The Classic Nagasaki Souvenir, “Nagasaki CRUZ”: A Famed Confection Crafted with Local Confectionery Methods and Ingredients
Nagasaki CRUZ is a signature confection and classic Nagasaki souvenir.
It is a Western-style sweet made of crisp, thin-baked wafers sandwiching white chocolate subtly scented with ginger.
Among many Nagasaki specialties, it has long been loved as a one-of-a-kind sweet created by applying traditional techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
This article introduces the history of its creation, its characteristics, and recommended products.
If you are looking for Nagasaki souvenirs, use this as a guide.
The 4 Appeals of Nagasaki CRUZ
Since its debut in 1964, Nagasaki CRUZ has been cherished as one of Nagasaki’s classic souvenirs.
Here we explore its appeal from four angles-history, flavor, packaging, and variations.
1. 2 Years in Development: Born in 1964
Nagasaki CRUZ was born in 1964, the year of the Tokyo Olympics.
Its development took two full years.
The founder struggled over which chocolate to sandwich in the wafers.
Because the current president-then about three years old-loved white chocolate, that variety was chosen.
Nagasaki was once a center of Christian missionary work where Portuguese-influenced culture flourished.
Inspired by the history of namban sweets brought by Portuguese missionaries, it was named using the Portuguese for “cross”: cruz (CRUZ).
2. Made with Distinctly Nagasaki Methods and Ingredients
The Cruz is made using a baking technique inspired by the traditional hasami-yaki method of Obam Onsen (though no hot-spring water is used).
By pressing the dough from above and below during baking, the wafers achieve a crisp texture.
The standard CRUZ flavor features white chocolate with ginger as a subtle accent.
The ginger comes from Matsumoto Farm, a century-old grower on the Shimabara Peninsula, dried and milled into a fine powder before being blended in.
By elevating local ingredients into a Western confection, CRUZ became recognized as a Nagasaki specialty.
3. Packaging Design That Feels Uniquely Nagasaki
Since launch, the brand has featured illustrations by the Japanese Western-style painter Shintaro Suzuki.
Iconic motifs such as the “Sister” were drawn during Suzuki’s visit to Nagasaki.
In 2014, “Landscape CRUZ” debuted to mark the 50th anniversary.
With the concept “Together With Nagasaki Tourism,” a four-piece CRUZ box features designs of Glover Garden, Oura Cathedral, Gunkanjima, and Huis Ten Bosch.
Versions themed after the Nagasaki Lantern Festival and Nagasaki Kunchi have also been developed.
The packages are roughly postcard-sized and popular as souvenirs with a picture-postcard feel.
4. A Wide Variety of Flavors
There are nine varieties in total.
In addition to the standard white-chocolate CRUZ, options include Coffee CRUZ, Shiawase CRUZ (Strawberry), Matcha CRUZ, and Yuko Citrus CRUZ.
In addition to these, special and limited-edition varieties are released, such as Morinaga Milk Caramel CRUZ, the winter-only Premium CRUZ, the summer-only Lemon CRUZ, and the fall-winter Roasted Sweet Potato CRUZ.
4 Recommended Flavors of the Nagasaki CRUZ Signature Confection
Nagasaki CRUZ boasts a rich lineup of flavors.
Here are four standout picks from the nine varieties.
1. CRUZ, with a Hint of Ginger
This is the product that has preserved the original method and taste since launch.
Enjoy white chocolate with a gentle aroma of ginger.
The Limited “Landscape CRUZ Lantern” Package Is Also Recommended!
A limited-edition package is sold during the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, held around Lunar New Year in Nagasaki City.
It is a popular commemorative souvenir of a Nagasaki trip.
2. Coffee CRUZ, Sandwiched with Coffee Chocolate
Coffee associated with Nagasaki and said to have been loved by Sakamoto Ryoma is drip-brewed, mixed into the dough, and baked.
It uses coffee roasted with a method faithful to the Bakumatsu era (1836-1867).
3. Shiawase CRUZ, Showcasing Pure Strawberry Flavor
This Nagasaki CRUZ uses Sachinoka strawberries grown in Nagasaki.
Strawberry puree is kneaded into the dough, and freeze-dried strawberry is mixed into the white chocolate.
It offers a rich flavor that brings out the strawberry’s natural taste.
4. Premium CRUZ, Coated in Rich Chocolate
Shiawase CRUZ is coated in a rich chocolate to create Premium CRUZ.
This winter-only item delivers a premium feel in both taste and look.
Where to Buy “Nagasaki CRUZ”: BonPatty Nagasaki Station
BonPatty Nagasaki Station is located inside Nagasaki Kaido Kamome Market.
It is a directly managed shop of Obama Shokuryo Co., Ltd., the maker and seller of CRUZ.
The store sits in front of the ticket gates at JR Nagasaki Station, the gateway to the city.
It is one of the shops in the city’s largest Souvenir Zone.
Alongside Nagasaki CRUZ, the shop sells a wide range of specialties, including BonPatty Waffles, Hyakunen Ginger Waffle, yusenbei wafers, castella, and Nagasaki biwa jelly.
FAQ about BonPatty Nagasaki Station
Q
Do you offer tax-free service?
Tax-free service is not available.
Q
Is there an online store?
Yes, you can purchase on Rakuten Ichiba.
Domestic shipping only.
Wrap-up
The Nagasaki specialty Nagasaki CRUZ is a confection of crisp thin wafers sandwiched with white chocolate containing ginger.
Its appeal lies in its Nagasaki-inspired packaging and a wide variety of flavors.
You can pick it up at BonPatty Nagasaki Station inside JR Nagasaki Station, making it easy to buy before or after your trip.
It is a must-get item as a memento or gift from Nagasaki.