Unique Souvenirs
When taking a trip to Japan, it can be difficult to decide what souvenirs to buy for the people back at home. With countless options in stores, cool gadgets, traditional instruments and food-based souvenirs, Japan has a little something for everyone. Among the various souvenirs, there are several items which make the perfect Japanese souvenirs for interested travelers.
Souvenirs from Japan generally come in two categories: local produce, and out of the ordinary items. From the unique cultural offerings of Japan, great affordable souvenirs can be found throughout the country. Traditional handicrafts like hand-painted pottery, cool knives made from Japanese steel, kimonos, and lacquerware are all memorable and meaningful gifts for recipients. Japan also makes unusual novelty items such as fashionable stationery, cute character figurines, and Hello Kitty goods. Supermarkets in Japan also provide travelers with original snacks that make fantastic souvenirs. These include well-known delicacies like green tea Kit Kats and the equally collectible Warabi Mochi.
Aside from souvenirs, Japan has a large selection of traditional products to buy which are created by knowledgeable artisans. From woodblock prints to cloisonne jewelry and handmade sake, these products embody the beauty and history of their Japanese creators. Japan also is an excellent place to purchase traditional martial supplies like training swords and protective armor. Even though the souvenirs of Japan might be expensive, they are built to last and are a great way to capture a unique Japanese experience.
Clothing
Japan has a wide variety of styles of clothing, ranging from traditional to modern and everything in between. For an affordable item, nothing beats a comfy t-shirt or hoodie with fun Japanese prints. These are available everywhere from convenience stores to major department stores and make great gifts and souvenirs. For something more special, kimonos are a memorable experience and a unique piece to be gifted.
Individuals can also experiment more fashionably by shopping at markets in the backstreet for classic streetwear brands. There are even areas that are dedicated to specific brands like indie street fashion or indie Japanese fashion. From there, people can purchase more than one item with an original tag and special discounts without having to break the bank.
Japan also has more luxurious options for those looking to spend more money. From luxury fashion brands to classic quirky items, shoppers can easily find something that suits their aesthetic. As a souvenir from Japan, these items have the advantage of being unique and difficult to find outside of the country.
Electronic Goods
No trip to Japan is complete without buying some electronic goods. Japan has a well-deserved reputation for being a high-tech country, and it is easy to find a wide variety of gadgets from some of the biggest names such as Sony, Panasonic, and Toshiba. Japan also has an excellent selection of computers and laptops, as well as gaming consoles and accessories.
Electronics are also a great way to be creative and make something special. For instance, cameras can be a great souvenir from Japan, with a variety of specialty cameras and accessories to choose from. Also, be sure to check out some of the world’s smallest and most sophisticated tech such as drones, 3-D printers, and humanoid robots.
For those looking for something more personal, Japan also has some great options in the form of pocket calculators, pocket sized gadgets, and various other mobile items. Since Japan makes great thoughtfully designed and user-friendly products, these are sure to make unique gifts for anyone back home.
Jewelry and Accessories
Japan is widely known for its jewelry and accessories, and for good reason. Every city in Japan has its unique style of jewelry such as traditional to modern, and usually at affordable prices. From rings to bracelets, pendants to earrings, and everything in between, it is easy to find a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry or accessories for the perfect person back home.
Luxury brands like Sekiken, Seiko, and Citizen are also available in many larger stores in Japan. These watches are highly sought-after and can usually be found at premium prices. Also, for an item more special and unique, there are high-end accessory stores such as Ginza Yamazaki that have an excellent selection of limited edition jewelry and accessories.
For the more daring shoppers, there are also several modern boutiques in Japan that offer unique apparel and accessories. From handcrafted jewelry to limited edition sunglasses and hats, getting the perfect souvenir from here will surely make someone feel special.
Traditional Food and Beverages
Traditional food and beverage souvenirs from Japan can be found in eateries, souvenir stores, and even supermarkets. Authentic Japanese snacks make fantastic gifts, as they allow the recipient to experience a small part of Japan’s unique culture. Delicious choices include traditional candy from the Edo period, Nori seaweed, and various kinds of Japanese tea such as matcha and sencha.
For a special treat, Japan also has some great sake, whiskey, and beer that are incredibly delicious. From popular brands like Suntory and Kimura to more unique selections, shoppers can easily find something interesting and delicious to take back home. For travelers with a sweet tooth, Japan is home to some of the best confections and desserts in the world.
Traditional Japanese gifts such as chopsticks, bowls, plates, and decorative items make attractive souvenirs for the special people in one’s life. Everyday items such as green tea, miso soup, and other Japanese snacks are also fantastic options for the foodie back home. Don’t forget to buy some snacks for yourself as well, as Japanese snacks make great snacks for the road.
Forbidden Japan
Although not for everyone, Japan has an interesting take on the larger toy market. Dubbed Forbidden Japan, this market focuses on figures and items that are inspired by mainstream series but add a nefarious twist. From handcuffs designed after popular characters to anatomically correct figures meant to stoke fantasies, these items are sure to please anyone looking for something naughty or risque.
Forbidden Japan items come in all shapes and sizes, from small trinkets to larger figures that require assembly. Shoppers searching for something different should check out some of the unique items available from Forbidden Japan, as they have many exclusive choices not available anywhere else in the world.
Finally, Forbidden Japan is an excellent source of nightlife and adult entertainment. Tucked away in the backstreets and back-alleys of Japan lie some of the nation’s best adult theaters and clubs. Depending on the region, visitors can find everything from traditional Japanese theater performances to adult shows featuring robots and other bizarre elements.
Japanese Artwork
Japan is home to many different forms of art, from traditional paintings to anime and modern art. For those who wish to invest in something special, investing in artwork from Japan can be a great way to show their appreciation for Japanese culture and make unique souvenirs.
Galleries and museums in Japan have an abundance of traditional and contemporary artwork from the country’s talented artists. For travelers with smaller budgets, there are also many festivals and markets that offer a variety of affordable artworks for sale. These markets usually feature some of the most talented and upcoming Japanese artists.
Finally, anime fans can purchase carefully crafted figures, plush figures, and wallscrolls of their favorite series. There are also many music CDs featuring anime songs, as well as movie posters and other memorabilia.
Bookstores
There is no better way to get an education in Japan’s culture and literature than to visit a bookstore. Small independent bookshops are located all over the country, and they offer a great selection of books written in both Japanese and English. From classic easy-readers to progressive literature, shoppers can find something for all interests.
For those looking for art books, Japan has a wide selection of beautiful and informative tools to choose from. These books contain great insights into the country’s culture, its history, and various other topics that are sure to please any reader.
For those wanting to pick up something to read on the train, there are also a variety of manga and light novels available. These often have stunning artwork in them and can be a great way for travelers to experience Japan’s unique story telling style.
Finally, visitors can pick up a variety of educational books such as textbooks on the Japanese language, culture, history, and anything else They are interested in. Not only are these books great souvenirs, they are a great way to promote learning, understanding, and interaction between cultures.
