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Affectionately known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan is famous for many things: delicious food, rich cultural heritage, and plenty of picturesque locations that will leave visitors in awe. All these make Japan a destination that’s truly worth visiting for every type of traveler.
Naturally, getting the perfect souvenir to remember your trip by is just as important as enjoying your time in the country.
But with so many things to buy in Japan, which one should you get? Fret not because today we’ll share a list of the best souvenirs from Japan to buy and where to get them!
Table of Contents
Unique souvenirs from Japan
1. Goshuincho
One of the best souvenirs from Japan, in my opinion, is a goshuincho — a little booklet that visitors can use to collect official seals from Japanese temples and shrines. Consider it a stamp book of sorts that records which temples in Japan you’ve visited!
You can easily get one of these Japan souvenirs by visiting the goshuin counter of any participating shrine or temple or by heading to a stationery store.
2. Japanese wooden sandals
These traditional Japanese footwear (known as zori and geta) are some of the most unique souvenirs from Japan, mainly because they are extremely rare to find outside of the country. Both zori and geta were pretty common footwear in the past but are mainly worn with a matching formal kimono or yukata ensemble.
While both types of sandals look similar, the underside of geta features wooden stilts while zori have flat bottoms. In fact, you can even find zori that’s made of leather, cloth, or vinyl these days, which makes them much more practical to wear.
3. Japanese purses
When it comes to elegant souvenirs from Japan for ladies, I highly recommend traditional Japanese purses — gamaguchi and kinchaku.
The former is a fancy little purse with a clasped opening while the latter is a colorful cloth drawstring bag that’s usually paired with a yukata. That said, I’ve seen locals use a kinchaku to carry groceries too, so it’s quite a practical gift from Japan, to say the least!
Best of all, both these Japanese accessories are readily available at most gift shops in Japan!
4. Japanese hair ornaments
Another cool Japanese souvenir for the ladies is a kanzashi, an ornate Japanese hairpin that’s been in fashion since the Jōmon period when it was worn to ward off evil spirits. Over time, the ornament simply became an accessory for traditional hairstyles.
The hairpins usually feature a flamboyant end that features colorful flowers, although there are also more subtle kanzashi with less eye-catching designs. Regardless, if you like wearing your hair up, this is one of the best Japan souvenirs you can get!
5. Japanese music boxes
Music boxes became a huge hit in Japan after World War II, and while they aren’t the most typical souvenirs from Japan, they certainly possess a certain charm for those who enjoy blissful music and who appreciate intricately crafted gifts.
The music boxes in Japan can play a variety of music, including local classics and even popular anime songs. You’ll find plenty of these souvenirs in historical regions like Kyoto and Sapporo.
6. Plastic food displays
Japan is known for having a quirky personality, and that reputation applies to some of the things you can buy in Japan too. If you’re looking for a unique decorative item, then you’ll want to get a sampuru, a hyper-realistic plastic food display that you probably won’t find anywhere else.
The sampuru can range from small items like sushi and onigiri to larger ones like ramen or katsu curry.
7. Takoyaki pan
If you fell in love with Japanese street food during your time in the Land of the Rising Sun, perhaps you’d like to bring home a piece of Japanese culinary culture with you. In that case, one of the most unique things to buy in Japan is a takoyaki pan, used to make the country’s famous fried octopus balls.
The best place to buy one of these is in Osaka, which is famous for its vibrant food culture.
8. Zabuton cushions
If you want to spice up your home decor with some swoon-worthy Japanese aesthetics, then I really recommend getting a few zanbuton cushions. These rectangular cushions are often used to sit on tatami flooring in Japan. Needless to say, the cushions are super comfy and look quite elegant, so they make for great Japan souvenirs.
They’re easy to find too, and available at many department stores in Japan. Plus, they can easily fit in your carry-on!
9. Furoshiki
Furoshiki are basically square pieces of cloth that are traditionally used to wrap bento boxes and gifts in Japan. Widely used in the Nara Period, the fabric is now one of the unique souvenirs from Japan that many visitors buy to elevate their gift wrapping, or simply to use as a decorative item in their home.
10. Noren
I’ll tell you now, several areas of my own apartment are partitioned using noren. Simply put, noren is a long, curtain-like fabric (usually made of cotton or linen) that’s usually split in the middle. You’ve probably seen these hanging at the front entrance of Japanese shops or restaurants.
If you like Japanese aesthetics, then you’ll definitely want these souvenirs from Japan. Believe me, hanging them in your house instantly elevates your home decor, especially if you pick a nice design.
Best souvenirs from Japan for anime and gaming fans
11. Official Pokemon merchandise
Fans of the popular animation series, Pokemon will absolutely love their trip to Japan. After all, thanks to the 11 official Pokemon shops spread throughout the country, fans of the series will be able to pick up plenty of official merch to bring home as souvenirs from Japan!
What’s more, some of the shops (known as Pokemon Centers) stock super exclusive items that you won’t find anywhere else in the world! Gotta catch ‘em all? More like gotta BUY ‘em all!
12. Studio Ghibli products
Apart from Pokemon fans, those who enjoy Studio Ghibli’s famous films, such as Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away, will be happy to know you can find plenty of Ghibli-themed Japan souvenirs too.
Giant stuffed Totoros are easily the most popular things to buy in Japan for fans of the animation studio.
Even better is the fact that you don’t have to squeeze in a last-minute trip to the Studio Ghibli Museum (although I recommend it!) to get your hands on these souvenirs. Simply look for a Donguri Kyowakoku chain store, known for its wooden signs featuring Totoro. These can be found in several locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more.
13. Gaming merchandise
For video game lovers like myself, Japan is a proper shopping mecca! After all, the country is basically the birthplace of the modern video game industry! Naturally, you’ll find plenty of cool souvenirs from Japan to match the country’s status.
Be they the latest game releases or memorabilia commemorating game launches, you’ll find a plethora of different gaming merchandise to buy. If you like Square Enix games as much as I do, you’ll be happy to know that Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts merch can be found in almost every shop in the Akihabara district in Tokyo!
14. Retro video games
For those who consider themselves OG gamers, you can also find nostalgic souvenirs from Japan that are befitting its reputation as the birthplace of video games. I’m talking about retro video games and super-rare vintage merchandise.
Nintendo merch is, understandably, the most popular and if you’re lucky, you may even find things to buy in Japan that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. That’s how rare some of those video game cartridges can be!
15. Anime figurines
Apart from being a paradise for avid gamers, Japan is also popularly known as a haven for Japanese anime and manga fans. And any self-professed otaku will know that there are no better Japan souvenirs than anime figurines!
If you take a trip to Akihabara, you’ll find a multitude of shops that sell anime figurines at competitive prices. Some are hole-the-wall shops while others take up an entire building! There are also figurines that feature popular video game characters, but I realized that those aren’t as common as anime characters.
16. Manga
If you like reading manga, then make sure to bring an extra bag when you visit Japan because you’ll likely need it to store all the manga you’ll be buying!
Yes, unsurprisingly, you’ll find a ton of Japanese manga to buy in Japan, be it in bookshops, department stores, or specialized manga shops. In fact, you’ll even find shops in Akihabara, Tokyo, where there are floors upon floors of manga to choose from.
Most manga in Japan are in Japanese but if you need your English manga fix, head to Kinokuniya where you can find a few popular series that have been translated into English.
17. Cosplay costumes and accessories
Cosplay aficionados, Japan is your gateway to upgrading your costumes! After all, there are many shops in Japan, specifically in Akihabara in Tokyo, that sell a wide variety of cosplay accessories, props, and costumes.
These range from wigs and shoes to even full-set costumes that you can just throw on at a moment’s notice! If you or someone you know frequents anime conventions, then these are definitely some of the best Japanese souvenirs you can get!
18. Life-sized body pillows
For a more unique (or naughty!) anime-themed souvenir from Japan, you can purchase (for yourself or a friend) a dakimakura — a life-sized body pillow featuring an anime character on the pillowcase!
You’ll find plenty of these pillows in Japan, although most of them feature only really popular characters. While they definitely make more memorable gifts from Japan, you may need to find that storing them in your luggage takes up a LOT of space.
19. Anime and J-Pop albums
Fans of popular Japanese pop groups and artists will be chuffed to bits to know that you can find plenty of original J-Pop albums, CDs, and vinyl records in Japan. Most of these popular souvenirs from Japan can be found in music stores in the major cities. One particularly famous store is Tower Records in Tokyo.
You can find anime or video game-related soundtracks too!
20. Gachapon items
If you’re looking for souvenirs to buy in Japan that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, then head to Akihabara, take out a few 100 Yen coins, and try your luck at the gachapon machines. Basically, you insert your coins, turn a crank, and out pops your prize (or souvenir) in a plastic container.
The prizes can range from miniature anime figurines to stationery and even small Polaroid cameras. The fun part is not knowing exactly what you’ll get!
Japan souvenirs for culture vultures
21. Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple trinkets
If you love immersing yourself in Japanese culture (let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) then one of the most meaningful souvenirs from Japan you can get are trinkets from Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
Some of the more popular ones are omamori, cloth-covered charms with words of blessings written on the surface; and ema, wooden prayer votives used to make wishes. While most people will hang their ema on an ema board in the Shinto shrine they’re visiting, you can also buy a decorative one to bring home as a gift from Japan.
22. Your fortune
Okay, let me explain. When you visit a shrine or temple in Japan, you have the opportunity to have your fortune read (to draw an omikuji).
You basically pray at the shrine, head to the omikuji corner, pay a small fee, and the shrine maiden will hand you a box (or tube) with omikuji sticks with numbers on them. Shake the box until one stick comes out. Hand it to the shrine maiden and she’ll hand you your fortune on a piece of paper (omikuji).
You can then choose to tie your omikuji to a tree in the shrine or bring it home with you as a unique souvenir from Japan.
23. Origami papercraft
Some of the most beautiful Japan souvenirs are origami products. Origami itself is quite popular and I’m sure some of you reading this practice it yourself. But did you know that origami paper (known as washi) can be used to craft many other things as well?
In particular, washi can be used for kirigami, where layers of paper are cut (instead of folded) using sharp blades to create vivid 3D figurines. These souvenirs are often found in the form of pop-up cards!
Washi papercrafts are some of the best Kyoto souvenirs to get since the art of kirigami is widely practiced there.
24. Lucky cats
The Lucky Cat (maneki-neko) needs no introduction. Prevalent in many Asian cultures, this iconic cat is said to bring good luck to those who own it. And, since they originated in Japan, you really can’t leave without getting one of these unique gifts.
Thankfully, you’ll find them in just about any Japan souvenir shop, especially in Tokyo.
25. Kimono
The kimono is arguably the most recognizable Japanese souvenir money can buy. This traditional form of clothing, made from silk and linen, is known for its elaborate and elegant designs, complete with visually stunning bows and sashes at the waist.
While wearing a traditional kimono might not be that practical in the country you’re from, you can also gift your friends and family a framed kimono as a decorative item! That said, you can also find modern kimono vests that are more practical to wear.
26. Yukata
Apart from the kimono, another traditional form of Japanese fashion is the yukata, which is a more casual type of clothing worn during the summer months, or at hot spring resorts.
Compared to the kimono, yukata are more practical souvenirs from Japan as these brightly-patterns clothing can be worn as swimsuit cover-ups thanks to their light fabric.
27. Tabi socks
One form of Japanese clothing you can definitely wear on a daily basis is a pair of Tabi socks.
These socks, which feature a unique split between the first and second toe, are traditionally worn with a kimono. However, they are also comfortable enough to be worn with your everyday clothes, making them a great gift to buy in Japan.
28. Japanese fans
If you’re not really looking to add Japanese flair to your wardrobe (big mistake but I’ll allow it), you can still purchase some Japanese fashion accessories to go with your daily fit. The best souvenirs from Japan in that regard are Japanese fans.
There are two types — an uchiwa, which is a traditional bamboo fixed fan; and a sensu, a folding fan that’s easy to store and contains colorful designs and patterns.
29. Daruma
Despite rising to infamy as a malevolent symbol in the gory Japanese film, As the Gods Will, Daruma dolls actually symbolize good fortune in Japan. These colorful dolls usually come in bright red colors with expressive faces punctuated with large eyes and smiles.
These vibrant dolls make for great decorative items, and, if you’re a believer, bring great fortune to those who own them. Now that’s a souvenir from Japan I’d definitely want!
30. Kokeshi dolls
A more subtle traditional doll that you can gift to children is a Kokeshi doll, a wooden doll known for its uniquely limbless shapes. While minimalist in nature, the dolls are all individually handcrafted in artisanal studios across Japan, making each doll a unique collection in and of itself.
So if you’re looking for souvenirs from Japan that make for good gifts for your young ones, these certainly fit the bill.
31. Japanese artwork
Honestly speaking, these are some of my favorite souvenirs to buy in Japan. Ukiyo-e are basically traditional Japanese woodblock prints that feature images of mountains and the ocean. In fact, you’ve probably seen the famous Great Wave by Hokusai without knowing it!
You can bring some of these popular art pieces home with you either as postcards, or various other forms of merchandise with which to add a Japanese ambiance to your home.
Edible souvenirs from Japan
32. Matcha products
When it comes to edible souvenirs from Japan for foodies, one of the top things to buy is definitely anything that has to do with matcha!
For those not in the know, matcha is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves that boasts a rich flavor. It’s often mixed with water and whisked until foamy before being drunk. Matcha powder can also be used to flavor other foods like mochi and chocolate.
Uji matcha, in particular, is renowned for its quality and is one of the best Kyoto souvenirs you can buy.
Also read: 30+ Japanese Drinks & Beverages to Try Apart From Sake
33. Japanese sencha
If you’re not a fan of powdered matcha but would still like to savor the goodness of fresh Japanese green tea, then sencha is one of the best things to buy in Japan.
Simply put, sencha is processed Japanese whole green tea leaves and is the most popular type of tea in Japan. They usually come either in teabags or as leaves in a resealable bag.
While matcha boasts a richer flavor, sencha offers more subtle notes, perfect for those who enjoy the lightness of freshly brewed tea.
Also read: 25 Fun Facts About the Japanese Tea Ceremony
34. Hojicha products
Hojicha is also Japanese green tea. However, unlike sencha, which usually appears green, hojicha leaves are usually golden brown. That’s because hojicha is roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal, resulting in a nutty, toasty flavor.
Unlike other green teas, hojicha contains no bitterness is veers more on the sweet side. Apart from tea leaves, you can also find powdered hojicha (much like matcha) that can be used as an ingredient to elevate the flavor of other snacks, like cakes!
35. Japanese alcohol
Apart from green tea, Japan is also famous for its alcohol. In particular, one of the best souvenirs from Japan to buy is sake, which is pretty much the national drink of Japan. This famous rice wine is sold in bottles of various sizes and always makes for an impressive gift.
Alternatively, another one of the most popular alcoholic Japanese drinks is Japanese whisky, known for its smoky aromas. Some of the best whisky brands in Japan include Nikka and Suntory, which offer quality Japanese whisky in elegant gift-appropriate bottles!
36. Flavored Kit Kats
Ask any foodie with a sweet tooth, and they will definitely say that the best things to buy in Japan are flavored Kit Kats! You may have seen some of the more popular flavored Kit Kats like Matcha Kit Kat, but the amount of flavors you’ll find in Japan itself is incredible.
Whether it be affogato, strawberry cheesecake, Japanese melon, or limited edition flavors like cherry blossom, Kit Kats in Japan offer a whole spectrum of different flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
37. Local chocolates
Chocolates are probably not the first thing that pops into your head when it comes to things to buy in Japan. But there are actually plenty of Japanese chocolate brands that offer amazing chocolates, ranging from the usual chocolate bars to ornately decorated truffles.
The most popular Japanese chocolate brand is Meiji and you’ll find plenty of different flavors to choose from. Best of all, it’s such a common item that you can even pick it up at a local Family Mart of Lawson convenience store!
38. Tokyo Banana
As you might have guessed already, Japan has a multitude of different snacks you can buy as souvenirs. But one particularly unique one is the Tokyo Banana, often considered the “official” souvenir of the city thanks to its name.
It’s basically a fluffy sponge cake filled with banana custard cream. I’ve had some myself before and I can confirm that they taste incredible! Add to that the adorable shapes of the cakes, and the elegant box they come in, and you’ll see why they’re such popular souvenirs!
39. Other Japanese snacks
As I’d just said, there are plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of Japanese snacks that all make for incredible souvenirs.
There are sweet snacks and Japanese candies like wagashi (a variety of traditional Japanese sweets paired with green tea), fruit jellies, and mochi; as well as savory snacks like local chips, rice crackers, and dried seaweed. Let’s also not forget the popular Pocky biscuit sticks!
In fact, you could probably fill an entire luggage bag with nothing but Japanese snacks to bring home for your friends and family! Thankfully, all of Japan’s most popular snacks can be found in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
Other things to buy in Japan
40. Japanese sake set
If you’re traveling in Japan and would love to bring home an elegant Japan souvenir, then I recommend getting a lovely Japanese sake set.
One of the best things to buy in Japan, a sake set usually includes a flask (known as tokkuri) and two cups. A sake set is usually made from ceramic and contains artful designs.
Whether as a gift for someone else or as a way to elevate your own sake-drinking session, a sake set is definitely an impressive souvenir from Japan.
41. Japanese tea cups
Alternatively, if you want a Japanese souvenir that goes with your sencha (or any other type of tea), consider getting yourself some Japanese tea cups — known as yunomi, handleless earthenware cups that ooze a sophisticated aesthetic.
You can find both plain yunomi or those adorned with lovely patterns in different shapes and sizes. You can find Japanese tea cups in many gift shops in Japan, including the airport gift shop. That said, the best yunomi are often found in Kyoto’s Gion District.
42. Japanese knives
If you’re looking to add some Japanese excellence to your kitchen utensils, one of the best souvenirs from Japan is a set of Japanese knives, often considered some of the best in the world for their durability and precision.
That’s because Japanese knives are made from a single piece of steel, making them exceptionally strong and sharp. While you can get a full set of knives to bring home (remember to check them in for your flight), those on a lighter budget can opt to just get a Santoku knife, a Japanese knife with a rounded edge instead of a sharp tip.
43. Chopsticks
One of the most common things to buy in Japan is simply a pair of chopsticks. Given how prevalent they are in Japanese society, you can find chopsticks just about everywhere, from department stores to Japanese gift shops, and even specialty stores selling cultural souvenirs.
Naturally, there are different types (and prices), ranging from typical everyday-use chopsticks to more ornate ones meant to be given as presents.
44. Handkerchiefs
Another cool souvenir from Japan to get is a handkerchief. Not only are these classic accessories practical gifts, but they often also contain vibrant designs that epitomize Japanese art styles.
What’s more, if you have the budget for it, you can even find designer handkerchiefs in Japan! If not, you can also look for cutesy ones featuring anime characters.
45. Stationery
One of the best Tokyo souvenirs is the abundance of cool and quirky stationery that you can find in stationery shops throughout the city. Be they classy fabric-bound notebooks, elegant cards, or fancy pens and paper, there are plenty of choices to choose from for those who like gifting (or receiving) fancy stationery.
Some shops also offer artisanal crafts like fans and pouches, so keep your eyes peeled!
46. Quirky coin purses
In Japan, cash is still the number one payment method. That means one should be prepared to hold and use coins. If you’re looking for a coin purse but don’t really like the clasp opening of a gamaguchi, you’re in luck because one of the best things to buy in Japan is coin purses.
They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, with many featuring anime or gaming-themed designs. You can get them at gift shops or in department stores.
47. Electronics
If you’ve ever been to the Akihabara District in Tokyo, you’ll know that apart from being a haven for Japanese anime and manga souvenirs, the area is also a bustling electronics mecca, where there are plenty of stores selling electronics at affordable prices.
Most of the electronics in stock are local brands, and many are centered around gaming equipment and mobile phones. That said, you can also find household appliances and smaller gadgets like USBs, external hard drives, and card readers in the area.
48. Camera equipment
Did you know that Japan is home to some of the most popular camera brands in the world? Sony, Canon, Nikon, all of these beloved brands known to avid photographers are household names in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Naturally, one of the best things to buy in Japan is camera equipment, be they lenses, filters, or other photography peripherals. And just like when buying electronic goods, your first stop should be the Akihabara District of Tokyo.
49. Silk
Looking for something a little more traditional and elegant? Then the best Japan souvenir for you is fine Japanese silk. Whether it be silk clothing, accessories, or a piece of cloth, there are plenty of silk products you can buy in Japan.
A tip however is to skip the usual Japan gift shops and look for artisanal shops that specialize in fabrics. One place where you can start looking is the Gion District of Kyoto.
50. Japanese cosmetic products
Finally, for the ladies, Japan is a haven for cosmetics and makeup. After all, some of the leading skincare brands in the world originate from Japan (think Shiseido, SKI-II, and Kose).
When in Japan, you can buy a variety of cosmetics and makeup products from department stores and boutiques, many of which are found in major areas of the big cities, such as Shinjuku in Tokyo. And, if all else fails, you can still shop for these souvenirs from Japan at the airport right before your flight home!
Where to buy souvenirs from Japan
As you can see, there are plenty of different souvenirs from Japan that you can buy. But where should you go to get the perfect gift or keepsake? While it really depends on what you’re looking for, there are a few places you can start with.
The best souvenir shops in Japan are actually chain department stores like Daiso and Don Quijote. These stores sell a wide variety of products, ranging from various trinkets to Japanese snacks, drinks, and candies. Alternatively, you can pick up edible souvenirs from Japan at convenience stores like Family Mart, Lawson, and 7-11.
For electronics, gaming, and anime or manga products, head to the Akihabara District in Tokyo, or Nipponbashi Denden Town in Osaka. Meanwhile, the Gion District in Kyoto is where you can find traditional Japanese souvenirs like kimonos, accessories, and earthenware utensils.
Shinto shrines and temples, and the gift shops in the areas surrounding them, are where you can find cultural souvenirs, such as lucky charms. Last but not least, if you’re looking to buy alcoholic drinks or cosmetics, the airport duty-free gift shops are your best bet.
Conclusion
And there you have it: an extensive list of the best souvenirs from Japan for those who are still looking around for Japanese gift ideas. Which one caught your attention?
If you’re looking for more souvenirs around the world, check out our articles on the best souvenirs from Switzerland, Denmark, Hong Kong, and more!
Best souvenirs from Japan – Pin it!
