Japanese Souvenirs: What To Bring Home from Your Trip

Traditional Japanese souvenirs

Bring Japan’s unique culture back with you in the form of traditional Japanese gifts.

Kimono or yukata

A kimono is a traditional Japanese attire, often made of luxurious fabric like silk or brocade. It is a formal garment, usually worn during special occasions, such as weddings, ceremonies, and festivals.

A yukata is generally made from lighter materials (such as cotton or synthetic fabrics). Originally designed as a summer garment or for wearing after bathing, it is more casual, comfortable, and suitable even for hot weather.

You’ll find kimono or yukata in various shops, from high-end boutiques to second-hand stores.

Sensu

A sensu is a traditional folding fan originally used in court settings and tea ceremonies. It folds up, making it compact and easy to carry, and has a semi-circular shape when opened. It consists of slats made from bamboo and is covered in paper, silk, or fabric. Sensu is popular among tourists visiting Japan. They have an aesthetic appeal and can keep you cool during the summer.

You’ll find various sensu around Japan decorated with intricate designs. You’ll see traditional motifs, landscapes, and seasonal themes. Some fans have hand-painted details or are done with a technique called maki-e, where gold or silver lacquer is applied to the fan.

Tenugui

If you’re looking for unique Japan souvenirs, consider bringing home a tenugui. It is a traditional Japanese cloth towel, typically made from lightweight, thin cotton with unfinished edges that allow for natural fraying. Most tenugui are soft, breathable, and quick-drying compared to other towels.

Tenugui designs are unique, often featuring colorful patterns or traditional motifs. Some tenugui have beautiful cherry blossoms, waves, and even anime characters. The tenugui’s designs are typically created using techniques that allow both sides to show the intricate pattern.

Furoshiki

Give your loved ones a present wrapped in a furoshiki. It is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth often used to wrap gifts or carry items. You can also use it as a fashion accessory, table accent, or wall hanging to display its beautiful pattern.

The furoshiki was initially called a tsutsumi, and its use dates back to the Nara period. Noble families would wrap their belongings in a tsutsumi whenever they went to public baths to tell their items apart from others. Today, the furoshiki is a practical item and a piece of art that embodies Japan’s tradition and culture.

Omiyage

Omiyage means “souvenir,” but it has a more distinct cultural significance that sets it apart from typical souvenirs. Omiyage means local or regional specialty gifts brought back to family and friends after traveling rather than personal mementos. Simply put, omiyage is a gift meant to share your travel experience with others.

Centuries ago, omiyage items were originally non-perishable as they had to survive long journeys. Today, they refer to pre-packed items that showcase local flavors and diverse regional specialties.

Japanese food and snacks

While you may not be able to pack your favorite fresh dishes in your luggage, you can still bring home some popular Japanese snacks.

Matcha

Among Japan’s diverse food items, matcha is one of the most popular. It is a finely ground powder from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. While its origins are in China, it has become a significant part of Japanese culture, especially in the Japanese tea ceremony.

Japanese matcha is different from other green teas, starting with how the tea plants are grown. They are covered several weeks before harvest to block direct sunlight, resulting in a vibrant green color. Harvesting and grinding the leaves is an equally meticulous process that produces a fine tea powder.

Discover delicious Matcha in Uji’s Famous Teahouses

Wagashi

Pair your matcha with wagashi, a traditional Japanese confection. It is often associated with tea ceremonies, celebrations, and other seasonal events. Only the royal court and religious figures could enjoy such delicacies when it was first introduced. After sugar became more widely available during the Edo period, wagashi became more accessible to the general public.

Wagashi-making is a refined craft. Dedicated artisans (known as shokunin) develop intricate techniques and regional styles, some of which reflect local ingredients and traditions. You’ll find several varieties of wagashi in dedicated shops, cafes, and even department stores.

Senbei

Senbei are traditional Japanese rice crackers in various shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are typically made from glutinous or non-glutinous rice and baked, grilled, or deep-fried. Senbei can be served as a snack or enjoyed with tea.

While most senbei are savory and flavored with soy sauce or seaweed, you can also find some sweet varieties. Different regions in Japan have their specialty and are a staple of Japanese cuisine and culture.

Japanese beauty products and skincare

Japan's beauty and skincare products are some of the best souvenirs from Japan due to their natural, effective, and innovative solutions.

Sheet masks

If you’re looking for Japanese beauty products to buy, sheet masks make great gifts. Most sheet masks are easy to use and need no extra preparation, making them perfect for quick skincare routines. They're also easy to take with you when you travel.

Japanese sheet masks have various benefits and are popular among those who love beauty and skincare products. You’ll find sheet masks that address various skin challenges and are best suitable for different skin types.

Tsubaki oil

Tsubaki (camellia oil) is native to Japan and has been a staple in Japanese beauty and skincare for many centuries. It has nourishing and hydrating properties, which help maintain the skin’s moisture. Tsubaki oil is lightweight, anti-inflammatory, and has antiseptic properties. Whether you have dry or oily skin, tsubaki oil is suitable no matter your skin type.

Japanese sunscreen

Like other beauty and skincare products, Japanese sunscreen has gained a strong reputation due to its effectiveness. It has a broad spectrum protection, guarding the skin against UVA and UVB rays. They also have natural, skin-nourishing ingredients that improve skin health.

Japanese sunscreens are also known for their lightweight texture. While some sunscreens may feel heavy or greasy, Japan’s formulations are designed for everyday, comfortable wear. You’ll find various types that cater to different skin types—including oily and acne-prone skin.

Japanese stationery and crafts

If you’re an artist or are looking for a gift for someone who likes aesthetic craft items, check out Japanese stationery and crafts.

Washi tape

Washi tapes are some Japanese stationery must-haves. It is a decorative adhesive made from traditional Japanese paper. It has gained popularity for its aesthetic appeal and ease of use in crafting and decorating projects. It can be used for scrapbooking, journaling, and personalizing items. It can also be used to label and organize storage bins.

Washi tape often features various designs. You can find cute and fun tapes and some that reflect cultural motifs like kimono patterns and Japanese landscapes.

Japanese notebooks

Japanese notebooks are known for their aesthetic appeal, functionality, and high-quality paper. Notebooks serve as great gifts for family or friends or even personal purchases. Some stores even allow you to assemble your own notebook, customizing everything from the cover design to the number and type of pages and more.

Some of the notebooks also reflect local themes or artistry, allowing you to take a piece of Japanese culture with you back home.

Calligraphy brushes and ink

Japanese calligraphy brushes, especially those from Kumano and Toyohashi, are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. The brushes are carefully crafted by skilled artisans, most of which do the entire meticulous construction by hand. They use a blend of high-quality animal hairs which absorb ink well. The unique combination of hairs allows for smooth writing and precise strokes.

Likewise, the quality and unique characteristics of Japanese ink make it popular among artists and calligraphers. You’ll find different types of Japanese ink, some of which are made from burnt lamp oil soot, pine wood soot, and more.

Japanese homeware

Spruce up your home and office with various practical homeware and Japanese decor.

Maneki neko

You may have spotted a maneki neko during your trips to restaurants and shops. It is a cat with one paw raised in a beckoning gesture, believed to invite good fortune and prosperity to the owner or the shop.

A maneki neko with a left paw raised is often associated with attracting customers and wealth, making it a popular display in business establishments. On the other hand, a maneki neko with a right paw raised signifies good luck and protection and may be typically seen in homes.

Several souvenir shops sell the maneki neko, allowing you to take home this symbol of luck and prosperity. You’ll find charming designs and diverse colors that can add an aesthetic, decorative touch to your home or office.

Chopsticks

Chopsticks are an essential part of Japan’s dining culture and are one of the souvenirs you can take home with you. Many chopsticks are handcrafted using traditional techniques and come in several designs, colors, and materials. You’ll find simple chopsticks made from bamboo or lacquered options with more intricate patterns. They can serve as gifts or meaningful memorabilia to take home.

Japanese teapots and tea cups

Much of Japan’s culture is centered on tea. The practice of tea drinking traces its roots to the 8th century when it was first introduced by China. Since then, tea has become an essential part of Japanese culture, heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism principles of mindfulness, simplicity, and tranquility. Tea is not only a means to enjoy a drink but also a meditative practice to appreciate the present moment and the beauty of ordinary days.

You can bring home the traditional Japanese teapot often used for brewing green tea, called kyusu. They can be made from clay, porcelain, or cast iron. You can also take home various types and styles of tea cups with different colors and designs.

Pop culture souvenirs

If you love anime, manga, and the like, you’ll find some Japan pop culture souvenirs that can easily fit in your luggage.

Anime and manga merchandise

If you or someone you know loves anime and manga, why not get them something you’re sure they’d love from Japan? You’ll find everything from collectible figurines to plush toys, apparel, rare collectibles, and more.

Some of the best places to go on a shopping spree for anime and manga merchandise include Akihabara, Tokyo’s pop culture district. You can also visit Ikebukuro, which has the biggest anime store in the world, with nine floors of official anime goods.

Gachapon

During your stay in Japan, you may see gachapon machines in various places, such as convenience stores and shopping malls. A gachapon is a capsule that contains toys and various collectibles. You have to insert coins into the machine, and it yields a random toy, adding to the element of surprise.

You can find an assortment of items from a gachapon machine, including animal figurines, keychains, tiny replicas of Japanese food items or landmarks, and even limited-edition collectibles and rare items.

Japanese candles and incense

Japanese candles, known as warosoku, are great souvenir items. They are plant-based waxes, often made from haze seeds or other natural materials, and come in various shapes and sizes. Their unique aesthetic and craftsmanship make them great decorative items or gifts.

A similar option is Japanese incense, which comes in various forms, including sticks, cones, and coils. You can find all sorts of scents, from floral to woody to herbal. Traditional Japanese incense is often made from natural ingredients, including aromatic woods, herbs, and essential oils. Making the incense is a meticulous process of blending the various scents to achieve a balanced fragrance. Choose a scent you love or that reminds you of your trip. They also make thoughtful gifts for those interested in wellness and aromatherapy.

Find the perfect souvenir to take home

From traditional items to pop culture collectibles and more, you'll find an assortment of souvenirs to take home. If you're wondering where to buy souvenirs in Japan, you can check out specialty shops, market stalls, and department stores. You're sure to find something you'll love.