Author’s Profile
Misty Fujii is a Canadian DJ and author who got here to Japan searching for journey and caught round for love. Residing life as a bucket checklist in progress, she’s as enthusiastic about sharing her tales as she is experiencing them. She will get enthusiastic about gathering classic vinyl information, meals from all nations, touring, and renovating her conventional Japanese home. She could be discovered on Instagram @djmisty
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Japan. A land of neon cities, dazzling temples, serene gardens, and unbelievable purchasing! You’ve snagged the right presents for everybody again house, however what about you? Neglect generic souvenirs; you’re right here for treasures that scream, “I used to be in Japan!” lengthy after you’ve unpacked. Japan presents a cornucopia of distinctive finds, from beautiful kitchenware to quirky devices. It’s no surprise many seasoned vacationers suggest arriving with an additional, empty suitcase. So, ditch the stress of memento searching and put together to deal with your self (and possibly a number of fortunate buddies). Let’s take a look at some nice souvenirs Japan has to supply!
Let’s dive into the highest 10 purchases you completely should carry house from Japan.
1. On the spot Ramen
Low cost, scrumptious, and a Japanese staple: that’s prompt ramen! Japan’s prompt ramen is a cultural icon with extra varieties than anybody may style in a lifetime. You may simply discover Michelin-starred flavors hiding in comfort shops, regional specialties, and sufficient variations to fill a suitcase. Whether or not you seize a number of packs from the native grocery store or get artistic and make your individual customized taste at a Cup Noodles museum (situated in Osaka and Yokohama), prompt ramen is the right edible memento to carry a style of Japan house.
Unsure the place to start out? Take a look at our picks for the ten greatest prompt ramen to take again house!
2. Japanese Knives and Swords
Need a memento that’s each lovely and sensible? Japanese knives and swords are legendary. From world-renowned kitchen knives solid with centuries-old strategies to the attract of katana swords, they will showcase the most effective of Japanese craftsmanship. Simply bear in mind, kitchen knives belong in checked baggage, and the legalities surrounding katana, particularly genuine ones, require cautious navigation, together with export certificates and customs declarations. Ornamental swords provide a less complicated various however at all times examine your house nation’s import guidelines. Hit up markets like Tokyo’s Kappabashi or Kyoto’s Nishiki Marketplace for knives and discover specialty outlets for swords, however be ready for the potential paperwork and time (a few weeks to months!) for the true deal. Some outlets will help with the method and will even be capable to ship them on to your house, so that may be an enormous assist!
3. Classic Clothes
Neglect quick vogue as a result of Japan boasts a few of the world’s most spectacular collections of pre-loved gems. From iconic American classics like completely worn-in Levi’s to the beautiful artistry of classic kimonos, Japan’s dedication to high quality means you’ll discover items with unimaginable character and nonetheless in gorgeous situation. Whether or not looking for a novel assertion piece or a timeless wardrobe staple, the sheer focus of classic shops in districts like Harajuku, Koenji, or Shimokitazawa in Tokyo and Amerikamura or Nakazakicho in Osaka ensures you’ll discover one thing that speaks to you. Whereas true bargains is likely to be elusive on this educated market, the fun of the hunt and the reassurance of top-notch high quality make classic purchasing in Japan an unforgettable expertise.
4. Know-how, Consoles, and {Hardware}
Japan’s a treasure trove for techies and avid gamers, overflowing with devices and gizmos you gained’t discover wherever else. Assume retro consoles you’ve solely dreamed of, cutting-edge cameras, wonderful high quality audio gear, or high-tech bathroom seats to carry the spa expertise house. Japan is understood for having a few of the most helpful merchandise and innovations which have modified our lives. Whether or not you’re looking for brand-new gadgets or digging by classic outlets for hidden gems (and unimaginable offers!), Japan’s electrifying tech scene ensures you’ll snag one thing severely cool for your self, buddies, and even your native resale market again house. And with so many devoted tech neighborhoods and shops, you’ve loads of purchasing to stay up for.
5. Goshuin
Need a really distinctive and significant memento from Japan? Neglect mass-produced trinkets, and dive into the world of goshuin! These aren’t simply stamps; they’re miniature artworks, brushed in beautiful calligraphy by monks at temples and shrines throughout Japan. Every is a novel report, marking your go to with the temple’s identify, the date, and generally even a blessing. Acquire them in a particular goshuincho e book (additionally out there at most temples), and you may create a treasured travelogue of your Japanese adventures. Plus, since most temples and shrines are free to enter, shopping for a goshuin is a gorgeous solution to help these sacred areas. Search for the characters 御朱印 (goshuin) or 御朱印所 (goshuinjo) to seek out the place to get your individual cultural souvenir.
6. Japanese Stationery
Japanese stationery is subsequent stage. Full cease. Put together to be amazed by a world of precision pens that glide like silk, notebooks so completely designed they beg to be full of sensible concepts, and lovely erasers formed like every part from sushi to shiba inu canines. Japanese stationery celebrates analog in a digital world, the place high quality, performance, and considerate particulars reign supreme. Japan marries custom with innovation, crafting every part from delicate washi paper for letter writing to ingenious devices like miniature staplers and transportable scissors. Whereas yow will discover some treasures overseas, looking for stationery in Japan is an expertise itself, with unbeatable costs and a dizzying array of choices that may make any paper lover swoon.
7. Otaku Gadgets
Listn up anime aficionados and manga maniacs! Japan presents infinite otaku delights, with every part from classic manga comics to the most recent anime character collectible figurines. Whether or not you’re looking for uncommon collectibles in Akihabara’s electrical streets or diving into Osaka’s Den-Den City’s retro vibe, put together to be overwhelmed (in one of the best ways potential) by a universe of Japanese popular culture. Assume stacks of manga at discount costs, infinite shows of anime merch, and sufficient buying and selling playing cards to fill a stadium. These otaku treasures make killer souvenirs and are an ideal solution to bear in mind your journey. They even have some severe resale potential again house. So, should you’re a Japanese popular culture fan, get able to unleash your interior otaku and hunt for some superior finds!
8. Japanese Snacks
Neglect primary, boring grocery retailer and merchandising machine fare as a result of Japan takes snacking to a complete new stage of taste, from savory seaweed crisps to melt-in-your-mouth mochi. You’ll see vibrant packaging, excellent portion sizes, and a mind-boggling array of treats you gained’t discover wherever else. You’ve in all probability heard of Pocky and Equipment Kats (and the seemingly infinite Japanese flavors!), however put together to find a universe of crunchy, chewy, candy, and savory delights you’d by no means have imagined. Loads of the packaging has the added bonus of being tremendous kawaii, too, making Japanese snacks and sweet the final word (and reasonably priced) buy to carry house.
Only a heads-up: consumable tax-free goodies are sealed in your homecoming feast, so seize some extras should you plan on snacking your means by Japan!
9. Magnificence Merchandise
Japanese magnificence is a science. Whereas Western skincare typically chases fast fixes, Japan’s strategy is about prevention and nurturing wholesome pores and skin from inside. This dedication to long-term radiance, mixed with cutting-edge formulation and kawaii packaging, makes Japanese skincare and cosmetics vital. From the luxurious textures of Shiseido and SK-II to the budget-friendly brilliance of drugstore gems like UV Aqua Wealthy sunscreen and Canmake make-up, Japan is the house to skincare and make-up magic. Filled with pure elements like rice, inexperienced tea, and yuzu, rigorously harnessed for his or her skin-loving properties, Japanese magnificence merchandise are among the many world’s greatest. It’s no surprise savvy consumers typically dedicate valuable suitcase area to those magnificence hauls, and belief us; you’ll need to, too!
10. Alcohol
Japan’s drinks scene is epic, from world-class sake and award-winning whiskies to distinctive native brews you gained’t discover wherever else! Along with the apparent decisions, Japanese wines are rising in recognition, and even spirits like shochu are gaining a cult following. After all, no journey to Japan is full with out sampling sake – and belief me, you’ll need to carry some house. Look ahead to limited-edition bottles and loopy flavors of acquainted liquors, too (I’ll always remember the matcha flavored Baileys I discovered on my first journey to Japan!). Simply bear in mind to examine your nation’s alcohol limits and pack these valuable bottles safely in your checked baggage so you possibly can preserve the kanpai spirit alive lengthy after you’ve left!
Now that you simply’re armed with this greatest purchases information, it’s time to pack your luggage (and an additional suitcase!) and embark in your Japanese purchasing journey! What are you most excited to carry house?
Japan Surprise Journey Excursions
Japan Surprise Journey is a journey company that gives guided excursions all through Japan.
From non-public strolling excursions to scrumptious Meals and Drink excursions, we will help you set up the most effective excursions only for you! If you wish to discover Japan and be taught extra in regards to the historical past and backstories of every space you’re visiting, our educated and pleasant English talking guides will fortunately take you to the most effective spots!
As well as, we will give you any help it’s possible you’ll want in your upcoming journey to Japan, so please be at liberty to contact us if in case you have any questions or want some assist!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Meals and Drink Tour
Discover probably the most vigorous and standard fish market in Tokyo and take a look at a few of the native’s favourite avenue meals and sake with considered one of our pleasant and educated English talking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Non-public Strolling Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no higher solution to discover an space than taking a tour with a educated native information. You should have the prospect to be taught in regards to the historical past and fascinating background tales of Tokyo, in addition to uncover some hidden gems which could be onerous to do with out a information.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Journey Bus Tour from Tokyo
Expertise the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the world on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you possibly can journey comfortably to all the greatest spots within the space by bus.
▶Kyoto Non-public Full Day Strolling Tour
On this full-day non-public tour of Kyoto, it is possible for you to to see the highlights of Kyoto in simply someday and on the identical time develop a deeper understanding of each the tradition of the world and Japan as a complete.
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Comfortable touring!
