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Yoku Moku: A Must-Have Japanese Souvenir!

During my time living abroad, every time I returned to Japan for holidays, I would buy Yoku Moku as a souvenir. I highly recommend it as a gift when you visit Japan, so please take a look!

What is Yoku Moku?

Yoku Moku is a Japanese confectionery maker, famous for its baked treats called “Cigare” (Cigar). It is not an everyday snack like those found in supermarkets; instead, it is commonly purchased as a special occasion gift or brought as a token of appreciation when invited to someone’s home. Yoku Moku offers sweets that pair exceptionally well with coffee and tea.

How popular is it abroad?

Whenever I brought Yoku Moku to the office pantry after a vacation, it would be gone within an hour, as it was incredibly popular among my colleagues. I received requests to bring a box for their families as well. It was a hit regardless of nationality, and I became convinced that it’s a brand Japan can be proud of.

Cigare

Though I brought various Yoku Moku products as souvenirs to the office, there was something peculiar about the popularity of “Cigare.” Even with other items like that had chocolate fillings, they didn’t disappear as quickly as Cigare did. When I asked my colleagues, they said the texture and flavor of Cigare were simply fantastic. If you plan to buy souvenirs, consider Cigare as your top choice.

Reasons to buy in Japan

From my research, Yoku Moku seems to have stores in Asia, the Middle East, and Canada, but not in the United States or Europe. It’s a product that can only be found in Japan for many people, so I highly recommend buying it as a souvenir!

How to purchase Yoku Moku

Yoku Moku stores are often found in the basement of large department stores, and they are also available for purchase online. You can even find them on Amazon, so if you confirm with your hotel in advance, you can easily have them delivered there. They are also sold at airports, so buying them right before your return flight as carry-on items is an option, but they tend to sell out frequently, so I recommend buying them in advance.