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Happy New Year!
Today, I’ll introduce three premium Senbei (Japan’s Savory Umami Rice Snacks) that are perfect for New Year celebrations—whether as a gift or a treat for yourself!
If you are in Japan during the beginning of the year, please be sure to check the “Depachika” (food basements) of major department stores.
1. Ginza Akebono（銀座あけぼの）
Ginza Akebono is a highly famous senbei brand often found in Japanese department stores.
For the 2026 New Year, they’ve released this special seasonal assortment.
It features “Okaki” (rice crackers) in auspicious shapes like pine trees (Matsu) and plum blossoms (Ume), which are Japanese symbols of celebration.
It also includes rice crackers shaped like “Kikko” (tortoise shell).
Since turtles live for a long time, they are considered an auspicious symbol of longevity in Japan.
Each box comes with a small cute figurine of the Zodiac animal for 2026—the Horse (Uma).
▼Check out their classic collection here!
2. Ogura Sansou（小倉山荘）
Ogura Sansou is a premium brand from Kyoto, inspired by the world of “Hyakunin Isshu”—a classical Japanese poetry anthology.
Each small pouch contains eight different bite-sized crackers.
It includes rice crackers shaped like “Sho-Chiku-Bai” (Pine, Bamboo, and Plum), which are traditional Japanese symbols of celebration and good fortune.
Additionally, it uses auspicious ingredients such as shrimp and kelp, creating a special feeling unique to the New Year season.
With its beautiful packaging that resembles a kimono pattern and its refined taste, this assortment is the ideal choice for formal gifts in Japan.
▼Check out their classic collection here!
3. Ganko Shokunin（がんこ職人）
The brand name “Ganko Shokunin” literally translates to “The Stubborn Craftsman.”
This name reflects their uncompromising commitment to traditional methods.
The individual wrappers are decorated in red and white with a plum blossom motif, making them perfect for the New Year.
This limited edition includes “Arare” (small rice crackers) in various lucky shapes traditional to Japan, such as plum blossoms, plovers (Chidori), Mount Fuji, and gourds (Hyotan).
You can enjoy a delightful mix of authentic Japanese flavors, including plum, matcha, and seaweed, along with a wide variety of crunchy textures.
▼Check out their classic collection here!
Which One is Your Favorite?
Did you find a favorite among these three premium brands?
These New Year limited editions are decorated with Japanese zodiac animals and auspicious symbols, making them exciting to both look at and eat.
They make absolutely wonderful gifts—anyone would be thrilled to receive them! Honestly, if someone gave these to me, I would dance for joy!
💡Please note: Shopping links in this article (such as Amazon) are primarily for domestic shipping within Japan. For information on international shipping availability, please check the details on each store’s page.
※All photos used in this article are cited from the official websites of each manufacturer.
▼ Recommended Reading: I actually went to the department store and saw the products from the three brands I introduced today, so please check out the article below!
