When I go abroad I love buying souvenirs. I’m particularly fond of things to decorate our house with, especially little trinkets with big meanings. Japan however was a different game entirely. In fact, before we reached Tokyo, we both had a list of what we wanted to buy. I’ve compiled a short list of the best souvenirs to buy in Japan, including my own personal favourites. I hope that you enjoy it.

The Best Souvenirs to Buy in Japan | Your Quick Guide

Japanese Snacks

Japanese food is one of the best things about a trip to Japan. The snack culture here is real and you’ll find things that you didn’t even know existed. You can find these pretty much anywhere, but I would strongly recommend the classic 7/11s and the myriad of sweet stores dotted around.

If you needed a top list though:

• KitKats – There is a ridiculous number of flavoured KitKats in Japan and, sadly, many of them have not reached the West. I particularly liked the strawberry flavour, but I’d recommend picking a few different options up.
• Pocky – Straw-like biscuits which are coated in a flavoured cream.
• Shiroi Koibito Biscuits – A dangerously moorish biscuit from Hokkaido.
• Mt. Fuji Biscuits – Possibly my favourite from our trip. We picked these up by Hakone and they’re essentially cracker-like biscuits with a generous slab of chocolate on top. A very good choice.

This just scratches the surface of it and it is a shame that most of these snacks are only found in Japan. We recently worked with our friends at Sakuraco who make seasonal snack boxes. Read my post to find out more.

Matcha & Japanese Teas

I wasn’t a massive fan of matcha before going to Japan. In the UK the taste personally wasn’t for me. However, I am a big fan of tea and fortunately tea culture is huge in Japan.

In many shops you can pick up loose-lead tea and high-quality Uji match (Kyoto). However, one thing that we came back with was a Japanese Tea Set from Umi. We went for a more traditional Japanese Coarse Pottery Kobiki Tea Set, painted with a beautiful combination of blue and white. Whilst we haven’t used it with our Japanese tea just yet, it is displayed in our dining room and looks amazing. It feels authentic and high-quality, and the attention to detail in the craftsmanship is everything.

With tea culture as it is, I would 100% recommend bringing back some tea or matcha from Japan. However, even if you aren’t going soon, make sure you check out Umi Tea Sets – they have a really diverse range of beautiful pottery. Plus, they’ll send it to you so you don’t have to worry about ceramics being in your suitcase!

Ceramics & Pottery

When you go to Japan, it is almost a must that you come back with ceramics or pottery to celebrate your time there.

I’ve already mentioned the fabulous teapot which I bought, but I also need to mention the shop Dengama. The shop, in the Asakusa district, is filled with traditional ceramics from across the country. It’s safe to say that if you want something unique, this is the shop to go to. One of my favourite souvenirs which we brought here were small, clay figurines from the Studio Ghibli masterpiece My Neighbour Totoro. As Dengama is hugely popular, it can get pretty busy. I’d recommend arriving as soon as possible (10:00am).

Other great options for ceramics and pottery include traditional yunomi (tea cups), small rice bowls, sake sets and delicate painted plates/ vases. You can also pick up some extremely fun chopstick rests which are made in all sorts of shapes.

Furoshiki Cloths

One of the most popular souvenirs from Japan are Furoshiki cloths. Essentially, these are wrapping cloths which are used for everyday life in Japan, ranging from gift-wrapping to carrying food items. You’ll find them every colour imaginable, each adorning their own unique pattern which range from abstract to highly traditional. They’re perfect for framing, wrapping your own gifts, or even to wear as a scarf. They’re so versatile and they are easily one of the best souvenirs to buy in Japan.

Chopsticks (Ohashi)

When you go around Japan, you’ll find that western cutlery is in short supply. Most places, especially those which are more local, will exclusively provide chopsticks. So, even if you aren’t adept with them before your visit, odds are you will be at the end!

My husband and I definitely became quite skilled with ohashi during our time in Japan. We found that we used them all the time. So, we eventually bought some really lovely ones in Gion (Kyoto) to remind us of our trip. They are some of my favourite souvenirs from Japan.

Tenugui Towels

Tenugui Towels looks rather similar to Furoshiki Cloths. They both are highly colourful and feature a unique pattern, often something traditional or highly abstract. Where they differ though is purpose. Tenugui towels can be used for wrapping too, but they are actually more widely used as hand-towels. If you are looking for a beautiful designed towel for your bathroom, these are perfect.

Studio Ghibli Merchandise

For my first shoutout to merchandise, it has to go to Studio Ghibli. If like me the films of Hayao Miyazaki were a big reason of going to Japan, I can promise that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Like our clay Totoro figurines, you can get a really wide-range of products including plushies and miniatures. If I had to narrow down the best places, I’d have to say that the Ghibli stores in Tokyo were the best bet. If they are busy or you just don’t have time for it, then Don Quijote also sells Ghibli products… Albeit on the budget side.

Pokémon and Nintendo Merchandise

One of my husband’s favourite activities in Japan was going to the Pokêmon Centers. These sell exclusively Pokêmon merchandise and are a massive hit for tourists. They also have plushies of every single Pokêmon, so you can bring your favourite home with you. There are a few of these shops to choose from. The best was easily DX in Tokyo; it was hidden and quiet. Next was Kyoto for the same reason. The Pokémon Centers in the SkyTree and Shibuya were just way too busy.

Shibuya also boasts a huge Nintendo store nearby. Here you can buy tonnes of different merchandise from all of your favourite Nintendo games. You can – of course – also buy games for the Switch here. They were actually cheaper than they would be in the UK, but make sure you check whether you can change the language.

Miniature Gachapon Collectables

One of the funnest souvenirs we bought in Japan came from the Gachapon Collectable craze. When you walk around Tokyo, you’ll often see these small machines in shops. For a few hundred yen, you can twist the machine and get a random collectable from your chosen theme.

Whilst they are dotted around Japan, the best place for this has to be the Electric Town (Akihabara) in Tokyo. Here you’ll find shops which are entirely dedicated to Gachapon and you can find themes ranging from Anime to food replicas.

Top Tip: Akihabara also has a range of arcades too, many of which come with prizes. These can make for a really cool souvenir and once again come in various themes.

Japanese Incense

When you walk around the older streets of Kyoto, you’ll notice the beautiful smell of local incense. In fact, Japan has some of the most refined Incense in the world. It is a lovely and calming reminder of Japan’s shrines and temples.

Some of the best scents for Japanese incense (in my opinion) are;

• Sandalwood
• Cherry blossom scents
• Traditional temple fragrances (vary depending on season and region)
• Modern blends

Yukata & Traditional Clothing

If you had your heart set on purchasing a Kimono, but realised that they are very expensive, have a look at Yukata. These are lighter cotton robes and are traditionally the attire Japanese women would wear in the Summer, or for less formal events.

If you shop around, it won’t be hard to find them. You can find yukata almost anywhere that sells clothes. I would strongly suggest shopping around though; the prints vary from place to place.

Unique Items from Each Region

Each region of Japan is slightly different. One of the best souvenirs you can buy in Japan is something unique to a particular place. They are especially good if you have fallen in love with a particular part of the trip.

For me, nothing quite said Nara than a deer-themed item. We actually bought a lovely mug which reminds me of our walk in the park each time I see it. In a similar way, you can also buy unique trinkets from all of the shrines you visit.

Kokeshi Dolls

When you walk around the shops of Japan, you’ll see these small, wooden dolls. These are Kokeshi dolls and are completely unique to the country. They were initially made as children’s toys in the Edo Period, but now symbolise different meanings. You can buy them for good luck, good health, simplicity… The list goes on.

Top Tip: Shop around for these and buy a high-quality doll from a boutique shop. Don’t settle for one that has been mass-produced.

Omamori (Temple Good Luck Charms)

Omamori are protective charms sold at shrines and temples — each one representing blessings such as:

• Good health
• Safe travels
• Success
• Love
• Good luck

They are small, meaningful, and carry spiritual significance. Buy them respectfully and avoid opening the fabric pouch — legend has it that it will weaken the protection.

Top Tip: If you are into cats, head to the Gōtokuji Temple. You can buy your very own lucky cat for good luck. We did this and it is easily one of my favourite souvenirs from Japan!

Final Thoughts | The Best Souvenirs in Japan

There are just so many amazing souvenirs in Japan that a list of the 14 best just isn’t long enough. However way you look at it though, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Do you think anything else belongs on this list? Reach out and let me know!