Japanese snacks are among the most popular souvenirs for Malaysian travellers. From exclusive KitKat flavours to premium chocolates and rice crackers, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Many snacks are cheaper in Japan than in Malaysia, and some flavours are only available for a limited time or in specific regions.
This guide covers the best Japanese snacks to buy, where to find them, estimated prices and tips for bringing them back to Malaysia.
Exchange Rate Used:
¥100 = RM3.00
Quick Answer
If you only have room in your luggage for a few snacks, these are our top recommendations:
| Snack | Approx. Price | Approx. RM | Worth Buying? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Banana | ¥1,200–2,000 | RM36–60 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Royce Chocolate | ¥900–2,000 | RM27–60 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| KitKat (Japan Flavours) | ¥400–1,000 | RM12–30 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jagariko | ¥180–300 | RM5–9 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Black Thunder | ¥40–80 | RM1–2 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Shiroi Koibito | ¥1,000–2,500 | RM30–75 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Why Buy Snacks in Japan?
Japanese snacks are popular because:
- Exclusive flavours not sold in Malaysia.
- Better freshness.
- Attractive gift packaging.
- Wide range of seasonal products.
- Often cheaper than imported versions in Malaysia.
Best Places to Buy Snacks
| Store | Best For |
|---|---|
| Don Quijote | Largest variety and late-night shopping |
| 7-Eleven | Everyday snacks and drinks |
| FamilyMart | Limited-edition convenience store items |
| Lawson | Desserts and seasonal snacks |
| Tokyo Station | Premium gift boxes |
| Airports | Last-minute souvenirs |
| Department store food halls | Premium local specialties |
1. Tokyo Banana
Approximate Price:
¥1,200–2,000
Approximate RM:
RM36–60
Tokyo Banana is one of Japan’s most famous souvenirs. It features a soft sponge cake filled with banana-flavoured custard.
Best For
- Family
- Office gifts
- Friends
Worth Buying?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Royce Chocolate
Approximate Price:
¥900–2,000
Approximate RM:
RM27–60
Royce Nama Chocolate is known for its rich texture and smooth flavour.
Popular Choices
- Nama Chocolate
- Potatochip Chocolate
- Baton Cookies
Worth Buying?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Note: Royce products may require cool storage. If you’re travelling during summer, consider buying them at the airport shortly before departure.
3. KitKat Japan Flavours
Approximate Price:
¥400–1,000
Approximate RM:
RM12–30
Japan offers dozens of unique KitKat flavours that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Popular flavours include:
- Matcha
- Strawberry
- Sakura (seasonal)
- Hojicha
- Wasabi (limited editions)
Worth Buying?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Jagariko
Approximate Price:
¥180–300
Approximate RM:
RM5–9
Jagariko potato sticks are crunchy, portable and available in many flavours.
Popular options include:
- Salad
- Cheese
- Butter
- Seaweed
Worth Buying?
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5. Black Thunder
Approximate Price:
¥40–80
Approximate RM:
RM1–2
One of Japan’s best-value chocolate bars.
Ideal if you’re buying in bulk for colleagues or classmates.
Worth Buying?
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
6. Shiroi Koibito
Approximate Price:
¥1,000–2,500
Approximate RM:
RM30–75
A famous butter cookie sandwich filled with white chocolate, originally from Hokkaido.
Excellent as a premium gift.
Worth Buying?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best Snacks Under RM30
| Snack | JPY | RM |
|---|---|---|
| KitKat | ¥500 | RM15 |
| Jagariko | ¥250 | RM8 |
| Black Thunder (5 bars) | ¥300 | RM9 |
| Pocky | ¥200 | RM6 |
| Hi-Chew | ¥300 | RM9 |
Example Shopping Budget
Budget RM300
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Banana | ¥1,500 |
| Royce Chocolate | ¥1,500 |
| KitKat | ¥800 |
| Jagariko | ¥300 |
| Black Thunder (10 bars) | ¥600 |
| Pocky | ¥400 |
| Hi-Chew | ¥500 |
| Shiroi Koibito | ¥1,500 |
| Total | ¥7,100 |
Approximate Cost:
RM213
This leaves room for additional snacks or souvenirs while staying within a RM300 budget.
Are Snacks Cheaper Than Malaysia?
In many cases, yes.
Imported Japanese snacks sold in Malaysia often include shipping costs and retailer mark-ups.
| Snack | Japan | Malaysia* |
|---|---|---|
| KitKat | RM12–30 | RM20–40 |
| Tokyo Banana | RM36–60 | Often unavailable |
| Royce Chocolate | RM27–60 | Higher when imported |
*Prices vary by retailer.
Tax-Free Shopping Example
You purchase:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Banana | ¥2,000 |
| Royce Chocolate | ¥2,000 |
| KitKat | ¥1,500 |
| Shiroi Koibito | ¥2,500 |
| Assorted Snacks | ¥3,000 |
| Total | ¥11,000 |
Approximate value:
¥11,000 = RM330
Estimated tax saving:
About ¥1,100 (RM33) if your purchase qualifies.
Tips for Malaysian Travellers
Buy Airport-Exclusive Products Last
Some snacks have a short shelf life or require refrigeration.
Buying them before your flight helps keep them fresh.
Check Expiry Dates
If you’re buying gifts for festive seasons or future events, choose products with a longer shelf life.
Protect Fragile Snacks
Cookies and crackers can break easily.
Pack them near the top of your suitcase or between soft clothing.
Watch Your Luggage Weight
Snack boxes add up quickly.
Ten medium-sized gift boxes can weigh several kilograms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Malaysians bring Japanese snacks home?
Yes, most packaged snacks for personal consumption can generally be brought back to Malaysia. Always check the latest Malaysian import rules if you’re unsure about specific food products.
Where is the cheapest place to buy snacks?
Don Quijote and supermarkets often have competitive prices, while airports are convenient for last-minute purchases.
Which snacks make the best gifts?
Tokyo Banana, Royce Chocolate, Shiroi Koibito and regional KitKat flavours are among the most popular choices.
Final Verdict
Japanese snacks are some of the easiest and most enjoyable souvenirs to bring home from Japan.
Whether you’re buying affordable treats like Black Thunder and Jagariko or premium gifts such as Tokyo Banana and Royce Chocolate, there’s something for every budget.
For most Malaysian travellers, setting aside RM200–500 for snacks provides plenty of choice while leaving room in your luggage for other shopping. Combining your purchases at participating stores may also help you qualify for tax-free shopping, making your budget stretch even further.
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