I went on an exciting Hina Arare (ひなあられ) hunt in the Depachika (department store food halls)! Please enjoy these beautiful Hinamatsuri snacks in lovely, spring-like pastel colors 🌸
Ginza Akebono（銀座あけぼの）
The Hina Arare from Ginza Akebono comes in a charming package featuring traditional Hinamatsuri dolls on white and soft pink backgrounds.
They offer a wide selection with four distinct types available in separate packages, ranging from sweet ones coated in brown sugar to savory ones seasoned with soy sauce.
In addition to Hina Arare, they also had Hina-okaki. While not rice-based, there were even some sweet Hinamatsuri-themed candies available.
The special Hinamatsuri page on their official website is impressive, featuring a vibrant vermilion red that reminds me of a Hinadan (the tiered stand for displaying Hinamatsuri dolls).
Akasaka Kakiyama（赤坂柿山）
The packaging from Akasaka Kakiyama also features a design that cherishes the traditional image of Japan.
Inside the bright golden-yellow package, you’ll find round, bite-sized Hina Arare.
As for the box type called “Hiina-matsuri (ひいなまつり),” it contains not only arare but also senbei and okaki.
In contrast to Akebono, Kakiyama’s Hinamatsuri webpage has a chic design based on woody brown tones.
It’s quite fresh and unique to see such a calm, sophisticated image for Hinamatsuri, as it’s usually very colorful.
Bankaku Sohonpo（坂角総本鋪）
Bankaku Sohonpo, famous for its “Yukari” shrimp senbei, also offers a special Hinamatsuri edition.
The pop and colorful package features cute Hinamatsuri doll illustrations and contains their regular favorites, such as shrimp and scallop senbei.
Keishindo（桂新堂）
Keishindo is another long-established store, standing right alongside Bankaku Sohonpo as a master of shrimp senbei.
Their package features a smiling Hinamatsuri doll, and inside, you’ll even find senbei printed with those same cheerful doll designs.
The special Hinamatsuri page on their official website has a bright, spring-like atmosphere, beautifully decorated with peach blossoms.
Mamegen（豆源）
Mamegen is a long-established brand specializing in bean snacks, but they also offer a variety of rice snacks.
For the season, they sell sweet Hina Arare with brown sugar and white sugar bases.
Depachika Hina Arare Are Classical and Elegant!
While the Hina Arare found in supermarkets often feature cute designs aimed at children, many of the versions in Depachika lean toward a more classical aesthetic, often presented in high-quality washi (traditional Japanese paper) packaging.
Rather than just being for kids, these focus on tradition and a sense of luxury. They feel perfect as gifts or as an elegant addition to the Hinadan (the tiered display for dolls). After all, a classical design blends beautifully with the traditional look of the dolls!
Now, I have selected a few of these Hina Arare to bring home for a taste test. The detailed reviews follow, so stay tuned! 😋
▼ Check out these Hinamatsuri packages that kids will love!
