Japan is absolutely a dream destination for many travelers who want to discover the beauty of Japanese unique culture and the people here. It definitely gives you a headache when planning where to go, what to eat… that is a normal schedule for every trip. However, thinking about “what to buy as gifts?” for friends, family, relatives, colleagues… is really a true headache. So, what is good to buy in Japan, best gifts to buy in Japan and must buy in Japan? Let’s check it out the best things to buy in Japan including famous things to buy in Japan, Japan souvenir items, Japanese gifts, cheap things to buy in Japan, what food to buy in Japan, things you must buy in Japan, cheap and cool things to buy from Japan below.

Actually, you do not need to worry about it, Living Nomads is here to help you deal with that matter. We have rounded up a list of potential gifts for you to choose from. All you need to do is just pick up one of these options below and buy them without further consideration. In that way, you will absolutely have more time enjoying Japan.

Now, check it out top 20 cool gifts, cheap items and best things to buy in Japan below.

Sakura Matcha Kit Kat

Although KitKat is available nationwide, however, some of the candies’ favors are only available in Japan. The most special favor is Matcha Sakura that is always sought by visitors when traveling to Japan.

What makes this Kitkat even more special is the Kitkat’s packaging in Japan is designed for you to write a message to your friend. It is such a simple and sweet gift (literally and metaphorically) that makes the receivers feel appreciated!

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms

On the occasion of the New Year, Japanese often buy Omamori lucky charms as a way of gaining good fortune and protection (“Mamori” means protection, adding “O” to “Omamori” to make the word more formal),

There are many kinds of lucky charms specializing in: study, publicity, fortune, prosperity, love, etc. The lucky charms sold at all of these temples not only bring luck but also become very lovely decoration items. You can buy the lucky charms as gifts for your friends to hang in the house, in a basket, briefcase, and so on.

An unalterable rule is that Omamori lucky charms should not be opened as the Japanese believe that doing so will make luck and protection fly away. You must pay attention and remind your friends too.

Tokyo Banana Cake

Eager to buy a unique gift, you should not miss Tokyo Banana Cake when traveling to Japan. If you have not known what is the perfect blend of soft, fragrance, sweet of a cake then you definitely have to try the Banana Tokyo Cake!

This cake is very hard to find outside of Japan and usually only sold in Tokyo as the maximum expiry date is 1 week and the best is within 2 days. To buy this cake, you should buy in Tokyo and Narita Airport.

Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cake

There are many types of Mochi Cakes, this type of Mochi cake is a soft, jelly-like texture and then covered with matcha powder or soybeans. Warabi Mochi is favored by many tourists.

This is popular throughout Kyoto, you buy Warabi Mochi Cake while wandering around the ancient Kyoto. However, if you can not make time to head to Kyoto, you find them in the supermarkets across Japan, even though the quality is not perfect but still retain the cake’s delicious taste.

Japanese socks

If there are too many “friends” to give gifts, why don’t you simply buy a whole set of cute-shaped socks, they are funny and cheap and importantly easy to be a small gift. Everyone knows the quality of the Japanese is very good, so buy what “Made in Japan” and especially with the interesting shapes, everyone will certainly love them.

Tenugui Craft

Tenugui is a quite versatile item for the Japanese. You can use this small towel for many purposes: to make a handkerchief, to sit on like a carpet, to wrap gifts, to tie your hair, etc

The Japanese often give this gift to express the closeness of the relationship. A nice and beautifully decorated handkerchief, and it is very compact to pack into a suit though you buy in large quantity. Therefore, it is a good choice to buy as gifts as well.

Maneki Neko – Japanese Lucky Cat

Maneki Neko is widely favored not only in Japan but in many parts of the world, including Vietnam. In addition to bringing good luck, this cat is also extremely lovely that makes the receivers definitely love it.

There are three types of lucky cats, you can distinguish them quite easily through the Maneki Neko’s raised paw: if it’s the left paw, this is supposed to attract customers, if it’s the right paw, this brings good fortune and luck, two paws up represent family or business protection.

Matcha

Needless to say, everyone knows that Japan is the country of Matcha. Matcha is used by every single Japanese. With the use of detoxification, anti-aging, weight loss, etc.

Matcha is used to process a lot of food, drinks and even used for beauty and skincare. You can buy matcha at any supermarket or it is best to go to AEON Mall as there are many kinds of matcha for you to choose from.

Melty Kiss – Japanese Chocolate

If you are still wondering what to buy to please those who are eagerly waiting for your gift. Let go for Melty Kiss without thinking! It is sweet and melty in the mouth just like its name that will absolutely make your friend more than satisfied.

Pocky Cake

Pocky Cake is a kind of long stick cake with super delicious cream in a wide range of favors.

Pocky Cake in Japan is much more diverse than in Vietnam, you can freely to choose when entering the supermarket and standing in front of the Pocky booths.

In addition to the variety of flavors, this cake also has a lot of cute packaging that can be kept as souvenirs after eating. That is the reason why many people buy Pocky Cake as presents to give friends, relatives, …

Cosmetics

Japanese cosmetics have received much attention from the sisters because they are well appreciated and safe for all ages. Japanese cosmetics are diverse with various ranging prices from popular to high-level, serving to the needs of many people.

The famous Japanese cosmetics brands such as Shiseido, Kosé, Menard, Hada Labo, Kanebo, SKII, .. Buying as gifts for relatives you can buy Lipsticks, Makeup Face Mask, Facial Cleansing Milk, Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, Powder Face Makeup, Eye Makeup Powder, Nail Polish or False eyelashes are all popular products in Japan. These items are very reasonable price when purchased in Japan, less than half the price when you buy them in Vietnam. You can buy cosmetics in drug stores or shopping malls in Japan.

Clothing

Japan is a country with cold winter, so winter fashion as jacket, sweater in Japan is very diverse in design, type as well as color. Except for the world famous brands, if you need to choose good and cheap clothes, then Japanese brands are your great choice.

UNIQLO is a fashion brand that is quite popular especially for ultra light feather jackets, warm tech underwear in winter and cool summer heat reduction.

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