What is Tokyo Banana? Japan’s most popular souvenir snack explained

Tokyo may not have banana trees, but it’s home to one of Japan’s most beloved snacks: the Tokyo Banana. Wrapped in gold-ribboned packages, these treats are sold by the hundreds of thousands every year.

What exactly is a Tokyo Banana? It’s a soft, banana-shaped sponge cake filled with banana-flavoured cream, individually wrapped and designed for gifting.

As a popular souvenir, it’s commonly sold in transportation hubs and tourist hotspots. The cakes are often adorned with illustrations of famous landmarks or popular Japanese animated characters.

How did Tokyo Banana become the capital’s unofficial sweet?

In the late 20th century, as tourism in Tokyo surged, the city lacked a distinctive local food or drink that could serve as a representative souvenir. This was notable in a country where the tradition of omiyage — bringing back edible gifts from one’s travels — is deeply rooted.

Snack maker Grapestone seized the opportunity. “We decided to invent a Tokyo souvenir based on a theme that all Japanese people would find familiar and nostalgic,” a Grapestone representative told CNN. “For older generations, bananas evoke memories of high-end imported goods. For younger people, they bring back fun memories of school field trips.”

Launched in 1991, Tokyo Banana quickly gained popularity and became closely associated with the city. Today, it remains a hit — especially on social media, where travellers show off rare flavours collected during their visits.

The original version, Tokyo Banana Miitsuketa, features banana custard cream made with real banana puree, encased in a fluffy sponge cake that’s steamed after baking. Over the years, many unique flavours have been introduced.

So if you’re heading to Japan, don’t forget to grab some Tokyo Banana.