The Most Popular Japanese Sweets You Must Try in 2024

Japanese sweets, or wagashi, are more than just a treat—they represent a deep connection to tradition, seasons, and the aesthetic harmony of Japan. Whether you’re a fan of soft mochi or creamy custards, Japan offers an incredible variety of desserts, each with its unique flavor and texture. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular Japanese sweets that have become favorites, as well as introduce the concept of snack subscription boxes like Joybox, which brings these delightful treats straight to your doorstep.

1. Daifuku (大福)

Daifuku has consistently ranked as one of Japan’s most beloved sweets, and for good reason. This dessert features a soft, chewy rice cake (mochi) filled with sweet red bean paste or anko. Occasionally, you’ll find varieties that contain strawberry, custard, or other fillings, making it an exciting and versatile dessert. According to our 2024 sweets poll, Daifuku was voted the top Japanese sweet, garnering 19.41% of the votes.

• Why It’s Loved: Its texture—chewy on the outside and smooth and sweet on the inside—makes it a delightful experience.
• Popular Varieties: Strawberry Daifuku, Coffee Daifuku, Matcha Daifuku.

2. Maccha Snacks (抹茶スナック)

Matcha, or powdered green tea, is a beloved flavor in Japan, and it’s often used to enhance sweets. Maccha snacks come in a wide range of products, from cookies to cakes, and are always a favorite among both locals and tourists. These snacks are slightly bitter yet balanced by the sweetness of other ingredients.

• Why It’s Loved: The distinctive bitter-sweet balance offers a unique, sophisticated flavor profile.
• Popular Varieties: Matcha KitKat, Matcha Pocky, Matcha Cream Puffs.

3. Purin (プリン)

Purin, or Japanese-style pudding, is a custard dessert that is lighter than its Western counterparts. It’s creamy with a slight caramel flavor and comes in various forms, from the classic purin cup to more elaborate varieties served in cafes.

• Why It’s Loved: Its smooth and silky texture with a hint of caramel is irresistible.
• Popular Varieties: Classic Caramel Purin, Matcha Purin, Coffee Purin.

4. Cheesecake (チーズケーキ)

Japanese cheesecake is notably different from its Western cousin. It’s fluffier and less dense, almost resembling a souffle in texture. This dessert has become a favorite for its delicate flavor, achieving 11.51% of the votes in the poll.

• Why It’s Loved: Light and airy, Japanese cheesecake is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
• Popular Varieties: Rare Cheesecake, Cotton Cheesecake, Baked Cheesecake.

5. Japanese Cream Puff Chou Cream (シュークリーム)

Shu cream, or Japanese cream puffs, are a beloved pastry in Japan. These are filled with rich custard or whipped cream and have a delicate, flaky shell. In the 2024 poll, Shu Cream captured 14.11% of the votes, making it a go-to dessert for sweet lovers across Japan.

• Why It’s Loved: The crispy shell paired with rich, smooth cream creates a perfect balance of textures.
• Popular Varieties: Vanilla Cream Puffs, Matcha Cream Puffs, Chocolate-Filled Puffs.

6. Crepes (クレープ)

The Japanese twist on crepes has made them a popular street food, particularly in areas like Harajuku. Often filled with whipped cream, fruits, and even ice cream, Japanese crepes are not just a dessert—they’re a customizable sweet sensation. They received 8.89% of the votes in the poll, making them a common choice for a quick and delicious snack.

• Why It’s Loved: Versatile and easy to eat on the go, Japanese crepes can be stuffed with various ingredients, both sweet and savory.
• Popular Varieties: Chocolate Banana Crepe, Matcha Ice Cream Crepe, Strawberry Cheesecake Crepe.

7. Roll Cake (ロールケーキ)

Roll cake is a sponge cake filled with cream, rolled into a beautiful spiral. This dessert is light and fluffy, making it an appealing option for those who want something simple yet satisfying. With 6.67% of the votes, roll cakes continue to be a popular choice in bakeries and cafes throughout Japan.

• Why It’s Loved: Its simple yet delicious combination of sponge cake and cream makes it a comforting dessert.
• Popular Varieties: Strawberry Roll Cake, Matcha Roll Cake, Chocolate Roll Cake.

Want to make your own Japanese roll cake? Try out this favorite Japanese roll cake recipe from Takes Two Eggs.

8. Castella (カステラ)

A sponge cake that originally hails from Portugal but has become a staple in Japanese sweets, castella is sweet, light, and moist. It was voted as a favorite by 5.42% of the participants in the 2024 poll, a testament to its ongoing popularity in Japan.

• Why It’s Loved: Its soft, spongey texture and subtle sweetness make it perfect with tea or coffee.
• Popular Varieties: Honey Castella, Chocolate Castella, Matcha Castella.

9. Baumkuchen (バウムクーヘン)

Baumkuchen is a delicious ring-shaped layered cake that has a strong presence in Japanese confectionery. Despite its German origins, this cake is a hit in Japan, gaining 6.31% of the votes in the 2024 poll.

• Why It’s Loved: The layers create a unique texture, making it a fun cake to eat.
• Popular Varieties: Chocolate Baumkuchen, Vanilla Baumkuchen, Matcha Baumkuchen.

10. Pancake/Hotcake (ホットケーキ)

Although pancakes are more commonly associated with breakfast, the Japanese version is thick, fluffy, and usually served as a dessert. With 8.31% of the vote, hotcakes are commonly enjoyed in cafes with toppings like syrup, butter, and whipped cream.

• Why It’s Loved: Soft and fluffy, it’s an indulgent dessert often paired with fruits or ice cream.
• Popular Varieties: Matcha Pancakes, Chocolate Pancakes, Strawberry Pancakes.

Introducing Joybox: The Best Way to Enjoy Japanese Sweets

Are you craving these delightful Japanese sweets but can’t make the trip to Japan? With Joybox, you can enjoy the best Japanese sweets delivered straight to your home! Each Joybox is carefully curated with popular and seasonal treats, offering you a taste of authentic Japan. Whether you’re a fan of daifuku, matcha snacks, or purin, you’ll find them in our snack boxes.

Start your journey into the world of Japanese sweets today by subscribing to Joybox! With each box, you’ll get a variety of handpicked snacks, including those featured in this poll, like Japanese Mochi Daifuku. Why wait? Dive into Japan’s snack culture from the comfort of your home.

Order your Joybox now and indulge in a delightful array of Japanese sweets that will make every day feel like a sweet celebration. Perfect for sharing with friends, enjoying as a treat, or gifting to a fellow Japan enthusiast!

Quick FAQ for Japanese Sweets

What is the most popular sweet in Japan?
The most popular Japanese sweet, according to recent polls, is Daifuku, a mochi stuffed with sweet red bean paste. Its chewy texture and unique flavor make it a top favorite in Japan’s dessert culture.

What are traditional Japanese sweets?
Traditional Japanese sweets, or wagashi, include mochi, dorayaki, taiyaki, and yokan. These confections are often made from rice, sweet beans, and natural ingredients, celebrating Japan’s seasonal ingredients and cultural heritage.

What is the national sweet of Japan?
While Japan doesn’t have an official “national sweet,” wagashi like manju or mochi hold great cultural significance. They’re commonly enjoyed during tea ceremonies and seasonal festivals across the country.

What is Japanese wagashi made of?
Wagashi is typically made from rice flour, sweet red bean paste, agar-agar, and sometimes seasonal fruits or flowers. Each type of wagashi reflects the seasonality and aesthetics central to Japanese culture.

Is wagashi healthy?
Wagashi can be a healthier alternative to many Western sweets due to its minimal use of refined sugar and reliance on natural ingredients like beans and fruits. However, it is still a sweet and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Is it wagashi or mochi?
Wagashi refers to traditional Japanese sweets in general, while mochi is a specific type of wagashi made from glutinous rice. Not all wagashi are mochi, but all mochi are wagashi!

What is the famous snack in Japan?
One of the most famous snacks in Japan is Pocky, which is a chocolate-coated biscuit stick. It’s popular not just within Japan but also internationally, with various flavors available worldwide.

What candy is Japan famous for?
Japan is famous for its Hi-Chew candies, a chewy fruit-flavored treat, and Kit-Kat, which comes in various unique Japanese flavors like matcha and sakura.

Are Japanese desserts healthy?
Japanese desserts, especially traditional wagashi, are often lower in fat and processed sugar compared to Western sweets. Their focus on natural ingredients like sweet beans and rice makes them a relatively healthy option.

How are the Japanese so slim?
Japan’s traditional diet, which is rich in vegetables, fish, and small portions, along with active lifestyles, contributes to the country’s low obesity rate. Desserts like wagashi are often enjoyed in moderation as part of this balanced diet.

Do Japanese eat a lot of sugar?
While modern desserts and snacks in Japan can be sugary, traditional sweets like wagashi are less reliant on refined sugars, making them a less sweet option than many Western desserts. Japan’s diet generally limits excessive sugar consumption.

Find your favorite Japanese sweets!

Japanese sweets offer an amazing variety of flavors, textures, and traditions that are a true reflection of the country’s rich culture. From the chewy daifuku to the creamy purin, each treat brings something unique to the table. Thanks to modern conveniences like Joybox, you don’t have to travel far to experience the best that Japan has to offer. Treat yourself today and indulge in Japan’s finest sweets right from the comfort of your home!