Deciding on the best things to buy in Japan can be overwhelming because the options are endless. From high-end sweets to quirky drugstore gadgets, every shop seems to offer something unique.
To help you navigate the shopping aisles, we’ve curated a list of 8 items that never fail. Whether you are hunting for cool souvenirs from Japan to impress your friends or looking for traditional Japanese gifts from Japan to bring back home, here is exactly what you should put in your suitcase.
🍫 The Sweet Classics (Fail-Safe Japanese Gifts from Japan)
1. ROYCE’ Nama Chocolate
The Concept: A Hokkaido classic that is famous worldwide. These “raw” chocolates are incredibly silky, rich, and melt in your mouth instantly.
- Why buy it: It feels luxurious but is surprisingly affordable. It makes for one of the most appreciated Japanese gifts from Japan for colleagues or family.
- Where to find: New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido), Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, and Kansai International Airport (Duty-Free shops).
- Price: Approx. ¥800 – ¥900 JPY per box.
2. Shiroi Koibito (White Lover)
The Concept: Two thin, crispy butter cookies sandwiched around a layer of white chocolate.
- Why buy it: It is arguably the most famous souvenir from Hokkaido. The packaging is elegant and iconic.
- Where to find: All major airports (especially Kansai T2 Duty-Free) and souvenir shops across Japan.
- Price: Approx. ¥900 – ¥1,000 JPY (12 pieces).
3. New York Perfect Cheese
The Concept: A stylish, Langue de Chat biscuit filled with rich cream cheese and a stick of cheddar.
- Why buy it: The flavor profile is sophisticated, and the gold and black packaging looks incredibly high-end.
- Where to find: Famous at Tokyo Station, but also available at Haneda and Kansai International Airport terminals.
- Price: Approx. ¥1,800 JPY (12 pieces).
🍵 For the Matcha Obsessed (Cool Souvenirs from Japan)
4. Nanaya Matcha Chocolate
The Concept: Known for offering “the world’s most intense matcha ice cream,” Nanaya also sells chocolates in 7 distinct levels of matcha intensity.
- Why buy it: It’s definitely one of the cool souvenirs from Japan that tells a story. You can challenge your friends to taste the intense bitterness of Level 7 vs. the sweetness of Level 1.
- Where to find: Nanaya Main Store (Shizuoka), Tokyo Skytree (Solamachi), and Aoyama.
- Price: Approx. ¥2,200 – ¥2,500 JPY per box.
5. Itohkyuemon (伊藤久右衛門)
The Concept: An authentic, historic tea shop from Uji, Kyoto.
- Why buy it: Their Matcha Nama Chocolate and Matcha Daifuku are legendary. If you want a gift that screams “Old Kyoto Tradition,” this is it.
- Where to find: Uji Main Store (Kyoto) or the branch near JR Uji Station.
- Price: Approx. ¥1,600 JPY per box.
💄 Lifestyle & Drugstore Gems (Practical Things to Buy in Japan)
6. Yojiya Hand Cream
The Concept: A century-old Kyoto brand famous for its “Geisha face” logo.
- Why buy it: Their hand cream (especially the Yuzu scent) is moisturizing but famous for being non-greasy. It’s a refined, culturally rich gift for women.
- Where to find: Yojiya Gion Main Store (Kyoto), JR Kyoto Station, and Haneda/Kansai Airports.
- Price: Approx. ¥1,500 JPY.
7. Japanese Pain Relief Patches
The Concept: Japanese transdermal patches are world-class. Brands like Salonpas or Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s Ammeric (Anmerutsu) are staples.
- Why buy it: A thoughtful, practical gift for parents or elders. When people ask what useful things to buy in Japan, this is always the top answer.
- Where to find: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Don Quijote, and any drugstore in Japan.
- Price: Starting from ¥500 JPY.
8. Ralph Lauren Handkerchiefs
The Concept: A small, high-quality towel handkerchief featuring the classic Polo Bear or logo.
- Why buy it: In Japan, brand-name handkerchiefs are much cheaper than in other countries (approx. $7-10 USD). They are useful, easy to pack, and feel like a luxury item.
- Where to find: Major department stores like Hankyu (Osaka) or Mitsukoshi (Ginza/Tokyo).
- Price: Approx. ¥1,000 – ¥1,500 JPY per towel.
