What to Buy in Japan — Unique Souvenir Ideas
Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Kay
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Wondering what to get from Japan, whether for yourself or a souvenir for someone else? How about hearing some recommendations from a local?
As a long-term resident, I frequently go back and forth between Japan and Canada. This means I am always bringing something from Japan for my friends and family in Canada, and because of this, I’ve learned what they like the best.
After a recent trip to Canada, I decided to pen this article to help other travelers who might be overwhelmed with all the choices when it comes to Japan souvenirs.
This list contains quality souvenirs from Japan that are useful, bound to make anyone happy, and best of all, won’t break the bank. These recommendations are also backed by my husband, a Japanese national.
If you’re looking for souvenirs for kids, read this article.
The Best Souvenirs in Japan (Recommended by a Local)
1. Nail Clippers
Believe it or not, Japan has some of the best nail clippers I have ever come across. They clip nails very smoothly, like a hot knife cutting through butter. It’s incredibly satisfying to clip your nails with Japanese nail clippers.
My aunt bought one when she visited me in Japan over a decade ago and even to this day, she won’t stop raving about it.
I recommend getting a stainless steel Takumi no Waza (匠の技) nail clipper by GREEN BELL, one of which is pictured below.
My husband bought this from the drugstore when I was hospitalized after giving birth to my daughter. He was so worried about having long nails (it wasn’t long at all) when holding the baby. I remember him sitting in the hospital room exclaiming about how amazing this nail clipper was. I thought he was bonkers but then I tried it myself and haven’t looked back since!
2. Food, Sweets, Snacks and Drinks
Japan is known for its amazing food, so of course you’ll want to stock up for yourself and your friends and family.
When I travel back to Canada, my suitcase is packed mostly with Japanese snacks because it’s affordable, light, and delicious, not to mention easy to share!
I’ve written an article all about my favorite food, sweets, snacks, and drinks that are hits with my loved ones in Canada, so make sure to give it a read!
3. Japanese Knives
It’s no secret that Japanese knives are among the best in the world and cut through almost anything like butter.
There are various stores throughout the country where you can buy quality knives, such as Kunishige Hamonoten in Osaka and Tsubaya in Tokyo.
For the most unique experience, consider crafting your very own Japanese knife under the guidance of swordsmiths in the following cities:
4. Japanese fans
This is an obvious choice for souvenirs. My family has happily displayed the folding Japanese fans (sensu) that I got them, as well as uchiwa fans.
Of course, you can use these as well when it’s hot outside. I love sensu because they fold up and are the perfect size for my purse.
Uchiwa may have a higher chance of getting bent in your luggage so keep that in mind when you’re considering what to purchase.
And if you want something a little more high-tech, you might want to consider getting a portable handheld electric fan. I have two and I just can’t survive Japanese summers without them!
You can find these for sale at various stores like Don Quijote and shopping malls in Japan.
5. Socks
I love the variety of socks in Japan. They have character socks, cute socks, frilly socks, cooling socks, warming socks… it’s almost endless!
You’re bound to find socks being sold almost everywhere, including convenience stores, but my favorite place to buy them is Tutuanna because they have a three for 1,188 yen deal. (It used to be 1000 yen but that’s inflation for ya!) But if you visit when they’re having a sale, you can snag three socks for 649 yen!
6. Stationery
Japan has so much amazing stationery that it’s almost overwhelming!
I love trying out all the different pens, which come in various colors, styles, and widths.
Personally, my favorite pens are Frixion, which are erasable.
If you know someone who loves drawing, consider getting them copic pens.
Stationery is pretty easy to find in Japan, but to start with, check out LOFT, Tokyu Hands, Itoya, or any bookstore in Japan. 100 yen stores also have lots of cute and affordable stationary as well.
Chopsticks
This is a pretty obvious gift but just in case, I thought I would include it here since it’s something I always get for my friends and family.
Lots of souvenir shops carry chopsticks (called hashi in Japanese) as well as 100 yen stores but if you want to buy super fancy chopsticks, I suggest going to a department store such as Daimaru, Isetan, and Mitsukoshi, or if you’re in Osaka, Hanshin and Hankyu.
I bought a set of chopsticks and chopstick rests (hashioki) from Hankyu for my cousin and his new wife as a wedding present and they were very pleased. (Or at least that’s what they told me!) They come in a beautiful wooden box and you can get the chopsticks engraved with names as well! (Keep in mind that these are not dishwasher safe unless otherwise specified.)
Actually, I’ve been seeing more chopstick engraving services available throughout the country in popular tourist spots such as Miraiza near Osaka Castle. (I wouldn’t have even gone to Miraiza if it hadn’t been for the Osaka Amazing Pass!)
Portable compact umbrellas
These are excellent to get not only for yourself but for your loved ones as well. Japanese compact umbrellas are small and incredibly light, fitting perfectly into almost any purse or bag.
My cousin got one from a random drugstore when she first visited me in Japan and more than ten years later, she’s still using it!
Sunscreen
Japanese sunscreen is known as some of the best on the market, effectively blocking harmful UV rays yet gentle on the skin. These sunscreens come in mist form, gel, and cream.
Drugstores have bottles that you can try out to see what works best for you, but if you want an overview of popular brands, this is a helpful article to read.
My personal favorites are Biore UV and Nivea, which are not Japanese brands but are still made in Japan. I have extremely sensitive skin so these are the most budget-friendly yet gentle sunscreens I’ve found, which I use on my daughter as well.
Cosmetics
Some of my friends and family are obsessed with Japanese cosmetics and always ask me to bring back some whenever I visit Canada.
I usually go with Canmake because it’s so cute yet affordable. You can find it sold almost everywhere as well!
Is it the best Japanese makeup brand out there? No, but I think it does a decent job for the price. Their nail polish is also a great buy, especially since getting makeup for someone can be hit or miss.
KATE is also a great brand when it comes to lipstick.
If you want some helpful guides on Japanese cosmetics, read this article and this one.
Replica food
One thing I love about Japan is how well they make “replica food,” like the ones displayed outside of restaurants so customers have an idea of what the meals look like.
And believe it or not, you can even buy small fake food models to take home as a souvenir of Japan. There’s so much variety, such as rice balls, curry plates, and fried shrimp. These also come in various forms like keychains or magnets.
If you’re looking for a good place to buy a fake food souvenir, visit Morino Sample in Osaka or Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya in Tokyo. There are also classes where you can make your own replica food to take home!
Omamori
I always get an omamori (protection charm) for my family when I go back to Canada. I buy them quite often myself!
You can get these little charms from shrines all over Japan.
They not only look lovely, with unique designs according to each shrine but also contain a paper with a prayer on it for different purposes. For instance, recovering from an illness, passing a test, protection while driving, and so forth. There are even ones to ensure the delivery of a healthy baby.
Capsule toys
The number of capsule toy machines (gashapon) has exploded over the past decade and now you can find one almost everywhere!
There are so many different kinds as well, from anime character figures to small replica food and even whacky “engagement” rings with sushi on them!
Pain relief balm
This might seem a little strange but this is something my aunt and her friends in Canada always ask me to buy. They said it’s very effective at soothing any aches and pains they have and specifically ask for アンメルツレディーナ, which is made for women.
There are also stick-on pain-relief patches you can buy, which I prefer because I have sensitive skin.
Prescription glasses
Prescription glasses in Canada are expensive, so imagine my surprise when I moved to Japan and could get a pair of glasses for less than $100 CDN!
Of course, this is something you should buy for yourself rather than a loved one because you need to have your prescription checked beforehand (and they do it for you right on the spot).
Check out JINS or ZOFF to get affordable and speedy prescription glasses in Japan.
Character and anime goods
This might seem pretty obvious but it’s very likely you will know someone who likes popular characters or anime from Japan. I’m talking about characters from Sanrio (Hello Kitty, Kuromi, etc), games from huge companies like Nintendo, and anime such as Pokemon.
And sure, you might be able to find products featuring these characters for sale in your home country but Japan is considerably cheaper and has limited edition and seasonal items as well!
The BEST place to find these items is at KIDDY LAND, which has locations in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, or any toy store in Japan.
100 yen store items
The 100 yen store is basically Japan’s version of a dollar store. Almost everything is 100 yen and you can find so many useful products here. I shop at 100 yen stores all the time and get souvenirs from here as well, and not only because it’s cheap — there are lots of cute and practical things that my family and friends love when they get them.
For instance, my family bought the bowls pictured above from the 100 yen store when they visited Japan a few years ago. And even now, they always ask me to bring them more whenever I go back to Canada!
To find out about all the different 100 yen stores in Japan and my top picks about what to buy, read this article.
Cough Drops
Cough drops, known as nodo ame (のど飴) in Japanese, is a favorite of my aunt’s. I bring her packages of cough drops with manuka honey (ハニー) and ginger (しょうが), which are excellent for soothing sore throats. These cough drops are usually individually packaged, too, so you can share them or put them in different rooms or even keep a few in your bag or car.
Smartphone Cases
Japan has the best smartphone cases. They’re not only cute and look but they’re high quality as well. If you’re a fan of anime or Japanese kawaii characters, you’ll find that they sell cases with Sanrio or Pokemon on them, just to name a few.
You can find smartphone cases at any electronics shop such as Joshin, Yodobashi Camera, EDION, and Yamada Denki.
Anti-Snoring Mouth Tape
You’ve heard of nasal strips to help prevent snoring but what about mouth strips?
This is a recommendation from my husband and he said he’s heard it’s quite effective. Personally, I don’t want to put a piece of tape on my mouth but if you’re fine with it, it’s worth trying out!
Steam Eye Mask
My husband is a huge fan of these steaming eye masks. He likes using them before going to bed and says it helps give his tired eyes some much-needed TLC after he spends all day on his computer. These are individually packed and have different scents like yuzu and lavender.
Greeting Cards
Japan has amazing greeting cards. They’re so wonderfully done and are a work of art. I love getting these for my loved ones back home and they love displaying them!
You can find these at any bookstore or stationery store in Japan.
Made in Japan Bags and Wallets
These bags and wallets might seem “touristy” but I think they’re gorgeous and unique. Best of all, they’re made here in Japan. There are so many beautiful and traditional Japanese patterns to choose from. And best of all, it’s practical!
I’m personally a huge fan of HIRAMEKI, which is a brand from Osaka. They have simple yet lovely leather wallets and bags.
MOTHERHOUSE is another great Japanese brand because they pay their employees in developing countries a fair wage.
Goshuin
Goshuin are stamps and calligraphy that you receive when you visit a shrine or temple in Japan. Each one is unique and a souvenir I think everyone visiting Japan should have. You might not be able to fill up an entire book during your time in the country but that’s okay because, hey, you’ll be back again, right?
To find out more about goshuin, read this article.
Wrap-up: The Best Souvenirs from Japan
There is so much to choose from when it comes to bringing back quality souvenirs from Japan for you and your family, but hopefully, this article has helped you get a better idea about what to get.
If you’re like me, you’ll probably need an entire suitcase just for souvenirs! (And if you need to purchase another suitcase, I suggest checking out Tokyu Hands or Don Quijote.)