10 Must-Try Japanese Snacks that Pair Perfectly with Drinks

Where to buy Japanese snacks

If you are looking for Japanese snacks, you can find them easily at convenience stores and supermarkets, as well as drugstores and discount stores such as Don Quijote.

For souvenirs to bring back home, the best way to get your hands on the latest snacks is by ordering tax-free through WAmazing Shop. Simply pick up your order at designated airports across Japan before departure, so you can avoid carrying extra luggage during your trip.

Best snacks to pair with beer

Below, you’ll find a selection of snacks that are not only delicious but also pair exceptionally well with beer. From classic potato chips to the uniquely Kaki-no-Tane rice crackers with peanuts, and regional specialties such as Nanbu senbei rice crackers from the Tohoku Region, there's a world of flavors to explore.

Calbee Potato Chips: The ultimate beer snack with endless flavor options

For a classic beer snack like potato chips, opt for products by snack manufacturer Calbee. Known for hits like Jagarico potato snack, Calbee offers a wide range of flavors and varieties. You're sure to find a flavor that complements not only beer but any alcoholic beverage.

WAmazing Shop can satisfy both your sweet and savory cravings with its selection of potato chips. Try the Potato Chips Fortune Butter Flavor for a subtly sweet treat or the Calbee Hot Chili for a spicy kick.

If you're looking for something fancier, check out Grand Calbee. Their potato chips come in flavors like truffle salt and garlic salt, and they make great gifts.

Kameda no Kaki-no-Tane comes in a variety of regional flavors

Kaki-no-Tane is a popular snack featuring spicy, persimmon seed-shaped rice crackers mixed with peanuts, making it an excellent choice for beer. The snack comes in individually-packed servings, making for a perfect souvenir as well.

In addition to the classic Kameda no Kaki-no-Tane, you’ll also find other flavors such as low salt, ume (plum) and shiso (perilla leaf,) and wasabi.

Recently, there are also regional Kaki-no-Tane flavors, like gyutan (grilled beef tongue) flavor exclusive to the Tohoku Region and an assortment of Tokyo-exclusive flavors. You can order them easily on WAmazing Shop to enjoy these unique flavors even if you don't have the chance to visit the local areas.

Senbei rice crackers perfect for pairing with drinks

Senbei, a traditional Japanese snack made from rice flour, wheat flour, and other ingredients, is kneaded, rolled thin, and then baked on an iron plate or net. It’s also a popular choice as an appetizer.

From classic flavors like sesame and peanut to innovative ones like natto (fermented soybeans) and squid, Nanbu senbei, a specialty of Aomori and Iwate prefectures, offers a world of flavors in every crispy bite. Made with wheat flour, these versatile crackers cater to every taste.

If you want to try a variety of flavors, we recommend the Nanbu no Kaori assortment of 20 pieces, which includes ten different types of senbei. With unique flavors like matcha with cashews, there's something for everyone. Those with a sweet tooth can opt for the apple senbei, known for its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, available on WAmazing Shop.

Cheese snacks available at convenience stores

Japan boasts a number of cheese-based snacks, which pair well with wine, beer, sake, and shochu. While refrigerated items can be difficult to transport, you can easily pick up these snacks at convenience stores during your stay in Japan, allowing you to experiment with various drink pairings.

Cheese-Tara is a uniquely Japanese snack

Cheese-Tara is a popular Japanese snack made by sandwiching cheese between layers of seasoned cod roe paste. A collaboration between Cheese-Tara creator Natori and convenience store chain FamilyMart, this treat combines cheddar cheese with Danish Samson cheese, often found on pizzas. The result is a product with a buttery flavor and a subtle tanginess, creating a rich and indulgent taste.

Bite-sized smoked cheese

While smoked cheese is enjoyed globally, Japan is especially known for its bite-sized smoked cheese, easily found at convenience stores and supermarkets. For example, 7-Eleven offers Smoked Cheese with Pepper, while Lawson offers Smoked Cheese smoked with apple wood chips for a subtle sweet aromatic flavor. Many of these smoked cheeses are individually wrapped, making them ideal for savoring over time. The rich smoky aroma and creamy texture pair well with alcoholic beverages like wine and beer.

Experience the richness of baked cheese with Glico Cheeza

Glico's Cheeza is a snack that delivers the rich, savory flavor of crispy baked cheese. Designed to offer the luxurious taste and aroma of cheese that complements alcoholic beverages, just like in a bar or restaurant, Cheeza lets you enjoy this indulgence anytime, anywhere.

There are two flavors, Cheeza Cheddar Cheese and Cheeza Camembert Cheese, both made with raw cheese. For a grilled cheese experience, just pop them in the oven. They pair exceptionally well with beer, as well as wine and sake.

Enjoy guilt-free snacking with low-calorie treats

We've all been there—enjoying a drink, only to realize you've finished off a bag of snacks. If you're looking for a satisfying option with fewer calories, check out the prepared foods section at your local convenience store. Be sure to review the nutritional information before buying to make a healthier choice.

Addictively delicious Pickled Cucumber with Chili, Garlic & Sesame

7-Eleven’s Pickled Cucumber with Chili, Garlic & Sesame offers a zesty kick with its garlic and chili pepper flavor. The cucumbers are cut into large, crunchy chunks, and the balance of chili and garlic is so irresistible that it's hard to stop once you start. With just 25 calories, you can enjoy as much as you like without stressing about your calorie count. But be warned—it might just make you crave more beer.

A stylish and hearty Octopus, Broccoli & Basil Salad

7-Eleven's salad features tender, steamed octopus mixed with a colorful array of vegetables like broccoli and potatoes. The Italian-inspired basil sauce adds a delightful flavor to this healthy dish. Despite being only 85 calories, the octopus and potatoes make it incredibly satisfying. For a restaurant-quality presentation, serve it in a nice bowl.

The Grilled Chicken Gizzard has an addictive texture

FamilyMart’s expertly charred salt-grilled chicken gizzards are known for their addictive crunchy texture. Seasoned simply with sea salt from Awaji Island in the Seto Inland Sea, they pair perfectly with beer and bring to mind the flavor of yakitori chicken skewers. At just 117 calories, they are a low-calorie snack that's also rich in protein, vitamin B12, vitamin K, iron, and zinc.

Nutrient-packed Radish Strip Salad with Assorted Ingredients

Lawson's Radish Strip Salad with Assorted Ingredients is a Japanese side dish featuring eight different components. Dried radish, a traditional Japanese preserved food, is rich in sweetness, umami, and nutrients. At 132 calories per serving, it is the highest-calorie option among the four we've introduced, but it's also nutrient-dense. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful mix of eight ingredients with your favorite drink.

Purchase delicious snacks tax-free on WAmazing Shop

There are many great snacks that pair perfectly with beer, wine, and other drinks, making them ideal for your trip to Japan. If you want to keep enjoying these snacks after you return home, shop them tax-free on WAmazing Shop along with cosmetics, skincare products, liquor, baby items, and general merchandise. You can conveniently collect your items and complete tax-free procedures at the airport.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

*Consuming alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by Japanese law, and these regulations also apply to international visitors and foreign residents in Japan. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and don’t drive after drinking. Please also check the alcohol import allowance of your country before bringing them back into your country.