A Sweet Treat! Discover Meiji’s Matcha ＆ Pistachio Chocolate Delights
For many travelers visiting Japan, hunting for unique sweets is one of the highlights of the trip. Among them, chocolates infused with distinctly Japanese flavors are especially popular—not just as a tasty break during your journey, but also as thoughtful souvenirs to bring home.
In this feature, we’re shining a spotlight on a selection of premium chocolates from Meiji, one of Japan’s most beloved long-standing brands. Crafted with carefully selected ingredients and refined techniques, these treats offer a level of quality and flavor you can only experience in Japan. Perfect as a travel snack or a gift for friends and family—let’s take a closer look at these deliciously special chocolates!
An Indulgent Moment with the Rich Flavor of Two Types of Uji Matcha
Product Name: Almond Chocolate Matcha (67g)
Crunchy, roasted almonds are wrapped in fragrant matcha chocolate for a rich and satisfying treat. The chocolate is made with a blend of two types of Uji matcha and kept lightly sweet to let the full aroma of the matcha shine through.
Premium Uji Matcha Chocolate with a Refined Touch
This authentic treat features a blend of two distinct types of Uji matcha for a truly refined flavor. The subtle sweetness of the chocolate perfectly complements the rich aroma and depth of the matcha, creating a beautifully balanced bite. Experience the essence of Japanese tradition with every taste.
A Jewel-Like Finish, Uniquely Beautiful in Every Way
Open the box and you’ll find rows of glossy, jewel-like pieces nestled inside. Each almond chocolate is beautifully coated, smooth, shiny surface catching the eye. The layered chocolate creates a lustrous finish that looks as luxurious as it tastes. Take a bite, and the crisp, toasty almond gives a satisfying crunch, followed by the rich, velvety melt of matcha chocolate—a truly indulgent flavor experience.
Meiji’s Uncompromising Almond Quality
What sets the “Meiji Almond Chocolate” series apart is the exceptional quality of the almonds themselves. Only almonds that meet the highest industry standards are used—each one carefully selected by skilled hands and trained eyes based on Meiji’s unique criteria.
To bring out their natural umami and nutty aroma, the almonds are gently roasted with meticulous attention. Even slight changes in season or climate are taken into account, with the roasting temperature adjusted accordingly to ensure a deep, rich flavor.
It’s a perfectly crafted piece where premium ingredients meet time-honored technique.
A Luxurious Bite Where the “King of Nuts” Meets Matcha
Product Name: Macadamia Chocolate Matcha (9 pieces)
Soft and buttery macadamia nuts are wrapped in rich chocolate made with Uji matcha. This fragrant chocolate lets you savor the true flavor of Japanese matcha, creating a harmonious blend of macadamia and matcha in a distinctly Japanese-style indulgence.
The Luxury of Just Nine Pieces
Open the box and you’ll find nine perfectly arranged chocolates, each inviting you to savor them one by one. It’s an experience reminiscent of enjoying a fine piece of traditional Japanese confectionery. With its elegant packaging, it also makes a wonderful gift.
The Secret to Its Rich Flavor? Meiji’s Traditional Roast Method
Meiji uses its time-honored “Traditional Roast Method” to slowly and thoroughly heat each macadamia nut to the core, drawing out its natural umami and sweetness. This technique requires precise temperature control and a great deal of care—something Meiji has perfected over decades. The result? Nuts with a gorgeous golden sheen, a beautifully glossy finish, and a flavor that delivers pure satisfaction with every bite.
Taste and Compare Japan’s Beloved Chocolate Snacks
Product Name: Kinoko no Yama & Takenoko no Sato — Uji Matcha & Nishio Matcha Assortment (8 packs)
Enjoy Uji Matcha vs. Nishio Matcha in One Delicious Set—Perfect for Sharing or Tasting! This special assortment includes four packs each of Kinoko no Yama made with Uji matcha and Takenoko no Sato made with Nishio matcha. Great for sharing with friends or doing your own flavor comparison!
What’s the “Kinoko vs. Takenoko” Debate That Gets Japanese People Fired Up?
Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato have been beloved chocolate snacks in Japan for nearly half a century. Their popularity shows no signs of fading, and friendly debates over “Which team are you on?” are a common conversation starter. This so-called “Kinoko vs. Takenoko rivalry” has even become something of a cultural phenomenon in Japan.
・Uji Matcha vs. Nishio Matcha: A Luxurious Assortment to Savor the Difference
This set offers a rare chance to enjoy matcha from two of Japan’s most famous tea regions—all in one delicious package.
Kinoko no Yama (Uji Matcha)
Made with fragrant Uji matcha from Kyoto, this version offers a clean, refreshing flavor. The crisp crunch of the cracker pairs perfectly with the delicate matcha chocolate for a wonderfully balanced bite.
Takenoko no Sato (Nishio Matcha)
Made with rich Nishio matcha from Aichi Prefecture, this version is known for its smooth, deep umami flavor. Paired with a buttery biscuit base, it delivers a satisfyingly bold and indulgent taste.
With four packs of each flavor (eight in total), this individually wrapped set is easy to share with friends and family—making it a perfect souvenir, too. It’s a special opportunity to compare the unique flavors of Uji and Nishio matcha side by side.
So… which team are you?
An Exquisite Combination of Rich Matcha and Cocoa Biscuits
Product Name: Koi Chocolate Matcha Choco Sandwich (6 pieces)
This indulgent treat features rich, full-bodied chocolate sandwiched between satisfying cocoa biscuits. Made with an impressive 51% of its matcha content sourced from premium first-harvest Nishio matcha, it offers a deep, luxurious flavor that’s perfect for matcha lovers.
Elegant Packaging with a Touch of Luxury
Each pack contains two individually wrapped biscuits, presented in a sophisticated and elegant package that exudes a sense of luxury. It’s a wonderful gift for matcha lovers, and a perfect choice for anyone seeking a refined, distinctly Japanese sweet.
A Gift of “Extra Intensity” for True Matcha Lovers
With its elegant, wagashi-like green hue, this treat is as beautiful as it is flavorful. An impressive 51% of the matcha content comes from premium first-harvest Nishio matcha—known in Japan as “ichiban-tsumi,” a top-grade tea made from the tender new leaves of spring. Fresh, aromatic, and low in bitterness, it’s the perfect match for sweets.
Chocolate Filled with Whole Pistachios
Product Name: Pistachio Chocolate (35g)
This chocolate is generously packed with whole pistachio nuts, allowing you to savor their unique crunch and nutty fragrance in every bite.
Rich, Roasted, and Refined—A Premium Snack Fit for the “Queen of Nuts”
Since its debut in spring 2022, Meiji’s Pistachio Chocolate has become a fan favorite. This grown-up treat features satisfyingly crunchy pistachios wrapped in rich, carefully crafted chocolate. With each bite, the deep flavor of the chocolate and the roasted aroma of the nuts fill your mouth for a truly indulgent experience.
Expertly Crafted to Bring Out the Full Charm of Pistachios
What makes this chocolate truly special is the perfect balance between nut and chocolate. The milk chocolate is blended with pistachio paste and aromatic Peruvian cacao, creating a refined and elegant flavor profile. A hint of salt finishes it off, adding a savory twist that keeps you coming back for more.
Perfect for Bulk Buying! A Generous Pack That Makes a Great Souvenir
Product Name: Meiji Pistachio Chocolate – Large Box
This large box contains 9 individual packs—perfect for sharing with a crowd. The packaging features a distinctly Japanese design, making it not only eye-catching as a souvenir, but also easy to take home.
Each pack inside is individually wrapped, making it hygienic and easy to share—a definite plus! Whether you’re looking for a handy snack during your travels or a thoughtful souvenir to bring home, this large-size pack is a convenient and crowd-pleasing choice. Don’t forget to share the sweetness with everyone!
So, what do you think?
From the deep aroma and gentle bitterness of matcha to the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios—these are truly special flavors you won’t want to miss during your trip to Japan.
Meiji’s chocolates are long-time favorites both in Japan and around the world, known for their exceptional quality and taste. Whether you enjoy them as a treat during your travels or bring them home as souvenirs, they’re a delicious way to share a little piece of Japan with others.
If any of these caught your eye, let us know in the comments!