Every time I visit Japan, choosing the perfect Japanese souvenirs becomes a significant task. Whether for friends, family, or just a keepsake for myself, finding something unique and practical can be a headache. Fortunately, the 2024 “JR East Omiyage Grand Prix” has curated a selection of popular, limited-edition items. These not only taste great but are also infused with rich Japanese flavors, making your Japanese souvenir shopping a breeze. Let’s dive into the best souvenirs you can easily pick up at the station!
*All images are from the official JR East Omiyage Grand Prix website.
The 2024 JR East Souvenir Voting Event
The “Omiyage Grand Prix,” organized by JR East since 2017, allows consumers from across the country to vote online for their favorite souvenirs during the event period.
In 2024, 88 items were carefully selected from the Tokyo area and six neighboring prefectures (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma). These products, showcasing excellence in taste, packaging, and creativity, represent the best of what the region has to offer.
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Official website: https://jreast-omiyage.jp/
No.1 Popular Souvenir: Tokyo’s Famous “Fruit Butter Sable Cookies” (Grand Prize Winner)
The “Fruit and Butter Sable Cookies” claimed the top spot in the Grand Prix. Made with fresh fruits and rich butter, these cookies offer a crispy texture and layers of flavor. Each bite bursts with the natural sweetness of fruit and the richness of butter, making them perfect for afternoon tea or a coffee pairing.
- Price: ¥1,296 (6 pieces, tax included)
- Manufacturer: KCC Corporation
- Available at: Shinjuku Station “EATo LUMINE Fruit and Butter Canarina”
Sweet Choice that Sells Out Fast: Strawberry Milk Sandwich Cookies (Second Place Winner)
Taking second place is the “Strawberry Milk Sandwich Cookies.” These cookies combine the sweetness of strawberries with a rich cream filling. The outer layer is crisp, while the filling is delicately sweet, making it a classic treat loved by many in Japan. With its cute appearance and delicious taste, this cookie is a top choice for gift-giving.
- Price: ¥1,188 (5 pieces, tax included)
- Manufacturer: Fujigoro Corporation
- Sold by: Grape Stone Inc.
- Available at: Shinagawa Station “ecute Shinagawa VERY RUBY CUT”
A Must-Try for Dessert Lovers: Hazelnut and Raspberry Sandwich Cookies (Confectionery Category Winner)
In the confectionery category, the “Hazelnut and Raspberry Sandwich Cookies” took the highest honor. Made with premium hazelnuts and raspberries, the cookies are golden and crispy on the outside, with a rich nut and berry filling on the inside. The sweet and tangy flavor is irresistibly tempting, which is why it stood out among the competitors.
- Price: ¥1,560 (6 pieces, tax included)
- Manufacturer: Sucrey Inc.
- Available at: Tokyo Station “Gransta Tokyo COCORIS”
Perfect Japanese Souvenirs for Family and Friends!
The Souvenir You’d Most Like to Give to Family:
Gunma Prefecture Acacia Honey Cheesecake
The Souvenir You’d Most Like to Give to Friends and Loved Ones:
Kanagawa Prefecture Matcha Black Honey Harbor (5 pieces)
The Souvenir You’d Most Like to Give to Colleagues:
Gunma Prefecture Takasaki Financier
2024 JR East Omiyage Grand Prix Award Winners
| Award | Origin | Souvenir Name |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prize Winner | Tokyo | Fruit Butter Sable Cookies |
| Second Place Winner | Tokyo | Strawberry Milk Sandwich Cookies |
| Confectionery | Tokyo | Hazelnut and Raspberry Sandwich Cookies |
| Food | Chiba | Magic Hijiki |
| Beverage/Alcohol | Aomori | OIRASE BEER “Blue Sky Lightning” |
| Most Wanted Family Gift | Gunma | Gunma Prefecture Acacia Honey Cheesecake |
| Most Wanted Gift for Friends and Loved Ones | Kanagawa | Matcha Black Honey Harbor |
| Most Wanted Gift for Colleagues | Gunma | Takasaki Financier |
| Newcomer Award | Fukushima | IWAKI Chocolate Pudding |
| JRE MALL Award | Chiba | Peanut Monaka Ice Cream |
From the classic “Fruit Butter Sable Cookies” to the highly rated “Matcha Black Honey Harbor,” these Japanese souvenirs are top-notch and highly recommended. So, if you’re looking for a special treat to bring back from Japan, you now know where to start!
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