Buying souvenirs from Japan is like going down the rabbit hole if you don’t know what to get. Japan has all kinds of souvenirs. Manga, anime, merchandise, snacks, stationery, DVDs, records, crafts, traditional homewares, Pokemon, and Japan, even have an entire electric town – Akihabara, packed with electric goods. 

With so much to look at, it’s easy to get distracted, lose track of time, and YEN. That’s the first concern that struck me when I searched: “What is the best souvenir from Japan?” before my solo trip to Japan. 

I didn’t want to buy anything to fill my bag. I wanted it to be well-thought-out souvenirs. And the best way to do it? Explore and ask locals. That’s exactly what I did. 7-Eleven, markets, shrines, LOFT, Don Quijote, and every nook and corner, wherever I went, I looked for unique souvenirs. And, eventually, I did get my hands on the best souvenirs from Japan that you cannot miss.

Best souvenirs to buy from Japan without regret 

1. Anime and Manga

Even if you are not a big anime and manga fan, this is one thing you must buy as a souvenir in Japan. You can buy the merchandise, key chains, and books (the English version, if you don’t read Japanese). Mandarake in Akihabara and Den-Den Town in Osaka are the best places to get anime and manga souvenirs. Comparatively, I would say go to Osaka, it’s a lot less crowded and touristy. 

I also love the figurines. Japan has every anime figurine in store. The collectibles are so unique that they do deserve a spot on the shelves of your house. Besides, buy the Pokémon plushies – there are a bunch of Pokémon stores across Japan—Shibuya, Tokyo, Kyoto, etc. 

2. Japanese Kitchen Knife

Souvenirs should be long-lasting and a part of daily life. So, what better than a kitchen knife? Practically, you can use it every day and remember your travel days in Japan. Known for their intricate handwork on knives, Japan’s traditional knives are high-quality and made of stronger material when compared to Western knives.

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street in Osaka, Sakai in Kyoto, and Seki in Gifu are all great places to explore Japanese knives. In fact, you can even visit the Japanese knife factory – Takefu Knife Village to experience knife making as well. But, if you don’t want to stop with just a Japanese knife, get your hands on a Katana – a replica of a Japanese samurai sword – an absolutely unique souvenir.

3. Studio Ghibli Merchandise

Ghibli fan? Then, the Ghibli store is the best place to get your hands on exclusive Ghibli merchandise. That said, Ghibli-inspired plushies, toys, figurines, clothing, stationery, etc., can be found across numerous chains in Japan. Be it Totoro’s or Kiki’s Delivery souvenirs, you’ve got covered. 

Donguri Kyowakoku in Tokyo, Ikebukuro, Namba, Ningyoshaka branch, and Umeda are the major stops to buy Ghibli souvenirs. Apart from this chain and the Ghibli Museum, you can buy souvenirs from Nakano Broadway and Character Street near Tokyo Station. 

Some of the best souvenirs you can ONLY buy in Japan

4. Kimono 

Kimono is not only a joy to look at or wear once for the touristy picture, but it’s also one of the popular souvenirs to buy in Japan. Although it tends to be on the expensive side of souvenir shopping, it’s really worth the yen you spend. Just take into account the material and the ways to clean it. Cleaning a kimono can be overwhelming.

Of all the places in Japan, I feel Kyoto is the best to watch locals wearing kimonos. And also for buying one. Nishijin Textile Center in Kyoto is your place to get the best silk kimonos. The entry is free. You get to see live demonstrations of weaving and silk spinning. Plus, they walk you down the line through the history of weaving in Japan. If you are a textile geek, you will be obsessed with this place. A good Kimono starts from 10,000 Yen.

5. Edo Kiriko glasses

A Tokyo-specific souvenir, especially if you like glassware – Edo Kiriko is another must-buy in Japan. The patterns on this particular glassware are all handmade – a six-step process. Whenever light strikes the glasses, it lights up beautifully. Plus, the colour adds to its beauty. 

You can buy it in pairs, liquor glasses, and even in the form of earrings. But I would say buy them in pairs. Especially if you have a partner. You can buy Edo Kiriko glasses from the Kagami Crystal Ginza shop in Chuo City, Ginza. If you are a glassware connoisseur, be prepared to splurge. 

Cheapest souvenir from Japan

6. Omamori

Japan is known for its Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples. Whenever you visit one on your solo trip, you’ll come across a name-tag-sized item, a rectangular pouch in bright colours and intricate embroidery designs – that’s Omamori. It’s an amulet. A good luck charm for protection. You’ll find the locals using it in their day-to-day life – bags, cases, phone, etc. 

It’s an integral part of Japan’s culture. And what better souvenir to bring home than a piece of culture, right? You will find a different range of Omamori. The bigger the shrine and temple, the larger the omamori collection. Purchase the one that means the most to you. On average, the cost of Omamori varies between 300 yen and 1000 yen.

Best food souvenirs from Japan

7. Japanese Snack

When it comes to snacks, Japan sure knows how to be on top. Their seasonal flavours of Kit Kats – matcha, sake, apple pie, raspberry, etc., have earned it recognition on a global scale. Besides, Pocky –  a chocolate stick is equally a delight. 

Mochi, dango, and senbei are some of the best traditional snacks you can buy from Japan as a souvenir. Shop by region – 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, and supermarkets are some of the best places to get your hands on the best Japanese snacks.

8. Drinks – from Matcha to Sake 

Japanese drinks are another popular souvenir. Matcha and sake are two iconic beverages, steeped in tradition and culture. A good frothy matcha drink speaks volumes about Japanese culture. You can taste in their Japanese tea ceremonies as well as bring it home to whip some up and savour. The best place to shop for matcha is its birthplace itself – Uji, Kyoto. 

Sake – nihonshu, on the other hand, is the representative of the liquors in Japan. You can get sake throughout Japan. Local convenience stores and supermarkets are the best places to find brands for the takeaway. You can also take sake brewery tours in any of the top cities like Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc. 

Best customised souvenirs from Japan

9. Custom Chopsticks

HYOZAEMON Chopsticks Specialty Shop in Shibuya, Tokyo, is the easiest place to grab a personalised chopstick. Be it for your friend or family, this shop is extraordinary with its service. You can choose from a selection of chopsticks, also pick a box of your choice, and engrave them.

The staff speaks English, so it’s much easier to communicate and get things done. With fewer people around, you can take your time to select from their large pool of chopsticks accordingly without spending a hefty amount. Mt. Fuji chopsticks are my favourite.  

10. Custom Stationery 

Japanese love their stationery. They are crazy about it, and if you’re a nerd, hoarding on stationery, especially the personalised ones, has to be the best souvenir buy from Japan for you. 

HININE NOTE in Shibuya, Tokyo sells beautiful paper products and customised stationery. You can create your own personal diary over here. From choosing colours to textures, it’s a kind of budget-friendly experience. 

Tips for buying best Japanese souvenirs on your solo travel

Tax-free souvenir shopping in Japan – If you plan to shop a lot, take advantage of tax–free shopping for tourists in Japan. Just keep in mind, it’s applicable only if you’re in Japan for less than 6 months, have spent a minimum of 5000 yen in one store in a day, and have your passport with you.

Make a list – With this list of 10 must-buy souvenirs from Japan, I am sure you’ve already made pointers in your mind. Now, bookmark this blog post and keep it handy for your souvenir shopping in Japan. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How expensive are souvenirs in Japan?

In Japan, the cost of a souvenir starts from as little as 100 yen and can go up to 15000 yen and more, depending on what and where you are buying from. 

2. Where to buy cheap souvenirs in Japan?

100 yen shops are the best places to buy cheap souvenirs in Japan. Nakamise-dori in Asakusa is also a great option for some street shopping on a budget. 

3. What to buy in Tokyo as a souvenir?

Besides an array of things, Edo Kiriko glasses are a must-buy in Tokyo as a souvenir, as they’re specific to the region.