Popular Japanese Souvenirs For Non-Japanese People

＜Confectionery＞

＜Food＞

＜Drink＞

＜Everyday Items＞

＜Beauty Products / Medicine＞

＜Miscellaneous Goods＞

＜Traditional Products＞

Black Thunder

Black Thunder is chocolate confectionery that is made with crashed cocoa cookies and crashed plain biscuits and covered by chocolate. It created a big boom in Taiwan previously. There are many kinds of flavors, including limited regions flavors. The White Black Thunder is popular with tourists coming to Japan. You can buy at various stores such as convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, etc. at a low price.

Examples

Black Thunder

Matcha Thunder

White Black Thunder

Gummy Candy

Japanese gummy candies are popular because they are not too sweet, not too firm and have a variety of flavors, textures, colors and shapes. The fruit flavor gummy candy makes you feel that you are eating real fruit. You can buy at convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, etc. at a low price.

Examples

Cororo Series

Puré Series

Fruits Gummi Series

Hi-Chew

Hi-Chew is a soft candy brand in Japan. The first flavor -strawberry flavor- was born in 1975, and more than 200 flavors have been sold so far. It is popular with some major leaguers and celebrities in the U.S. There are many kinds of flavors in Japan, including limited regions flavors. You can buy at convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, etc.

Examples

Strawberry Flavor

Melon Flavor

Mango Flavor

Karinto

Karinto is traditional Japanese confectionery that has simple flavor. Karinto is usually made from flour, but some karinto is made from rice. There are many kinds of flavors such as brown sugar, sesame, cocoa, chocolate, fruit, nuts, vegetables, matcha, etc. You can buy at various places such as supermarkets, department stores, airports, etc.

Examples

Brown Sugar Flavor

Matcha Flavor

Vegetables Flavor

KitKat

KitKat is famous chocolate confectionery of Nestle, and sold all over the world. You can buy many kinds of KitKat in Japan, including limited regions flavors and limited time flavors. The flavors that are sold only in Japan such as matcha are popular with tourists coming to Japan. You can buy at convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, etc.

Examples

Matcha Flavor

Sake Flavor

Wasabi Flavor

Pocky(MIKADO)

Pocky is sold in many countries around the world, and it is sold as “MIKADO” in English-speaking countries. The matcha flavor is popular in Japan. Besides the matcha flavor, there are many kinds of limited regions flavors and limited time flavors. You can buy thin Pocky or large size Pocky in Japan as well.

Examples

Sakura Matcha Flavor

Sake Flavor

Melon Flavor

YOKU MOKU

YOKU MOKU is a Western confectionery brand that was established in Japan in 1942. Its theme is “delicate confectionery with plenty of butter”. YOKU MOKU shops are located in many places such as department stores, airports and stations, and it is also sold in countries other than Japan. The most popular product is “Cigare”.

Examples

Cigare

Cookie Langue De Chat

Roll Cake

CUP NOODLE

CUP NOODLE was born in 1971 and has been sold in many countries around the world so far. Many kinds of flavors, including limited regions flavors and limited time flavors, are sold in Japan, and very Japanese flavors such as soy sauce flavor, miso flavor and pork bone flavor are popular with tourists coming to Japan. You can make the only one CUP NOODLE in the world at CUPNOODLES MUSEUM in Yokohama City.

Examples

Miso Flavor

Pork Bone Flavor

CUPNOODLES MUSEUM

Japanese Whiskey

Japanese whiskey received many awards in whiskey competitions in the world. Whiskey that meets criteria such as “whiskey is made from malt, and water collected in Japan is used”, “whiskey is distilled in a distillery in Japan”, etc. is called Japanese whiskey. You can join distillery guided tours at some distilleries.

Examples

YAMAZAKI Series

HIBIKI Series

TAKETSURU

Matcha

Matcha is ranked as one of the most popular Japanese souvenirs. Matcha stimulates body metabolism and has sedative effect as well, therefore matcha is popular with celebrities out of Japan as health beverage. Various matcha sweets are also popular.

Examples

Matcha

Matcha Pudding

Matcha Roll Cake

Sake

Sake is popular as Japanese original alcohol with the U.S. and Asian regions such as Korea, China and Taiwan. The popularity is increasing in Europe as well. The alcohol content is not so high, therefore sake is easy to drink. Sparkling sake, which is sweeter than sake or has a lower alcohol content than sake, is also popular as Japanese champagne.

Examples

DASSAI Series

Tamagawa Series

MIO Series

Ballpoint Pen

Japanese ballpoint pens are popular as high quality stationery. The writability is good, the durability is high and the price is low. “SARASA CLIP” that has smooth writability and erasable “FRIXION” are popular with tourists coming to Japan.

Examples

SARASA CLIP Series

FRIXION Series

JETSTREAM Series

Chopsticks

Washoku, or Japanese food, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013. Interest in Japanese food has been increasing, and the popularity of chopsticks as a Japanese souvenir has been increasing as well. The beautiful and delicate appearance is the reason of popularity. There are many kinds of chopsticks made of wood or bamboo. Lacquered chopsticks and two pairs of chopsticks for husband and wife are popular. There are services that a craftsman marks your name on your chopsticks.

Examples

Cherry Blossoms Pattern

Mt. Fuji Pattern

Samurai Sword

Kanji Goods

Kanji looks like a unique shape or a unique pattern for non-Japanese people, and kanji goods are popular with tourists coming to Japan. Kanji T-shirt, which is a T-shirt with kanji written on it, is one of the most popular kanji goods. You can buy at various places such as clothing stores, shopping centers, etc. Besides kanji T-shirt, there are many kinds of kanji goods such as kanji sweatshirt, kanji bag, etc.

Examples

Kanji T-shirt

Kanji Sweatshirt

Kanji Bag

Kitchen Knife

A Japanese kitchen knife is sharp and strong, therefore it is a recommended souvenir for the people who like cooking. There are many kinds, ranging from simple design to very Japanese design. There are services that a craftsman marks your name on your kitchen knives.

Examples

Simple

Flower Pattern

Wave Pattern

Nail Clippers

Japanese nail clippers are famous for the quality. They are made of stainless steel, therefore resistant to rust. You don’t need power to cut nails because they are so sharp. Nail clippers with very Japanese design such as cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji are sold in Japan. Nail clippers with design of famous Japanese characters are sold as well.

Examples

Cherry Blossoms Pattern

Mt. Fuji Pattern

HELLO KITTY Design

Planner / Notebook

Japanese planner/notebook are popular for the reasons of high paper quality, compact size, cute design. “TRAVELER’S notebook” is a simple notebook made with high quality leather and paper, and you can make your own “TRAVELER’S notebook” by customizing it. Planners/notebooks with design of Japanese famous characters and design of traditional Japanese patterns are popular as well.

Examples

TRAVELER’S notebook

Pokémon Series

Traditional Japanese Pattern

Plastic Wrap

Japanese plastic wrap is strong, easy to cut, sticky with dishes, and doesn’t stick each other. There are many kinds of plastic wrap in Japan. You can buy at various stores such as convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, etc. at a low price

Examples

NEW Krewrap

Saran Wrap

Food Wrap

Starbucks Tumbler

There are many kinds of Starbucks tumblers that are sold only in specific regions. The tumblers that are sold only in Japan such as limited regions tumblers -Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, etc.-, limited seasons tumblers -spring, summer, autumn and winter- and limited airports tumblers -Haneda Airport, New Chitose Airport, etc.- are popular as Japanese souvenirs.

Examples

Tokyo Tumbler

Kyoto Tumbler

Spring Tumbler

Umbrella

A traditional Japanese umbrella that is made of Japanese paper or bamboo is popular. A normal umbrella is also popular for the reasons of colorful, fashionable and strong. Some tourists buy a folding umbrella that is convenient to carry.

Examples

Japanese Umbrella

Samurai Sword Design

Folding Umbrella

USB Flash Drive

An USB flash drive with design of a castle, cherry blossoms or Mt. Fuji is popular as a cool and very Japanese souvenir. You can buy an USB flash drive together with a housing case. There are services that a craftsman marks your name on your USB flash drive.

Examples

Mt. Fuji Design

Crane Design

Dragon Design

Eye Drops

Japanese eye drops are popular for the reasons of safety and refreshing feeling. You can buy various types of eye drops such as for recovery from fatigue, for congestion, for dry eye, for contacts, etc. at drugstores. They are popular especially with tourists from Korea, China and Taiwan.

Examples

Sante FX Series

New Mytear CL Series

Lycée Series

Face Mask

Usual face mask is white and plain, but you can buy face masks with very Japanese various patterns such as kabuki -a traditional Japanese performing art-, anime characters, etc. in Japan.

Examples

Kabuki Design

DORAEMON ✖︎ HELLO KITTY Design

ONE PIECE Design

Lip Balm

Japanese lip balm is easy to put on and has high moisturizing power. You can buy various kinds of lip balms such as lip balms with fragrance, colored lip balms, stick type lip balms, balm type lip balms, tube type lip balms, etc. in Japan. The most popular lip balm with tourists coming to Japan is “DHC MEDICATED LIP CREAM”.

Examples

DHC MEDICATED LIP CREAM Series

Melty Cream Lip Series

LIP CREAM / SENSITIVE SKIN

Sunscreen

Japanese sunscreen can be put on without unevenness and stickiness, and looks natural on skin. It is popular especially in Korea and China, and gets a high evaluation in social media. The popularity in the U.S. and Europe is also increasing.

Examples

ANESSA PERFECT UV Series

Bioré UV AQUA Rich Series

SKIN AQUA Series

Food Model

Japanese food model, which is exquisite and exactly like real food, is a traditional Japanese handicraft. Many kinds of food models can be seen in front of restaurants in Japan. You can buy various types of food models such as key rings, magnets, card cases, smartphone holders, USB flash drives, etc. at retail shops. You can also join experience tours of making a food model.

Examples

Key Ring Type

Magnet Type

Experience Tour Of Making Food Models

Kimono Bottle Cover

A kimono bottle cover, which is like a real kimono in every detail, is a hand-made bottle cover made of real kimono texture. It can be used for various bottles such as champagne, wine, sake, etc. It is popular as a souvenir because it has a very Japanese appearance and can be used in daily life.

Examples

Princess Design

Samurai Design

Cherry Blossoms Design

Origami

Origami is a Japanese paper-craft art. You can make various things, like animals and flowers. Origami with very Japanese design is popular with both adults and children. You can buy at various places such as 100 yen shops at a low cost. There are many books that explain the way to fold origami, and some tourists buy the books together with the origami.

Examples

Traditional Japanese Pattern

Gold Color

Origami Book

Seal

Japanese seal that is used in conclusion of a contract in Japan is uncommon in the U.S. and Europe, therefore it is popular as a Japanese souvenir. There are services that a craftsman makes your own seal such as your alphabet name seal, your katakana name seal by replacing your alphabet name to katakana and your kanji name seal by replacing your alphabet name to kanji.

Examples

Cherry Blossoms Design

Kanji Type

Chess Design

Sushi Maker

If you have a sushi maker, you can make sushi at home. You can buy a sushi maker at retail shops such as 100 yen shops at a low cost. The process of making sushi is not difficult -put vinegared rice into a sushi maker, form the rice into a ball or a box, and put a sushi topping on the rice-, so you can make sushi easily.

Examples

Wooden Type -Small-

Wooden Type -Large-

Plastic Type

Arita Ware

Arita Ware is traditional Japanese ceramic ware with several hundred years history. It is made with high techniques such as the colors expression technique, the pictures drawing technique and the technique to enhance the strength. Arita Ware with design of Mt. Fuji or cherry blossoms is popular as a souvenir.

Examples

Gold And Silver

Cherry Blossoms Pattern

Mt. Fuji Design

Edo Kiriko

Edo Kiriko is a generic name of glass products that have been made since the Edo period in Edo area and Tokyo. The brightness is like a jewel, and the Edo Kiriko glass that is delicate and transparent is popular. There are many kinds of glasses such as lowball glasses, wine glasses, tumblers , beer glasses etc. There are services that a craftsman marks your name on your Edo Kiriko.

Examples

lowball glass

Wine Glass

Tumbler

Folding Fan

Japanese folding fan is popular as Japanese souvenir, especially wooden folding fan made of cloth or Japanese paper with a traditional Japanese pattern is popular. The opening angle ranges from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, but the most common angle is 120 degrees. When you don’t use it, you can fold it, so it is convenient to carry.

Examples

Mt. Fuji Design

Cherry Blossoms Design

Flower Design

Furoshiki

Furoshiki is traditional Japanese wrapping cloth to wrap something or to carry something. The very Japanese pattern, the delicate design, the easiness to carry and the reasonable price are reasons of popularity. Some people use as a napkin or a tablecloth.

Examples

Mt. Fuji Design

Plum Design

Cherry Blossoms Design

Incense

Incense gives off a healing fragrance and creates relaxing time. There are many traditional incense brands in Japan. You can choose from various types such as a stick type whose burning time is flexible, a corn type which is compact and a spiral type which can be used for a long time. You can also choose from various fragrances such as tree, rose, citrus, cherry blossoms, etc. There are experience tours of making incense as well.

Examples

Stick Type

Corn Type

Experience Tour Of Making Incense

NANBU TEKKI

NANBU TEKKI is a traditional handicraft in Iwate Prefecture. It is strong and can be used for a long time if it doesn’t get rusty. NANBU TEKKI is sold not only in Japan but also out of Japan, and especially NANBU TEKKI by IWACHU is so popular.

Examples

Black Color

Ultramarine Color

Pokémon Design

Tenugui

Tenugui, which is a type of traditional Japanese towel, is substituted for a handkerchief or used as a kitchen tool such as a dish towel. It is thin and gets dry easily. There are many kinds of tenugui, ranging from tenugui with a traditional Japanese pattern to tenugui with modern art design. You can buy at various places such as 100 yen shops at a low cost.

Examples

Ninja Design

Mt. Fuji Design

Castle Design

Yukata

Yukata is a casual and single-layered cotton kimono, which is usually worn in summer in Japan. A kimono is difficult to wear, but the yukata is easier to wear, so it is popular as a souvenir. You can buy at shops that specialize in yukata or supermarkets.

Examples

For Women

For Men

For Children