A glimpse through the rest of my blog is proof enough that I consider myself a little bit of a Japanophile. My very first check out to Japan was decades ago. As a small child, I spent the majority of the time remaining behind my moms and dads who were on an around-the-world trip. I keep in mind really bit from it, but I have actually discovered myself drawn to all things Japanese growing up. From favourite Anime (Akira and Death Keep In Mind) and Japanese equated books to consuming generous amounts of ramen and sushi, my love for the “Land of the Rising Sun” has no end.
So, after my visit to Japan, as an adult, with my family, it’s safe to state I suffered withdrawal symptoms. The country proved to be everything I had actually thought of and much, much more. The people, the absolutely fantastic Japanese street food, the hospitality, the sights– everything was like residing in an alternate universe, one where you couldn’t help however walk wide-eyed the entire time.
To conquer the stated parting and longing to review Japan, I was happy to receive 2 specially curated Japanese regular monthly membership boxes. While TokyoTreat specialises in treats, Sakuraco is more about sharing the food and culture of Japan. Both boxes fall under the umbrella of Ayumi Chikamoto, who founded this homegrown service in 2015 from her living room. It has since turned into a really global Japanese themed subscription box design.
TokyoTreat Membership Box The styles for every single month’s membership box is different. But at its heart, TokyoTreat has to do with sharing Japan’s fascinating snack culture. My box included deals with around Harajuku, one of Tokyo’s most popular and lively areas.
I still remember the day I spent in Harajuku. It involved purchasing classic clothing, getting lost in a maze of gachapon devices, and experiencing diverse Japanese cosplay style. Also, attempting viral street snacks– such as rainbow fairy floss, bubble tea, corn canines, and ice-cream crepes. And just taking in the sights and noises of this interesting part of the city.
TokyoTreat’s box commemorates the electric nature of Harajuku. There are a lot of diverse treats in package to satisfy every taste bud. Amongst the pack were rice crackers, twisty corn bites, cheese puffs, and choco cake. Then there’s super sour chewing sweet, and a mega marshmallow stick. The latter, unfortunately, merged a pulp en route, however still tasted yummy!
As for my favourites from the lot, there was the seafood and vegetable dashi ramen, garlic potato chips (I enjoy anything garlicky), salted lemon pretzels, and fruity fizz gummies. The kids, on the other hand, enjoyed mixing the flavours of Kirby’s insane gum mix. When it comes to the DIY ice cream, it’s a classic example of how eccentric Japanese treats can get.
Sakurako Subscription Box While these Japanese subscription boxes do not have any age-appropriateness, the contents of Sakurako goal more towards food and drink connoisseurs. Fewer products attracted my kids’ palates, however at the very same time, I got to savour some unique specialities.
The overall theme of package was Mt Fuji, locally referred to as Fuji-san. Because our trip involved quick travel, we didn’t get to see Mt. Fuji from up close, however we did get a peek at its peak while taking the Shinkansen to and from Tokyo to Osaka.
The Mount Fuji dish, created by Blossom and including The Excellent Wave of Kanagawa, was by far my preferred part of package. One, it looks superb, and I have it on my work desk as I type this post. Secondly, unlike disposable food items, this is something that I get to keep for a very long time, and do not have to show anybody.
In regards to food, goodies varied from Mt Fuji jelly to chocolate crunch and tea bags made with Hokkaido wild rice to muscat konjac jelly. Then there were chocolate and melon wafers, in addition to strawberry dorayaki. The artisanal nature of these mini-delights, from various parts of the nation, showcases the skills and imagination of regional manufacturers.
I would like to point out that the delivery times of the boxes can vary depending on a number of factors. Faster alternatives are readily available at an additional cost. Of the two boxes, Sakurako took longer since it ended up held at Indian customs for a prolonged period. Nevertheless, both boxes eventually got here unscathed.
What truly made both TokyoTreat and Sakurako exceptional was the little brochures, filled with info, that came inside the boxes. In them, you’ll find information about all items (in English), in addition to truths and notes associated with the theme of the box. Since Sakurako has a more traditional feel, the booklet looks into the origins of the products, discussing subjects such as tea, Mt. Fuji, and Japanese ancient art practices.
A genuinely delightful experience for the whole family, attempting TokyoTreat and Sakurako was a fantastic opportunity that we completely took pleasure in, as memories from our Japanese trip flooded back.