Are you looking for Japanese souvenirs? There are lots of fun and unique products to buy for yourself or bring home as gifts to friends and family.
Souvenirs are one of the best ways to tell your friends and family that you are thinking about them while traveling. And it’s also something that’s fun to buy for yourself as a memory from your trip.
So, do you want to know what to buy in Japan as a souvenir? Then continue reading below, because here’s a list of the top 10 Japanese souvenirs:
Table of Contents
Electronics
Japan is like the mecca of electronics, and Akihabara in Tokyo is the place to get them. Here you can buy electronics at great prices, and also things that you can’t normally find in electronic stores at home.
Whether you’re looking for headphones, an instant camera, a rice cooker or Nintendo 64, Akihabara has it all!
Chopsticks – One of the most popular Japanese souvenirs!
If you are thinking about giving away a pair of chopsticks to your loved ones back home, then do not give those breakable chopsticks that you get at the fast food sushi restaurant. In Japan, you will find several stores that sell various kinds of chopsticks that vary from handmade to factory made chopsticks.
There are stores all over the country that specialize in chopsticks where you can go and even get personalized ones with your name on them.
A pair of chopsticks is no doubt the best Japan souvenirs to buy to a person who loves sushi!
Japan souvenirs – Photo: Lerner Vadim / Shutterstock.com
Chopsticks Rest
Maybe your friends and family already own a pair of chopsticks, then I have another recommendation for you.
A chopstick rest is used to keep the chopsticks from rolling off the table. They come in various shapes and materials such as wood, clay, plastic, and glass.
If you get one of these at a restaurant or a dinner party in Japan, you have to use them, as it is unpolite to keep your chopsticks at the table or on the plate if there is a chopstick rest in front of you.
Folding Fans
A high-quality folding fan is a nice gift to bring home to your friends and family members.
You should buy one with high quality as the cheaper ones can easily break. By the ones made out of traditional Japanese fabrics and wood. This is a classic souvenir to buy in Japan, but be prepared, they can be a bit pricey if you decide to buy a nice one!
This is definitely one of the most beautiful souvenirs in Japan! It’s a perfect gift for your mother or grandma.
What to buy in Japan as a souvenir? A folding fan! – Photo: Shutterstock
What to buy in Japan for Kids? – Kendama!
A Kendama is a traditional Japanese toy which came to Japan in the 1700s. This”ball-and-string” toy is very popular among the children in Japan and is a perfect gift for a younger child or a childish friend!
This is definitely one of the most popular Japanese souvenirs to buy for kids!
Japanese Candy
Do you wonder what to buy in Japan for someone who already has everything? Japanese Candy!
Japanese candies and snacks are that good that they have started to export to supermarkets worldwide. You are probably familiar with Pocky and Pretz, which is two of the most popular candies in Japan.
In Japan, you will find a huge variety of cakes, candy, chocolates and biscuits that will make you drool outside the store. Make sure to check out the ridiculous number of Kit-kat flavors, they sell those with raspberry, green tea, and even sake flavor!
But do not forget to buy some “weird” Japanese candy with both seaweed and dried fish. It may not be your favorite ones, but it will sure be fun to watch your friend’s faces when they try these Japanese snacks!
Japanese souvenirs – Photo: icosha / Shutterstock.com
Japanese Keychains
One of the most common Japanese souvenirs is a Japanese keychain. These are sold all over Japan and is very popular among both locals and tourists.
You can buy keychains with all kinds of motives such as sushi pieces, images of Mt. Fuji, “I Love Japan” keychains, teddy bears, and keychains with famous animé characters on them.
When traveling in Japan you’ll notice that many locals, both young and old, wear these kawaii (cute in Japanese) keychains on their backpacks and handbags. It’s a typical souvenir to buy in Japan!
Yukata Set
When you are strolling in touristy areas like Asakusa or Akihabara in Tokyo, you will see these sets of Yukata in every other store you walk by
The Yukata is a traditional Japanese garment that they use as a casual summer kimono.
A Yukata Set contains a kimono, a bag, a pair of sandals and a waistband. These come in several colors and motives, and are perfect for both women, men, and children!
Japanese souvenirs – Photo: Shutterstock
Tenugui
A Tenugui is a thin Japanese hand towel that is made of cotton. These towels can be used for anything you like, such as a washcloth, dishcloth, headband or even a decoration in your home!
Cat-Themed Souvenirs
Are you looking for Japanese souvenirs to buy for a cat-loving person?
The people of Japan is crazy for cats and that is something you will notice when strolling around in stores and shopping malls in Japan. Cat watches, cat bags, cat mugs, cat tissue holders, cat hats, cat socks, cat lingerie, cat earphones, Japan has all the cat-themed things that you can possibly think off!
The Japanese lucky cat is one of the most classic Japanese souvenirs. It’s believed to bring good luck to its owner.
Japanese Lucky Cat – Photo: Shutterstock
Japanese Souvenirs Online
If you didn’t have time to shop for Japanese souvenirs or if you simply didn’t have any room in your suitcase, then I can tell you that you can order some great Japanese souvenirs online.
At Amazon, you can buy both Japanese lucky cats, a Yukata Set, Japanese folding fans, and even Japanese candy. But just keep in mind that the quality might not be as good as if you buy it in a local store in Japan.
Do you have any other questions about Japanese souvenirs? Leave a comment below!
Hello Christine! Do you know if there’s warranty when we purchase electronics in Japan?
Hi Derek!
I think that it depends on what you’re going to buy, and where you buy it. I bought a Nikon lens at an electronics store in Tokyo and I got warranty. However, it was only valid in some countries in Asia. But I was fine with that since I got it for a much better price than if I would buy it in Sweden.
The best is to ask in the stores about their warranty policy! :)