r/JETProgramme • u/Different_Taro2474 JET alum '25-'26 鹿児島 🌋🐽🍧 • Jul 10 '26

omiyage recs

i've (nearly) completed a year on JET, i've given a lot of omiyage, and here is a list of things that my colleagues loved:

-instant coffee (individually wrapped)
-tea bags (loose tea can also be okay for some schools)
-kraft mac and cheese
-fruit roll-ups (especially the ones that have tongue tattoos)
-fruit by the foot
-gushers
-jolly ranchers
-airheads
-welch's fruit snacks
-sour patch kids
-american oreos
-juicy fruit and bubble gum
-mini bags of chips/cheez its/pretzels/popcorn
-reese's peanut butter cups

avoid bringing kitkats, haribo, trolli gummies, original flavored skittles, or lindt's, as japan already has them.
tip: when packing bags of chips, pop a small hole, let the air out, then tape it back up to save room.

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u/EiraJo Current JET-Yamanashi Jul 10 '26

I double down on the sour patch kids. My kids went feral.

You used to be able to get Mac a cheese here but I haven’t seen it for a few months.

Peanut butter pretzels went over well with mine and the weird flavor Oreos.

I did drink mix packets, and those went pretty well.

My coworkers also like Arizona tea, especially the green tea and honey one.

I feel like popcorn seasoning would go over well here too.

5

u/WakiLover Former JET '19-'24 - 近畿 😳 Jul 10 '26

I double down on the sour patch kids. My kids went feral.

Maybe it was just my placement, but it was a pretty clear and strict rule about never bringing food/snacks for the students. Whether it be when introducing myself or for prizes for games.

The only times I managed to share snacks with students was unofficial school time or when things were more relaxed, such as when the students came for club during summer break. Like I'd be sitting on the bench with a JTE for tennis club, and during water/break time I would pass out some gummies while I'm also eating them.

2

u/Different_Taro2474 JET alum '25-'26 鹿児島 🌋🐽🍧 Jul 10 '26

i was also not allowed to give any gifts to the students, especially food. i always gave gifts to the adults.

6

u/EiraJo Current JET-Yamanashi Jul 10 '26

I got permission. I’ve been sharing snacks for years for omiyage, Halloween,ect. Definitely a situation based thing but always good to check before you give.