The Complete Guide to Japanese Souvenirs: 30 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Japan

Have you ever wondered what to take home as a Japanese souvenir? Here's a list of 30 Japanese things, including food, traditional crafts, practical everyday items, and fun stuff! Look through the list and look for one that best suits you or the person you are planning to give the souvenir to!

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21. Thermal Bottles

These bottles are great for keeping your drink cold during summer and hot during winter! Use them daily at school or at your office, and they're also suitable for outdoor activities. They offer a variety of different sizes and colours, so find the one you want!

They are available at many supermarkets, Tokyu Hands, etc. at around 1,000 yen.

22. Lunch Box

Japanese bento boxes are colorful, useful, and are made in tons of variations. There are some that can be used to keep your food warm, keep things cool, used for soup, or for “decoben” (cutely decorated bento) etc.

Visit any large supermarket, Tokyu Hands, etc. to take a look at the different varieties available. The price depends on the product, but cheap ones are available at 100 yen stores, while there are others at around 1,000 yen.

23. Cooking Knives

Japanese cooking knives are known to be of very high quality and many chefs use them in their kitchens. Take one home to make your time in the kitchen happier and more worthwhile!

24. Cosmetics

Try on some cosmetics made in Japan. You can choose it according to your skin type: delicate, oily, dry, etc. They will not only make your skin look brighter but will also treat your skin to be smooth and moisturized.

Why not find the cosmetics for you at the drugstore or at the department store?

25. Oil Blotting Paper

Are there times you feel your skin becomes a little oily? Use the oil-blotting paper and it will gently take off the excessive oil on your skin. Yojiya, in Kyoto, is one of the most famous brands for oil-blotting paper.

Yojiya
Also available at Narita, Haneda and Kansai Airport.

Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs

Address: Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs B1F 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Opening Hours: 10:00~21:00

Kyoto Main Store

Address: Kayukoji Shin-kyogoku, Chukyo-ku, Kyoto(Google Map)
Opening Hours: 11:00~19:00

26. Medicine

There are many drugstores in Japan. Not only do they offer medicine, they also have a stock of everyday goods and also different foods too. Medicine that you can get at drugstores are used for light symptoms, such as stomachaches, fevers, headaches, etc.

27. Kairo カイロ (Pocket Warmer)

There are two different kinds of kairo pocket warmers that warm up your hands when it's cold: the disposable kind for one time use (pictured, top) and reusable ones (bottom). Why not take some home to make your friends feel warmth, especially if you live in a cold area?

The disposable ones are available at drugstores at about 500 yen for a pack of 10, while the reusable one can be found at LOFT, Tokyu Hands, etc. for around 2,000 - 3,000 yen.

28. Toe Socks

These socks are not only cute, but are also good for your feet and body as it prevents your feet from getting too sweaty or too cold during winter. Available for a few hundred yen each.

Gifts for Fun

29. Food Samples

Have you ever been to a restaurant in Japan and found the replicas mouth-watering? Japan is famous for these exquisite food samples that almost look like genuine food. Why not take one back home for a few hundred yen?

Sample Shop Maiduru

Address: 1-5-14 Nishi Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032 (Google Map)
Opening Hours: 9:00~18:00 (Closed on Sundays)

30. Stamps

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PIXTA

In cases where you have to sign contracts in Japan, it must be stamped with your seal (hanko). Although it’s not a custom overseas, why don’t you try getting a stamp with your name in kanji?

 

If you want to know more about souvenirs from Japan, also check these articles:

[Must-buy in Japan]

15 Must-buy Souvenirs From Japan

50 Medicines and Beauty Products from Drug Stores in Japan Picked by Japanese Pharmacists

10 Must-buy Traditional Japanese Accessories For Souvenirs

[Must-buy in Tokyo]

20 Souvenirs You Should Buy in Tokyo

30 Must-Buy Souvenirs at Narita Airport

CouCou: adorable 300 yen shop in Tokyo

10 Trendy Shops in Harajuku to Go for Souvenirs

Try out lolita fashion in popular Harajuku salon ‘Maison de Julietta’

[Must-buy in Kansai]

24 Must-buy Souvenirs at Kansai Airport

[Must-buy in Osaka]

10 food souvenirs you can only buy in Osaka

20 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Osaka

20 Souvenirs to Buy in Osaka and Umeda Stations Chosen by Residents

11 Bento You Should buy at Shin-Osaka Station

[Must-buy in Kyoto]

30 Must-Buy Food Souvenirs from Kyoto

20 Kyoto souvenirs you should definitely buy

[Must-buy in Hokkaido]

11 Sweet Souvenirs To Buy In Hokkaido

21 Must-Buy Souvenirs from New Chitose Airport

 

[Beauty and Cosmetics]

20 Beauty Products You Can Buy at Drugstores At Japan

11 Affordable Skincare Products to Buy in Japan

11 High-end Skincare Products to Buy in Japan

15 Must-Buy Japanese Cosmetic Brands

10 Japanese beauty appliances that can be used worldwide

20 Japanese Beauty Electronics You Should Check Out

[Fashion]

11 Recommended Japanese Lingerie Brands to Buy in Japan

12 Japanese Lingerie Brands You Need To Check Out

11 Lolita Brands You Should Check Out in Japan

19 Stylish Women's Apparel Brands To Check Out In Japan

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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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About the author

s.hayakawa
s.hayakawa
University student living in Tokyo. Spent five years living in the UK during my childhood. I love to travel both in and outside of Japan.
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