Convenience stores and supermarkets
In Japan, convenience stores and supermarkets often provide free chopsticks, spoons, forks, and sometimes wet tissues when you buy ready-to-eat food.
However, gift wrapping is rarely offered at these stores. If you want your purchase beautifully wrapped, head to department store basements (“depachika”) or traditional confectionery shops instead.
Where you can request gift wrapping
You can ask for wrapping at:
- Department store basements (depachika)
- Traditional Japanese sweets shops or Western-style confectionery shops
- Slightly higher-end candy or gift shops
A good strategy is to observe how local Japanese people shop and choose stores where staff are experienced in gift wrapping.
Recommended in Hiroshima: Gozasoro (御座候)
Gozasoro is a popular confectionery chain originally based in Hyogo Prefecture but available in many locations nationwide. In Hiroshima, you can find it at Hiroshima Station and the Sogo Hiroshima Department Store basement.
Gozasoro at Hiroshima Sogo Department Store is located right by the entrance from the underground passage “SHAREO.” It is also close to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome), making it a convenient stop during sightseeing.
Why tourists love it:
- You can watch the sweets being made, which adds a fun, interactive experience.
- If you buy around five pieces, they will usually pack them neatly in a box with paper wrapping, done quickly and skillfully—a joy to watch!
Examples:
- Gozasoro Red Bean (Aka-an): ¥110 each (tax included)
- Ingredients: Red bean paste (domestically produced), wheat flour, syrup, aluminum-free leavening agent
- Nutrition per piece: 201 kcal, Protein 5.4 g, Fat 0.6 g, Carbs 46.2 g, Salt 0.6 g
- Allergens: Wheat
- Gozasoro White Bean (Shiro-an): ¥110 each (tax included)
- Ingredients: White bean paste (domestically produced), wheat flour, syrup, aluminum-free leavening agent
- Nutrition per piece: 196 kcal, Protein 6.0 g, Fat 0.8 g, Carbs 45.9 g, Salt 0.6 g
- Allergens: Wheat
⚠️ Tip: If you don’t like sweet bean paste, check the filling before purchasing.
