Officially called "Ezaki Glico," the company has a long history dating back to the year of 1921, when it was founded in Osaka. One of Glico's most representative products is the internationally famous Pocky. Another well-known representative is the Glico Runner on a large signboard in Osaka's famous neighborhood of Dotonbori.
Glicoya Kitchen in Tokyo Station not only sells the famous Pocky in all their flavors, but also a lot of special editions of various sweets that you won't be able to find anywhere else.

On top of the souvenir popularity ranking are the GIANT DreamPocky for 1,296 yen, also including the most popular flavors of strawberry, grape, green tea, melon, and chocolate. This supersized, colorful assortment is sure to make for an excellent gift!
The different Pocky varieties in this pack represent local flavors of Japan's regions and their most famous products, so it's not just random pretty candy that you buy - there's actually a beautiful, Japanese idea behind this creation.

If you'd rather have it salty than sweet, the "Giant Pretz Tokyo Monjayaki" for 1,080 yen is just the right choice for you. Monjayaki is pan-fried batter, topped with all kinds of different ingredients, and especially popular and famous in Tokyo's Tsukishima and Asakusa - Pretz, on the other hand, is basically Pocky's savory brother. Glicoya Kitchen has managed to fuse Pretz with the Tokyo specialty, creating a unique and delicious snacky souvenir to keep for yourself or take back home.

Another Glico favorite is the Cream Collon for 1,080 yen, a crisp waffle treat that is filled with fluffy, flavored cream. And if you just can't decide, why not go for Selection: the Glico? This box offers all of Glico's most popular snacks, ready to be savored one by one!
For all you anime fans out there, the sweets company also collaborated with a lot of popular franchises to create both goods and candy. If you're looking for something "Cool Japan," these are our recommendations!

Including one at Narita Airport, there are 17 Glicoya stores all across Japan, but the one in Tokyo Station is the only one in the Kanto area that features an actual kitchen making actual candy.
We urge you to try the roasted almonds and almond chocolate that is made freshly every day at Glicoya Kitchen. You can even watch the candymakers while they prepare the delicious treats right in front of your eyes, as the kitchen's walls are made out of glass - we recommend checking in early in the morning, when you can see the entire process! Gifting someone a souvenir that you yourself watched being made surely is one of the most unique souvenir experiences!

Glicoya Kitchen even features an atmospheric eat-in space where you can enjoy the unique sweets you just bought right on the spot! The most popular item on the café's menu can be enjoyed for 210 yen and is a treat fashioned after the Glico Caplico: the Caplicone. As the name suggests, it resembles an ice cream cone but is made using fresh cream chocolate. Another must-try is the Chocolate Latte for 380 yen, featuring the very same kind of chocolate that the famous Pocky are made with.

Because it is such an iconic company and offers so many wonderful souvenir ideas, Glicoya Kitchen is visited by a lot of tourists from all over the world - some of the staff members are even able to communicate in English and help you choosing the right product.
There's even a special day designated for Glico's all-time favorites. Because they look like the number 1, the 11th November is the somewhat official "Pocky & Pretz" day in Japan - although it doesn't have to be November to enjoy a nice pack of either Pocky, Pretz, or both!

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Holidays: none

Written by : Takashi Yamashita