Review: Sakura Co Subscription Box from Japan

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the tastes and beauty of Japan from the comfort of your own home, the Sakuraco subscription box might be just what you’re looking for. I recently received the July subscription box, and found myself transported back to Japan.

For those who are new here - I lived and worked in Japan for around 10 years, before relocating back to Australia. I often miss getting my hands on good quality, authentic Japanese food and drinks, and find the selection at the local Asian grocer expensive, and quite boring.

I was recently gifted a July box from Sakuraco, and was super excited when it arrived! Was this what I needed all along to satisfy my craving for traditional Japanese snacks?

What is the Sakuraco Box?

Sakuraco is a monthly subscription service that delivers authentic Japanese snacks and home goods (think plates, bowls, etc.) straight from Japan. Each box is curated around a seasonal or regional theme and includes items crafted by local artisans and family-owned businesses. Whether you’re interested in exploring new Japanese snacks, sampling traditional tea, or collecting hand made Japanese ceramics and souvenirs, Sakuraco has what you're looking for.

Sakuraco box packaging

What’s Inside the Sakuraco Box?

The contents of the box change from month to month, but generally each Sakuraco box contains around 20 carefully selected items. In the past, the box has contained some of the following items:

• Traditional Japanese Snacks: Expect treats like mochi, yokan (sweet bean jelly), senbei (crispy rice crackers), dorayaki (pancakes filled with red bean), and more! Keep in mind that these items generally aren't the type of snacks you'll find in your local Asian grocery store, as Sakuraco tries to include handmade snacks from local manufacturers in Japan. In addition, the subscription box can also contain limited edition items made just for Sakuraco, meaning they are not able to be purchased elsewhere.

  
  

• Regional Japanese Tea: Each box includes at least one type of tea to pair with your snacks. Think bitter green tea, roasted hojicha, delicate sencha, or blends with flavours unique to Japan.

  
  

• Home Goods: One of the highlights of the box is a traditional Japanese item for the home. My research shows that past boxes have included things like ceramic plates (I got one in the July box!), bowls, chopsticks, or furoshiki cloths.

  
  

• Culture Guide Booklet: This full-colour 24 page mini-magazine explains the theme of the box, gives background information on each snack. It’s incredibly helpful if you aren't able to decipher what's written on the packaging. In addition, many of the snacks are taken from larger packets and not purchased individually, so while they are individually wrapped, they are not in the product packaging as seen on the shelves stores. This is completely normal in Japan, where most snacks are individually wrapped and are made to be shared among family, friends, or coworkers.

Unpacking the July subscription box

Click on the images to expand.

What's inside the July "Mt. Fuji Summertime Box"?

Here are some more photos of the items I received in the July subscription box.

Layout of items

Close-up of individual items

Themes that celebrate Japanese culture

One of the most exciting aspects of Sakuraco is that each box has a monthly theme based on a region, festival, or season in Japan. For example, past boxes have focused on Kyoto in spring, Hokkaido's autumn flavours, or summer festivals like Tanabata. This keeps things fresh and makes each month a bit of a surprise, which is perfect for curious foodies or people who love Japanese culture.

The theme of the box I received in July was the "Mt. Fuji Summertime Box."

Subscription plans and pricing

Sakuraco offers several subscription options. At the time of publishing the prices (USD) on the Sakuraco website are as follows:

• Monthly plan: $37.50/month

• 3-month plan: $35.50/month

• 6-month plan: $33.50/month

• 12-month plan: $32.50/month

  
  

Shipping is not included in the base price, and is calculated at checkout depending on your location.

Thanks to the forward-thinkers at Sakuraco, there is a handy option to pause your membership - something I always find super useful when signing up for a subscription box. There's nothing worse than having your delivery be returned to sender while you're away!

Note: My July box arrived in just a few days from Japan with DHL, but shipping times will vary between countries, and may take longer during peak periods.

Who would enjoy a Sakuraco monthly subscription?

This subscription is perfect for:

• Fans of Japanese food and culture

• People missing Japan - As someone who spent a lot of time living in Japan, and has since moved away, I think this is a wonderful way to stay connected to Japan via traditional Japanese snacks, tea, and homewares.

• People looking for unique gifts - I'd definitely consider gifting a 3 month subscription to a friend of family member as a birthday or Christmas gift

• Tea lovers and people who love trying new snacks - both savoury and sweet

  
  

The subscription box is fun way to learn about different Japanese regions and seasonal customs without hopping on a plane. And the elegant packaging makes it feel extra special!

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Should you buy a subscription to Sakuraco?

The Sakuraco box is more than just a snack subscription - it’s a curated journey through Japan’s rich culinary and cultural landscape. With beautiful presentation, authentic flavours, and thoughtful extras, it’s a great way to bring a little bit of Japan into your home each month.

Would I purchase a Sakuraco subscription?

I'm definitely considering it! At the moment I'm still able visit Japan occasionally, and have friends who love to visit for the Japanese ski season. I tend to bring back loads of snacks when I visit, and always put in an order with my friends when they travel to Japan.

I do really love the idea, and love that the subscription box contains so many goodies for me to sample. I have always been one for trying new snacks when I see them, and I have a small collection of Japanese ceramics that I hope to grow, so this box feels like it's curated perfectly for me. The 24 page mini-magazine that explains each item in detail is something I think is a fantastic added touch to this subscription box - no need to Google everything to find out more about it. Thanks to the option to pause the monthly deliveries, I'm definitely going to look at getting a subscription.

Note: This subscription box was provided as a gift, however, all views are my own.

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