Every country has its own unique souvenirs that are native to that land. These special mementos are not only distinctive to the people living there. In fact, as travelers we surely develop an emotional attachment with the things we buy during our travel. It takes us back in the memories of our travel and experiences.
Travelers are always stuck at which items to bring back home that are not only worth buying but could take them back in those beautiful memories of their trip. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to end up with just knick-knacks and not the real stuff that is worth the money and time.
If you’ve planned to visit Japan as your next travel destination and want to know what souvenirs to bring back home. We have done the work for you and mined our favorite things to buy in japan for the best gifts and finest memories of the trip.
Japan is one of the hybrid countries with more than 2.6 million tourists every year. It is not only a best travel destination but it is the 9th most peaceful nations in the world which means quite a safe place to travel with your loved ones too.
Traveling to Japan surely means shopping and a lot of shopping. This country is known to have best shopping malls. Here you can find some amazing stuff both local and from top brands. Whether you love to buy cosmetics or tech savvy cool gadgets that are rare to find elsewhere, Japan is the ultimate shopping spree.
If you think shopping in Japan can be hefty on the pocket, think again! Despite the fact that it is rated as one of the most expensive countries to visit. Japan is quite cheap, you can buy a variety of quality goods at pretty reasonable prices.
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Things You Can Only Buy in Japan
Italy is known for its leather goods, Portugal is famous for its port wine. Romania is renowned for its wooden spoons. Switzerland for its Lindt chocolate and Japan for its electronics. But is it the only thing you can bring back home from Japan? Surely not, Japan has a lot to offer to its tourists and vacationers. Find out the best things to buy in japan that are hard to elsewhere and to take it back home as mementos of your adventures in the land of the Rising Sun.
Japanese Matcha Products
Do you know that Japan is one of the largest consumers of green tea in the world? Matcha is justly associated with Japan. When you think about matcha you’ll surely think of Japan. Japanese used matcha in a variety of edibles from tea, sweet, snacks, and desserts.
Try matcha products like Matcha Parfait, Matcha Pancakes, and Matcha Gelato. You can also buy highly popular Matcha snacks, such as matcha KitKat, matcha Pocky as gifts for your family and friends.
Kitkat Bars
Kit Kat bar is one of the most popular candies in Japan. Japan’s shelves are stacked with a vast array of kitkat bars which make perfect Japanese souvenirs. Kit Kats in Japan come in hundreds of different varieties. From the standard wafer bars to grilled potato flavor, cherry blossom to Choco banana. The variety is really endless.
Japanese Origami Paper
Japanese origami paper is known for its vibrant prints and quality. It can be a great relic if you’re looking for something unique and exciting.
Japanese Cat Products
If you’re a cat lover Japan is a perfect destination for you. Known as Neko in Japan, Japanese people love cats and keep them as pets. Talking about pets you’ll be amazed to know an interesting fact about Japan. Want to know? In the Land of the Rising Sun you’ll find more pets than children.
The love for cats is so evident in Japan. You’ll find plenty of cat products from stationary, plushier, time pieces, accessories to crockery. Really hard to pick from such amazing and adorable cat related pieces.
In case you don’t have much time do check for cat collars, cat mugs, bento lunch boxes, cat socks, cat time pieces, and cat stationary. You’ll fall in love with it.
Japanese Sensu Folding Fans
The foldable fan also known as Sensu locally is yet another traditional Japanese souvenir that you should buy. While in Japan you’ll see folding fans everywhere and in a wide range of styles and varying prices. Be sure to pick some to give as a gift to family and friends.
Nail Clippers and Compact Umbrella
It is believed that tourists in Japan usually buy nail clippers and umbrella. Reason being the fact that these items are incredibly affordable and are made of high quality material.
The nail clippers come with a protecting cover which makes it easier to carry around. Also, the compact umbrellas aren’t just light and sturdy. But they come with a waterproof covering to pack your wet umbrellas without getting yourself and your belongings wet. Also, as they’re so compact they barely occupy any space.
Japanese Kendama Toys
A kendama is basically a ball-and-string toy that came to Japan in the 1700s and has now became popular worldwide. These toys come in a lot of different designs and color combinations and can make for great Japanese souvenirs for art lovers.
Japanese Gamaguchi
Gamaguchi which is often times said to resemble a ‘toad’s mouth’ is a kind of clasped purse or pouch. These adorable bags are decorated with traditional floral patterns and are quite trendy among young women in Japan. They can make a great gift for someone special or you can buy one for yourself too.
Japanese Randoseru/Anello Bags
You’ll find a ton of variety when it comes to buying bags in japan, from super cute to the trendiest. But the ones you really need to check on are Anello bags, and Randoseru school bag.
Anello is an exclusive Japanese bag brand. It is not only famous in the country but extremely popular overseas especially in the Asian parts of the world. Do check their collection you’ll surely become obsessed with their exclusive range of bags.
Randoseru, on the other hand are more specifically school bags and a little expensive. They range from 30,000 – 120,000 yen. But they’re so durable and last for several years, which make it such a good deal. Also, they have now become so popular worldwide as a fashionable bag for adults which make another solid reason for getting one.
Japanese Imabari Towels
Next in our list of things to buy in Japan is Imabari towels. Why? Reasons are many! Towels are an essential part of our everyday life, so why not picking the one which is made of high quality material, are super absorbent, extremely gentle on skin and comes in a wide array of color and design to pick from.
Japanese Tenugui
Tenugui is the cotton towel which you can get in Japan everywhere. These come in various patterns and range of different colors. These are not only used as a hand towel or to wrap around the head but the options are endless. They can be displayed on the wall like a picture, or beautiful decorative tapestries for framing or a table, or for wrapping gifts.
Japanese Pens and Stationary
If you’re a stationery lover then Japan is the ultimate place for you. Japanese stationery is renowned for the unique quality and zillion of designs it caters. From super cute and adorable animal character erasers, to adorable pens and pencils with awesome rubber tops, to appealing paper clips imagined. There’s a sea of infinite choices what to pick and what not to.
Japanese Omamori
If you’re looking to buy a more traditional and religiously associated gift for someone especial, Omamori is the perfect item to pick. You can find Omamori or good luck charms in shrines and temples all over Japan.
Especially on the occasion of the New Year, there’s a rising demand of purchasing Omamori lucky charms as a way of gaining good fortune and protection.
Japanese Camera
Next in our list of gadgets to buy in japan is surely a camera. What place would be better to buy camera than in Japan which is home to the top brands like Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Fujifilm.
As far as the prices are concerned there’s not much difference though but as a tourist you can take advantage of tax-free shops and also try out cameras in stores before buying one. If your budget is too tight you can look for a used camera of a good condition at a decent value.
Japanese Beauty Products
Japanese makeup is known for its premium quality and skin friendly ingredients. That’s one of the reasons why Japanese beauty brands win superiority over American and European brands.
Whether you buy makeup products from high-end brands or you simply grab your desired items from a drug store you’ll achieve flawless appearance and great compliments.
Furoshiki Fabrics
Furoshiki is a piece of cloth available in different kinds of patterns and designs. These fabrics are traditionally used to wrap bento lunch boxes and gifts and are now a popular gift item.
Japanese Knives
In Japan you’ll find some of the finest knives money can buy. This is the reason why chefs all around the world pay visit to this land to buy some premium quality knives.
If you love to cook then picking Japanese knives would be a steal deal or you can buy it for a loved one too as a gift.
Japanese Chopsticks
What place would be better than Japan to buy chopsticks? You’ll find an infinite collection of chopsticks throughout Japan but for the finest quality ones head to the Kappabashi-dori in Tokyo.
Vending Machine Toys
One may find Vending machines known as gashapon (or gachapon) everywhere in japan. Even there’s a fact about japan that it has around 5.5 million vending machines with one on almost every street corner literally. Though still rare but you can find toy vending machine too which makes a great knickknack to bring back home, especially as a gift for kids.
Audio Equipment
Another thing you should buy in japan is audio equipment like headphones and earphones. Stylish, colorful, and made of premium quality material, there’re a zillion of choices to pick from. Whether you’re buying a high-end product or a local brand it’s definitely a steal deal in any case.
