Payke Staff Picks: Japan’s Best Food Wraps
Food wrap is something you use in the kitchen every single day.
What many travelers don’t realize is that Japanese food wrap has become a quiet favorite among visitors to Japan—something people actually want to bring home as a practical souvenir.
The secret? Surprisingly easy handling and top-tier quality.
It sticks tightly to ingredients, seals in freshness, and works safely in both the microwave and freezer. This kind of thoughtful design is very much a product of Japan’s craftsmanship mindset.
Japanese wraps are especially loved for:
・Easy cutting with a safe, hand-friendly design
・Strong cling that keeps air out and freshness in
・Odorless, harmless materials that feel safe for food
Clear, smooth, and built with care—no wonder they’re so highly rated.
For this feature, we picked out three of the most widely used and trusted food wrap brands in Japan.
We’re also introducing one unique “hidden gem” item recommended by the Payke staff.
We opened each product and tested them on the spot, so stick around and see how they actually feel to use!
Saran Wrap (Asahi Kasei)
A classic Japanese brand that’s been around since the 1960s.
It’s known for its strong cling and crystal-clear film, with heat resistance up to 140°C and cold resistance down to –60°C. That means it’s safe for both microwaving and freezing. Its low oxygen permeability also helps prevent oxidation and dryness, keeping food fresher for longer.
Asahi Kasei’s original “no roll-back” design keeps the wrap from sliding back into the box, making it easy to use right down to the last sheet.
Image Source : Saran Wrap Official Site
Main Material
Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)
Features
A classic Japanese brand with a high-cling film that prevents oxidation and dryness.
Built with a no–roll-back design for smooth, stress-free use.
Temperature Resistance
Approx. 140°C to –60°C
Eco Considerations
Uses recycled materials
Price Range (Approx.)
250–350 yen (50 m)
Product Name: Saran Wrap 30 cm × 20 m
Product Name: Saran Wrap 22 cm × 20 m
Product Name: Saran Wrap 15 cm × 50 m
NEW Kure Wrap (Kureha)
Its catchphrase is “Clings tightly, cuts cleanly.”
It’s known for its light pull when dispensing and a blade that lets you slice the wrap smoothly with minimal effort.
The cutter uses a safe resin blade that won’t easily hurt your hands, and it cuts smoothly with just a light touch. The package itself is made with eco-friendly paper materials. Its bright, homey design is another reason it’s so well-loved.
Main Material
Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)
Features
Tight cling and clean cutting. Easy to handle with minimal force, and equipped with a safe resin blade.
Temperature Resistance
Approx. 140°C to –60°C
Eco Considerations
Paper-based packaging
Price Range (Approx.)
250–350 yen (50 m)
Product Name: NEW Kure Wrap 30 cm × 50 m
Product Name: NEW Kure Wrap Mini 22 cm × 50 m
Limited Edition “NIPPON Kure Wrap” Featuring Japanese Cultural Designs
From the same Kure Wrap we introduced earlier comes a special collection packed with “Japanese flair.”
The NIPPON Kure Wrap series features limited-edition designs inspired by Japanese scenery and traditions. They’re lightweight, practical, and make great souvenirs too.
🗻 SAKASA FUJI
The design features the iconic “upside-down Mount Fuji” reflected on a lake, decorated with cherry blossoms and cranes for a vibrant, unmistakably Japanese look.
Open the lid and you’ll spot a playful surprise: a Japanese macaque relaxing in a hot spring.
🥷 SAMURAI & NINJA
A flash from the moment a samurai and ninja cross blades is cleverly aligned with the cutting edge of the wrap box.
On the sides, you’ll find hidden illustrations of both characters.
Both packages include Japanese, English, and Chinese text on the bottom.
They’re available at supermarkets, drugstores, and online shops across Japan.
Poly Wrap (Ube Film)
This food wrap is made from eco-friendly polyethylene.
It uses a material that doesn’t release harmful gases when burned, making it a safe and environmentally conscious option. Because no additives are used, there’s very little odor transfer to food, which is why it’s especially popular with families with babies and those who prefer a more health-focused lifestyle.
It’s easy to cut and can be used safely in both the microwave and the freezer.
Main Material
Polyethylene (PE)
Features
Additive-free, eco-friendly, and focused on safety.
Temperature Resistance
Approx. 110°C to –70°C
Eco Considerations
No harmful gases when incinerated
Price Range (Approx.)
200–300 yen (50 m)
Product Name: Poly Wrap 22 cm × 50 m
Product Name: Poly Wrap 30 cm × 50 m
Key Takeaways
💡Each of these wraps reflects the care and craftsmanship that Japanese products are known for.
Pick the one that best suits your cooking style and daily routine, and make it your new go-to in the kitchen!
■ Saran Wrap (Asahi Kasei)
→ The safest choice if you’re not sure which one to pick. A true all-rounder.
A long-loved staple in Japanese households, trusted for decades.
Its strong cling and high heat resistance make it reliable for both microwaving and freezing.
Great for anyone who wants to prevent oxidation and dryness, and keep dishes fresher for longer.
■ Kure Wrap (Kureha)
→ Perfect if you prioritize ease of use and safety.
It cuts cleanly with just a light touch and clings tightly to food.
The safe resin cutter makes it a safe option for households with children.
The packaging design is also well-loved, and the limited-edition “NIPPON Kure Wrap” series is especially popular.
■ Poly Wrap (Ube Film)
→ Ideal for eco-minded users, families with babies, or anyone who prefers a healthier option.
Made from eco-friendly polyethylene that doesn’t release harmful gases when burned.
Additive-free with minimal odor transfer, giving extra peace of mind when wrapping food.
A Payke Staff Favorite: What Is “i-Wrap,” the Bag-Style Food Wrap?
i-Wrap (Iwatani Material)
This polyethylene heat-resistant bag is so useful that many people call it a “bag-style food wrap.”
It may look like an ordinary plastic bag, but it excels in heat resistance, cold resistance, and sealing performance.
You can use it for freezing, hot-water cooking, and even microwave heating, making it an incredibly versatile kitchen tool.
It comes in a compact, easy-to-use triangular box, and you can pull out each bag with a single touch right up to the very last one.
It’s especially useful for things like boiled eggs, steamed vegetables, and marinating-and-freezing prep.
Because you can heat food directly without using oil, it’s great for quick, eco-friendly cooking.
Its retro orange packaging is also a fan favorite, making it a fun little souvenir.
Main Material
Polyethylene (PE)
Features
Works for boiling, hot-water cooking, and microwaving. You can cook directly in the bag.
Temperature Resistance
Approx. 120°C to –30°C
Eco Considerations
Reusable; packaged in a paper box
Price Range (Approx.)
150–250 yen (60 bags)
Product Name: i-Wrap (Gusset Type) – 60 Bags
How did you like our roundup?
Japanese food wraps are the kind of everyday essentials that quietly make life a little easier.
You’ll find plenty of other handy household items at supermarkets and drugstores, too.
If you discover something interesting or have a favorite item of your own, feel free to share it in the comments!