What to Buy In Japan: 18 Best Souvenirs + Where to Find Them
I spend a lot of time in Japan. I’ve been either visiting or living there since 2017. And over the years, I’ve collected tons of trinkets, souvenirs and random stuff.
So this is my curated list of what to buy in Japan.
While I’ve included a lot of “expected” souvenirs, my goal for this list is to have some things you probably won’t find in other lists (like Hanko stamps and vintage trinkets from trendy towns).
Now let’s do this!
Different Types of Japan Souvenirs
Japan has a whole suite of souvenir options. And for clarity, it helps to organize them into different categories.
Here’s how I break down the main types of souvenirs in Japan:
Traditional Japanese Souvenirs. These are historical in nature or relate to culture or traditional Japanese customs.
Anime Souvenirs. These are novelties for your favorite manga series and characters.
Artsy Souvenirs. These are the creative goods — from music and art to pens, prints and notebooks.
Unique Finds. These are the quirky, random or kawaii finds you’ll inevitably find as you stroll between stores and towns.
Perishable Stuff. These are food or drink-related souvenirs.
Clothing. Japan has some amazing shopping and fashion, so this deserves a whole category of its own.
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What to Buy In Japan (18 best Japan souvenirs)
1. Tsuko-Tegata (wooden passport)
Tsuko-tegata are traditional wooden “passports”, which were popular during the Edo period in Japan.
They used to be used as a form of authorization for travel between regions in Japan, but now they’re a novelty (and a popular souvenir for visitors).
These are lightweight, pretty small and can be used as artwork on tables or walls back home — honestly, they’re a perfect addition to your Japanese souvenirs collection!
You can find tsuko-tegata at some temples and shrines and many hot spring resorts.
2. Unique Secondhand Clothes + Trinkets
Japan (especially Tokyo) is amazing for shopping and unique secondhand finds. These are the perfect souvenirs if you’re into fashion.
My three favorite spots for thrifting in Tokyo are Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji and Shibuya (but especially Shimokitazawa).
So why not skip the tourist spots and big box retail stores — go for something totally unique and one-of-a-kind.
3. Chopsticks (ohashi)
I can’t eat noodles with a fork anymore. Honestly, it just makes so much more sense to use chopsticks for these dishes! (except for pasta)
So I end up bringing chopsticks back home for both novelty and practical reasons.
But they really are the perfect souvenir choice. They embody Japanese food culture and you can find some pretty sweet, high-quality designs too.
You can find chopsticks pretty much everywhere — just keep an eye out as you hop around stores and explore the city.
4. Kick-Ass Stickers from B-Side Label
I love collecting stickers — I don’t even end up using most of them. They feel like mini artwork.
So if you’re like me (and into sticker graffiti), then you need to check out B-Side Label in Tokyo. They have a whole store full of unique stickers and work with local artists too. So you can find some seriously cool stickers there.
They have two locations in Tokyo, but I usually go to the one in Kichijoji (Setagaya in Google).
Kichijoji is one of my favorite Tokyo towns to visit, and the sticker shop there sits right next to Inokashira park, which is freaking beautiful — especially during sakura season.
5. Grab A Suica Card
A Suica card is super practical to have in Japan. They work like a debit card for taking the trains in Japan and can be used at most local stores and restaurants too.
It’s the perfect way to pay for things — but they’re also the perfect souvenir to take back home with you.
You can pick up a Welcome Suica at the Japan Rail Cafe Tokyo, a JR East travel service center (at the airport) or at a Welcome Suica vending machine (also at the airport).
Tip: Charge your Suica cards at any train station ticket machine. And to pay with your Suica when shopping, just say “Suica de” [Sui-ka day] at the register.
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6. Get A Personal Hanko Stamp
A hanko stamp is a personal carved stamp, often used as a signature for formal documents and situations.
They were traditionally used in Japan to substitute a handwritten signature (and are still widely used).
While you won’t be needing a hanko stamp in any formal capacity, they make for a great souvenir!
Live Japan has a great article if you want to learn more about where and how to buy a hanko stamp in Japan.
7. Goshuincho Stamp Book
If you plan on visiting lots of temples and shrines, then a goshuincho stamp book is the perfect souvenir for you.
Goshuincho are stamp/seal books that people use to collect unique stamps from each temple or shrine that they visit in Japan (and Japan has over 150,000 — so, you may need more than one book…and a couple lifetimes…).
Since you probably won’t be able to fill up your goshuincho book in a single trip, it’s a nice incentive to visit Japan again.
But either way, it’s a great souvenir — even if you never fill the book.
You can buy goshuincho books at tourist shops, book stores or some shrines/temples.
8. Omamori Amulet (good luck charms)
Omamori amulets are good luck charms sold at most temples or shrines (making them a solid addition to a goshuincho stamp book).
Omamori are believed to give you good fortune, protections and blessings. These talismans also often come in tiny bags with different designs.
So, good luck and good aesthetics? Sounds like the perfect souvenir.
9. Japanese Ceramics + Dishware
My first souvenir purchase in Japan was a stained wooden bowl I bought for my parents — it’s pretty normal-looking to the casual observer, but it comes with a cool travel story.
So if you’re into coffee cups, bowls and other dishware, Japan has some pretty sweet options.
You can grab matcha bowls, coffee cups, tumblers, bento boxes, ceramic dishes and more.
If you’re keen to explore this type of souvenir, here are some stores to start your search:
MUJI
Random local shops
Starbucks themed mugs
Daiso, 3Coins or Can Do (*these break more easily though)
10. Unique Kit Kat Flavors
Japan is known for its outrageous Kit Kat flavors — we’re talking sweet potato, strawberry, sakura, pudding and of course, green tea (matcha).
There are tons of flavors and you can find them at most grocery stores or general stores, like Donki.
(BTW, the sweet potato one is amazing)
11. Japanese Folding Fan (sensu)
Japanese fans (called sensu in Japanese) are the perfect souvenir. They’re artistic, unique and easy to travel home with (and make for a great gift).
But they’re not just aesthetic novelties, they’re practical too — especially if you’re traveling to Japan in the summer heat.
You can find cheap sensu at Donki or Daiso (basically a dollar store).
But if you’re keen to find something unique, check out local souvenir shops or fancier stores, like Omotesando's Oriental Bazaar.
BTW, Omotesando is a cool luxury shopping area next to Harajuku, Meiji shrine and Yoyogi park. It’s an awesome area to spend the day in.
12. Studio Ghibli Stuff
If you’re into Japanese animation (and Hayao Miyazaki’s art), then the Ghibli Museum is definitely worth checking out. And for souvenirs, there’s an awesome gift shop with tons of unique stuff inside.
The Ghibli Museum is located right in Tokyo (in Mitaka). When I visited, I just walked from Kichijoji station, which is where I lived at the time (this is about a 20-minute walk and a nice stroll if the weather is good).
Otherwise, you can take a train directly to Mitaka station.
But depending where you’re staying in Tokyo, just use Google Maps to find the best route.
13. Custom Calligraphy
Japanese calligraphy (shodō or shūji) is a traditional zen practice that’s meant to evoke harmony and balance.
And this is an awesome souvenir idea. It’s artistic, unique and screams “Yep, I definitely went to Japan.”
Plus, as an added bonus, you can get a cool cultural experience at the same time (by taking a local calligraphy class or workshop).
You can find calligraphy classes by searching online or reserve one using the Viator link just below.
14. Japanese Art
Calligraphy isn’t the only artsy souvenir you can get from Japan! There are tons of galleries, local artists, prints and secondhand shops to explore.
While you’ll need to be careful traveling with high-value artwork across borders (declaring it with customs), there are plenty of cheaper options.
Here’s a short list of ideas and places to look:
Ukiyo-e (woodblock prints)
Kakejiku (hanging art scroll)
Gift shop prints (at museums)
Local galleries and artists (here’s a guide)
Random vintage finds (check out Shimokitazawa)
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➤ The Creative Travel Guide
15. Anime Merch
Japan — home of manga and all things anime. If you’re looking for some unique anime merch, you’re covered.
Here are some of the top spots to find anime souvenirs in Japan:
Akihabara
Shibuya
Ikebukuro
Nakano
Nipponbashi Den Den Town (Osaka)
You can also check out any one of the many anime-themed cafes or watch out for anime pop up shops and events.
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16. Tenugui Towels
Tenugui towels are small pocket towels used for cleaning, wrapping gifts, covering heads, interior decorating and more.
They’re essentially multi-purpose Japanese hand towels. And there are so many amazing designs to choose from.
You can find these towels at nearly every store — but check out the smaller, local or less corporate shops to find some more unique designs.
These are a perfect souvenir, and something you can grab a few of (I can never choose just one design when I shop for new ones).
17. A Kimono or Yukata
Kimonos are traditional Japanese garments, often worn for holidays, fireworks and other traditional events (they’re the national dress of Japan).
Yukatas are summer kimonos (they’re lightweight robes and not as hot).
While kimono wearing remains a popular tourist activity, why not take things up a notch and actually buy one as a souvenir to take home with you?
You can pick up a kimono at shopping centers, secondhand stores (like Hard Off) or at a dedicated kimono shop. Tokyo Cheapo has a guide where you can learn more.
18. Japanese Notebooks and Pens
I’m a total sucker for notebooks, unique pens and random stationary goods (probably because I like writing and sketching).
So if you’re like me, then Japan has some awesome options! These are great (and practical) souvenirs.
Here are some of my favorite places to buy notebooks and pens in Japan:
Tokyu hands
Loft
MUJI
BONUS TIP: Finding Secret Goods
If you’re looking for something truly unique, then spend some time strolling around unique (less touristy) areas.
Kichijoji, Koenji, Shimokitazawa are all great choices.
For example, I used to live in Kichijoji (about 20 minutes outside of Shibuya), and there’s an amazing street full of used clothing stores, restaurants, cafes and vintage shops selling seriously unique trinkets and items.
There was one store that always had epic souvenirs — Oharashoten.
The site is all in Japanese, but they have tons of statues (small and big), figurines, watches, jewelry boxes and more. This store is actually on the same street as the B-Side Label sticker shop (from above).
Later ✌️
Japan is full of amazing souvenirs, and a lot of them are pretty cheap, small and even practical.
Personally, my favorites are stickers, tenugui towels, sensu fans, Kit Kats, thrift store finds and unique notebooks.
But honestly, if you just spend any amount of time wandering the city and popping into different shops and boutiques, you’ll find even more unique stuff (beyond this list or any other).
Want More? Nice. Here’s More.
