If you’ve ever had to sit on your suitcase to zip it shut, you’re not alone. Shopping in Japan is part treasure hunt, part joy therapy—and part luggage Tetris. Today, let’s talk about the souvenirs that are practical, memorable, and suitcase-friendly.
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🧥 Sukajan (Souvenir Jacket)
These flashy embroidered jackets blend Japanese art and American bomber-jacket vibes. Originating in post-WWII Yokosuka, sukajan feature dragons, tigers, Mt. Fuji, and more.
🧵 Material: Silk, rayon, polyester, acetate 💸 Price range: ¥10,000–¥50,000
🛍 Where to shop:
- Toyo Enterprises (Tailor Toyo)
- Masterpiece
- Dobuita Street (Yokosuka)
- Graniph (for women’s styles)
- BSC Gallery (Kyoto)
🎌 Why not a kimono? Unless you know how to wear one properly and have space at home, it’s more hassle than it’s worth. Opt for a robe with kimono designs instead!
🗺 Where to Buy: Dobuita Street (Yokosuka), BSC Gallery (Kyoto), Graniph stores (nationwide)
⌚ Japanese Watches
Japan’s watch precision is legendary. From tech innovation to traditional craftsmanship, there’s something for every style and budget.
⏱ Top brands:
- Seiko / Grand Seiko
- Citizen (Eco-Drive)
- Orient / Orient Star
- Casio (from budget digital to premium G-SHOCK)
- Kyoto Kuoe (hand-assembled, vintage-style, around ¥60,000–¥100,000)
🗺 Where to Buy: Yodobashi Camera (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto), Kyoto Kuoe shop (Kyoto)
🔪 Japanese Kitchen Knives
A Japanese knife is the ultimate culinary souvenir—sharp, beautiful, and functional. Forget the katana; a gyuto (chef’s knife), santoku (multi-purpose), or petty (utility knife) will impress your guests and slice like a dream.
🗡 Recommended brands:
- Sadamune
- Sakai Takayuki
- Tojiro (Tsubame-Sanjo)
- Kikuichimonji
🛠 Tips:
- Stainless steel is low-maintenance. Carbon steel needs more care but delivers top-tier sharpness.
- Many stores like Seisuke offer custom name engraving.
- Prices: ¥25,000–¥50,000
- Pack it in checked luggage!
Why not a katana? Aside from being difficult to transport, they’re impractical and may be restricted in your country.
🗺 Where to Buy: Seisuke Knife (Kyoto), Kappabashi Street (Tokyo), department stores and cutlery shops in Tsubame-Sanjo (Niigata)
👟 Footwear Finds
Japan is sneakerhead heaven—with limited releases, cool collabs, and hidden gems.
👞 Recommendations:
- Onitsuka Tiger – heritage style with a global following
- ASICS & Mizuno – elite comfort for runners & walkers
- Workman “Ken-san Work Shoes 2” – a ¥780 deadlift secret for lifters!
- Nike Dunk restocks – Japan gets regional exclusives you can’t find elsewhere
⚠️ Women’s sizes above 25 cm are rare—men’s or unisex styles may be the workaround.
🗺 Where to Buy: ABC Mart (nationwide), Workman stores (suburban areas), Onitsuka Tiger boutiques (Tokyo, Osaka)
📷 Electronics (Cameras, Shavers, Games)
Japan is an electronics paradise, especially for:
📸 Cameras & lenses – Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, etc.
🪒 Electric shavers – Try before buying at Yodobashi (Panasonic, Braun, Philips)
🎮 Retro games & PC parts – Great second-hand deals. (Avoid Akihabara if you can as the prices tend to be steeper compared to less tourist-frequented neighborhoods)
💡 Always check language settings and voltage compatibility!
🗺 Where to Buy: Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, second-hand shops like Sofmap and Hard Off (Tokyo, Osaka)
🖋 Japanese Fountain Pens
These aren’t just for pen collectors—Japanese pens are beautiful, precise, and a joy to use.
🖊 Recommended brands:
- Pilot (Custom 823, Maki-e series)
- Sailor (Professional Gear)
- Platinum
💸 Price: ¥25,000–¥50,000+ (collector-level up to ¥800,000!)
🗺 Where to Buy: Itoya (Tokyo), department stores like Isetan and Takashimaya (nationwide)
🥢 Chopsticks (My Hashi)
High-quality chopsticks are elegant and functional souvenirs. Many shops offer custom engraving.
🌟 Styles to look for:
- Wakasa-nuri (lacquered)
- Wajima-nuri (traditional lacquerware)
- Nanbu Tekki (iron)
💡 Hand wash only to protect the finish!
🗺 Where to Buy: Specialty chopstick shops in Kyoto, Kanazawa, and department stores
🥃 Japanese Alcohol
Japan produces world-famous whisky and unique fruit liqueurs like umeshu.
🍶 Recommended picks:
- Whisky: Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, Yoichi, Miyagikyo, Taketsuru
- Umeshu: Choya, Suntory barrel-aged, Umenoyado
- Sake: Dassai, Kokuryu
- Shochu: Maou, Hyakunen no Kodoku
🗺 Where to Buy: Duty-free shops (Narita, Kansai, Itami airports), department stores, Yamaya and Liquor Mountain, Don Quijote
🏺 Japanese Ceramics & Glassware
Whether you’re a sake lover or tableware collector, Japanese ceramics make tasteful, practical gifts.
🍶 Styles:
- Kiyomizu-yaki (Kyoto)
- Kutani-yaki (Ishikawa)
- Edo Kiriko (Tokyo cut glass)
- Bizen-yaki (Okayama)
🗺 Where to Buy: Kiyomizu-zaka (Kyoto), Kanazawa (Kutani-yaki), Tokyo (Edo Kiriko), Kurashiki (Bizen-yaki)
👖 Kurashiki Jeans (Okayama Denim)
Japan’s best-kept secret: jeans built to last.
👖 Brands:
- Momotaro
- Japan Blue
- Kojima Genes
- Evisu / Edwin
🎨 Features: Selvedge denim, indigo dyeing, hand-finishing
🗺 Where to Buy: Kojima Denim Street (Kurashiki City, Okayama)
🎌 Otaku & Kawaii Goods
Japan is a dream for anime lovers and collectors.
🧸 Top picks:
- Ichiban Kuji figures
- Pokémon Center exclusives
- Sanrio (Hello Kitty, etc.)
- Studio Ghibli (Donguri Kyowakoku)
- Tamagotchi (new & retro)
- Gachapon (capsule toys)
- Manga & magazines
- Keychains & stationery (Loft, Tokyu Hands)
🗺 Where to Buy: Pokémon Center, Donguri Kyowakoku, Animate, Loft, Tokyu Hands, second-hand stores (Surugaya, Mandarake)
🍵 Japanese Tea & Teaware
High-quality tea is a thoughtful and cultural souvenir.
🍃 Tea types:
- Sencha, Gyokuro, Hojicha, Genmaicha, Matcha
🛍 Top brands: Ito En, Ujitawara Seicha, Fukujuen, Ippodo
🫖 Tip: Gift tea bags for convenience, not matcha unless they know how to prep it.
🗺 Where to Buy: Ippodo (Kyoto), Nakamura Tokichi (Uji), department stores, Loft, Tokyu Hands
⛩ Shrine & Temple Souvenirs
🎁 Items with spiritual meaning:
- Omamori (charms for love, health, luck, etc.)
- Goshuin (temple stamps) & Goshuincho (stamp books)
- Daruma dolls – make a wish, fill in one eye; fill the second when it comes true
🗺 Where to Buy: Major shrines and temples across Japan, Loft, Tokyu Hands
👕 Kanji Apparel & Funny Socks
Japan-exclusive fashion is always a hit.
🧦 What to grab:
- Graniph T-shirts (cute & quirky)
- Anime shirts
- Oddball kanji socks
🗺 Where to Buy: Graniph, Don Quijote, anime stores, Loft
💄 Skincare Picks
Japanese drugstores are packed with skincare treasures.
💧 Staff favorites:
- Canmake (budget-friendly makeup)
- Hada Labo (moisturizers)
- SK-II (luxury pick)
🗺 Where to Buy: Don Quijote, Matsumoto Kiyoshi (drugstores), Loft
🍫 Japanese Snacks
Treat your friends with bulk snack packs:
- Kit Kat (wild flavors!)
- Black Thunder (life-changing chocolate bar)
- Koala’s March, Hi-Chew, Pure gummies
🎁 Pro tip: Mix & match for DIY snack bundles
🗺 Where to Buy: Don Quijote, convenience stores, department store food halls
🌸 Japan-Exclusive Merch
From Sakura-themed drinkware to city pin badges, don’t miss these souvenirs:
- Starbucks Japan – City mugs, limited-edition tumblers
- Hard Rock Café Japan – Local designs & collectible pins
🗺 Where to Buy: Starbucks Japan (major cities), Hard Rock Café Japan locations (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka)
🌶 Japanese Spices
Level up your home cooking with authentic spice blends.
🔥 Must-tries:
- Ichimi togarashi – pure chili
- Shichimi togarashi – 7-spice blend
- Kuro shichimi – roasted version
- Yuzu kosho – citrus chili paste
Use on: Fries, steak, burgers, popcorn, grilled meat, and more!
🗺 Where to Buy: Yagenbori (Asakusa, Tokyo), Shichimiya Honpo (Kyoto), Hararyokaku (Kyoto), Yawataya Isogoro (Nagano)
Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog on cooking with Japanese spices! 😉
👓 Made-in-Japan Eyewear
Get stylish, high-quality prescription glasses at great prices. No visit to an optometrist necessary!
🔍 Top brands:
- Azabu Megane-do (luxury)
- Kaneko Optical (handmade)
- Hakusan Megane (minimalist)
- Zoff & JINS (budget with eye check included)
💸 Price range: ¥5,000–¥50,000+
🗺 Where to Buy: Flagship brand stores, Megane Ichiba, Paris Miki, Aigan, Megane Super
✨ Final Thoughts
Here’s one last tip—don’t stress about finding everything. Go where the odds are good, keep an open mind, and embrace what you find. And if you miss something? That’s just an excuse to come back.
Maybe one of your best souvenirs will be the photos from a tour with us. Until next time—mata ne!
For more guides and tips on all things Japan, check out the PiQtour YouTube page!
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