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| Souviniers to buy from Japan this autumn | Gift Ideas from Japan |
Whether you are searching for gifts to get from Japan, wondering what to buy for friends who already seem to have everything, or just looking for unique souvenir ideas, this guide will make it simple. From classic Tokyo souvenirs to elegant Kyoto gifts or even fun Osaka shopping finds, I’ve rounded up the very best options. So if you’re stuck on the eternal question of what to bring back from Japan, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here to delight your friends, family, and co-workers!
If you are asking yourself -
What should I buy from Japan for my friends and family? Or what unique and thoughtful gift to buy for everyone back home? Then this is where you will find the perfect ideas.
If you want some help with this, even after reading through, reach out to me on Instagram at @Priyanjana
First, let us list down the "Where to Buy Gifts from Japan question, and no, it is not Donki or Don Quijote
All across Japan -
Run to the 100 yen stores and buy some fun, cheap finds from any Seria or Daiso store if you are looking to get gifts from Japan in bulk and don't want to spend a lot of money.
Find functional kitchen finds - such as Japanese Egg Yolk separator, Cooking Chopsticks, cute onigiri moulds or Stunning Ceramic finds such as sake cups, sauce and salt plates and much more, and this is just a suggestion for the food inclined gifts. Just look through this very helpful list of what you can find at 100 yen shops.
So if you are looking for budget-friendly, kawaii finds, hit the 100 yen stores for all sorts of products
Sugi Pharmacy, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug and Tsuruhara Drug are amazing for personal care, beauty, skincare and makeup products! If you visit any of these chains in more touristy areas, you will also find a huge variety of snacks, chocolates and Flavours of Kit Kats.
Tomod's stores mostly in Tokyo have a variety to choose from in many categories, and it is my personal preference.
Now let's talk about the gold mine, which a lot of tourists ignore shopping from, but you are reading this guide, so you will not make the mistake of ignoring the basement levels of any shopping centre, street or major train station.
I personally adore Yokohama Station for shopping for clothes and the huge Kyoto Station for finding a variety of amazing things. But these are a little expensive, so you will have to keep an open mind while looking for the fun home decor or clothing items as gifts.
Now that you know where to look for the gifts at different budgets, let's dive into what to buy
For the cooking enthusiast friends, get these from Japan:
- Hit the Local markets in Osaka or the Kappabashi street in Tokyo to find these gems.
- A rectangular pan or a Tamagoyaki pan
- Good quality cooking chopsticks
- A Japanese knife that cuts like butter, but this is going to be a very expensive gift, so get your special family members or friends this gift.
- Cooking Grade Matcha to cook desserts with.
- Any of the quality ingredients like Miso paste, Clear soy sauce, flavoured soy sauces, Ponzu, mirin, etc
For the family member who is a big Foodie, buy these gifts from Japan.
- Choose from the Amazing flavoured chips - with nori and so much more
- Instant ramen - so many varieties, my favourites are the U.F.O. red and black ones!
- Tokyo Banana from Tokyo Station or Skytree
- Packed Mochis from either speciality shops or drugstores/department stores
- Ceremonial grade matcha
- Gyokuro Tea leaves
- Scottish shortbread biscuits with chocolate
- Realistic Food replica models - as magnets, key chains, and displays. These are a fun, quirky and one-of-a-kind option.
For the world traveller with cultural appreciation
- Ceramic Sake cups and Jar
- Tenugui & Furoshiki - traditional wrapping cloths, Great for decorating walls as well
- Chopsticks - especially lacquered ones
- Omamori - temple charms, each temple or shrine has different ones, with various symbolic meanings, it can be something you can try to collect as well
- Daruma Dolls & Kokeshi Dolls
- Wind Chimes, usually available in the summer season, but very “Japanese”, and you can find small decorative ones or even Jewellery
- Origami paper
- Origami jewellery
- Woodblock Print Postcards (Ukiyo-e Style)
- Melon Pan or Packaged Japanese Bread
- Japanese Lanterns! It is an autumn find !
- Currency! The Japanese Yen coins are beautiful, perfect for the numismatists.
Other Ideas would be to shop! That in itself needs to be a different blog post! And it's coming up soon!
As you pack up your suitcase and prepare to head home, I hope this guide has helped you discover some beautiful and thoughtful souvenirs from Japan, especially for those foodie friends and family who love to cook.
I know how much fun it is to find that perfect, unique Japanese souvenir, the one that has a little story behind it. It's all part of the amazing autumn travel adventure, right?
And if you are type A like me and are going through this post before your travels to Japan, think of this as your personal shopping list, a way to easily find your way through the incredible world of Japanese crafts and yummy treats, whether you're in a busy Tokyo market or a quiet little shop in the Outskirts of Kyoto.
Share the happiness of your travels with friends, family, and even coworkers through these special and memorable gifts. I wish you happy shopping, and I hope the souvenirs you choose bring as much joy to your loved ones as your Japanese adventure will bring to you.
If you need ideas on what to pack and wear in Japan, especially in Autumn/Fall, Check this post out !