“Omiyage” (souvenirs) are one of Japan’s specialities, after all, presentation and aesthetics are what Japanese culture is all about.
Souvenirs are one of the best parts about travelling to Japan. No matter what aspects of Japan appeal to you, whether it’s food, anime, culture, history, or all of the above, there’s a souvenir waiting for you. This article explores the most popular souvenir choices from Japan as well as my personal favorites and where you can find the right souvenirs for you!
Mochi
Mochi is such a good souvenir choice from Japan that I dedicated an entire article to it! There are honestly so many different kinds that you may just find yourself hauling a whole suitcase of the stuff. From thin dough yatsuhashi to bracken starch warabi, there are endless mochi varieties to choose from! Luckily, you don’t need to spend your precious vacation days in search of the best mochi stores, because the airport souvenir shops have all the best brands stocked up and packaged for travel!
Kendama Toy
A classic and perhaps less common souvenir choice is the kendama toy.
This traditional toy consists of a wooden stick or “sword” as per the translation of ken, and a ball, which is the dama attached via a string.
The aim of the game is simply to swing the ball and catch it with the little cup attached to the stick.
A much-loved game among Japanese children but also for adults, it teaches hand-eye coordination and generally has good benefits for the brain’s cognitive functions.
Anime Merch
If you’re a fan of Japanese anime and manga, you probably already know what kind of souvenirs you’re after.
Simply go after your favorite series or character at the countless anime merchandise stores all across the country, particularly in major cities like Tokyo.
I’d recommend the JUMP Store for all your favorite shonen merch, and the Mugiwara Store for specialized One Piece goods.
You can also have a crack at Japan’s arcades for a chance to win anime figures at a low cost (if you suck like me, then it may end up costing more…).
Clothes
Shopping for clothes is a big deal for tourists in Japan, typically because of the high-quality products and tax-free options available.
Stores like Uniqlo are an absolute favorite among locals and tourists alike, and you’ll often find exclusive items that are not available at branches outside of Japan.
For cheaper clothes and other everyday household items, head down to your local Don Quijote store and experience the charm of Japan’s biggest discount chain!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!