Can You Bring Japanese Snacks on a Plane? A Travel FAQ

One of the major appeals of traveling in Japan is the prospect of experience Japan’s uniquely incredible culinary scene, both in the world of dining as well as the world of Japanese snacks. Especially when it comes to bringing back souvenirs for yourself or your family and friends, Japanese snacks remain as one of, if not the #1 commodity visitors to the island country bring back in bulk. But for those looking to secure some Japanese snacks on their next trip, it’s important to keep in mind: what snacks can or can’t I bring back on a plane? Let’s take a look so you can plan and get through customs with your haul in hand!

Can you bring Japanese snacks on a plane? The simple answer is Yes, BUT…

Whether you’re carrying your treats in checked luggage or in your carry-ons directly, many snack and food items are generally OK in either as long as they comply with TSA and international regulations. Pocky, senbei, mochi, gummies, KitKats, and nuts are all common examples of popular snacks you can bring regardless of which luggage its placed in.

However, some items can be deceptive: for carry-on items, there are some popular items that may not seem like liquids, but still qualify per international guidelines and cannot exceed 100ml. Some common examples of these sneaky snacks are fruit jelly cups (such as Puré Gummy “Jelly” drinks or mini cup jellies), sweet bean paste in tubes or soft blocks over 100g, pudding and custard cubs, sauces, pickled vegetables, and even soupy cup noodles that use liquid broth bases.

Keep Customs in Mind

While generally all of Japan’s snacks are safe to transport internationally, it’s also important to check each individual country’s customs policies to ensure you don’t accidentally bring anything that isn’t allowed. Japan is host to a wide variety of snacks and treats that revolve around meat and seafood, which can pose some problems in certain countries that forbid the import of certain animal product foods. 

For those that want to bring home their favorite Japanese snacks without the hassle of dealing with carrying it all back and the stress that comes from customs and transport, Oyatsumart offers worldwide shipping of all Japan’s latest and trendiest snacks so you can get the goods straight to your door! Whether you’re ordering for the first time or simply looking to replenish your trip’s haul, take a look and see what our store has to offer!