Top 10 Japan Souvenirs You’ll Want to Bring Home

I was so impressed, during my first trip of Japan, by the variety of the quirkiness of the souvenirs.

From elaborate crafts to edible treats, there’s no shortage of souvenirs that channel the country’s essence.

Whether you’re treating around the house or planning to snag a souvenir at home for friends and family, the possibilities are endless.

In the following article, I will provide the top 10 Souvenirs You must get in Japan to pack in your suitcase.

1. Matcha Products

Tea lover like me: Matcha is something to buy in Japan.

Matcha, a powder made from finely ground green tea leaves that is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, is also widely used in a range of food and drinks.

Everything from matcha tea to matcha chocolates to matcha cookies to matcha Kit-Kats!

The matcha quality in Japan is far above average with an earthy flavor that is refreshing and calming.

The matcha products you bring home are a piece of Japan’s ancient tea culture that you can carry with you.

2. Kokeshi Dolls

These adorable wooden dolls trace their history back to the Edo period.

Handcrafted and painted by skilled artisans, Kokeshi dolls typically have a round head and cylindrical body with simple designs.

Every region in Japan has its own style, so these dolls aren’t just souvenirs — they are pieces of folk art.

I consider them a beautiful reminder of Japan’s rich culture and they make a great, meaningful gift that brings a piece of history.

3. Japanese Ceramics

Japanese ceramics are considered some of the best in the world, both for their quality and beauty.

Wind on Loot(▲), displayed in our gallery alongside incredible pieces of Japanese pottery.

I found this beautifully glazed teacup in a local market in Kyoto, and now it’s my favorite cup of choice to hold while enjoying a quiet moment of tea.

Japanese ceramics are an elegant and lasting souvenir, whether you opt for traditional Arita porcelain or contemporary designs.

4. Yukata or Kimono

No trip to Japan would be complete without a Yukata or Kimono – preferably in the suitcase!

Kimonos are traditionally rich and exquisite garments and certainly help illustrate the sophistication of Japanese fashion.

A Yukata is a type of Kimono that is a light linen-style summer Kimono compared to a regular Kimono.

The patterns are so intricate and colorful; they make for such a beautiful souvenir piece.

If you wear a Yukata or Kimono back in your own country, it is a wonderful way to connect to the Japanese culture.

5. Wagashi (Traditional Sweets)

Wagashi are Japan’s traditional sweets, which are as lovely as they are delicious.

Crafted from ingredients such as sweet bean paste, rice flour and fruits, Wagashi is often molded into elaborate designs inspired by the seasons.

My personal favorite is the sakura mochi, a pink, cherry blossom-flavored sweet wrapped in a pickled cherry leaf.

Wagashi also makes for a wonderful, and more authentic, edible souvenir to remember Japan’s delicate flavors.

6. Japanese Stationery

Japanese stationery is a treasure trove for writing or organizing lovers.

Then, the absolute possibilities are endless from washi tape and gorgeous nature notebooks, to high-end pens and stickers.

Japanese stationery is remarkable for the attention to detail—I once purchased a set of gorgeous hand-milled paper that was too beautiful to remove from its packaging!

Whether you’re scribbling notes or sprucing up your planner, Japanese stationery is some of the most functional and charming you can find.

7. Furoshiki (Wrapping Cloths)

These are cloths of various sizes and designs, often with traditional Japanese patterns.

They are unbelievably versatile and sustainable, as they can be used over and over again in various forms.

Instead, you can buy a furoshiki (風呂敷) which is an original, practical, and beautiful souvenir that fulfills as a piece of Japanese art.

8. Japanese Knives

Japanese knives have a reputation for being extremely sharp, precise and well-crafted.

This can also happen if you are a professional chef or just someone who enjoys cooking, and a Japanese knife is a valuable addition to your kitchen.

The first Japanese knife I ever picked up and used made me marvel at how well balanced, and how sharp it was.

“When you buy a knife in Japan, it’s a tool that has been perfected over the centuries,” he said. “It’s a true Japanese craft.”

9. Maneki-Neko (Lucky Cat)

Beckoning Cat: The Maneki-Neko, or “Beckoning Cat,” is a popular symbol of good luck in Japan.

You will encounter such cats in shops, restaurants and homes throughout the country.

They are available in different sizes and colors (different colors of IT bring different kinds of luck like gold for wealth, white for happiness).

I couldn’t help but take one home with me because it’s such a cheerful and recognizable symbol of Japanese culture.

The Maneki-Neko is a cute souvenir that’s thought to attract good luck.

10. Japanese Alcohol (Sake and Whiskey)

Japan is famous for its sake and its whiskey both of which are high-achieving on the international stage.

Sake, a traditional rice wine, has many different flavors, from dry and crisp to sweet and fruity.

While Japanese whiskey, on the other hand, has become some of the highest regarded in the world, with Hibiki and Yamazaki leading the charge.

I always try to return with a bottle of sake or whiskey for a special occasion — these drinks are ideal for toasting your memories of Japan.

Conclusion

Japan’s souvenirs are not mere trinkets but pieces of the country’s fascinating culture and history.

These things are the part of Japan that never fails to surprises you and, with a few exceptions, are the very highlight of your stay in Japan.

Whether they’re a taste of matcha, a piece of pottery or a symbol of good luck, these souvenirs will ensure your memories of Japan live on long after you return home.

So, when you go to Japan for next time, make sure you save a few extra spaces in your suitcase for these goodies!