The term “Made In Japan” feels good to say. It feels good to hear, too.
And that’s because Japan is known for making products that are incredibly well-designed, thoughtfully packaged, and built to last. From everyday essentials to quirky collectibles, you’re getting craftsmanship that’s on a whole different level than what you’d find back home.
Because of this, half the fun of traveling to Japan is shopping for all the things to bring home for yourself to enjoy and to spoil all your friends/family with!
Thanks to the favorable exchange rate and the overall affordability of travel in Japan right now, doing a ton of shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, you might end up saving money on things that would cost way more if you bought them back home.
For us, that means stocking up on pour-over coffee filters, face masks, J-beauty skincare products, Mizuno running shoes, and shopping for our long overdue wardrobe upgrades!
If you’re headed to Japan and have absolutely no idea what to bring back home, let us inspire you! This shopping guide features all the things that we’ve actually bought and brought back home from Japan during one trip or another.
We’ve been to Japan at least seven times now, so we’ve done our fair share of shopping in Japan over the years!
I’ve provided links below so you can see what everything looks like. I also did my best to provide details on where to shop in case you have no idea where to go to find these items.
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Table of Contents
1. Japanese Confectioneries
Japan takes its sweets seriously, and if you’re looking for souvenirs that people will actually use (and by ‘use’ we mean ‘eat’), confectioneries are where it’s at.
Popular picks include Tokyo Banana (a fluffy banana cream-filled sponge cake), all kinds of Japanese flavored Kit Kats, NY Perfect Cheese (there are always swarms of people grabbing boxes and boxes of these), and the ultra-smooth Royce Chocolates from Hokkaido.
My personal fave? The Royce Chocolate Potato Chips!!! They’re SO much cheaper in Japan than in the USA… like a third of the cost of what they sell for here.
And the great thing is, every region in Japan is known for one thing or another.
For example, Uji near Kyoto is famous for matcha-based sweets, Kawagoe is all about sweet potato everything, and you’ll find different styles of senbei (rice crackers), yatsuhashi, or mochi depending on where you are.
Make it a habit to pop into a local sweet shop wherever you go—you might stumble on a snack or local flavor you won’t find anywhere else!
Pro Tip: Airports are actually some of the best places to buy these. Unlike airports in the U.S., Japan doesn’t hike up prices at the terminal, and you’ll often find beautifully boxed sets that are perfect for gifting.
Where to find it: Don Quijote, local confectionery shops, souvenir shops, airports
2. Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat)
You’ve probably seen the maneki-neko—the little cat with one paw raised, said to bring good luck and fortune. You can find them in all shapes and sizes across Japan, from tiny keychain versions to big ceramic ones that take up serious shelf space.
They’ve been a staple in shops, restaurants, and homes for ages, each style carrying its own meaning (left paw up invites customers, right paw up brings wealth).
I’ve been on a personal mission to find the perfect maneki-neko to replace the one I had as a kid—mine mysteriously disappeared when my parents donated a bunch of stuff (still not over it). So now, every time I’m in Japan, I’m on the lookout… just waiting for the day I finally have the luggage space to bring a big one home.
3. Stuff from Uniqlo
Uniqlo in Japan hits different—prices are lower, selection is wider, and sometimes you’ll even find location-exclusive pieces you can’t get anywhere else.
On our last trip, we basically did our one big clothing haul of the year here. I scored a lightweight quilted jacket that packs down just like their famous vests, Papu and I each grabbed a down vest, I found a winter dress I loved, and we picked up a few of their famous crossbody bags as gifts.
Everything was at least 30–40% cheaper than what the U.S. stores charge—and that’s full price.
Pro Tip: Some stores carry unique T-shirts that are specific to the neighborhood they’re in. I picked up one in Asakusa with “Asakusa” printed in Japanese on it, and I haven’t seen it anywhere else since.
4. Pokémon Center Merch
Where are all my Pokémon GO gamers at??? Who are we kidding–even if you’re not into Pokémon yourself, chances are, you probably know a kid (or adult) who is obsessed.
Japan is the ultimate place to stock up on exclusive merch. From plushies and stationery to themed snacks, card packs, and home goods, the Pokémon Centers across Japan are packed with fun finds for all ages.
Where to find it: Pokémon Center (multiple locations across Japan)
5. Studio Ghibli Merch
Studio Ghibli fans will have no trouble finding merchandise featuring favorites like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Howl’s Moving Castle. Japan is littered with Ghibli merch!
One of my personal go-to items are the small character-themed towels—they’re cute, practical, super easy to pack back home, and pretty darn cheap. Anything featuring Calcifer is pretty cute too.
Where to find it: While the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park are the obvious spots to shop, you’ll actually see Ghibli merch in tons of everyday places too: department stores like Loft and Tokyu Hands, character goods stores like Donguri Kyowakoku (the official Ghibli store), and even airport souvenir shops.
6. Nintendo-themed Souvenirs
Nintendo fans can shop everything from Super Mario and Zelda to Animal Crossing gear at official stores in Tokyo and Osaka. These stores sell everything you can think of: quirky homeware, apparel, collectibles, etc.
The selection is way better (and often cheaper) than what’s available internationally. Plus you can usually find Japan-only limited edition things that aren’t found abroad.
Where to find it: Nintendo stores, Universal Studios Japan, Super Potato stores
7. Prescription Eyeglasses and Sunglasses
Japan has some great eyewear shops like Jins and Owndays that offer stylish, affordable glasses with fast turnaround (oftentimes in just 1 hour). I try to get at least one pair every time I visit Japan!
Jins is more well-known, but I like Owndays for eyeglasses because they have an “Air” line with lighter frames, much-needed for people with heavier prescriptions. Try both to see which fits your look best—prices are usually under $100 USD with lenses included.
Where to find it: Jins, Owndays
8. POP MART Mystery Boxes
POP MART mystery boxes have massively blown up in popularity recently, and if you’re into collecting fun, stylized figurines, Japan is a great place to stock up.
While you can find POP MART stores in the U.S. and other countries now, prices abroad are noticeably higher than what you’ll pay in Japan—so it’s worth grabbing a few while you’re there.
Some of the most popular character lines include Molly, CRYBABY, Dimoo, Skullpanda, DIMOO, and The Monsters (aka Labubu). I personally like Hirono though; he’s so freakin cute with his nonchalant face.
Each series usually has a dozen or so designs, plus a rare “secret” figure, which makes unboxing them even more addictive!
Where to find it: POP MART has locations all over Japan
9. Japanese Knives
Coming from a Chinese household, I grew up using a butcher knife for nearly everything — slicing meat, chopping bones, julienning veggies, mincing garlic, etc. It wasn’t until I started traveling that I realized life did not need to be this way. Prepping/cooking could be way simpler with a proper knife!
I love the Shun brand. Their knives make all the difference. We have this Shun Premier 8″ Chef’s Knife (that Papu got as a gift) and this Shun Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife that we bought years ago.
We love them both! Slicing sashimi is so easy, chopping veggies into extremely thin slices is possible, and it’s the only knife that can slice through a thick ass kabocha squash effortlessly.
Where to find it: Local Japanese knife shops
10. Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
If you didn’t already know, Japanese rice cookers are superior to all other rice cookers out there. Growing up, I don’t think we’ve owned anything other than a Zojirushi.
After doing tons of research, I recently bought my mom the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker. Papu’s mom found out about it and wanted one too. SO, on one of my solo trips to Japan, I actually bought one there and lugged it through the train stations to the airport all the way home for her. 💀
(In hindsight, I’m not sure the struggle of carrying this thing back in an extra duffel — with no help! –was worth the savings. But she was quite happy with it! Lol.)
Where to find it: Bic Camera
11. Hario V60 Coffee Dripper
As someone who only really ever drinks pourover coffee at home and at cafes, this is the best pourover dripper we’ve found. Whenever we visit Japan, we always try to bring 1-2 of these back as gifts for our coffee drinking friends/family.
There are tons of V60 versions, but we like the glass versions in size 02. I have the standard glass/plastic version and Papu has the fancier glass/olive wood variation — I actually bought that for him while I was in Japan one year!
Where to find it: Loft, Hands, and local Japanese coffee shops
12. Mount Fuji Ceramic Coffee Filter
This is the exact one that I always see at lifestyle stores like Loft and Hands. Because I already have the Hario V60, I haven’t needed to upgrade, but I’ve been eyeing this one for quite some time!
If you ever get the chance to visit the Lake Kawaguchi area near Tokyo, you’ll understand my obsession with Mount Fuji-shaped things.
Where to find it: Loft, Hands, and souvenir shops in towns where Mount Fuji is a big deal (like Hakone/Kawaguchiko).
13. Yukata
A yukata is a lightweight, casual version of a kimono—easy to wear, comfortable, and a great souvenir that doesn’t just sit on a shelf.
You can buy brand-new ones in stores all over Japan, especially in summer, but if you enjoy wandering through random backstreets and local flea markets (like we do), you’ll find tons of unique and affordable secondhand yukatas and kimonos. They often come in gorgeous one-of-a-kind patterns you won’t find anywhere else, and many are in excellent condition!
14. Ippodo Tea Matcha
Shopping for matcha is a ton of fun in Japan, especially in famous producing areas like Uji, Kyoto, Northern Kyushu, and Shizuoka. There are lots of legit teamakers and producers in Japan, but if you need help narrowing things down, I like Ippodo Tea. This longstanding brand has been producing the finest tea products in Kyoto… since 1717!
If you’re new to the matcha world, their Sayaka Matcha is a great beginner’s introduction. From there, you can experiment with more robust variations (like the Ummon version), or change it up and try hojicha (roasted tea) or sencha (classic green tea). These all make great gifts for tea lovers.
Where to find it: Kyoto (there are multiple locations)
15. Uniball Jetstream Pens
Uniball Jetstream pens are one of our go-to shopping items whenever we’re exploring Loft or Hands! We’ll usually buy a few for ourselves and a few as gifts/souvenirs for our most practical friends.
Papu likes the thicker ink feel (0.7mm); I like the thinner ink feeling (0.5mm). They come in so many cute pastel colors!
Where to find it: Loft, Hands, and other lifestyle stores
16. Kinto coffee mugs
Kinto products are great. Whenever we’re in Japan, we try to make it a point to hunt for them, but they’re so hard to find.
The travel tumblers and tea cups are usually pretty easy to find, but it’s the glass cups from the SEPIA line and the porcelain coffee mugs that are elusive and hard to find!
During one of my last trips, I tried as hard as I could, but I could not for the life of me find the sepia cups, so I ended up buying 4 of the clear tea cups instead. Still a good buy!
Where to find it: Loft, Hands, and the KINTO STORE in Tokyo
17. J-Beauty Products
So much good stuff can be found at the local health/beauty/drug stores. Here are some of the things I’ll usually buy myself and as gifts for all my gals back home:
- Elixir – A Shiseido brand! Elixir sells anti-aging products for people between the ages of 30-40. Per the Japanese worker I chatted with, it’s great for people “who aren’t at the age where you need Shiseido yet” 😉
- Lululun face masks – this has been the #1 best-selling face mask brand in Japan for a while.
- Heroine Make Liquid Eyeliner – Japan’s beloved drugstore eyeliner. I always bring back 4-5 sticks from Japan because my family members love ’em too.
- Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion – Locals love this stuff! You need to get the ‘premium’ one.
- Shiseido Eyelash Curler – Another beloved item that’s way cheaper in Japan!
- Tsubaki Moist Shampoo and Conditioner – In all my shampoo research, this is the one that kept coming up as a top recommendation.
Where to find it: Bic Camera, Don Quijote, local Japanese drugstores
18. Ema (Wooden Prayer Boards)
You’ll see ema hanging at almost every temple and shrine in Japan—small wooden boards with handwritten wishes or prayers, left behind by visitors.
The word ema literally means “picture horse” because people used to donate horses to shrines; now, they leave illustrated boards instead. While horses are still a common design, you’ll also find ema with everything from zodiac animals to anime characters, depending on the temple/shrine you visit.
19. Japanese Handmade Crafts
If you’re looking for souvenirs that feel special and meaningful, handmade crafts are the way to go. From beautifully lacquered boxes to finely crafted chopsticks and ceramics, these are items made with care, precision, and centuries of tradition behind them.
One thing that makes Japan stand out is how deeply rooted craftsmanship is in daily life—and how it varies by region. Many areas of Japan are known for perfecting a specific craft over generations, often within family-run businesses that have been doing the same work for over a hundred years.
For example, the town of Arita in Saga Prefecture is famed for its Arita ware, a style of porcelain that’s been produced there since the 1600s. The Tohoku region in northern Japan is where you’ll find traditional Kokeshi dolls—simple, hand-carved wooden dolls that started out as children’s toys and evolved into collectible folk art.
In Kyoto, kimonos made with Nishijin-ori (a specialty woven textile using gold and silver threads) are still being made by hand in small workshops.
That’s just scratching the surface! You can find indigo-dyed fabrics from Tokushima, gold-leaf lacquerware from Kanazawa, artisan knives from Sakai (near Osaka), and so much more.
Where to find it: You’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces in small specialty shops, department stores, and even markets like those in Asakusa or Kyoto. Small towns usually have lots of artisanal goods too. If you’re visiting a small town known for a certain craft, seek out local artisan museums. They often sell pieces directly from the makers, at better prices than department stores in the big cities.
20. Tokyo Disneyland Merchandise
Even if you’re not a die-hard Disney fan, the merch at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea is on another level—and makes for seriously fun souvenirs.
The popcorn buckets are probably the most famous collectible item, with new themed designs released all the time (think adorable Pooh Bear honey buckets, light-up Tinkerbell lantern buckets, Baymax in a floaty, or even Duffy & Friends in a ‘teacup’).
People go nuts collecting them—and they make awesome gifts for Disney-loving friends back home. We also love the smaller, packable stuff like Tokyo Disney aloha shirts, Mickey ears with a Japanese twist, or those adorable post-shower headbands inspired by Monsters Inc characters.
If something catches your eye—grab it! It might not be there next time.
21. Gachapon Toys
These capsule toy machines are everywhere in Japan—and they’re not just for kids. Papu and I are grown ass adults and we still love popping into a gachapon store or arcade whenever we can!
You’ll find everything from miniature food models to random pop culture characters, often for just 300–400 yen. That’s nearly half the cost of gachapon in the U.S., so stock up guilt-free!
Where to find it: Bandai Official Gashapon shops, Taito Station, other arcades; you can also type in ‘gachapon’ into your maps app and see what comes up. There are lots of independently owned gachapon shops all over Japan.
22. Anime Figures / Collectibles
If you’re an anime fan—or shopping for someone who is—Japan is the holy grail for anime figures and collectibles.
Popular series like Demon Slayer, One Piece, Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, Gundam, and even Sailor Moon have dedicated aisles full of character figures, plushies, and keychains.
You’ll also find entire stores with shelves packed to the ceiling with both brand-new releases and hard-to-find, vintage action figure items that are still in great condition.
In Tokyo, head to Akihabara—it’s anime shopping heaven. In Osaka, check out Den Den Town in Nipponbashi for a similar vibe but fewer crowds.
Where to find it: For new figures, big-name shops like Animate or Kotobukiya are your go-tos. But if you love the thrill of treasure hunting like we do, you’ll want to dig through secondhand stores like Mandarake and Lashinbang—these are goldmines for finding rare items at lower prices.
23. Japanese Pickled Veggies (Tsukemono)
Japanese pickled vegetables—called tsukemono—are a totally slept-on souvenir. If you enjoy cooking, these babies can totally upgrade your meals back home!
Some of the most common ones you’ll see are pickled daikon radish (takuan), ginger (gari), pickled cucumbers, and plum (umeboshi). They’re often served as side dishes, palate cleansers with sushi, or mixed with rice to add texture and tang to a rice bowl.
Once you’re back, they’re super easy to use—just slice and serve with plain rice, add on top of grilled meats, or even throw into sandwiches or salads for a hit of flavor. They last a while in the fridge, which is awesome!
Where to find it: The supermarket, open-air market areas (Nishiki in Kyoto, Kuromon in Osaka, etc.), or specialty food shops.
24. Kitchenware
Japan is a treasure trove of beautiful (and quirky) kitchenware. On the traditional side, you’ll find hand-painted lacquer boxes, delicate teacup sets, matcha bowls, and ceramic soy sauce dishes that feel like they belong in a ryokan.
Even everyday items like chopsticks, sake cups, and chopstick holders are thoughtfully designed—perfect to bring home if you want a touch of Japan in your daily life. On past trips, I’ve picked up super practical items too—like a garlic press, a ramen straining basket, a sushi roller, and even a spam musubi making box.
But on the flip side, Japan also leans hard into cute culture. You’ll easily find kitchenware featuring characters from Studio Ghibli, Pokémon, Sanrio, and just about every nostalgic franchise you can think of.
Where to find it: Daiso, family-owned porcelain shops, etc.
25. Japanese Sake or Whiskey
Japan is world-famous for its sake and whiskey, and bringing home a bottle is a great way to remember your trip. Well-known whiskey brands like Suntory, Nikka, and Hibiki are often cheaper in Japan than abroad, and you’ll find a huge variety of regional sake options too.
If you’re visiting a ton of different places in Japan, I recommend you buy your bottles at the airport duty-free or on your last day to avoid lugging them around your entire trip. Plus, airport shops usually have travel-safe packaging and seasonal gift sets.
Where to find it: Don Quijote, Bic Camera, local drink shops, and the airport
More Souvenir Ideas For You:
- Japanese branded shoes – Onitsuka Tiger, Mizuno
- Japanese branded clothing/gear – MUJI, Beams, BAPE, Issey Miyake, Montbell, Uniqlo, Porter (Yoshida & Co)
- Watches – Grand Seiko, Seiko and Casio
- Smiski collectible figurines
- Sanrio things
- Car air fresheners – Don Quijote has a few different brands to choose from
- Japanese cute stickers and stationery items – Rainbowholic in Tokyo is cute
Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!
Tokyo / Mt. Fuji
- 15 Best Hotels In Tokyo Near JR Yamanote Line (With Map)
- 2 Days In Tokyo, Japan: Best Things To Do With Your Time
- The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary In Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go
- 10 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan
- 25 Best Things To Do In Tokyo At Night
- 20 Top Things To Do In Shinjuku, Tokyo’s High-Energy District
- Disney Tokyo vs. DisneySea: Which One Is Right For You?
- 7 Hotels With Epic Mt. Fuji Views In The Lake Kawaguchi Area
- 2 Days In Kawaguchiko: An Epic Overnight Trip To Mount Fuji
