Souvenir shopping is often a tiresome affair, given that we would want to purchase gifts that are not only thoughtful, but also useful, for our loved ones. Even if you’re shopping for a keepsake for yourself, the perfect memorable gift can still be hard to find. To save you the hassle, here is a list of traditional Japanese souvenirs to look out for during your next trip to Japan.
Image credit: Utagawa Hiroshige
Ukiyo-e (浮世絵; pictures of the floating world) is a Japanese art form that flourished during the Edo period. Artists who dabbled in this style typically produced woodblock prints and paintings of landscapes, people, and flora and fauna.
Image credit: Katsushika Hokusai
Get a ukiyo-e woodblock print that catches your eye, decorate your home with it, and revel in its artistic glory. Alternatively, it could be the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates art and Japanese culture.
Image credit: @banshoji via Instagram
Omamori (お守り) are amulets commonly sold in temples and shrines and they typically offer the owner of the amulet some form of protection or luck.
Image adapted from: @gunma.iroha via Instagram
The term omamori is derived from mamori (守り; protection), and the amulets usually contain a short religious incantation that can protect the owner from ills, or perhaps grant the owner luck in their romance.
Omamori are especially thoughtful gifts for your loved ones, since you can get one that best suits the receiver’s situation.
Image credit: @kobe_hashiya84 via Instagram
Chopsticks are a popular souvenir choice among tourists, given that Japan has a wide range of beautiful designs to choose from. They are not only aesthetically pleasing, but can also be used daily during meals.
Image credit: @minzokukougei_shrine via Instagram
The more affordable options start at ¥100 (~USD0.77) per pair, and you can get them in shops such as Daiso.
Image credit: @raju.krishnan86 via Instagram
Daruma dolls, the Japanese version of roly-poly toys, are good luck charms that don’t fall over when they are pushed.
Image credit: @yuuki_lead via Instagram
There is a whole process behind getting a daruma doll and what one should do with it after, as the doll is supposed to help one achieve one’s own goals. When you purchase your doll, keep your goals in mind as you colour in its left eye. When you successfully achieve your goals, you can then colour in its right eye to complete your daruma.
Image credit: Katsuoji Temple
The daruma doll is thus a popular purchase during the New Year as many have resolutions that they wish to achieve.
Image credit: @ow_official1911 via Instagram
Hanko (判子) or inkan (印鑑) are seals that the Japanese use in place of a signature for official documents, paperwork, and contracts. The print on the stamp will be made up of a part of one’s name, or if space permits, one’s full name.
Image credit: @cookie7668 via Instagram
This is the perfect gift for your artist friend; many artists in Japan use their own hanko stamp to sign off on their work.
Image credit: @muku_hanko via Instagram
Translate your name to the katakana form of the Japanese language, then head to a hanko shop, or to Don Quijote for a cheaper alternative, to get your very own personalised hanko stamp.
Image credit: @shihomixberry via Instagram
Maneki-neko (招き猫; beckoning cat) is the popular Japanese figurine of a cat with one paw up, as if it is beckoning to someone – hence its name.
The adorable figurine is typically associated with luck, as its gesture is said to bring in prosperity for its owner. Depending on which of its paws is raised, the maneki-neko will bring prosperity to the owner in different ways.
Image credit: Searobin via Wikipedia
The left paw would bring in customers, which is perfect if you are running a business, while the right paw will bring in money.
There are also maneki-neko that have a mechanical paw that brings the beckoning gesture to life, though whether that increases your luck or is simply a cute detail remains a mystery.
Image credit: @zebra_hat via Instagram
Kokeshi (こけし) are limbless Japanese wooden dolls that have been crafted for children to play with for over 150 years. Traditionally, they have a simple design in which the artist would simply paint a few thin lines to define their facial features.
Image credit: @kinokuniya_portland via Instagram
However, nowadays, kokeshi have more elaborate designs, featuring different hairstyles and donning beautiful kimono with a variety of prints.
Image adapted from: Cloverworks
You might have seen hina dolls (雛人形; hina ningyou) in the popular anime My Dress-up Darling, where Gojo Wakana – the main protagonist – is shown to have intense passion and admiration for them.
Image adapted from: @fuji.mikotobina via Instagram
Hina dolls are traditional Japanese dolls that are typically created for the Hinamatsuri – a festival that celebrates the growth, prosperity, and happiness of young girls. The dolls will then be put on display during the festival for all to see and appreciate their beauty.
It is believed that hina dolls will protect the young girls of their owner’s family by taking on any misfortunes that befall them.
Image credit: katorisi via Wikipedia
Furoshiki (風呂敷) are traditional Japanese cloths that are used to wrap and transport goods. Besides being easy on the eyes, they are also an environmentally friendly option as opposed to wrapping paper and plastic bags.
Image adapted from: @juri_bento and @juri_bento via Instagram
From wrapping one’s bento (弁当; boxed lunch) to a gift for a friend, a furoshiki has many uses indeed.
Image credit: @ayatsutsumiwrapping via Instagram
Depending on the way that you tie it, it can even transform into a small bag for you to put your stuff in!
These Japanese souvenirs are not only rich in culture, but also gorgeous-looking. You’ll want to bring one of these perfect memorabilia on your next trip to the land of the rising sun.
For more unique travel experiences, check out our guide on Taihoan Tea House in Uji, Kyoto, or the Awashima Shrine which houses over 20,000 dolls.
Cover image adapted from: Katsushika Hokusai , @fuji.mikotobina , @kinokuniya_portland, @cookie7668
Interact with farm animals, and experience life-sized recreations of sets and popular characters from Shaun…
From seasonal blooms to millions of LED light on display, Nabana no Sato in Mie…
At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can take a peek at how the iconic Hokkaido souvenir…
Flaunt your anime ninja moves and try Naruto's favourite ramen at Shinobi Zato, a Naruto…
With English cottage-style shops and adorable animals, Yufuin Floral Village is the place to be…
One of Hokkaido's most iconic sightseeing spots, Farm Tomita comes alive in summer when rows…