Are you looking to explore the world of delicious, traditional Japanese snacks and culture without going halfway across the globe? A great way to do just that is through snack subscription boxes.
Not only do they bring an exciting array of new treats straight to your door, but they’re also a fun and educational journey into Japanese culture.
There are plenty of Japanese subscription boxes out there, but two of the most popular are Sakuraco and Bokksu.
Both offer an impressive assortment of snacks and goodies from all over Japan, but which one is right for you?
In this article, we explore the similarities and differences between these two subscriptions to find out who offers the best selection of authentic Japanese snacks.
An Overview Of Sakuraco Subscription Boxes
Sakuraco offers one size subscription box containing 20 new and seasonal Japanese treats each month.
A single-month subscription starts at around $37 plus shipping. They also offer 3, 6, and 12-month subscription plans that include discounts.
Each Sakuraco box offers an assortment of authentic Japanese foods, beverages, and home goods. Here is a sampling of what you can expect:
- Cakes like castella (traditional sponge cake) and taiyaki (fish-shaped cake)
- Traditional Japanese sweets like mochi (chewy rice cake), manju (filled sweet bread), and yokan (sliced jelly)
- Seasonal-inspired Japanese treats such as sakura (cherry blossom) and momiji (red fall leaves)
- Teas like matcha, hojicha, and seasonal selections
- Japanese home goods including ceramics, chopsticks, and furoshiki (wrapping cloths)
- Snacks made in partnership with family-owned businesses
- Exclusives made only for Sakuraco
- A comprehensive snack and culture discovery guide
An Overview Of Bokksu Snack Boxes
Bokksu also offers one size subscription box containing 20-22 Japanese treats each month.
A single-month subscription starts at around $49.99 which includes shipping. Similar to Sakuraco, they also offer 3, 6, and 12-month subscription plans that include discounts.
Each Bokksu box offers Japanese snacks, candies, and teas sourced directly from family makers as well as larger manufacturers. Here is a sampling of what you can expect in a Bokksu snack box:
- An assortment of sweet and savor treats including mochi, senbei (rice crackers), cakes, cookies, and chips
- A new tea offering each month
- Exclusives made by local makers only for Bokksu
- A comprehensive 24-page guide including snack descriptions and allergen information
Similarities: Sakuraco and Bokksu
Customer Reviews
Both companies have a 4.8/5.0 customer rating with around 12,000 verified reviews.
Price
The price of both boxes is comparable. Sakurco’s boxes start around $37 plus shipping, while Bokksu’s boxes start around $49.99 which includes shipping.
Information Booklet
Both snack boxes include full-color booklets with descriptions of the products, allergen information, and a peek into Japanese culture.
Delivery Time
Both companies offer multiple shipping methods including 3-5 day delivery for US customers.
Overall Quality
When it comes to authenticity and quality, both companies go above and beyond to make sure customers receive an excellent selection of products from Japan’s top snack makers.
Key Differences: Sakuraco vs Bokksu
With so many similarities between the two snack boxes, how do you decide which is right for you? It really comes down to a few key points of difference.
Type Of Items In Each Box
Sakuraco offers 20 items in each box which includes snacks, teas, and tableware. Bokksu offers 20-22 snack and tea items only in each monthly box.
WINNER: Sakuraco
The addition of authentic home goods in each box gives Sakuraco a distinct advantage. Boxes contain gorgeous ceramics like tea cups, plates and soup spoons, fabrics, chopsticks and chopstick holders.
These unique pieces are a perfect blend of function and beauty and will give you a piece of Japan that lasts far beyond the expiration date on your snacks.
Snack Box Themes
Most Sakuraco boxes are focused on one of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Each of these regions has unique flavors and cultures that are highlighted in the snack boxes. On occasion, they also send themed boxes to celebrate events like Valentine’s, the New Year, and Sakura season.
Conversely, most Bokksu box themes typically capture the essence of a season, flavor, special events, or on occasion, one of the prefectures. For example, a recent box celebrated manatsu (midsummer) with snacks featuring the flavor of Japanese citrus fruits.
WINNER: It’s a tie.
The companies take slightly different approaches to filling their snack boxes, but each has its appeal.
The Sakuraco box is a clear winner when it comes to painting a picture of life across Japan by highlighting different regions of the country.
However, Bokksu may appeal to those who prefer more boxes to focus the theme on a specific flavor and season.
Origin Of Snacks
Both companies work with family-owned makers. However, Sakuraco is committed to solely focusing on these small, family companies. They aim to not include dagashi (cheap candies and snacks) or treats from large-scale manufacturers.
On the other hand, Bokksu does include products from commercial producers such as Calbee, a large Japanese snack food maker.
WINNER: Sakuraco
If you’re looking to be truly immersed in traditional Japanese culture, Sakuraco provides an authentic journey through the lens of local snack makers.
Final Thoughts On Sakuraco vs. Bokksu
Both Sakuraco and Bokksu are wonderful choices for those interested in exploring Japanese snacks. With every delivery, you’ll receive an assortment of delicious Japanese treats along with a comprehensive booklet that describes the treats and tells the story of the featured region or theme.
However, Sakuraco has the edge with the inclusion of beautiful tableware with each box as well as their commitment to telling the story of Japanese culture by highlighting local snack makers.
If you’re ready to have an incredible snacking experience with a side of stunning tableware, head over to the Sakuraco website to learn more.
Up Next:
– Universal Yums Review: International Snack Subscription Box
– MunchPak Review: International Snack Subscription Box
– 11 Best Snack Subscription Boxes To Buy Online