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.

best shopping malls in tokyo tokyo shopping guide tokyo shopping center shopping area in tokyo (1)
Ginza district, Tokyo
best shopping malls in tokyo tokyo shopping guide tokyo shopping center shopping area in tokyo (1)
Brightly lit billboards and shopfronts in the Akihabara district of Tokyo.
Matcha Japanese gift
Matcha, a must buy in Japan.

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.

Japanese Sake Made in Japan Masu
Japanese Sake, one of best things to buy in Japan.
Château Mercian Koshu 2018, Iwasaki, Yamanashi Japan
Pearl earrings

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.

Yukata japan.1.j1
Yukata, one of the best things to buy in Japan
Kimekomi dolls
Kimekomi dolls, the lovely gift from Japan.
Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cak
Warabi Mochi, delicious gift you can buy in Japan.

Now, check it out top 23+ cool gifts, cheap items and best things to buy in Japan below.

Sakura Matcha Kit Kat

Sakura Matcha Kit Kat best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

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.

Sakura Matcha Kit Kat best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in 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!

Sakura Matcha Kit Kat

Sakura Matcha Kit Kat best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

Sakura Matcha Kit Kat

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

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),

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms

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.

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

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.

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms

Tokyo Banana Cake

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!

Tokyo Banana Cake best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

Tokyo Banana Cake

Tokyo Banana Cake best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

Tokyo Banana Cake

Tokyo Banana 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.

Tokyo Banana Cake

Tokyo Banana Cake

Tokyo Banana Cake

Tokyo Banana Cake best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cake

Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cak best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

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.

Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cak

Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cak

Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cak best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cak

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.

Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cak

Warabi Mochi – Japanese Rice Cak best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

Japanese socks

japanese socks best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

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.

japanese socks

japanese socks

japanese socks

japanese socks

japanese socks best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

japanese socks

japanese socks

Tenugui Craft

Tenugui Craft best things to buy in japan best items to buy in japan best gifts to buy in japan must buy in japan

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

Tenugui Craft

Tenugui Craft

Tenugui Craft

Tenugui Craft

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