Isn’t luggage ever incomplete without gifts? One thing most Filipinos do when traveling abroad is to bring pasalubong or souvenirs back home. Though our family or friends have not been with us on our travels, we remember to buy them presents from souvenir shops. It’s like sharing a piece of our experiences with them. And there are definitely some amazing things you can only buy in Japan!
I have shared my 10 best winter season destinations and 10 things to do in Tokyo. So ladies and gents, prepare your pen and notebooks, or bookmark this page as we give you the best merchandise from Japan!
Speaking of traveling, do consider checking out my recently released eBook: “The A-Z on How to Become a Digital Nomad.” It’s the real deal!
Oh! Don’t forget to grab your travel insurance before going on your travels. It’s very important to secure our safety so we can enjoy our journey to the fullest!
Japanese Snacks and Food for Everyone
Now, a gentle reminder: before trying all the treats, keep in mind that oral health is of the utmost importance. I find that having my oral hygiene supplies like a handy reusable water bottle and toothbrush and toothpaste really helps keep us fresh and confident!
1. Kit Kats – Unique and Crazy Flavors
We all know and love that chocolate-flavored Kit Kat, and sometimes we see that Matcha flavored in a few convenience stores. But Japan has more! There are traditional flavors like Strawberry, Melon, or Banana. But there are also weird ones like Sakura Green Tea, Sake (Japanese Alcoholic Drink) or Miso (soup).
I bought the Sakura + Roasted Soy Bean and Amazake (sweet alcohol drink made with fermented rice) Kit Kat flavors. It’s crazy; I was so giddy buying it! I survived to bring it back to the Philippines unscathed.
You don’t know how what it tastes like when you buy, so it’s a great experience when it comes to Japanese sweets!
2. Shiroi Koibito
Taste the white chocolate in little biscuits which are not only famous for tourists but Japanese locals as well. Trust me, I worked in a Japanese company before, and my boss receives this goodie from visitors. Luckily, he shares it with us and it’s so delicious.
The packaging is also gorgeous! It’s truly one of the best Japanese food.
3. Alphabet Chocolate
Aside from regular Japan candies, this chocolate from Meito is absolutely divine! It’s made from roasted cocoa and milk.
It’s a great souvenir, especially if you have many people to give to, since the package has much bite-sized chocolate inside. Check out the letters on the chocolate, too!
For Your Younger Siblings or Kids
4. Hello Kitty Goodies
Hello Kitty isn’t Japanese, but is of British Nationality. But she’s a character from Sanrio, a Japanese Company. From stuffed toys to keychains, umbrellas, and clothes; you can buy any accessory in Japan for your Hello Kitty Loving family member or friend.
I bought a little kit with a mirror and a comb for my friend’s daughter; she adored it! I got this in the Hello Kitty Store in the area near Tokyo Sky Tree.
5. Anime Goodies
You can also buy anime goodies for your loved ones or friends, as there are many anime or manga stores, especially in Akihabara. However, there are also many specialty stores; I got One Piece manga, biscuits and keychain, and many more in the store near Shibuya Crossing.
If you want figurines, try Mandarake in Akihabara. I saw figurines with original prices of JPY 10,000 to be sold in Mandarake for JPY 3,000.
They also have name stamps and Japanese stationery of popular manga characters, not to mention washi tapes and paper for origami or calligraphy in malls. It’s simply fun to explore this world for fans!
For the 20s+
6. Beauty Products
For those who are “nagdadalaga” or your kikay ate or your mom, there are beauty products in Japan. You can buy cream for their face, body, and hands. You can also trust Japanese products as they are made with high standards.
7. Gadgets
Japan has limited edition and cheap devices; some new, some second hand but still worth using! iPhone 11 (64 GB) may cost more than USD 1000 in other countries, but in Japan, you can buy it at less than USD 1,000!
Check out Akihabara’s Yodobashi as it’s company or building filled with electronics; phones, laptops and many more. High quality cameras like the Yodobashi camera or BIC camera can be a good purchase there too!
For Your Parents or the More Mature
8. Ceramics
Japanese ceramics or porcelain are one of the most elegant pieces of art in the world and can be used (not only for display). You may find unique ones in each of the prefectures, so it’s great to collect some.
It may be scary to pack as they are fragile, but seeing them displayed or used by your loved ones will make you proud.
9. Japanese Tea
One of the reasons a lot of Japanese are healthy and live long is because they drink tea, almost every day; it’s part of their culture. They are very healthy, delicious and smell amazing.
Unlike those you buy in the department store where you dip it in hot water, some tea is like powder which you mix directly with hot water. Some you need to put in the teapot with a strainer and let it cook for a while.
For Your Classmates or Office Friends
10. Pens
Honestly, the key chains in Japan are costly like JPY 1000 each, so if you got at least 10 friends; you’ll spend JPY 5,000. So if you want to save and give them something to remember rather than food, you can give pens as they are the best souvenirs from Japan!
There are a lot of colorful pens sold in Japan; sometimes, they are in a set. I bought pen sets in Tokyo Disney Resort and gave them to my officemates and cousins.
Extra: Coins
Well, if you are on a budget, you might as well give remembrance to your friends by giving them Japanese coins. You can ask stores if they can break it down. I like gifting the JPY 5 or go-yen coin. It’s said to be lucky since go-en!
Where to buy Souvenirs?
Stores with almost everything:
- Tokyu Hands
- Don Quijote
- Daiso
Where to buy gadgets:
- Akihabara in Tokyo
- Yodobashi Stores
I hope you find this article helpful for you in buying the best souvenir from Japan to bring home to your family and friends! It’s a great feeling to give a piece of your journey to them. What do you want to buy when you go there? Tell me in the comments below!
FAQ
Japan is famous for its food: sushi, sake, ramen, matcha green tea, and its products: Japanese art and anime.
A mid-range average for one person for a one-week trip to Japan is around $2,000. This includes basic flights, staying at Airbnbs, casual dining, and public transportation. Meanwhile, a single luxury traveler can expect a total estimated cost for a one-week trip to Japan from $3,500–$10,000.
Daruma, Omamori, Chopsticks, Yukata, Japanese pottery, and even Kit Kat are considered good luck souvenirs in Japan!
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
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