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Shopping Traditional Culture

Authentic Japanese
Souvenirs: Top 25 Items and
Shops to Find Them
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Traditional Japanese crafts and items are the best

souvenirs from a trip to Japan. This article explains
where to find 25 gifts such as origami paper,
traditional dolls, lacquerware, yukata, Japanese
umbrellas, lanterns and more!

Latest update : 2024.03.14

Mayu

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25 Uniquely Japanese Gifts

and Mementos

Finding souvenirs is one of the most exciting

parts of a trip to Japan. Whether you're looking
for gifts for friends and family or mementos for
yourself, Japan offers a wide array of unique
items that make great souvenirs.

We introduce 25 Japanese souvenir items that

are excellent as keepsakes from a trip to Japan.
Our selection comprises artisan and handicraft
items, as well as accessories and toys.

The Top 25 Authentic

Japanese Souvenirs

1. Yukata
2. Kokeshi Dolls
3. Okiagari Koboshi Doll
4. Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints
5. Chopsticks
6. Porcelain Ware: Arita, Imari, Kutani
7. Ninja Goods
8. Japanese Fans (Sensu)
9. Geta and Zori Sandals
10. Origami Paper
11. Noren Curtains
12. Tenugui - Japanese Towels
13. Furoshiki - Wrapping Cloth
14. Chochin - Japanese Lanterns
15. Inkan Stamps
16. Bonsai Vessels
17. Lacquerware with Golden Decorations
18. Inden Leather Goods
19. Kanzashi Hair Accessories
20. Furin - Wind Chimes
21. Edo Kiriko Glass Items
22. Traditional Toys
23. Tsurushibina Dolls
24. Omamori Charms
25. Daruma Figurines

Where to Shop in Tokyo

26. Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
27. Oriental Bazaar

Read also

The Best Souvenirs From Japan:

Food, Sweets, Cosmetics, And More!

1. Yukata (Light Kimono)

Photo by Pixta

Price: 5,000-10,000 yen

Yukata, the light summer kimono, are a popular

souvenir from Japan that many visitors from
abroad like to purchase. Yukatas can be found
in specialty kimono shops. In the summer you
can even find them in major supermarkets such
as Aeon or Ito Yokado. Yukata prices range
between 5,000 and 10,000 yen. The yukatas
with traditional Japanese designs sold at
UNIQLO, which cost roughly 3,000 yen, are very
popular.

Read also

All About Yukata: Traditional Japanese

Summer Kimono

2. Kokeshi Dolls

Photo by Pixta

Price: 1,000-5,000 yen or more

A kokeshi is a doll made from carved wood.

Since it is made of wood, it matches well with
other interior goods in non-Japanese
households. You can find kokeshi dolls sold in
toy stores, small item shops, or souvenir shops.

This unique umbrella in the shape of a kokeshi

doll is also worth checking out!

3. Okiagari Koboshi Doll

Photo by pixta

Okiagari Koboshi are traditional Japanese

dolls with charming features painted on them.
Their name, "okiagari," means that they will
stand upright even after pushing them down,
symbolizing resilience.

Made of papier-maché, these small, lightweight

dolls make an easy-to-carry, thoughtful
souvenir. Like the kokeshi above, they are sold
at small souvenir shops. ×

4. Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints

Ukiyo-e is a type of Japanese artwork that was

popular during the Edo period. It uses
woodblocks to make prints and is said to be the
world's oldest form of color copying.

These pictures often portray famous Kabuki

actors, Mt. Fuji, the lively city life in the Edo
period, and more. All have a distinctive style
with a beautiful usage of color. Currently, ukiyo-
e designs are used on many small items and
stationery as well.

Read also

Ukiyo-e (Japanese Woodblock Prints)

- Japanese Encyclopedia

5. Chopsticks

Japanese chopsticks on a chopsticks holder

Buying a nice pair of chopsticks may be the

first thing people have in mind when looking for
souvenirs in Japan. Used daily in Japan,
chopsticks can be found everywhere and at all
types of stores.

For those looking for quality lacquered

chopsticks, stores like Tokyu Hands and Loft
sell traditional, cute, and modern designs. 100-
yen shops, like Daiso, also sell a variety of
colorful chopsticks made of wooden material
and plastic. Check out both options before you
decide!

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6. Porcelain Ware: Arita, Imari,

Kutani

Photo by Pixta

Japanese porcelain wares originally borrowed

crafting techniques from Korea and Jingdezhen,
China before eventually developing into its own
unique craft in Japan. The meal culture of
Japan, often consisting of rice, soup, and three
side dishes, along with traditional tea
ceremonies of the country helped develop the
beautiful wares into what it is today.
There are several kinds of ceramic wares, and
the ones below are popular as souvenirs:

Aritayaki /Imariyaki : These ceramic wares are

known for its transparent white porcelain,
elegant patterns painted with an indigo blue
pigment called gosu, combined with gorgeous
red colors. The wares made in the city of Arita,
Saga Prefecture are called "Aritayaki'' while the
ones made in Imari, Saga Prefecture are known
as "Imariyaki.''

Kutaniyaki: This type of ware is characterized

by its unique, powerful beauty stylized with
majestic grandeur. Kutaniyaki refers to porcelain
crafted in Kutani, Ishikawa Prefecture. Here,
various ceramic vessels like flower vases,
tableware, tea utensils, table ornaments, and
sake cups are made.

These ceramic wares can be bought in the

regions where they are made or at gift shops
like the Oriental Bazaar in Tokyo.

Read also

Yunomi (Tea Cup) - Japanese

Encyclopdedia

7. Ninja Goods

You can find merchandise related to ninjas at

the Asakusa EKIMISE shop, Ninja-ya. You will
be able to find ninja stars (shuriken), fake
swords, and ninja costumes. This is a great
shop for ninja fans to check out.

There are also other places to purchase

shuriken such as Nikko Edo Wonderland in
Tochigi Prefecture or the in Ureshino, Saga
Prefecture.

Read also

Encounter Samurai And Ninjas At

Nikko's EDO WONDERLAND!
Tochigi Nikko / Kinugawa

8. Japanese Fans (Sensu)

Photo by Pixta

Price: 100-1,000 yen

A sensu fan is a budget-friendly item that also

makes a great souvenir from Japan. You can
find them at 100-yen shops, small item shops or
sensu specialty shops such as Kyosendo.
Traditionally in Japan, the sensu fan is carried
around, tucked in the obi sash of a yukata. It
would be great to purchase a fan along with a
yukata.

9. Geta and Zori Sandals

Picture from
Tsujiya In Asakusa - Find The Perfect Pair Of Footwear For
Your Kimono

To complete a look with yukata or kimono, geta

or zori, traditional sandals, are a must. This
footwear will make the characteristic clip-clop
noise as you walk down the street, a lovely
sound that may even send shivers down your
spine.

Geta and zori make a thoughtful gift for a loved

one or for yourself. They are sold at souvenir
shops in Asakusa, Kyoto, and other parts of
Japan with a traditional townscape. In Tokyo,
head to Tsujiya in Asakusa for high-quality,
artisanal sandals.

Read also

Tsujiya In Asakusa - Find The Perfect

Pair Of Footwear For Your Kimono
Tokyo Ueno / Asakusa / Akihabara

10. Origami Paper

Photo by Pixta

Price: 300-1,000 yen

Japanese origami paper is known for its

colorful prints and high quality. It can be a great
souvenir if you’re looking for something
authentic and fun. You can find origami paper in
most stationery shops, but specialty stores like
Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan will carry a vast
variety of origami paper. There also offer
classes where you can learn to make origami
crafts. Anyone who would like to find out more
about the exquisite art of origami should pay a
visit here.

11. Noren Curtains

Price: 1,000-3,000 yen

A noren is a long, curtain-like fabric, split into

two that is hung in front of the entrance of
stores. Lately, many households hang a noren
at the entrance of their house or use it as a
room divider. You can purchase the noren in
interior shops such as Nitori or shops that sell
small items.

Read also

Noren (Entry Curtains) - Japanese

Encyclopedia
Tokyo

12. Tenugui - Japanese

Towels

Price: 100-1,000 yen

A budget-friendly Japanese souvenir is the

tenugui towel. These Japanese cotton towels
were formally used to dry one's hands and body,
but lately, towels with beautiful designs are put
in frames and used as interior decoration.

Traditional towels can be found at 100-yen

shops, at Tokyu Hands, as well as at souvenir
shops or specialty shops such as Koiki in
Shinjuku.

13. Furoshiki - Wrapping Cloth

Price: 1,000-5,000 yen

A furoshiki is a large cloth used to wrap and

carry luggage around. You can hold and carry
items such as boxes, kimonos, wine, and all
sorts of things in a furoshiki, just like a bag.

Their designs can be traditional Japanese

patterns or contemporary, chic ones, such as
polka dots or even cute characters and animals.

14. Chochin - Japanese

Lanterns

Photo by Pixta

Price: 1,000-3,000 yen

The chochin is a lantern made of paper. You

can frequently see them emitting red light at
entrances of izakayas or yakitori (grilled
chicken) restaurants. Normally, Japanese
people do not hang them inside the house, but
there are people outside of Japan who use it as