Japan is a snack lover’s paradise — and potato chips are at the heart of it.
From light and crispy classics to thick-cut gourmet chips, Japanese brands keep reinventing the snack game. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at a 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart, or exploring the snack aisles of a supermarket, here are Japan’s most beloved potato chips you should definitely try.

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1. Calbee Potato Chips – Japan’s Classic Favorite

The brand: Calbee is Japan’s No.1 snack maker, and its potato chips are everywhere.
Texture: Light, thin, and super crispy.
Popular flavors:

• Usushio (Lightly Salted) – the purest form of Japan’s potato chip flavor.
• Nori Shio (Seaweed & Salt) – a slightly savory blend with seaweed flakes.
• Consommé Punch – a Japanese twist on BBQ, sweet and savory at the same time.

💡 Regional versions exist, like “Kyushu Soy Sauce” or “Kansai Dashi Shoyu.” They make great souvenirs too!

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2. Calbee Kataage Potato – For Crunch Lovers

If you prefer a stronger crunch, this “hard-fried” version is for you.
Texture: Thick-cut and slowly fried for a firm bite.
Taste: Simple salted, black pepper, or garlic flavors.
Best for: People who love kettle-style chips with an extra crunch.

⚠️ These chips are thicker than usual, so they can feel heavy compared to regular Calbee chips.

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3. Koikeya Potato Chips – Home of “Nori Shio”

Koikeya is Calbee’s long-time rival and another iconic Japanese brand.
It’s famous for inventing Japan’s first mass-produced potato chips.

Signature flavor: Nori Shio (Seaweed & Salt) – deep umami with rich seaweed aroma.
Other flavors: Lightly salted or special limited editions like garlic or yuzu pepper.

🍃 If you want the true “Japanese flavor,” Nori Shio is the one to get.

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4. Calbee Pizza Potato – Cheesy and Addictive

This one is not your average chip. Calbee’s Pizza Potato is loaded with melted cheese flakes and a rich tomato-meat seasoning.

Texture: Thick ridged chips for maximum flavor.
Taste: Cheesy, meaty, and slightly spicy.
Perfect for: Western snack fans who love bold, strong flavors.

🧀 Warning: Highly addictive! You might finish the bag before you know it.

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5. Koikeya Karu Mucho – Spicy with a Japanese Kick

Karu Mucho combines chili heat with umami richness, making it one of Japan’s most famous spicy chips.
Name meaning: “Karu” (spicy) + “Mucho” (a lot).

Popular versions:

• Original Hot Chili
• Extra Hot (limited edition)

🔥 It’s spicy, but flavorful — not just burning heat.

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6. Yamazaki Biscuit Chip Star – Japan’s Pringles-Style Chips

Packed in a tall tube, Chip Star is Japan’s answer to Pringles.
Texture: Smooth, uniform chips that don’t crumble easily.
Flavors: Lightly salted, butter, or consomme (Japanese-style soup flavor).
Why it’s loved: Portable, neat, and great for travel snacks.

🧳 You’ll often find these near the register in convenience stores.

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7. Koikeya Pride Potato – The Premium Choice

The “Pride” series lives up to its name — made with Japanese-grown potatoes and fine seasoning.
Texture: Crispy and elegant, not too oily.
Recommended flavors:

• Kami Nori Shio (Divine Seaweed Salt) – rich seaweed aroma and balanced salt.
• Black Pepper – a punchy, aromatic spice.
• Rock Salt – pure, mineral taste for minimalists.

✨ Slightly pricier, but worth every yen for its sophisticated taste.

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8. Koikeya Pure Potato – Simple, Thick, and Naturally Delicious

“Pure Potato” lives up to its name — simple, honest, and made with only the best potatoes.
Each chip is thick-cut, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavor and texture of real Japanese potatoes.

Texture: Crunchy yet soft inside — a balance between thick-cut and lightly fried.
Flavors:

• Salted – highlights the pure taste of the potato.
• Butter & Rock Salt – adds a gentle sweetness and richness.
• Truffle & Rock Salt – a luxurious, limited-edition flavor.

🥔 If you want to taste “real potato,” this is the one to pick. A refined snack for true chip lovers.

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9. Calbee A La Potato – Seasonal and Special

Only available in autumn, this limited-edition series uses freshly harvested Hokkaido potatoes.

Texture: Thick-cut, hearty chips.
Flavors:

• Lightly Salted – simple and elegant.
• Jaga Butter (Potato & Butter) – rich Hokkaido butter aroma.

🍂 A must-try seasonal snack, available around September to November.

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🛒 Where to Buy

You can find most of these chips at:

• Convenience stores – 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart
• Supermarkets – Aeon, Ito-Yokado, or Don Quijote
• Airports & souvenir shops – for regional or limited-edition flavors

Price range: ¥120–¥250 per bag (about $1–$2 USD)
Shelf life: 3–6 months
Tip: Pair them with Japanese green tea or a cold beer for the ultimate local experience.

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Final Thoughts

Trying Japanese potato chips is one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to explore Japan’s snack culture.
From the classic simplicity of Calbee Usushio to the spicy thrill of Karu Mucho and the luxury crunch of Pride Potato, each brand reflects Japan’s love for craftsmanship — even in something as casual as a bag of chips.

So next time you visit a Japanese convenience store, skip the usual snacks and grab a few of these instead.
You might just discover your new favorite flavor from Japan.

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