• Travel Blog
  • Japan Trip Planning
  • Las Vegas Trip Reports
  • Reviews
  • About
                           hiohio.net

 hiohio.net-   travels. planning. trip reports. food.

Crazy about Kit Kats in Japan

6/7/2017

0 Comments

 
A few disclaimers before I start this post:
1.  This post is not sponsored or affiliated with Nestle or Kit Kats. 
2.  I really enjoy Kit Kats.  :) 
3.  Photos complied by me (with exception for the ones from Nestle                which they own), but original copyrights belong to Nestle. 
​
Many varieties of unique Kit Kat Flavors available in Japan.
Kit Kats are popular lucky charms in Japan as the Katakana name sounds like you will win for sure
in Japanese so many students eat it for good luck before exams. 


Kit Kats in America is generally found only in Milk Chocolate.
 Once in a while, the local Asian grocery stores on Oahu stocks
 Strawberry,  Hazelnut,  Matcha Green Tea, and sometimes even Dark Chocolate for grabs. 


But in Japan, there's many regional varieties as exclusives. 

For this experiment, you need at least one full carry-on suitcase (if not more),
and good old cash -- yes, Kit Kats aren't cheap.  


​Beginning of the trip
This is what ~$350+ USD worth of Kit Kats look like.
(Not that much right?) ​
Our Kit Kat Hunt in Japan 1.
Surprisingly, that only filled the suitcase partially.


End of the trip

Massive Japanese Kit Kat Haul (hiohio.net).
I have no clue what the final YEN damage was. This is not entirely complete as there was a bunch of duplicates and ones mentioned towards the end of this post that was picked up at a different time.
Japanese Kit Kat Haul (hiohio.net)






​
​There are no words I can use to rationalize this behavior. 
(It's a thin line between
dedication vs. obsession)?

 


First of all, if you decide you want to seek out the many awesome flavors of Kit Kat in Japan, I suggest you set up a reasonable (realistic) budget as it definitely adds up-- fast. 




PRICE REFERENCE 
​
  • One box of 12 (individually wrapped minis) can range from ~864-1,000 YEN each (~$8.64-10 USD).
  • Individual Mini Pack of 3 Pieces is between ~300-400 YEN (~$3-4 USD).
  • Pack of 10 Mini Boxes (x 3 Minis per box); Certain flavors we've only found in this packaging ~ 1,500-2,000 YEN (~$15-$20 USD). ​​
​


[​Kit Kat Flavors found]


​Hokkaido Melon


北海道メロン

Airport Duty Free Exclusive
​
Comes in a box of 10 mini packages
(3 pieces per box)

Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Hokkaido Melon), front, back, closeup.

​This is like eating that famous Melon Bar Ice Pop but in a convenient any time size and packaging.
Super delicious and made with Marscarpone Cheese.  My top favorite!! 



Rum Raisin (Tokyo) 


東京​土産ラムレーズン
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Tokyo Rum Raisin), front, back, closeup.

Very nice flavor.  The rum flavor is definitely present minus the actual alcohol.
Another favorite. 



Butter Cookie


バタークッキー

​[Optional]- You can roast the wafers yourself in the oven.
​
I found these in individual packs of 3's (~400 YEN each). 
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Roasted Butter Cookie), front, back, closeup.
If I read the directions correctly (hopefully), it recommends the candy to be roasted in a
1000 Watt toaster oven outside of the package on foil (3-4 pieces for 2 or 2 & 1/2 mins).  

I just used the oven and broiled the top till browned.  It works! 
Though I think if you had a hand (flambe) torch that would work even better.

Once you roast it, it tastes heavenly and is perfect for holidays.  
Creamy warm butter cookie on the bottom 
while the top is flaky and crunchy like a Creme Brulee. 


​Momiji Manju (Hiroshima)


広島​​土産もみぢ饅頭

Comes in Mini Packs (of 3) AND large box of 12 pieces. 
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Hiroshima Momiji Manju), front, back, closeup.
​Such a lovely maple leaf design with nice red bean flavor.  
Reminds me of the Japanese Red Azuki Bean soup (Zenzai). 

​


Japanese Sake Flavor (Kyoto)


京都 日本酒
Comes in 9 (shaped like a Sake bottle) or 12 pieces. 
Can be found in Kyoto or Airports. 

Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Sake Flavor Chocolate Candy), front, back, closeup.
*Real bottle of Sake not included in picture.*
The sake flavor is immediate both in smell and taste.  

​Truly amazing considering there's really no alcohol in this. 
​
​

​Beni Imo
​(Okinawa Sweet Potato)
​Limited Edition


沖縄・九州土産 紅いも (限定) ​
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Beni Imo Purple Potato), front, back, closeup.

​I'm a bit confused on this one, it's supposed to be a purple potato but the Kanji for it is red (my name). 
Regardless, it really does taste like sweet purple potato-- which can be good or bad depending on
​ how much you like the plant in the first place. 

​


​​Houjicha (Kyoto)
Roasted Green Tea


京都土産ほうじ茶
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Roasted Green Tea Houjicha Candy), front, back, closeup.

​Good tea flavor.  The roasted part is very obvious. 

​


Shinshu Apple 


信州土産りんご
Picture
I think this flavor is supposed to represent the Nagano prefecture as Shinshu was the historic name of the area.
The apple scent is fragrant and strong and hits you as soon as you open the package.

It's sweet but contrasts nicely with the  milk chocolate. 
​


Kobe Pudding


神戸​プリン
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Kobe Pudding), front, back, closeup.

You get the nice subtle sweetness of the pudding flavor, but its not overpowering. 
​
​

​Sakura Matcha


桜抹茶
​

Airport Duty Free Exclusive
​
Comes in a box of 10 mini packages
(3 pieces per box)
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Sakura Matcha), front, back, closeup.

​Matcha is the overall flavor profile of this Kit Kat, but the Sakura flavor hits you more toward the end.
Reminscient of eating Sakura Mochi (with the leaf on top).




Strawberry Cheesecake​ (Yokohama)


横浜土産 ストロベリーチーズケーキ
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Yokohama Cheesecake), front, back, closeup.

Eating this brings me back to childhood.  It tastes exactly like strawberry wafer sticks I ate
when I was a child, except this is way fancier with chocolate on top. 
​


Azuki Red Bean Sandwich (Tokai- Hokuriku) 


東海・ 北陸土産 あずきサンド
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Red Bean Sandwich Regional Kit Kat), front, back, closeup.

​This flavor was inspired by popular coffee shop menus in Nagoya
that feature the Ogura Toast Sandwich (小倉 トースト)
 .

The Kit Kat version tastes like dark chocolate (even though it's made of milk chocolate)
over the red bean with a tinge of bitterness at the end. 
​
​

Tamaruya Honten Wasabi (Shizuoka- Kanto)


静岡・関東土産 (田丸屋本店わさび)
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Famous Wasabi Kit Kat), front, back, closeup.

​Its Japan, so of course there will be a Wasabi flavor.  
It's not just any Wasabi, it's supplied by the famous Shizuoka company
Tamaruya
which started in 1875. 

Paired with white chocolate, you get all of the Wasabi flavor
 minus the clear your nose sensation. 

​

​Wa-Ichigo
​(Japanese Strawberry) 


和いちご

Airport Duty Free Exclusive
​
Comes in a box of 10 mini packages
(3 pieces per box)​
Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Japan Duty Free Exclusive Wa Ichigo Strawberry), front, back, closeup.

Smells and tastes like a delectable sweet strawberry milk shake. 

​


​​Easter Special (2017)
​ Custard Pudding


カスタードプリン
Kit Kat 2017 Easter Special (Custard Pudding).
Again, I have no clue where the original packaging is. ​I think it came in the loose assorted bags of 12.

​Isn't this so adorable? 
On the sweeter side, but you really get the pudding flavor. 
Similar to the Kobe Pudding version but way cuter. 





​Kit Kat Chocolatory

キットカット ショコラトリー
Kit Kat Chocolatory in Daimaru (Osaka City Station).
I say, this is the fanciest chocolate-inspired chandelier I've ever seen (photo shot in Daimaru, Osaka City Station).

​A video of...obviously not me; Official Kit Kat Chocolatory commerical:


Each branch of the Chocolatory is quite small by itself as it takes a small spot
inside a larger department store (basement/ food level). 

So far, there's only 6 branches throughout Japan currently. ​
​

​Chocolatory Editions

Nestle Japanese Kit Kat Flavor (Special Chocolatory Edition).
Ooops, I think I threw away this box, sorry! For Special selection, the box was very simple just like the wrappers but the "special" part was in foil.

Chocolatory
​Special


Comes in 8 or 24 pieces
​

(1,080 YEN/ 3,240 YEN includes 4 pieces of Sublime
​ Bitter Chocolate
sticks) 
​
  • Green Tea & Kinako ( 抹茶&きなこ)
  • Butter (バター)
  • Pistachio & Raspberry​ (ピスタチオ&ラズベリー)
  • Strawberry Maple​  (ストロベリーメープル)
​​

Chocolatory Sublime​


Matcha & Bitter Chocolate
 ショコラトリーサブリム  (抹茶 & ビター )

​324 YEN each
Kit Kat Japan Chocolatory Sublime (Bitter Chocolate and Matcha).
Milk Chocolate also available.

There's only 300 bars of the Bitter Sublime for sale daily as it's hand dipped. 
Special (fancier versions of individual Sublimes) go for ~540 YEN each. 
There's seasonal versions also.

The Bitter Sublime is very similar to their standard dark chocolate but in a way fancier packaging.
I see it pairing really well with a glass of red wine. 

The Matcha one is exactly like you should expect it to be (Matcha with white chocolate).
 A bit creamy but still has the distinct Matcha bitter bite.
 The green tea part is very subtle with thin layers of milk chocolate sandwiched between.
Very sophisticated and has many different nuances so probably not the best to feed a young child.
​

​​​​Chocolatory Pistachio & Grapefruit Connoisseur Series Edition

 ピスタチオ&グレープフルーツ
​

432 YEN each
​  (
4 pieces per box)

Kit Kat Chocolatory Japan Tokyo (Spring 2017) Pistachio and Grapefruit Connoisseur Series Edition (closeup).
The flavors and packaging colors were inspired by Greece.

​Wonderful balance of both flavors.  Grapefruit gives it a nice acidic balance.
Very tasty even though I'm not the biggest fan of both flavors individually. 



Chocolatory Luxury Everyday Moleson 


毎日の贅沢

Inspired by popular European chocolate with fruits and nuts.
This is the every day version (much more casual to the Sublime Moleson counterpart). 


Kit Kat Chocolatory Luxury Everyday Moleson closeup collage.
Now that I think about it, this was probably picked from Don Quijote (Umeda, Osaka).

The Sublime Moleson is the first Kit Kat to feature real fruit (cranberries) with almonds.
While unique, it's an acquired taste I think.  I'm still deciding if I like it or not. 




​If you are the type to procrastinate...
have no fear, the airport has got your covered.


Granted they don't carry too many varieties, but some is better than none right? 

Bonus is you don't have to worry about packing it in your suitcase. 
​
Picture
​Photo from one of the many grocery stores inside Kansai International Airport.
You mean it's not necessary to to go to all the different places to actually get these?

YES and NO.

The Chocolatory offers special limited edition ones that can only be found there, same with airport.


[​Here's the official guide from Nestle]:

Official Map of Local Flavors
​(Click to see it better yourself).
Picture
Photo Courtesy of Nestlé (© 2017 Nestlé).


But with new flavors out all the time,  it's safe to say the Kit Kat quest continues.  :) 
​

RESOURCES FOR KIT KAT HUNTING ​

​​
  • Kit Kat Japan Official Website (English).
  • List of Kit Kat Chocolatory Locations in Japan 
  • Don Quijote Store Listings (there are a few that are open 24 hours but not all).  Great place to hit up to grab a bunch of different varieties all-in-one place.  
  • Check other local grocery stores and shops (Lawsons, 7-11, Family Mart, even Mom & Pop shops near Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, and etc.). 
  • [Note]- Both Don Quijote & Certain Duty Free Shops may offer tax-back (with passport) with 5,000 YEN + purchase. 
  • You could hit up Amazon in your country, though I can't vouch for what you might get.  Ridiculously overpriced is my first reaction but then again, it is cheaper than flying to Japan and hunting it down yourself. 
    ​
​​
Other Kit Kat Chocolatory around the world
​
  • Australia Kit Kat Chocolatory                 
​                           
  • Malaysia Kit Kat Chocolatory 
​​
​​

​CUSTOM KIT KATS

​Personalize your own Kit Kats (from 2,160 YEN before shipping)
with your own photos and messages.

Japan delivery only!
​
Picture
Chocollabo KITKAT Photo Courtesy of Nestlé (© 2017 Nestlé).

​I think this is the cutest idea.  I wonder if they will deliver to hotels?​
(I guess it doesn't hurt to try--please ask your hotel concierge). 
​

I guess I need to try this out and report back next time. 

Chocollabo KITKAT ( official link). 




What's YOUR FAVORITE Kit Kat flavors?
Tell me in the comments below!

Thanks for reading. 



​

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    intro

    Hi there, I'm Hio. 

    I've had the pleasure of calling Oahu (Hawaii) my home for many years and now live in
    ​Arizona, USA.

    Here you will find mini-recaps of some of my trips and finds.  All opinions
    ​are my own.
    ​
    ​More about me here.

    ​Enjoy your stay!​​

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    FREE planning check-list!
    Japan navigational banner
    Las Vegas navigational banner
    Oahu navigational banner
    Macau navigational banner
    Hong Kong navigational banner
    China navigational banner

    other categories

     Afternoon Tea
    ​Arizona

    ​Beijing
    Japan Trip Planning
    Kyoto
    Las Vegas Brunches
    ​Las Vegas Trip Reports
    Nagano
    ​Nara
    How-To get to Macau from Hong Kong via Ferry (​TurboJET).
    ​How-To Plan your 1st Japan Trip!

    ​

    RSS Feed


    instagram

    #adaywithhio


    archives

    April 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    September 2012

    disclaimer

    The provided links are solely for the purpose of your convenience, as I am not affiliated with any company mentioned. 

    Please use them at your own discretion as I am not liable for any of the outcomes  (since your  experiences may be different from mines).

    My
    non-professional notes and advice are provided for educational and entertainment purpose only. 

    Should you decide to use them on your own trips, I am really honored.  I try to provide accurate information at the time of posting.  But please be doubly sure and do your own research too! 


Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Travel Blog
  • Japan Trip Planning
  • Las Vegas Trip Reports
  • Reviews
  • About