What to Buy in Japan? Top 10 Things to Bring Home in 2025!

What To Buy In Japan?

Shopping in Japan is an experience that stays with you long after your trip ends. Every city, from Tokyo’s neon districts to Kyoto’s artisan lanes and Osaka’s bustling markets, offers products that reflect the country’s creativity, precision, and deep respect for craftsmanship. Travellers who book Japan tour packages often find that the shopping opportunities are as exciting as the sightseeing itself, thanks to the incredible variety of items available.

You will come across snacks with bold flavours, ceramics shaped by generations of artisans, beautifully designed stationery, and skincare products trusted worldwide for their results. Japan is also home to exclusive collectibles, traditional crafts, and regional specialities that you cannot easily find outside the country. Whether you stop at convenience stores, department stores, street markets, or dedicated speciality shops, each location offers something memorable to take home — and exploring these through well-planned Japan tour packages makes the experience even smoother and more enjoyable.

Choosing the best things to buy in Japan becomes easier when you know what stands out, what is worth the price, and what reflects local culture. From daily-use products to premium souvenirs, Japan gives you countless options that are practical, beautifully made, and often created with remarkable attention to detail. This guide highlights the must-buy items that truly represent the country’s character and charm.

Traditional Crafts and Home Goods:

Japanese Knives and Kitchenware: Renowned for craftsmanship and durability; includes santoku and gyuto knives, ceramic tea sets, and iron kettles.

Textiles: Traditional fabrics like kimonos and obi belts; quality varies based on artisan skill.

Crafts: Lightweight souvenirs such as origami paper, bonsai tools, and handcrafted pottery.

Home Goods: Elegant ceramics and decorative items found in stores like Loft and Tokyu Hands.

Food and Snacks:

KitKats: Unique, limited-edition flavours like matcha, sake, and regional varieties are popular among tourists.

Traditional Sweets: Manju, daifuku, and rice crackers are perfect for gifting or snacking.

Other Snacks: Wide assortment of candies and gummies at department stores and convenience shops.

Electronics:

Latest Gadgets: Cameras, headphones, rice cookers, and gaming consoles are available in stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera.

Vintage Tech: Akihabara district offers rare finds such as retro games and audio equipment.

Beauty and Skincare:

Popular Brands: Shiseido, Hada Labo, and SK-II are known for gentle, effective skincare products.

Speciality Items: Sheet masks, sunscreens, collagen drinks, and foot care products like Baby Foot.

Clothing and Fashion:

Local Brands: Onitsuka Tiger, Uniqlo, and GU offer trendy, affordable fashion.

Denim: Renowned Japanese denim is prized for quality and durability.

Boutique Finds: Stylish items from local designers are unique souvenirs.

Unique Collectibles:

Anime and Manga Merchandise: Large selection of limited edition and official products in Tokyo’s Akihabara or Osaka’s Den Den Town.

Watches: Timepieces by Seiko and other renowned brands.

Golf Accessories: Stylish, exclusive gear popular among enthusiasts.

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Best Things To Buy In Japan

01

Japanese Snacks and KitKats

Japanese snacks are some of the most enjoyable things to buy from Japan, especially because the country releases unique flavors and seasonal editions throughout the year. KitKats alone come in matcha, sakura, apple pie, purple sweet potato, wasabi, strawberry cheesecake, and many regional specialties you will not find outside Japan.

Along with KitKats, you can try mochi, pudding-filled daifuku, crispy rice crackers, melon-flavored gummies, and premium chocolates available in convenience stores. Department stores also offer beautifully boxed assortments that make excellent souvenirs. Many of these snacks are designed for travel, staying fresh for weeks.

Where to Buy: Don Quijote, convenience stores, airports

Why Buy: Lightweight, flavour-rich, and perfect for gifting

Popularity: Highly popular both in Japan and internationally as unique souvenir treats.

Varieties: Flavors include matcha, sakura, wasabi, purple sweet potato, strawberry cheesecake, and many regional exclusives.

Price Range: Around 150–400 yen per pack depending on size and rarity.

Ideal For: Snack lovers, gift-givers, and travelers seeking authentic Japanese flavors.

Also Read: Things To Do In Japan

02

Matcha Products And Green Tea

Matcha is one of the things you should buy in Japan because the country produces unmatched ceremonial and culinary-grade varieties. Kyoto and Uji are known for premium matcha that has a deep green colour, velvety texture, and naturally sweet aroma. You will also find matcha latte mixes, matcha chocolates, tea ceremony bowls, bamboo whisks, and specialty tea blends like hojicha, sencha, and genmaicha. These teas are rich in antioxidants and are excellent for daily wellness routines. Most shops offer tasting sessions, helping you choose based on strength and flavour notes.

Where to Buy: Uji tea houses, Kyoto specialty stores, department stores

Why Buy: Authentic flavour, high quality, excellent longevity

Popularity: Iconic to Japanese culture and widely admired for quality and health benefits.

Varieties: Ceremonial-grade, culinary-grade, matcha latte mixes, hojicha, sencha, genmaicha blends.

Price Range: Premium powdered matcha can range from 1,000 to 5,000 yen per tin.

Ideal For: Tea enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, cultural gift recipients.

Click To Book: Kyoto Tour Packages

03

Japanese Skincare And Beauty Products

Japanese beauty products are globally admired, making them some of the top Japan famous things to buy when you travel. You will find brightening serums, lightweight sunscreens, soothing moisturisers, cleansing oils, sheet masks, collagen drinks, and hypoallergenic skincare options from celebrated brands like Shiseido, Hada Labo, SK-II, and DHC.

Japanese formulations focus on hydration, barrier repair, and gentle ingredients, making them suitable for most skin types. Prices in Japan are often lower than in international markets, allowing you to stock up on high-quality products at great value.

Where to Buy: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Cosme stores, drugstores

Why Buy: Gentle formulas, lab-tested quality, excellent pricing

Popularity: Globally recognised and sought after for innovation and gentle formulations.

Varieties: Includes serums, sunscreens, moisturisers, sheet masks, collagen drinks, and cleansing oils.

Price Range: Typically 1,000–8,000 yen depending on brand and product.

Ideal For: Skincare aficionados, travellers wanting travel-sized products, and sensitive skin users.

04

Maneki-Neko (Lucky Cat Figurines)

Maneki-Neko is one of the best things to buy in Japan if you want a souvenir with cultural meaning. These lucky cat figurines are believed to attract wealth, happiness, protection, or good relationships based on their colours and the paw they raise. You can find them in ceramic, porcelain, wooden, and modern versions, all crafted with charming expressions and symbolic designs. Many travelers buy Maneki-Neko for home décor or as thoughtful gifts because they are lightweight and affordable.

Where to Buy: Asakusa markets, Kyoto craft shops, temple stalls

Why Buy: Symbolic, meaningful, and easy to pack

Popularity: A well-loved cultural icon symbolising good luck and prosperity.

Varieties: Ceramic, porcelain, wooden, and modern designs; varying colours with different symbolic meanings.

Price Range: 500–3,000 yen depending on size and craftsmanship.

Ideal For: Home decor lovers, those interested in Japanese traditions, meaningful gifts.

Also Read: Japan 10-Days Tour Package

05

Japanese Knives

Japanese knives are considered some of the finest kitchen tools in the world, making them one of the most valuable things must buy in Japan if you enjoy cooking. These knives are crafted using centuries-old blacksmithing techniques that were originally used for samurai sword making. Their blades are razor sharp, well balanced, and designed for precision cutting. You can choose from different styles such as santoku for everyday use, gyuto for chefs, and nakiri for vegetables. Many shops offer engraving, allowing you to personalize your knife.

Where to Buy: Kappabashi Street in Tokyo, blacksmith workshops in Sakai (Osaka)

Why Buy: Exceptional durability, professional performance, traditional craftsmanship

Popularity: Globally regarded as some of the finest kitchen knives for professionals and home cooks.

Varieties: Santoku, gyuto, nakiri, and speciality forged blades with various handle types.

Price Range: 5,000–50,000 yen+ depending on maker and blade quality.

Ideal For: Cooking enthusiasts, chefs, and collectors seeking craftsmanship.

06

Anime And Manga Merchandise

For collectors and fans, anime and manga goods are the most exciting things you can only buy in Japan, thanks to the country’s exclusive merchandise releases. You will find figurines, keychains, character apparel, plush toys, stationery, Blu-ray editions, art books, and limited collab items that are not sold internationally. Speciality stores often carry rare collectibles from series like Demon Slayer, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and Studio Ghibli.

Where to Buy: Akihabara in Tokyo, Animate, Mandarake, Osaka’s Den Den Town

Why Buy: Rare collectibles, official products, massive variety for fans

Popularity: Extremely popular among fans worldwide with exclusive Japan-only releases.

Varieties: Figurines, apparel, stationery, art books, limited edition collabs.

Price Range: Varies widely; small keychains are about 500 yen, and collectors’ items are 5,000+ yen.

Ideal For: Anime/manga fans, collectors, and gift seekers for youth and adults.

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07

Traditional Japanese Ceramics

Japanese ceramics are known for their elegance, craftsmanship, and heritage, making them one of the most meaningful things to buy from Japan for your home. Each region produces its own distinctive style, such as Arita porcelain, Bizen stoneware, and Kutani ware with hand-painted motifs.

These ceramics are made by skilled artisans who shape and glaze each piece individually, ensuring no two items are exactly alike. You can choose from teacups, sake sets, bowls, plates, incense holders, and decorative pieces.

Where to Buy: Kyoto pottery shops, Arita and Karatsu towns, museum stores

Why Buy: Artistic value, functional beauty, unique handmade quality

Popularity: Highly valued for artistry and cultural heritage both in Japan and internationally.

Varieties: Arita porcelain, Bizen stoneware, Kutani ware; tea sets, plates, incense holders.

Price Range: 2,000–20,000 yen depending on style and artisan.

Ideal For: Art collectors, home decorators, and cultural gift buyers.

Also Read: Places To Visit In Japan

08

Japanese Stationery

Japan’s stationery culture is unmatched, which is why pens, notebooks, planners, and craft papers are some of the top things to buy from Japan if you value organisation and aesthetics. Japanese pens write with precision, notebooks open flat, and the paper quality feels smooth and luxurious.

You will also find washi tapes, stickers, bookmarks, calligraphy brushes, and creative planners that come in many designs. Whether you are a student, artist, or someone who loves organising, Japanese stationery offers practical and stylish options that are hard to resist.

Where to Buy: Loft, Tokyu Hands, Muji, Itoya

Why Buy: High quality, affordable, creative designs

Popularity: Renowned among creatives and students for quality and design.

Varieties: Pens, notebooks, washi tapes, planners, calligraphy brushes, and stickers.

Price Range: Pens start from 100 yen, notebooks 200–1,000 yen+.

Ideal For: Artists, organisers, students, and stationery enthusiasts.

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09

Instant Ramen And Cup Noodles

Instant ramen is one of the most enjoyable things to buy in Osaka, Japan, because the region offers unique broth flavours influenced by Kansai cuisine. Across Japan, you will find cup noodles inspired by tonkotsu, miso, soy, spicy seafood, curry ramen, and limited-edition seasonal blends.

Some premium sets even replicate iconic restaurant dishes, allowing you to enjoy authentic Japanese flavours at home. Ramen kits often include handmade noodles, broth packets, and topping suggestions, making them great for food lovers.

Where to Buy: Don Quijote, supermarkets, instant noodle museums

Why Buy: Huge variety, long shelf life, fun and flavourful

Popularity: Globally loved; Japan offers unmatched variety and exclusive flavours.

Varieties: Tonkotsu, miso, soy, spicy seafood, curry, and seasonal blends.

Price Range: 150–500 yen per cup or pack.

Ideal For: Food lovers, souvenir hunters, quick-meal seekers.

Click To Book: Osaka Tour Packages

10

Tenugui (Japanese Hand Towels)

Tenugui are thin cotton cloths traditionally used in Japanese households and are among the most practical things you should buy in Japan. They come in hundreds of prints inspired by cherry blossoms, waves, landscapes, folklore, and seasonal festivals. Because they are lightweight and quick drying, you can use them as hand towels, table runners, décor pieces, or gift wraps.

Many travellers purchase tenugui as souvenirs because they combine functionality with traditional art. Some shops even sell limited-edition designs made by local artisans.

Where to Buy: Craft markets, Tokyo handmade stores, Kyoto textile shops

Why Buy: Affordable, multi-purpose, artistically meaningful

Popularity: Practical and decorative; loved as cultural souvenirs worldwide.

Varieties: Numerous traditional prints, including cherry blossoms, waves, and festivals.

Price Range: 500–2,000 yen depending on design and material quality.

Ideal For: Travellers wanting cultural keepsakes, home decorators, and gift givers.

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Mount Fuji

A Japan trip is never truly complete without witnessing the iconic beauty of Mount Fuji. Japan’s Mount Fuji, or most commonly known as “Fuji-san,” is an active stratovolcano in the southwest of Tokyo. Fuji-san, as the natives like to call it, is among Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” including Mount Tate and Mount Haku. It is situated in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, standing tall at 3,776.24 meters.Mt. Fuji is a symbolic beauty in and around Japan for widely known reasons; it is not only a scenic beauty that attracts tourists from all around the world but also a cultural icon of Japan.If you're planning to visit Mt. Fuji, check out our curated Japan Tour Packages that include this iconic destination and more.The Japanese cultural art and photography is highly inspired by the “snow-capped” mountain and is often witnessed in paintings and pictures. This is not even half of what Mt. Fuji has to offer. Every year, almost more than a million tourists visit the mountain out of which approximately 300,000 climb up to its peak.Climbing the mountain is not taken as a difficult task anymore but rather a calming and pleasing experience because of all the satisfying facilities around, such as accommodation, food, and other fun activities. Not only that, on June 22, 2013, UNESCO announced Mt. Fuji, a World Heritage Site and an important cultural location.

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