Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to explore the world of Japanese sweets with Sakuraco, a subscription service dedicated to delivering seasonal treats straight from Japan. Being an aficionado of traditional Japanese sweets, or wagashi, I was thrilled to dive into this curated collection. I invited my friend Nancy to join the tasting experience, as she had never tried Japanese sweets before, which made the occasion even more delightful!

What is the Autumn Moon Viewing Festival?

The Tsukimi (月見), or “moon viewing,” is a cherished festival in Japan dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the autumn moon. This event typically brings communities together across the country to honor the changing seasons by enjoying seasonal sweets and snacks while gazing at the moon’s luminous beauty. I have nostalgic memories of attending these festivals during my time in Japan, savoring delightful treats and creating lasting moments with family and friends. Even now, I find joy in moon-gazing here in California!

A Detailed Look at Sakuraco’s Seasonal Subscription Box

Sakuraco’s subscription box is impressively curated, featuring a generous selection of authentic Japanese sweets that are difficult to find abroad. The box provides not only variety but also exceptional value. For anyone who shares a love for these treats, it presents an exciting option for personal indulgence or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family, especially around festive occasions like the Japanese New Year!

Treats in the Sakuraco Subscription Box that We LOVED:

Kokuto Kinako Mochi

A favorite during our tasting session; both Nancy and I were delighted by this delightful mochi. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and the flavors are simply addictive.

Tsukimi Candy

Among the various flavors, we found ourselves drawn to the pear option over the grape flavor. It was refreshing and subtly sweet!

Black Sesame Miso Arare

This savory snack paired perfectly with a glass of sake or beer. Its umami-packed flavor was a highlight for both of us!

Hokkaido Sweet Potato

We both enjoyed the rich, moist flavor of this treat, which wasn’t overly sweet—a wonderful balance for the palate.

Tsukimi Ryokucha (Green Tea)

This tea was a standout; its earthy flavors complemented our sweet sweets perfectly!

Tsukimi Mikan Cream Cookie

Even though these crunchy cookies arrived broken, the taste was absolutely delightful. Such a shame, as they were visually stunning!

Chestnut Dorayaki

This did not disappoint; sweet and fluffy, it was a heavenly treat!

Custard Taiyaki

Last but not least, this dessert was just pure yumminess! The custard filling was rich and comforting.

We were also thrilled to find a charming Tsukimi-themed ceramic dish in the box, depicting rabbits dancing under the moonlight. Along with this, there was an informative booklet detailing the history of the Tsukimi festival, enriching our experience of each treat and the regions they come from.

Sakuraco’s dedication to sourcing its treats from various family-owned businesses throughout Japan adds even more charm to the experience. It’s wonderful to see local artisans gaining exposure on an international scale.

Some Misses:

While many treats were delightful, there were a few that didn’t quite hit the mark:

• Usagi Pon Senbei: This one did not resonate with our taste buds.
• Kodaimai Senbei: Although crunchy, the overall texture was quite dry.
• Cocoa Black Soybeans: The flavor balance felt off.

Some Minor Quibbles and Suggestions:

Packing Improvements: While the treats were hand-packed with care, some fragile items like senbei arrived broken. This was disappointing as they were visually appealing.

Delivery Notification: I had to sign for the box, which interrupted an important call. A heads-up would have been appreciated.

FAQs

1. What types of treats can I expect in the Sakuraco box?

The Sakuraco box typically includes a variety of seasonal Japanese sweets such as mochi, dorayaki, and traditional candies, alongside unique snacks from different regions of Japan.

2. Are the snacks suitable for all dietary restrictions?

While many treats are vegetarian-friendly, some may contain ingredients like dairy or animal by-products. It’s essential to check the specific treats in your box for dietary requirements.

3. How often will I receive a Sakuraco box?

Sakuraco offers subscriptions that can be set up for monthly delivery, allowing you to enjoy Japanese treats regularly!

4. Can I send a Sakuraco box as a gift?

Absolutely! Sakuraco boxes can be gifted, making for an excellent present for anyone who enjoys sweets and Japanese culture.

5. How can I ensure the treats arrive in good condition?

While the company strives to package treats carefully, you can reach out to their customer service if you find any issues upon delivery. Feedback can help improve packaging for future shipments.