Japanese Souvenirs: Top 25 Authentic Items and Shops to Find Them

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

6. Porcelain Ware: Arita, Imari, Kutani

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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.

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.

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.

10. Origami Paper

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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.

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 a nice room decor. The chochin lantern can be found at home accessories stores such as Tokyu Hands.

15. Inkan Stamps

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Price: up to 3,000 yen

Inkan, or hanko stamps are name stamps that are used in Japan instead of signatures. Pre-made inkan are at 100-yen shops, and you can also make one at Don Quijote. There are some inkan specialty shops where you can make your own original inkan name stamp for approximately 3,000 yen.

16. Bonsai Vessels

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Price: 1,500-10,000 yen or more

In Japan, you can find low cost and good quality vases and vessels for bonsai. For instance, small vessels the size of your palm can be purchased for around 1500 yen. For those who would like to decorate their house with bonsai, it may be nice to find elegant ceramic vessels. You can find bonsai vessels at gardening shops. Although with a limited variety of styles, you can find them at 100-yen shops as well.

17. Lacquerware with Golden Decorations

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Price: 5,000-10,000 yen or more

Gold lacquerware is a traditional craft using gold and silver powder sprinkled on dark lacquer to form a picture. Many souvenir shops sell jewelry boxes and accessories with beautiful gold lacquer designs. It can become high-end and quite expensive, but it would be a luxurious present for a special someone or perhaps even a gift for yourself.

18. Inden Leather Goods

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Price: 2,000-10,000 yen

Inden is a traditional Japanese craft with patterns printed with lacquer on deer leather. At inden leather specialty shops, coin purses, business card holders, glasses cases and bags can be found; these items are also sometimes sold as select shops such as Tokyu Plaza Ginza.

Small items such as coin purses are around 2,000 yen.

19. Kanzashi Hair Accessories

Price: 2,000-10,000 yen

Kanzashi is a Japanese-style hair accessory. Even modern hairstyles with kanzashi are popular. There are even kanzashi specialty shops such as KanzashiyaWargo, a rental kimono shop that sells kanzashi with casual designs for around 2,000 yen.

If you are searching for a more traditional kanzashi, for example like the ones a geisha would use, you can find them at kimono shops. Authentic kanzashi can range from 5,000-10,000 yen depending on the style.

20. Furin - Wind Chimes

Price: 1,000-3,000 yen

Furin is a wind chime that is commonly hung under the roofs to enjoy the melody of the glass bell as it is gently blown by the wind.

On hot summer days, the distinctive sound of the reminds us of cool breezes. The furin wind chime can be found at shops that carry interior goods or at Tokyu Hands.

21. Edo Kiriko Glass Items

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Price: 5,000-10,000 yen

Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese craft from Tokyo where glass is cut into beautiful designs. Stylish and refreshing glass pieces such as Japanese sake cups, whiskey glasses, champagne glasses, and vases can be found.

Small glass cups start at around 5,000 yen. An Edo Kiriko glass is a wonderful souvenir for someone who likes to drink.

22. Traditional Toys

Price: 1,000-3,000 yen

Regional toys that have been enjoyed for generations can be great gifts for children, but they can become cute interior decorations as well.

23. Tsurushibina Dolls

Price: 1 row: 2,000-5,000 yen
Tsurushibina are small, traditional fabric dolls made to wish for the happiness of children. The dolls are then threaded into a row and hung from the ceiling.

Normally, these dolls are displayed annually during the Hina Festival in March, but they can be used as decorations year-round as well.