I would highly caution when consdiering SakuraCo. Submitted a request to change the package from 6 boxes to 3 boxes as it was not initially apparent that their promo gift would apply to "Gift" purchases, despite being functionally the same thing apart from sending to someone else. They would only go down to 3 boxes if I purchased the 3 boxes separately in addition and only then they would perform a refund. 6 months later they still have not shipped anything and refuse to provide a refund. Remember, nothing was ever attempted to be shipped and I contacted them within 1 hour of the order. In addition even the gift is auto renew as a subscription and remember, they do not provide refunds. Thankfully I did not get burned by this part as I discovered in time by reviewing my Paypal. My next step will have to be taking the issue to National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan and/or International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN). I would suggest that anyone who has had issues to also do so.
I purchased a 1 year subscription to Bokksu as a gift for my mother's friend. Every month when the box arrived at her apartment, she would call my mother and invite her over for tea and snacks. They both really seemed to enjoy the experience; the snacks and tea as well as reminiscing about traveling around Japan in their younger days. (I should probably mention that both these women are Japanese and live in San Francisco. My mother is 97, I'm not sure how old her friend is.) I felt that the Bokksu subscription was expensive, but worth it for their shared experience. It wasn't just about the food, it was about prompting their memories. I personally wouldn't purchase it for myself.
Thanks. Most of the comments seem to be about people buying the Japanese snack boxes for themselves. I just wanted to share how giving one of these as gift/omiage can change someone else's life.@@honestfoodtalks
Sakuraco is not transparent with billing. It says American currency in small print, it doesn't say all sales final upon checkout, it doesnt show the added shipping cost right away, although it seems like you have choices on billing it's most likely a selection for an annual cycle, it doesn't mention import fees, and you have to cancel your subscription or it auto renews. You have to check the facts page to find out this information. I think this should be highlighted in your review versus bokksu is more transparent with its pricing.
We think that both companies are similar in terms of transparency of pricing and shipping. Sakuraco mentions that shipping is calculated at checkout, so you already know shipping won't be included. It's about $12.50 on top, depending on your country. On the other hand, Bokksu mentions free worldwide shipping on their order page, but when you check their FAQ, they mention they charge $9.99 to ship to Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. At the moment, if you're from US or UK it's free shipping but we'll leave the shipping info here for you guys to check out your own countries: www.bokksu.com/pages/faq (Bokksu also mentions custom fees too)
The $12.50 shipping for Sakuraco actually makes the price basically identical to Bokksu. At the same price its kinda hard to pick so i appreciate the comparison you did, though im still undecided
It's strange that Sakuraco in their page comparing themselves with Bokksu say they are more open with shipping costs and yet on their website I can't find information on shipping, while Bokksu say which places have an added shipping charge. Bokksu do only have some bite sized snacks which is annoying, so maybe there is slightly less to eat even if there may be a couple of more snacks? They both seem to have large booklets, though I would guess the Sakuraco one has more detail?
It's now more expensive at least for me to get Sakuraco and honestly quailty of their homeware stuff went a bit downhill (more palstic things or chopsticks) so I'm thinking of trying Bokussu
This is my 2nd box and I love it. The magazine is informative and interesting with lovely color photographs and layout. The treats are amazing and varied
As far as we know, there is no option on their snack subscription website to order more of the same snack. If you do want more of the same snack, you can see if it's available on Tokyo Treat's mini mart site (bit.ly/462zdZR). Sakuraco and Tokyo Treat are owned by the same company so you'll be able to find a lot of the snacks that you get in the monthly snack boxes there too. But, we're not sure if you'll be able to purchase the same snacks all the time as some are seasonal.
actually bokksu tends to have more coupons/promotions that bring the price down to the level of sakuracos (also with coupons applied). quitting the sakuracos subscription was abysmal but waiting for my first ever box relentlessly
For these items, price shouldn't be an issue. If you want something cheap, I would visit your local Japanese store and pick up items individually. I say go for both.
I think these boxes are great for trying and discover new snacks. Of course they will be more expensive than if you were to go buy a larger bag at the grocery store. It’s curated themed monthly snacks, so if you want to just try samples of 20 snacks rather than buying 20 full bags or having to go to Japan to get them, I think it’s quite nice. I don’t understand the complaints. Personally, I like Sakuraco more because it’s run by a Japanese woman. It feels a bit more authentic as in supporting their local snack makers might be more meaningful to them whereas Bokkusu feels less personal and more business like to me. The owner of Bokkusu is a Chinese man I think. I know that they collaborate with Japanese businesses to make the exclusive snacks, but putting their own branding on the snacks too makes it feels like advertising hotel snack with the name of the hotel on it. I just don’t like that feeling as much. Sakura co just feels a bit more personal especially since they have stories and behind the scene and the info on the makers.
I am thinking of getting Bokksu. I have tried Tokyo Treat and Sakuraco and honestly wasn't impressed by either. Is Bokksu pretty much the same or a little different?
Yea we've seen a lot of people say this...do you remember exactly which snacks these were? We did another review just on Sakuraco (comparing a few of their boxes) but didn't find the snacks in the UK or online
You are paying for the curation, packaging, and shipping of foreign goods. It is a value-add proposition. And a time saver for those who are busy with the other aspects of life.
@@leafyleafyleaf I would be more sympathetic to this if SakuraCo's practices were not predatory. Full subscription service, even on gifts which isn't initially apparent. This would matter less if they offered refunds, but they are hard on zero refund policy, which being international is hard to deal with.
What do you wish were included in Sakuraco and Bokksu snack boxes? Let us know below!
I would highly caution when consdiering SakuraCo. Submitted a request to change the package from 6 boxes to 3 boxes as it was not initially apparent that their promo gift would apply to "Gift" purchases, despite being functionally the same thing apart from sending to someone else. They would only go down to 3 boxes if I purchased the 3 boxes separately in addition and only then they would perform a refund. 6 months later they still have not shipped anything and refuse to provide a refund. Remember, nothing was ever attempted to be shipped and I contacted them within 1 hour of the order.
In addition even the gift is auto renew as a subscription and remember, they do not provide refunds. Thankfully I did not get burned by this part as I discovered in time by reviewing my Paypal.
My next step will have to be taking the issue to National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan and/or International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN). I would suggest that anyone who has had issues to also do so.
I purchased a 1 year subscription to Bokksu as a gift for my mother's friend. Every month when the box arrived at her apartment, she would call my mother and invite her over for tea and snacks. They both really seemed to enjoy the experience; the snacks and tea as well as reminiscing about traveling around Japan in their younger days. (I should probably mention that both these women are Japanese and live in San Francisco. My mother is 97, I'm not sure how old her friend is.) I felt that the Bokksu subscription was expensive, but worth it for their shared experience. It wasn't just about the food, it was about prompting their memories. I personally wouldn't purchase it for myself.
That's a really sweet story 🥺 thank you so much for sharing! It's amazing how food can bring back memories 😊
Thanks. Most of the comments seem to be about people buying the Japanese snack boxes for themselves. I just wanted to share how giving one of these as gift/omiage can change someone else's life.@@honestfoodtalks
Sakuraco is not transparent with billing. It says American currency in small print, it doesn't say all sales final upon checkout, it doesnt show the added shipping cost right away, although it seems like you have choices on billing it's most likely a selection for an annual cycle, it doesn't mention import fees, and you have to cancel your subscription or it auto renews. You have to check the facts page to find out this information. I think this should be highlighted in your review versus bokksu is more transparent with its pricing.
We think that both companies are similar in terms of transparency of pricing and shipping. Sakuraco mentions that shipping is calculated at checkout, so you already know shipping won't be included. It's about $12.50 on top, depending on your country. On the other hand, Bokksu mentions free worldwide shipping on their order page, but when you check their FAQ, they mention they charge $9.99 to ship to Australia, Canada, France, and Germany.
At the moment, if you're from US or UK it's free shipping but we'll leave the shipping info here for you guys to check out your own countries:
www.bokksu.com/pages/faq (Bokksu also mentions custom fees too)
The $12.50 shipping for Sakuraco actually makes the price basically identical to Bokksu. At the same price its kinda hard to pick so i appreciate the comparison you did, though im still undecided
Glad our review was helpful 😁
I just ordered the box from sakuraco for my daughter and I to try, but you are completely right on that shipping fee
It's strange that Sakuraco in their page comparing themselves with Bokksu say they are more open with shipping costs and yet on their website I can't find information on shipping, while Bokksu say which places have an added shipping charge.
Bokksu do only have some bite sized snacks which is annoying, so maybe there is slightly less to eat even if there may be a couple of more snacks? They both seem to have large booklets, though I would guess the Sakuraco one has more detail?
It's now more expensive at least for me to get Sakuraco and honestly quailty of their homeware stuff went a bit downhill (more palstic things or chopsticks) so I'm thinking of trying Bokussu
Let us know how you find Bokksu ☺ @@BrittleScarMusic
Thanks for the insight! This has helped me make up my mind.
Amazing! Glad it was helpful 😁
5
Lovely review, thank you so much!
Enjoy your snack box, whichever u go for!
This is my 2nd box and I love it. The magazine is informative and interesting with lovely color photographs and layout. The treats are amazing and varied
Glad to hear we're not the only ones who like these snacks boxes ☺️
Question, if you like a snack do they tell you how to order more of said snack?
As far as we know, there is no option on their snack subscription website to order more of the same snack. If you do want more of the same snack, you can see if it's available on Tokyo Treat's mini mart site (bit.ly/462zdZR).
Sakuraco and Tokyo Treat are owned by the same company so you'll be able to find a lot of the snacks that you get in the monthly snack boxes there too. But, we're not sure if you'll be able to purchase the same snacks all the time as some are seasonal.
actually bokksu tends to have more coupons/promotions that bring the price down to the level of sakuracos (also with coupons applied). quitting the sakuracos subscription was abysmal but waiting for my first ever box relentlessly
Interesting - thank you for sharing! 😊
For these items, price shouldn't be an issue. If you want something cheap, I would visit your local Japanese store and pick up items individually. I say go for both.
We'd love to go for both if we can afford them all the time 😁
just ordered a sakuaraco box for my gf as a graduation gift ^_^
Amazing! Hope she likes it 🤞
@@honestfoodtalks she did :P
I think these boxes are great for trying and discover new snacks. Of course they will be more expensive than if you were to go buy a larger bag at the grocery store. It’s curated themed monthly snacks, so if you want to just try samples of 20 snacks rather than buying 20 full bags or having to go to Japan to get them, I think it’s quite nice. I don’t understand the complaints.
Personally, I like Sakuraco more because it’s run by a Japanese woman. It feels a bit more authentic as in supporting their local snack makers might be more meaningful to them whereas Bokkusu feels less personal and more business like to me. The owner of Bokkusu is a Chinese man I think. I know that they collaborate with Japanese businesses to make the exclusive snacks, but putting their own branding on the snacks too makes it feels like advertising hotel snack with the name of the hotel on it. I just don’t like that feeling as much. Sakura co just feels a bit more personal especially since they have stories and behind the scene and the info on the makers.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊 we agree that these boxes are great for discovery 💡
Some type of chocolate something like a gummy bear or gummy something with lemon or Oran apple. Those are the flavors thank you so much
That's nice to know 🙂
I am thinking of getting Bokksu. I have tried Tokyo Treat and Sakuraco and honestly wasn't impressed by either. Is Bokksu pretty much the same or a little different?
Bokksu snacks are more dainty but taste more refined and very well packaged 😊
Both of them are not worth the money. I remember purchasing a 10$ bag of yozu tea just to find the same brand costs around 5$ in my local market.
Yea we've seen a lot of people say this...do you remember exactly which snacks these were? We did another review just on Sakuraco (comparing a few of their boxes) but didn't find the snacks in the UK or online
well not all of us have local markets with authentic japanese items
today when i checked, bokksu is cheaper
Definitely take advantage of their end of year sale 😊
theyre both rip offs
Ah sorry you feel that way! Which one did you try?
I mean yes it would be more cost effective to go buy at your local store, but in this case it’s something you usual can’t get locally.
You are paying for the curation, packaging, and shipping of foreign goods. It is a value-add proposition. And a time saver for those who are busy with the other aspects of life.
@@leafyleafyleaf I would be more sympathetic to this if SakuraCo's practices were not predatory. Full subscription service, even on gifts which isn't initially apparent. This would matter less if they offered refunds, but they are hard on zero refund policy, which being international is hard to deal with.