Photo: Contiki
Japan is like nothing else. Because it’s such a unique destination, it’s only natural that as your time in the Far Eastern country ends, you’ll want to bring something back as a memento of your trip. Deciding what the best Japanese souvenirs are can be a little tough, especially with so many great options.
If you’re considering what to purchase in Japan and feeling a little stuck, then it’s your lucky day: we’ve marvelled at the shopping streets in Shinjuku and seen what’s for sale by the temples of Kyoto, all so we could make this list to help you decide what to buy on your trip to Japan.
1. Japanese ceramics
Japan is famous for its high-quality craft products, and traditional Japanese ceramics have been one of the most sought-after kinds for centuries. There are a number of styles, but the three biggest are Mari Ware (or Arita ware) from Saga Prefecture, Mino ware from Gifu Prefecture, and Seto ware from Aichi Prefecture.
With that said, each of the 47 prefectures in Japan produces their own kinds of ceramics, utilising local materials, so no matter what you buy it’s sure to be a unique Japanese souvenir.
2. Vintage kimonos
The outfit most associated with Japan comes in many styles to fulfil many purposes, which is why a vintage Kimono is one of the best souvenirs from Japan. They can be incredibly formal or more suitable for everyday use, but they’ll always be a great memory of your time in the country (or a great gift).
Nowadays most Japanese people only wear them for summer festivals or other cultural events, so don’t expect to see as many as you might think. But even so they’re a great option for things to bring back from your trip – just remember to wrap the left side over the right, or you might be mistaken for a corpse!
While a loud minority have argued that any non-Japanese person wearing a Kimono is cultural appropriation, as long as it is done with respect the vast majority of Japanese people (and ethnically Japanese people living abroad) are happy to see their culture being appreciated by foreigners. So, just ensure you’re paying attention to the history and rules surrounding your chosen Kimono, and you’ll be able to enjoy this garment without offending anyone.
3. Ainu crafts
Japan’s northernmost island Hokkaido is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Japan thanks to its startling rugged scenescapes, but it’s also well known for being home to the indigenous Ainu people. This group has dwindled down to around 25,000 thanks to Japanese centralisation, but in recent years there has been a push to preserve their culture.
As a visitor to Japan, you can help to maintain their way of life by buying traditional products from Ainu artisans – that’s how you can MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® on your own. The options are wide ranging, encompassing everything from traditional garments that have been woven from elm tree inner bark and salmon skin, to intricate wooden carvings. Definitely one of the best Japanese souvenirs you can buy as you’ll get something unique while also doing some good.
4. Manga
Many people go on trips to Japan just to read the reams of Manga the country produces every year. If you’re a fan of the artform (or know somebody who is) then this is a no-brainer as one of the best Japanese souvenirs you can buy.
You can pick up classics like Death Note, Akira, or Dragonball Z, or go for one of the more unique options like Manga-fied versions of Jane Austen (yes, really – as if you needed any more reasons to visit Japan). And, if you’re a Manga novice, there’s no better place to fall in love with this awesome artform than when you’re in its native land!
5. Maneki Neko (Beckoning cat)
These good luck charms are famous the world-round for their cutesy aesthetic, and thanks to their generally small size make the perfect souvenir for those who like to pack light. Although they seem simple at first, the cats bring different kinds of luck depending on which arm is raised, and what other accessories adorn them.
There are a number of tales about how these cats came to symbolise good luck, from helping generals win battles to saving weary travellers from thunderstorms – so who knows what joy yours will bring?
Image source:Puck Milder / unsplash
6. Folding fans
Even if you’re not visiting Japan during warmer months (like during the famous Cherry Blossom Festival), a folding fan still makes a great gift to bring back for yourself or a loved one. Crafted with ornate designs, they’re both beautiful and functional, delivering coolness alongside a dose of aesthetic goodness.
7. Origami
This world-famous art form is taken to incredible places in its native land, and purchasing some intricately folded origami means you can have something small yet meaningful displayed in your home as a memento of your trip.
Although an actual origami product is a great Japanese souvenir to purchase on its own terms, you should also consider doing an origami workshop – it’s one of the best things to do in Japan for sure.
8. Omamori (lucky charms)
These amulets are placed in elaborately decorated brocade bags and can be found outside Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. They make an ideal gift to bring back from Japan because of their size and the uniquely beautiful packaging they come in.
Omamori literally translates to “protection,” and the contents of the bag will likely be something sacred or religious that’s also been blessed. But don’t worry about being insensitive: they’re often given as a form of well wishing by locals, and nowadays incorporate all kinds of materials, so it’s good vibes all round.
9. Tea Ceremony sets
This might be a bit of a bulkier option, but if you do have the space in your luggage (or the means to ship things back home), a traditional Tea Ceremony Set might just be the best Japanese souvenir because of how useful and unique it is.
Tea, and tea ceremonies, are a big deal in Japan, and although they favour the green kind, they take all brews very seriously. As mentioned above, they also take pride in their ceramics and pottery, so it makes sense that a combination of these two national loves will make a wonderful memento. Sets will vary, but you should definitely get a pot and matching small teacups as part of your tea ceremony set, and you’ll also likely receive a bamboo whisk and tray to serve everything from.
Image source:Contiki
10. Chopsticks
Chopsticks might have originated in China, but there’s no doubt they’re the most commonly used utensil in Japan. They’re also one of the best Japanese food souvenirs thanks to the fact they are easy to store and transport, and can also be wonderfully decorated.
Whether you’re looking for some high-quality metal ones, or ornately patterned chopsticks that work just as well as art pieces as they do for eating, you’re sure to find your perfect set in Japan.
11. Furoshiki
These traditional Japanese wrapping cloths are often used to wrap goods like bento boxes or small gifts. Like a lot of Japanese items, aesthetics play a big part in how the cloths are decorated, with features like hand-painted designs and hemmed edges to ensure they look beautiful as well as being functional. Materials include silk and cotton, but you can also get synthetic ones.
Furoshiki are for more casual exchanges or everyday use, but you can also buy Fukusa. This is what more formal gifts are usually wrapped in, and the materials used are of a higher quality and more expensive. Both of these options make for some of the best Japanese souvenirs.
12. Tsuko-Tegata (wooden passport)
These small wooden objects were once vital for those travelling between regions in Japan, to ensure that they wouldn’t be detained as they went about visiting different parts of the country. Now visitors like you can get this Tokyo souvenir as a reminder of your trip to Japan. Perfect if you want something durable but have limited space in your luggage.
13. Daruma Dolls
Another cool little trinket, Daruma Dolls are one of the best Japanese souvenirs because of their bright colours and unique design. Hollow and round, the dolls are modelled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. They’re mostly red, but you can get other colours too.
Image source:Van Peng / unsplash
14. Sake
The Japanese love a good drink, and nothing is more traditional than this rice wine. Flavours and alcohol percentage vary so make sure you have a good look at what you’re buying before spending your Yen, otherwise you might end up with something a little too strong!
15. Matcha treats
The health benefits of matcha are well established, and Japan is the foremost producer of the green tea product. So, it makes sense there are tons of cool matcha treats to indulge in while visiting Japan, from matcha chocolate to matcha macarons. Not only are they one of the best Japanese food dishes to try, but they’ll also make you very popular if you bring them back home for your friends, family, and co-workers.
16. Japanese KitKats
The unique flavours of KitKat available in the country make them one of the best Japanese snack souvenirs. With options like strawberry cheesecake, sake, and even wasabi to choose from, you’ll find some truly tantalising tastes to try (and some not so great ones, too…)
