10 Best and Popular Japan Souvenirs for Your Shopping List

Souvenirs are a great way to not only enjoy the memories of your trip for yourself, but also to share your experience with family, friends, and co-workers. Japanese souvenirs are known for their diversity and variety, and are surely attractive not only to Japanese people but also to foreign visitors to Japan.

This rich variety of souvenirs comes from the culture of gift-giving that the Japanese people have cultivated on a daily basis. There are many choices, from traditional crafts that reflect the rich culture, to sweets, Japanese food, pop culture and the latest technology. In this article, we will introduce recommended perfect souvenirs that foreign visitors can feel the charm of Japan.

Tips for selecting souvenirs for foreign visitors

Tips on how to select souvenirs are important to enrich your local shopping experience. Here are 5 recommended Tips.

Consider the preferences of the person receiving the souvenir

Selecting a souvenir that matches their tastes and interests is important. For example, those who like sweets will appreciate Japanese sweets and snacks, while those who like alcohol will appreciate local sake.

Choose uniquely Japanese items

Local specialties, traditional crafts, and items that reflect the unique culture and customs of Japan make good souvenirs.

Quality and Reliability

Selecting safe, high-quality products that are appropriate as gifts is important. Japanese products are generally considered high quality and reliable.

Ease of transport and storage

Consider the size and weight of the souvenirs to take home, as well as whether they will be easy to store at the destination.

Consider price range

In Japan, there is a wide selection of reasonably priced and expensive souvenirs to choose from, allowing you to select a souvenir that fits your budget.

Japanese Food for Souvenirs Ideas

Food is a wonderful way to taste the culture and customs and a great way to enjoy the unique flavors in Japan. In addition, food is relatively easy to carry and preserve, making it a great souvenir to share your travel experience with family and friends. Japanese food products are high quality and safe.

Sweets and Snacks

Japanese souvenirs are attractive for their wide variety of sweets, including Japanese and Western-style. They have flavors and tastes unique to Japan and are packaged and shaped in creative ways that are enjoyable to see.

Traditional Japanese Sweets and Snacks (Wagashi)

When exploring historic cities like Kyoto, Nara, Kanazawa, or Kamakura, you’ll notice many tea houses and souvenir shops offering a delightful "Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)". Additionally, indulging in Wagashi crafted with local specialties enhances the experience, as each region takes pride in unique ingredients and atmospheres, offering distinct flavors and beauty.

Wagashi varies from traditional to modern, and is deeply rooted in the lives of Japanese people. The following article introduces the history, characteristics, and types of Wagashi in detail.

Western-style Sweets and Snacks

king Western sweets and snacks as souvenirs in Japan is also a good idea. Many Japanese pastry chefs have won world-famous competitions, and you will find the high quality of their work. Western sweets can be grouped into two main categories:

• Gift-wrapped sweets purchased at specialty or department stores
• Sweets for daily use, purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores

Packaged items with beautiful designs and sophisticated flavors are appreciated as gifts. They are also available in regional and seasonal flavors. On the other hand, easy-to-eat snacks are available in a wide variety at a convenient and affordable price.

The following article introduces packaged sweets and snacks lo

Sushi Roll (Maki-zushi) Homemade Set

ple look forward to authentic sushi as one of the pleasures of traveling to Japan. A wonderful souvenir to experience Japanese culture, the sushi roll (Maki-zushi) set is a great option for family waiting for you at home or for family friends.

This provides an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese sushi culture at home and enjoy a special meal with family and friends. Sushi rolls are recommended as an easy way to make sushi at home. Making sushi rolls is not difficult. See this NHK recipe if you would like to try it.

While the ingredients for sushi rolls must be prepared at home, some of the authentic ingredients and tools that can be purchased in Japan and taken home as souvenirs include the following.

• Seaweed
• Sushi rice
• Soy sauce
• Wasabi
• Roller for rolling sushi rice
• Rice ladle
• Sushi vinegar (Powder type with seasoning already mixed is convenient)

How to Get Sushi Roll Homemade Set

If you want this set to make sushi rolls, you will need to buy items at several stores. If you do not have time to go shopping, you can visit the "japan Pick Up" online store.

Japanese Alcohol

"Sake" and "Umeshu" are traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages that are popular among foreign visitors to Japan for their unique taste and quality. Japanese whisky, which has not been produced for a long time (about 100 years or so) but is highly evaluated overseas, is also recommended as a souvenir.

Both sake and whiskey are available in mini bottles (180 ml), and Umeshu is available in mini sizes starting at 60 ml. They are perfect for people who want to try different kinds of Japanese alcohol or for small gifts.

Other alcohols produced in Japan include "shochu", wine, beer, brandy, and vodka. These alcohols are also recommended, as there are many excellent products in Japan that reflect the creator's commitment to quality.

Sake (Rice Wine)

Sake is made from rice, Koji (malted rice) and water, and comes in a wide variety. Each region has its own characteristics and manufacturing methods, and each brand has its own unique character
Sake is also called "rice wine" in other countries, and each brand has a different balance of sweet, sour, and bitter tastes, and some have a fruity or refreshing aroma due to differences in production methods.

There are more than 1,400 sake breweries in Japan, and more than 10,000 brands of sake. Because of the wide variety of sake brands, you may find a brand you like at one store and not find the same brand at another. However, if you know the type of sake you enjoyed, you may be able to find a new favorite by ordering sake with similar characteristics.

The rice polishing ratio can be the character of sake. The lower the polishing ratio, the more powerful the sake is, with the flavor and richness of the rice remaining. The higher the milling ratio, the cleaner and more refreshing the taste. The use of rice with a higher polishing ratio produces the fruity aroma and elegant floral flavors that are characteristic of ginjo-shu.

Umeshu (plum wine)

Umeshu (plum wine) has a long history, and its production process was established about 600 years ago. Although sometimes called "plum wine" by non-Japanese, plums are a different species from plums and apricots. It is also not fermented like wine.

It is tastier and easier to drink than and matches well with other foods. You can choose to drink it with water, hot water, or soda, depending on your preference. We also recognize it as a health drink because of its high content of minerals and other nutrients.

Umeshu is generally a fruit wine made by soaking green "ume (kind of plums)" in distilled spirits, and is classified as a liqueur used in cocktails. The taste and flavor of plum wine varies depending on the spirit used to make it, such as white liquor, brandy, whiskey, or sake. In addition, the flavor of plum wine can change depending on the length of soaking. The longer it is aged, the richer and more balanced the flavor becomes.

The major manufacturers of Umeshu are Choya and Suntory. Also, made at long-established sake breweries.

Japanese whiskey

Japan is one of the five major whiskey producing countries, along with Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. Characterized by delicate flavors and sophisticated manufacturing methods, many of its brands have won international awards. Japanese whiskey must use only malt, grain, and water collected in Japan.

In Japan, about 30 companies produce whiskey. The major companies include Suntory Spirits, Nikka Whiskey, and Kirin Distillery. These companies produce both single malt and blended whiskies, and together they account for 90% of the whisky market in Japan.

In addition to whiskies made by major distillers, craft whiskies made by newly established distilleries are also increasing.

Retort Pouch Foods

Retort pouch foods can be preserved and easily prepared, making it easy to enjoy traditional Japanese flavors and dishes. They are also easy to carry on airplanes and are ideal as souvenirs to remind you of the tastes of Japan on your travels!

They include a variety of rice, soup, and side dish items, as well as health-conscious and premium items. We recommend that you select products based on your preferred menu, cooking method, shelf life, and container shape.

For example, Curry is the most popular retort pouch food among Japanese people. There are many types of retort curry, including high-end retort curry from famous restaurants, private brands from convenience stores and famous supermarkets, and those from well-known manufacturers.

There are six major types of retort curry: beef/pork curry, chicken curry, keema curry, green curry, vegetable/seafood curry, and soup curry.

Instant Foods and Canned Foods

Instant foods and canned foods, like retort-pouch foods, can be preserved, are easy to prepare, and offer a taste experience of Japan.

Their variety of Instant foods is not limited to ramen, which is eaten around the world, but also includes soba noodles, miso soup, and many other products that reflect Japan's unique food culture. They are also convenient for a light meal or a quick meal while traveling.

There are canned Japanese foods popular among foreigners, such as "takoyaki", "okonomiyaki" and "dashimaki". You can bring the taste of Japan home with you.

There are premium canned foods that can be used as snacks for sake, wine, whiskey, and other alcohols, and are popular among the Japanese people. You can enjoy carefully prepared and seasoned dishes, using only the finest ingredients.

Popular Taste among Japanese

Here are some of the most popular tastes among Japanese people from retort pouch foods and instant foods.

• The freshly made juicy texture of a "Gyu-don (Beef Bowl)" or "Oyako-don (Chicken and egg bowl)"
• Authentic Chinese bowl with 10 kinds of vegetables
• Rich soup to match all meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Fluffy and delicious rice
• Premium canned dishes that are perfect with wine
• Curry and beef stew with "Matsuzaka beef"
• "Miso" soup with rich ingredients

One-stop Online Store for Popular Local Items

You can buy some instant foods that are popular among the Japanese at our online store 'Japan Pick Up'.

Our online store offers about 100 items!The products we selected are all authentic products that Japanese people are familiar with on a daily basis. They are reliable manufacturers offering products with superior taste, quality, and functionality.

Non-food Japanese Souvenir Ideas

Food items that share unique Japanese tastes are perfect as souvenirs. On the other hand, non-food souvenirs are also recommended, because they can be stored for a long time and taken home as mementos that recall fun memories of your trip.

In addition, many non-food souvenirs offer a richer experience of culture and traditions, and can make a more meaningful impression on the recipient. Furthermore, some gifts are of an easy-to-carry size and weight, yet express Japanese aesthetics and delicacy, or showcase Japanese technology and functionality, giving the recipients a special feeling and pleasure.

Mt. Fuji Goods

Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan, is known for its beautiful posture. Mt. Fuji goods are not limited to picture postcards and photographs, but are popular for their beautiful designs of the mountain's shape and scenery.

Coin Purse, Accessory Case or Card Case

Coin purse in the shape of Mt. Fuji, made of Fuji-patterned cloth. It can also be used as a small accessory case or card case. 11 cm (length) x 10 cm (width) x 4 cm (thickness)

Rice Bowl

Fuji motif rice bowl. Because each of these rice bowls is individually handmade by painting artisans of "Hasami" porcelain, the glaze drips differently on each piece.The simple design features a white glaze that represents snow, and the light blue glaze is a natural contrast to the white glaze.

Kendama (duce ball)

"Kendama" with image of Mt. Fuji and sunrise. "Kendama (duce ball)" is a traditional Japanese toy involving catching a wooden ball on a string with a spike. It's similar to cup and ball but instead it has three cups and a spike.

Book-marker

Book-marker with the image of climbing Mt. Fuji, a trail that leads to the four summits of Mt.
The four trails are Fujinomiya-guchi, Subashiri-guchi, Gotemba-guchi, and Yoshida-guchi.

Matcha Green Tea Baumkuchen

Fuji-shaped matcha green tea baumkuchen (German Cakes). The mildly sweet and bittersweet dough goes well with the fondant that represents white snow. The bright green color of the dough is made from selected matcha green tea from Shizuoka. It has a shelf life of about 14 days and can be carried at room temperature.

Japanese pattern goods

Japanese-style designs are often themed around seasonal landscapes and traditional patterns, such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. They also feature traditional patterns, figures, symbols, and icons. This Japanese patterned goods, perfect for souvenirs, includes a wide range of practical and decorative items that are easy to use in everyday life.

Folding Fan

Coin Purse, Accessory Case or Card Case

Owl Ornaments

Paper Balloon

Origami (Paper for Creating Japanese Craft)

Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat) Ornaments

Japanese Stationery

apanese-born stationery is one of the most appreciated souvenirs to give to people living abroad because of its delicate design and functionality. Because it is stationery, it is often used and reminds people of Japan on a daily basis.

Many stationery items such as pens, masking tape, erasers, and stamps are compact in size, making them easy to carry around.

Colored Brush Pens

The colored brush pens (calligraphy brush) can be used not only for writing but also for illustrations. They are ideal souvenirs for foreigners who are interested in Japanese language, calligraphy, or illustration.

The colors are so good that just writing with the pen as is is is enjoyable enough, but we recommend using two brush pens to create a gradation of colors. By attaching the tip of a dark-colored brush to the tip of a light-colored brush, transferring the ink, and then sliding the brush across the paper, a very beautiful gradation is created.

Frixion Pens

can erase ink by applying heat, are very popular stationery. Unlike writing instruments that can be erased with an eraser, the frictional heat makes the ink in the handwriting colorless, so no eraser shavings are produced. In addition, repeated writing in the erased area is possible.

Frixion pens have a certain level of recognition overseas, but are not easily available in stores. Please note that Frixion pens cannot be used for signatures on important documents because the ink disappears when heated.

Water-based Pen EMOTT

0.4mm water-based signature pen named EMOTT. It comes in a total of 50 colors, ranging from deep to light colors. The pens have a cool, stylish and sophisticated design.

Stapler without Needle

Stapler to fasten paper without a needle! The press-lock system is used to crimp and fasten paper without making holes. Paper can be bound beautifully and in a space-saving manner. Easy to remove the fastened paper.

Two-color Highlighter

The two-color highlighter is an idea for stationery: two colors can be marked with a single nib, eliminating the hassle of switching between two pens. Compared to traditional fluorescent markers, the soft color is slightly lighter, making it easier to read the text where you have marked.

"Kawaii (Cute)" Designed Stationery

There are many stationery items in Japan with cute designs. Although not so highly functional, there are many stationery items that make people happy just by collecting them, so collecting them is also popular among the Japanese.

Japanese Tableware

Tableware made in Japan comes in a wide variety of types according to traditional culture and dining styles. They have different characteristics depending on the material and use, and function to serve food and create the atmosphere of the meal.

These materials include traditional materials such as pottery, porcelain, and lacquer-ware as well as glassware.

Tableware made in Japan is also a challenge to harmonize traditional techniques with modern elements: ceramics and lacquer techniques with a history of more than 10,000 years are expressed through craftsmanship that has been passed down from generation to generation, creating beautiful and delicate pieces.

Modern elements, on the other hand, incorporate the latest designs, trends, and new perspectives from the West to expand the possibilities of Japanese tableware.

The following article provides an overview of the characteristics and history of Japanese tableware, with plenty of photos.

Skin Care and Makeup Products

Japanese cosmetics are high quality, reliable, and guaranteed safe. Strict Japanese quality control standards ensure that cosmetics are manufactured with safe and effective ingredients. Another attraction is that high-quality cosmetics are available at relatively affordable prices.

They use innovative technologies and ingredients, making skin care and makeup products highly functional and effective. For example, many products are highly functional, such as skin whitening, moisturizing, and anti-aging products.

In addition, Japanese cosmetics are beautifully designed and packaged, and are easy to use and carry. Many Japanese cosmetics brands have sophisticated designs and pretty packaging.

While foreign cosmetics makers such as Estee Lauder and L'Oreal are popular, numerous cosmetic brands are available from Japanese cosmetics makers. Famous Japanese cosmetics manufacturers include Shiseido, Kanebo, Kose, and Albion.

In Japan, cosmetics are available not only at specialty stores, department stores and pharmacies, but also at general goods stores and convenience stores.

There are many highly functional cosmetics available at affordable prices as well. In addition, recently, the lineup of cosmetics for men has been increasing.

High-priced cosmetics are surely of high quality, as they contain special ingredients and are the result of the brand's extensive research. However, "expensive and good quality does not necessarily mean that the cosmetics will suit your skin.

Cosmetics that can be purchased for around 1,000 yen, called "petit-price" cosmetics, have evolved tremendously, and there are many excellent items available even at low prices.

Facial machines are very popular in Japan, and there is a wide variety of products available to meet different needs. They meet a wide range of needs, from those that help skin cleansing and serum penetration to those that improve sagging and wrinkles and provide skin tightening effects.

The following article will highlight the appeal of Beauty Equipment and Face Care Products in Japanese consumer electronics.

Japanese Fashion Items

apan is also a great place to experience a unique fashion culture and get fashionable and functional items. Japanese clothing is designed with sophisticated designs, invested with advanced technology, excellent comfort and durability.

Japanese fashion items are also creative, and are superior in design, material, and quality. Items influenced by street fashion and youth culture are particularly unique.

Japanese popular brands such as UNIQLO, Muji and WORKMAN offer good quality items at affordable prices. Also, the vintage clothing market is diverse and offers a large selection of used clothing in clean and beautiful condition.

A Japanese casual wear brand that realizes good casual wear for all people. The UNIQLO brand name is an abbreviation of UNIQUE CLOTHING WAREHOUSE. It offers technology-enhanced, high-quality clothing at low prices, and wide variety of items for women, men, kids, and baby.

WORKMAN is a specialty store selling work-wear, outdoor wear, sportswear, and rain-wear. With the concept of "high functionality and low price surprises for all", the store features high quality and reasonable prices. With items for women, men, and kids, the company offers high-function clothing with the latest technology at low prices. The daily-use design is very popular among the Japanese.

Second-hand Clothing

Buying second-hand clothing in Japan is also recommended. You will find fashionably designed items at reasonable prices. In addition, Japanese second-hand clothing is washed and cleaned and displayed in clean condition.

Shop Comfortably Like a Local

• No time to shop?
• Not sure what and where to buy?
• Want the best souvenirs to share with family or friends?
• Nervous about shopping in Japan where you don't speak the language?

'Japan Pick Up' offers stress-free, 100% authentic souvenir shopping experience for foreign visitors to Japan.

Our shopping agent will purchase what you want on your behalf and ship it to your hotel in Japan. If you are not sure what to buy, contact our concierge service. We will suggest the best items according to your tastes and preferences.

Conclusion

Selecting souvenirs in Japan is fun and diversified. They offer a wide range from delicious food and local specialties to unique ideas, and provide wonderful memories for foreign visitors to Japan. Use this article as a guide to create your perfect souvenir shopping list.

Get souvenirs that will remind you of your trip and share the experience with your family, friends, and co-workers!