There is so much variety when it comes to snack box subscriptions. Nowadays you can choose which cuisine you want, how often you want it, and even add little extras on the side. As we have been building up to our trip to Japan this year, we have been trying to sample as many Japanese flavours as possible. You may remember a post I did last year where I reviewed a Sakuraco Snack Box. Well, this time I thought I would try their new Nikko’s Autumn Splendor Box and compare this against Bokksu, a fellow competitor. If you are in the same position as me and are wondering Sakuraco or Bokksu, have no worries. I’m doing the hard work so you don’t have to!
Sakuraco or Bokksu | A Honest Review
What Are Sakuraco & Bokksu?
Both Sakuraco and Bokksu offer a subscription box which brings Japanese confectionary and treats to your home. Similarly to all subscriptions, you pay monthly and you’ll also receive a new box of treats each month. Both boxes offer plenty of different snacks, information about their origins, and seasonal notes to take you through the year. Where they differ is the presentation, curation and the selection which they choose.
Box Themes
Both box subscriptions have running themes throughout the year. This is to keep the subscription fresh and unique. What I love about Sakuraco is the consistent thematic structure, with each box focussing on a particular Japanese region or festival. I feel like the titles and the themes of the box almost told me a story about Japan, which gave me a real sense of the country before we arrive.
Bokksu on the other hand also has themes, but I’m not as convinced by them. Some of them focus more on Western culture rather than being deeply ingrained in Japan, As somebody who (obviously) loves travel and discovering new cultures and traditions, having a box which delivered a slice of the country I am going to visit was obviously really important to me. In this regard, Sakuraco takes the win; even the newest box of Nikko’s Autumn Splendor makes me really imagine being in Nikko during this time of year.
Presentation
The presentation of the box really matters to me: I want my snack box to feel like my own personal piece of Japan has sailed over to my house. This is especially important as neither box is particularly cheap.
Bokksu has a really good guide in their box. It is about 24 pages or so and the focus is very much on the snacks of Japan. I also liked the packaging and thought that it was fun, capturing the theme well.
However, Sakuraco again come out on top. Their booklet is just as long, but it felt more in-depth (also 24 pages). The box also features just the same snack variety. One massive difference is the little extras that come with the box. With each Sakuraco box, you get a non-snack item which is always a small token from Japan. This time we received a gorgeous piece of fabric (a traditional Neko Furoshiki) with an intricate Japanese pattern on it. Another thing to note is that the booklet celebrates Nikko and delves into the history of this region.
Snack Variety & Authenticity
When I opened both boxes, I felt that I really got a sense of the snacks which were waiting for me this Autumn. I already knew about some of the bigger hitters from previous orders and wanted something unique and different.
One big difference between the two boxes is the location. Bokksu is predominately based in the USA, whereas Sakuraco is based in Tokyo, Japan. This means that the latter’s snacks are completely hidden gems, with local knowledge and thought being poured into it.
In comparison, I thought both of the snack options were fantastic. Bokksu had some great options, such as the sweet potato pie and the maple rice crackers. They were very good. Sakuraco also had sweet potato good, such as yokan and sablé, but for me it was the more niche items which won it. My favourite addition were the strawberry anko donuts; these were just so different and something which I didn’t ever think would be in a Japanese snack box!
In terms of snacks, whilst at first it may not seem like there is a big difference between you choosing between Sakuraco or Bokksu, I again have to say that Sakuraco claims the win. It is the authentic knowledge which allows them to delivers snacks you just wouldn’t find anywhere else outside of Japan.
I should add though, both boxes really make the most of space and pack in as much as they possibly can. You will be surprised with how much you get!
Price, Shipping & Value
With the prices of living going up everywhere, price is really important for me. Both boxes fall into the same price bracket before shipping, typically costing around $30-40 per month before shipping.
Per year, Bokksu is cheaper, costing $359 per year compared to Sakuraco’s $390. This is a reasonable difference between the two. That being said, Sakuraco is cheaper for shorter subscriptions or if you want to buy a ‘one off’ box. It also features a ‘non-food’ item from Japan in every box, which is different to Bokksu.
Ease of Use & Subscription Experience
Both of the companies have their strengths when it comes to ease of use. Sakuraco is simplistic; there is a main box each month and there really isn’t any clutter. You can get additional extras, but that is about it.
Bokksu on the other hand offers a more extensive shop, offering lovely little extras which you can buy with your box. There is great variety here, but it is slightly overwhelming in comparison. It also feels more commercial, which does take the magic away from the box somewhat.
In terms of experience, I feel like they are quite comparable. One thing I would say though is that I learnt more about Japan through Sakuraco. Their booklet really walked me through the process of making Japanese snacks, and I felt that I got to know the people behind the snacks in the box. As somebody who is off to Japan in a few weeks, this was exactly what I was after.
The Verdict | Sakuraco or Bokksu
Sakuraco or Bokksu? I feel like this is the question many Japanese-food enthusiasts as asking at the moment.
Bokksu is the cheaper of the two and is just as well packed as Sakuraco. You get themed items with each box and feel like you get you money’s worth. Sakuraco though is just more authentic, more exclusive and luxurious. I love the little touches that they add in and the unique food items which I didn’t even know existed.
Whilst both boxes are good options, my winner is Sakuraco. If you want a simple, authentic slice of Japan delivered to your doorstep, allowing you to learn more about their rich history and culture, then this box is for you.
