KitKat Yuzu kitkat: There's a small KitKat shop in Ginza. I'm not sure if it's the main one because I've seen more KitKats in a room in most malls here, but they did have them individually packaged in nice collector cases. They were pretty pricey, a $3 for a single KitKat (not even the type you break in two, which I thought was a defining characteristic given the jingle but apparently not in Japan). I purchased the most interesting looking one: Yuzu. It's actually very good: sour and tart, like a lemon flavore... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended japanese citrus chocolate kitkat yuzu 4.0
Fanta Socata Soda: This is a limited edition vending-machine exclusive in Japan from Fanta, the first in a series they're calling 'Delicious Flavours of the World,' where they introduce flavors only available in other regions of the world to the Japanese market. I found out about it because I was intrigued by the name SOCATA?! on the label, with the universal white and blue color scheme of mystery flavors (e.g. White Air Heads, Mystery Oreo, etc.) The label also features a castle in the background, hinting a... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks soda japanese vendingmachine fanta socata 3.5
Bake Cheese Tart Original Cheese Tart: While walking through Tokyo station, I came across this small shop with a sizeable, but not intimidatingly-so, line and the aroma of baked goods. They specialize in cheese tarts, some flavored with chocolate or seasonally with strawberry, but I went for the original, which is a little smaller than a typical Portguese / Chinese egg tart. The pastry base is twice baked, and the interior is largely cream cheese that has a baked browned crust of brueleed cheese. The texture of the cheese unde... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended tokyo tokyostation dessert tart creamcheese bakecheesetart original cheese 3.5
Ginza Ginger Kiwi ginger kakigori: Ginza Ginger is a kakigori shaved ice shop in downtown Ginza. They specialize in ginger-milk-flavored syrups that are served alongside fruit computer that you add to the shaved ice to your taste. I shared the kiwi kakigori (I think it would be too much to eat on your own and could possibly serve 3-4 people even). It came in an impressive mound with the ginger syrup already added and a small jar of kiwi fruit compote. The shaved ice was airy and light and impressively held its texture until ... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended japanese shavedice dessert ginza fruit ginzaginger kiwi ginger kakigori 4.0
Tohato Peanut Caramel Corn: Tohato Caramel Corn is a standard Japanese snack, available at most convenience stores. I believe this is special packaging (perhaps for valentines day) for a peanut flavor that is normally available (i.e., it's not a special edition seasonal flavor). Nonetheless, I did find the glazed corn snacks to be flavorful, and there are roasted peanuts in the bag too. A nice, satisfying sweet snack. 3.5/5.0
recommended japanese tohato peanut caramel corn 3.5
Coca-Cola Strawberry Coke: I saw this bottle at Family Mart, and while I typically drink diet soda, I decided this was too interesting to pass on. Strawberry coke is a Japan-only product introduced only earlier this year in January. Since I enjoy cherry coke, I was interested in the soda giant’s take on a beloved fruit, particularly in Japan (I’ve seen several boxes of light pink strawberries going for an inordinate sum here). In color, the coke looks exactly the same as regular Coca-Cola, but the taste is undeniab... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended soda drinks japanese familymart cocacola strawberry coke 4.0