6 Recommended Japanese Cosmetics Perfect for Souvenirs
A lot of people want to achieve clear skin, and these products help many Japanese people maintain their nice complexion. Here are some cosmetics that use Japanese materials that are perfect as souvenirs.
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１．Yojiya
Yojiya is a Kyoto-based cosmetics brand that began more than 100 years ago. Their brand logo looks cute like a kokeshi doll.
They have a wide variety of items, from miscellaneous beauty items to full-blown traditional Kyoto makeup goods, skincare, and makeup. Yojiya's oil-blotting sheets are some of the most famous in Japan. They're perfect for souvenirs! Please try feeling how pleasant the natural ingredients they use feel on your skin.
These makeup brushes are soft and comfortable to use, so please try them.
Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs Store
Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs B1F, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
Business hours: 10am-9pm
Narita Airport
Terminal 1 South Wing 3F
Business hours: 7:30am-8:30pm
Terminal 2 3F
Business hours: 6:30-21:45pm
HP：http://www.yojiya.co.jp/english/
２．Makanai Cosmetics
These natural Japanese cosmetics were created using wisdom from women who worked in a gold leaf foundry more than 100 years ago. It was developed so that it would properly protect your skin no matter the environment you found yourself in. The name "makanai" means "behind the scenes" and refers to the women working behind the scenes of the gold leaf foundry that created these cosmetics to protect their skin through trial and error. The logo of the bunny pounding golf leaf is very cute.
A popular product is the koori konnyaku sponge (756 yen). Made of konjac yam, this natural sponge easily exfoliates away old skin and downy hair. The set where the sponge comes with a wooden bowl just for itself (1250 yen) is very popular.
The yuzu-scented bath powder that comes in a pouch is also well-loved. It's 648 yen for enough bath powder for two baths. How about trying this as a Japanese souvenir?
Haneda Airport International Terminal
International Terminal 4F, Haneda Airport 2-6-5, Oita-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: 7am-10pm
Skytree Town Solamachi
Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi 4F, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: 10am-9pm
HP： http://makanaicosmetics.co.jp/en/
３．Kyoto Chidoriya
This brand of cosmetics and Japanese accessories that Kyoto maiko (geisha apprentices) often use began in Kyoto about 60 years ago. It has a little bit of a strange history in that the brand was originally started in New York, and was reimported to Japan. The ingredients use the best of traditional Japanese materials as it was made with the idea of nature and harmony in mind.
Their facial soap is very popular. Chidoriya's simple but cute package is one reason why they gained popularity.
Peach Moon Herbal Face Water is a moisturizer that uses distilled water made from shell ginger and retains its pleasant fragrance. Shell ginger (written in Japanese with the characters for "moon" and "peach") is an herb that has been used in Okinawa as folk medicine. This moisturizer is gentle on skin but works effectively as an anti-aging product and against acne.
Chidoriya Opaque Marunouchi
Marunouchi My Plaza 1-2F, 2-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm/Sundays-Holidays 11am-8pm
HP: http://www.chidoriyaworld.com/
４． Ueba Esou
Ueba Esou is Japan's oldest painting supply brand and has been supplying artist's chalk for Japanese art as well as powdered pigments for more than 260 years.
They created nail polish using that artist's chalk to connect their long history and tradition with making Japanese women beautiful. There's no irritating smell and you don't need nail polish remover. It works well for people with weak nails or people who are unable to stand the strong smell of nail polish. You can remove it with regular alcohol, but there's also a nail polish remover from the same brand that you can buy. They're very particular about the quality and origin of their products, and they also prefer to use traditional Japanese colors, giving the whole brand a retro feel.
The hand cream has a lovely cherry blossom fragrance and the tins come in 12 variations for the flowers of each month (1300 yen each). You can choose them based on someone's likes or their birthdays to give as a gift that is sure to make anyone happy.
Kyoto Main Store
579 Torocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Business hours: 9am-5pm (closed weekends and holidays)
HP: http://www.gofun-worldwide.com/
５．Yoroshi Keshoudo
This cosmetics brand was started about 90 years ago in Asakusa. It was created with the idea that they wanted to improve the feeling of "I want to be beautiful" to be more than what it was at the time. They offer cosmetics that made using Japanese techniques and only using plants harvested in Japan.
Shoppers that made a purchase can experience wearing Japanese clothing for free. It's perfect for memories made in Asakusa.
The retro Taisho-modern packaging is cute.
Sasano Building 2F, 1-26-4 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: 11am-6:30pm (closed on Tuesdays)
HP: http://yoroshi.co.jp/ (Japanese only, but automatic translation available)
６．Kamakura Konnyaku Shabon
Kamakura Konnyaku Shabon is made from natural konjac yam and is a facial soap that's known for its characteristic jelly-like texture. The fluffy, delicate foam that it creates feels very pleasant and it moisturizes as you was. When you hold the foam in your hands, its elasticity will end up making you obsessed with this product. This soap is one way to reach firm, clear skin. It uses a lot of Japanese materials like cherry blossoms and rice.
Kamakura Main Store
Tsurigaoka Kaikan 1F, Komachi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Business hours: 10am-6pm
HP: http://kamakura-shabon.com/index.html (Japanese Only)
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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