year, Alfort’s signature biscuit has been upgraded with a coarser type of wheat grains to elevate its crunch and aroma.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Bourbon Alfort
You can 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!) for about ¥100 (USD0.70) each. Definitely wallet-friendly to bulk-buy as souvenirs!
11. Glico Pocky Chocolate Sticks
Pocky is major in Japan, and appreciation for this chocolate snack has spread across the world. This anytime Japanese chocolate snack is popular for its simplicity and fun flavors.
A box of Pocky gives you long, thin pretzel-like biscuit sticks covered in chocolate, or other delightful flavored chocolate creams for about ¥150 (USD1).
It makes such a satisfying little snap when you bite into it!
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo by Pocky USA
Pocky’s classic chocolate flavor is an iconic bestseller, though the JIMOTO Pocky collection is also irresistible. This only-in-Japan collection shines the spotlight on the finest regional specialties. These are flavors include Kyoto Uji Matcha, Hokkaido Yubari Melon, Fukuoka Amao Strawberry, Yamagata Sato-Nishiki Cherry and Shinshu Kyoho Grapes.
12. Kinoko no Yama & Takenoko no Sato
Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato chocolate biscuits are so famous in Japan that locals are divided over which is better, as both are similar in concept. There were even nationwide elections held by Meiji where millions of consumers voted for their favorite.
Kinoko no Yama translates to Mushroom Mountain. As the name suggests, this is a mushroom-shaped snack made up of a crunchy cracker stem and milk chocolate top.
Takenoko no Sato translates to Bamboo Shoot Village. Naturally, it is a chocolate snack consisting of a bamboo shoot-shaped cookie base covered with milk chocolate.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo from Meiji
While both are pretty much same, the shapes and textural differences set them apart.
One has a lighter, snappier crunch (Kinoko no Yama) and the other (Takenoko no Sato) has a crunchier, fuller mouthfeel. Both are yummy bite-sized snacks for about ¥200 (USD1.40) a box.
13. Tirol Choco Chocolates
Tirol Chocolates are individually-wrapped small squares of chocolates in hundreds of fun and fantastic flavors to answer every craving. It is one of the most famous chocolates in Japan with a ubiquitous presence since 1979. You can literally get it anywhere in this country.
Tirol Chocolates started out at the insanely cheap price of ¥10 (USD0.07) per piece.
These days, it’s ¥20 (USD0.15) for the standard flavors. Despite its inexpensive price, Tirol often collaborates with well-known brands like Hokkaido’s famed butter producer Hokunyu and high-end artisan chocolatier Musee du Chocolat Theobroma.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo from Tirol Choco
Doesn’t looking at Tirol Chocolates give you a sense of nostalgia? It’s the retro kitschy-cute wrappers that does it for me. I’d love to give these out as Halloween treats!
14. Morinaga DARS Chocolates
Morinaga is the first Japanese company to make and sell locally-produced chocolates in a bean-to-bear production process in 1918. This was at a time when chocolates were a luxury not many could afford. Then in 1993, DARS Chocolates were introduced to the mass market.
Even after two decades, local chocoholics continue to enjoy this widely-known chocolate in Japan. As you open the box you’ll find dark bite-sized bricks waiting to be devoured.
Prices are set to about ¥130 (USD1) a box.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo from Morinaga
DARS is designed to be convenient to eat (to share too!) and to indulge your tastebuds for maximum pleasure. Its signature shape and thickness enhance your experience as the chocolate brick melts on your tongue. Try the less-sweet Dark Milk flavor!
15. Morinaga Carré de Chocolat
Relatively new in the market, Carre de Chocolat is becoming a favorite addition to Japanese households. This is elevated chocolate made for grown-ups with a discerning palate.
A survey conducted in recent years found this chocolate collection ranking as no. 1 most satisfying among women consumers who want to enjoy the health benefits of dark chocolate.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo from Morinaga
It is priced at about ¥350 (USD2.50) depending on the flavor you choose.
Morinaga recommends pairing some of these Carre de Chocolat varieties with drinks to taste it on a whole new level. Cacao 70 is delicious with whisky while Cacao 88 is with nihonshu sake. If you don’t drink alcohol, try Madagascar White with tea or French Milk with coffee.
16. KitKat Chocolates
There’s no way I could end this list of famous chocolates in Japan without this snack that has sparked interest and fascination towards Japanese snacks around the world.
As you may know, KitKat’s unusual flavors are legendary.
There are over 400 intriguing flavors launched in Japan so far, with little signs of stopping.
I’m game to try out every one of them, but sadly most of the unconventional flavors are released on a limited basis only. Don Quijote is one of the popular places to shop for KitKats in Japan. There’s an entire rack (or three!) filled entirely with a kaleidoscope of KitKats.
Famous Chocolates in Japan : Photo from KitKat Japan
Here are the most innovative flavors that have stirred conversations in Japan:
✓ Miso Soup ✓ Wasabi ✓ Fruit Parfait ✓ Tokyo Banana ✓ Nihonshu Sake ✓ Mint Yogurt ✓ Soy Sauce ✓ Lemon Vinegar ✓ Azuki Red Bean Sandwich ✓ Apple Vinegar ✓ Ginger Ale ✓ Ramune Soda ✓ Edamame ✓ Umeshu Plum Wine ✓ Vegetable Juice
Japan’s KitKats make the best souvenirs that can only be found here!
Conclusion
Confession time. Compiling this list has done significant damage to my purse.
This reminded me of all the good times I’ve had with many of these famous Japanese chocolates. I couldn’t help repurchasing my favorites to relive those happy moments.
Chocolates bring so much joy, don’t you think so?
I hope this list leads you to discover new loves!
FAQ
What Is The Best Chocolate Brand In Japan?
Meiji is the best chocolate brand in Japan ranking at no.1. Meiji is the confectionary powerhouse famous for its variety of good quality chocolates. This Japanese brand manufactures bestselling and award-winning chocolates like Meiji The Chocolate, Apollo Strawberry, Meiji Almond Chocolate and Takenoko no Yama.
Can Muslims Take Royce Chocolate?
Muslims can take certain selections of Royce Chocolates – the Mild Cacao, Mild Milk, Mild White, Ghana Bitter & Ecuador Sweet from its nama chocolate series. These are made from plant-based ingredients, free from non-halal additives. Royce’s chocolate bars (except liquor flavors), Pure Chocolate and chocolate-covered potato chips are also Muslim-friendly.
Looking for halal chocolates in Japan? Check out this list here!
Why Is Kit Kat Different In Japan?
Kit Kat is different in Japan because of the sheer variety of exciting, unusual flavors exclusive to Japan. Many are sold only within specific regions within Japan, where the district’s specialties are featured in the Kit Kat flavors – like Okinawa’s beniimo purple sweet potato, Nagoya’s azukisando red bean sandwich and Kyoto’s Itokyuemon matcha green tea.
