What to Buy in Japan? Suggestions for 17+ must buy souvenirs in Japan

After days of experiencing and exploring, you still don’t know what to buy as gifts? So, what souvenirs to buy in Japan?Let us reveal to you some extremely meaningful and unique Japanese souvenirs with 17+ must buy souvenirs in Japan in this article!

Japan, the land of rich cultural traditions and unique art, is a great place to explore and enjoy unique experiences. After each trip, choosing a souvenir to bring back is not only a way to express affection and gratitude but also an opportunity to keep the best memories.

Coming to Japan, you will encounter many attractive options for souvenirs, from traditional handicrafts to modern electronics. Below are suggestions from Klook to help you choose the most unique and meaningful gifts from this cherry blossom country!

Maneki Neko Cat – Japanese Souvenir with Lucky Meaning

According to Japanese cultural tradition, Maneki Neko cats are considered a symbol of good luck, bringing good fortune and are often seen placed in front of shops, cafes, or inside homes to bring luck and fortune to the owner or business. In this concept, the cat’s waving action also carries many meanings.

A cat waving its left paw is believed to symbolize welcoming and inviting customers; while a cat waving its right paw is often associated with attracting more luck and fortune. When a cat waves both paws, the main meaning is protection, bringing luck to the family and supporting the business. The height of the cat’s paws also has an impact, with raising the paws high being seen to attract more customers, finances, and luck to the business.

Kokeshi – Traditional Japanese Dolls

Traditional Japanese dolls are usually crafted from wood and come in many different sizes. For children, Kokeshi dolls are a popular choice with a simple structure consisting of a head and body, often lacking limbs.

If you want to give a doll with the meaning of good luck, Daruma dolls are a great choice. They are round in shape with a hollow bottom and are weighted to keep them standing. If the purpose is decoration, Hina dolls or Kimekomi dolls are popular choices. Notably, the prices of traditional Japanese dolls are very diverse, suitable for many budgets, from a few thousand yen to hundreds of thousands of yen.

Must buy souvenirs in Japan: Sensu Folding Fan – A Unique Handmade Gift From Japan

If you are looking for a “weapon” to fight the sweltering heat of summer in Japan and need a way to reduce the temperature, the Sensu folding fan is a perfect solution. Not only does it help cool, the Sensu folding hand fan is also a unique and delicate souvenir, carrying the traditional artistic beauty of Japan.

A folding fan is not only a cooling tool but also a unique work of art that can be decorated and displayed. Giving a folding fan can show respect and love for Japanese culture. You can easily buy them at stores at affordable prices.

Kendama Toy – A Souvenir of Ingenuity

Kendama, a traditional Japanese toy, is a great choice when you want to find a unique gift from this country. Although it has a simple design with a small ball connected to a sword through a string, this game is challenging, requiring patience and dexterity from the player. Kendama is not only an interesting folk gift but also a part of Japanese culture, bringing a unique experience to the recipient.

Traditional Japanese Yukata

To create a special memory for your trip to Japan, buying a Yukata is a great idea. This is not only a traditional costume but also a meaningful gift for friends and family. Tourist spots such as Asakusa (Tokyo) or the center of Kyoto are ideal places to find Yukata.

Here, you will not only have the opportunity to own a delicate Yukata but also immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere and culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. Each Yukata is not only an item, but also a beautiful and meaningful mark of your journey.

Sake – Intense Flavor of the Land of the Rising Sun

Let a traditional Japanese flavor sweeten your memories – Sake. Made from fermented rice and enjoyed in small, delicate cups, Sake is a symbol of the diversity and richness of Japanese culture. The brewing ingredients vary depending on the region, creating the uniqueness of each type of Sake.

There are four popular types, including Daiginjo, Ginjo, Junmai and Honjozo, which you can easily find at stores and supermarkets. Each drop of Sake is a journey through the taste buds, taking you to the aroma and flavor typical of the land of the rising sun.

(*) A small note is that you should pay attention to the alcohol content in your checked baggage if you want to bring sake home!

Matcha – Japanese “Standard Flavor” Green Tea Powder

Not only a culinary ingredient, matcha – traditional green tea powder – is also the soul of the Japanese tea ceremony. Finely ground from high-quality young tea leaves, matcha not only has a characteristic refreshing flavor but also retains valuable nutritional values.

In Japan, you can easily find matcha in many dishes and drinks: from latte, ice cream, cakes to green tea-flavored soba noodles. Each small, pretty package of matcha powder carries the aroma of the mountains of Kyoto or Shizuoka – the most famous tea growing areas in the Land of the Rising Sun.

You can buy matcha at souvenir shops, supermarkets or traditional tea shops. This will definitely be the perfect gift for food lovers or those who like to experience the art of authentic Japanese tea making.

Japanese Handcrafted Sweets

If you love gifts that are both beautiful and authentic, Japanese handmade sweets will melt your heart at first sight. Each candy and cake is meticulously handcrafted, carrying the philosophy of slow living, loving beauty and cherishing every little moment of the Japanese people.

You can easily find Wagashi – traditional sweets often used in tea ceremonies, with red bean, white bean or chestnut fillings, shaped like cherry blossoms, maple leaves or festive animals. Long-standing shops in Kyoto, Kanazawa or Asakusa still keep the secret of making cakes through many generations, bringing a unique flavor that you can hardly find anywhere else.

Furin Wind Chimes – Japanese Lucky Decorations

Furin – Japanese wind chimes – are one of the typical summer symbols, not only bringing clear sounds but also containing many profound spiritual meanings. The name “furin” is a combination of “fu” (wind) and “rin” (bell), which is true to its function: a small bell that vibrates in the wind, emitting a gentle ringing sound.

The special feature of furin lies in the thin paper hanging below – where Japanese people write wishes, hopes and desires. According to tradition, the sound of furin has the ability to ward off evil spirits, bringing luck and peace to the homeowner. Today, furin is not only a summer decoration but also a souvenir imbued with Japanese Zen and art, loved by both locals and tourists.

Tenugui Handkerchief

Tenugui is a traditional Japanese cloth towel, featuring a long, thin design (about 90cm) and sophisticated hand-printed patterns such as flowers, polka dots, water waves or classic motifs. Not only imbued with the spirit of Japanese aesthetics, tenugui is also a meaningful souvenir – especially favored by women.

Tenugui’s versatility is a big plus: you can use it as a handkerchief, headband, neck wrap, furoshiki-style gift wrap, or simply for decoration. Made of light cotton, easy to wash, quick to dry, and full of cultural significance, tenugui is not only an everyday item but also a symbol of grace and sophistication in Japanese life.

Furoshiki Gift Wrapping Cloth – Containing an Entire Japanese Culture

More than just a square piece of cloth, Furoshiki is a subtle symbol of the sustainable and creative lifestyle of the Japanese. From gift wrapping, making bags, book covers to home decoration – Furoshiki can “transform” into anything you need, by folding and tying it artistically.

The origin of Furoshiki began in the old public baths, where people used towels to wrap their personal clothes. Today, they come in a variety of modern designs, from traditional motifs to cute anime characters like Totoro.

Priced at 500–1,000 yen, you can easily find Furoshiki in a variety of materials – from cotton, silk to recycled fabric – and in popular sizes of 50cm or 70cm. A small but culturally rich gift for anyone who loves Japan.

Japanese Chopsticks

In Japanese culture, chopsticks are not simply utensils for eating, but also carry a deep symbolic meaning of connection and affection between the giver and the receiver. The coincidence of the Japanese words for “chopsticks” and “bridge” further enhances the meaning of this gift, symbolizing a lasting bond.

Another concept holds that chopsticks, which always come in pairs, symbolize “picking up” good luck. Therefore, giving a pair of chopsticks is a gesture containing good wishes, hoping that the recipient will have many blessings in life. Give a pair of chopsticks to your loved ones and explain the meaning behind this gift. Surely, they will feel the specialness and appreciate your heart.

Incense – A Gift to Balance Mood

Not only a room fragrance product, Japanese incense is also a bridge between emotions, space and deep memories. The gentle, elegant scent of natural incense helps you to easily relax, meditate, or simply enjoy the peace in a quiet moment.

In Japan, agarwood usually comes in two popular forms: straight incense and cone incense, with flexible prices ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand yen, depending on the rarity and quality of the raw materials. One of the most popular addresses is Kohgen in Ginza, Tokyo, where many high-class and sophisticated agarwood lines converge. This is the ideal gift for those who love serenity, or are looking for a scent that preserves the Japanese spirit in the most subtle way.

Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms

If you have ever visited a temple or pagoda in Japan, you must have seen the colorful, pretty little bags hanging right at the entrance – that is Omamori, a traditional amulet with the meaning of “protection”.

Each Omamori symbolizes a good wish: good study, a happy love life, safety on the road or warding off bad luck. Made from brocade, inside is a sealed piece of paper or wood – absolutely do not open, to preserve the spiritual power.

You can easily buy Omamori at famous temples in Kyoto, Nara or Tokyo, for only a few hundred yen. Not only is it a meaningful spiritual gift, it is also a small but sacred part of Japanese culture that you can bring back after your trip.

Japanese Domestic Supplements

If you are particularly concerned about your health and want to give gifts of supplements to help your body maintain a healthy state, Japan is the ideal place. Here, you will discover many types of medicine to support diverse health problems and suitable for all ages.

Popular products that tourists often favor include Spirulina Japan Algae, powdered milk, collagen, and many other supplements. To save money, you can pre-order to ensure you have the desired products on your trip to Japan.

Japanese Tea Set

For those who love the delicate beauty of East Asian culture, Japanese tea ceremony is always a profound experience. It is not only a way to enjoy tea, it is also an art of living, a harmonious combination of tranquility, ritual and soul.

A handcrafted tea set, made from quality ceramic, with traditional motifs such as Seigaiha waves, cherry blossoms or ancient crackle glaze, will be the perfect gift to bring back after a trip to Japan. This is not only an everyday item, but also a part of the “Japanese soul” encapsulated in every line and nuance. You don’t forget to choose for yourself – or your loved ones – a truly satisfactory tea set. Because sometimes, a sip of tea in the middle of a normal day is enough to remind you of a whole journey.

Wagasa Umbrella – A Souvenir with a Japanese Essence

If you are looking for a gift that is both beautiful and imbued with cultural values, the Wagasa umbrella – the traditional Japanese paper umbrella – will surely win your heart. With a frame made of bamboo and durable washi paper, Wagasa often appears in festivals, traditional art performances such as tea ceremonies, traditional dances and Noh plays.

More than just a simple shelter from the sun and rain, Wagasa umbrellas are also a symbol of elegance and the spirit of ancient Japan. The hand-painted motifs and elegant colors make each umbrella a small work of art, suitable for display or as a unique souvenir. Easily found in old towns such as Kyoto, Gion or Asakusa – bring back a Wagasa umbrella to preserve a bit of classic Japan on your trip.

Whether it is an exquisite pastry or a small gift with a strong cultural imprint, each choice is a way for you to bring a piece of Japan home. With just a little bit of sophistication, your travel journey will become an unforgettable memory for you and your loved ones.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to

• Private Narita International Airport Transfers (NRT) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Private Haneda International Airport Transfers (HND) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Airport Limousine Bus Transfers from/to Narita and Haneda International Airport (Free Wifi Onboard)
• Tokyo Amazing Sightseeing Bus Day Tour
• Tokyo Highlights Private Day Tour
• Nikko Day Tour from Tokyo
• Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
• Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
• Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
• Tokyo Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket
• Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
• Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket
• Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
• SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket
• TeamLab Planets Ticket
• TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
• Limousine Bus Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express With Tokyo Subway Ticket
• JR Tokyo Wide Pass
• Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (BKK and DMK Airport Pick Up) for Japan (Unlimited Data)
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Tokyo travel guide and top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo itinerary 3 days — What to do in Tokyo in 3 days?