As 2017 begins to draw to a close, it’s time to look back at the year that was, and for Tokyo Station it was a year filled with glorious sweets.

Japan’s “omiyage” souvenir culture is big business in Japan, thanks to the custom of bringing back small gifts for friends, family and co-workers after short trips away. The most popular type of omiyage usually comes in the form of individually wrapped sweets, sold in attractive boxes which are perfect for sharing with groups, and one of the best places to pick these up are at stores conveniently located at stations around the country.

As one of the busiest transport hubs in Japan, Tokyo Station does big business in omiyage, with a number of stores spread out across the building and exclusive products that can’t be purchased anywhere else. Now, as 2017 comes to a close, the station’s bustling First Avenue district is looking back at the year that was with a list of their 10 best selling sweets for 2017. Let’s take a look at the results below!

10. Paw Pad Madeleines from Tokyo L’Atelier de Sukru (1,198 yen [US$10.63])

Coming in at number 10 on the list we have these adorable sweets that come in the shape of pudgy cat paws.

9. Tokyo Shu Kurin from Waransaiho (540 yen for a pack of four)

These sweets contain a chestnut paste wrapped up in a cocoa-flavoured cake dough.

8. Francais Best Selection from Francais (3,240 yen)

This box contains 21 best-selling items from Francais, which prides itself on creating authentic french pastries like mille-feuille slices.

7. Saku Saku Carameling from Yoku Moku (594 yen for a pack of six)

These crunchy caramel rings come filled with custard for a textural sensation that customers keep coming back for.

6. Edomon de Baum from Tokyo Miyage Centre (702 yen for a pack of five)

These chocolate-covered baum kuchen pieces can only be purchased at Tokyo Station.

5. Salt Caramel Roll from Arinco Tokyo Station (1,543 yen)

This light and springy rolled cake boasts a bittersweet flavour that’s exclusive to Tokyo Station.

4. Tokyo Rusk Collection from Tokyo Rusk (1,300 yen for a pack of 13)

This box contains sweet almond rusks, along with milk chocolate, raspberry chocolate and matcha chocolate varieties.

3. Tokyo Caramel Wafers Bar from Patisserie Kihachi (1,080 yen for a pack of 10)

These sugar-coated wafers come in milk caramel and bitter caramel varieties.

2. Tokyo La Boule from Shiseido Parlour (540 yen for a pack of five)

Limited for sale at Tokyo Station and Haneda Airport only, these chocolate-covered cookies are in high demand as they come from the popular Shiseido company.

1. Tokyo Banana Kit Kat from Tokyo Okashi Land (702 yen for a pack of eight)

Despite only going on sale in November, the Tokyo Banana Kit Kats proved to be such a hit that they take first place on the list of best-selling sweets at Tokyo Station’s First Avenue. The combination of Kit Kat and Tokyo Banana was impossible to resist for many, particularly as they were only sold at Tokyo Station when they first became available.

So there you have it, the top ten souvenir sweets from Tokyo Station! Have you tried any of the sweets on this list? Let us know in the comments section below!

Images: PR Times
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