When visiting Japan, many people look for souvenirs to bring home for family or friends. A common question is: what should you buy as a souvenir in Japan? We've put together a list of 15 popular souvenirs that visitors love to bring home.
Reference: 23 Japan Souvenirs | Latest Update
1. Tokyo Banana
This is one of the most popular souvenirs from Tokyo — almost everyone who visits ends up buying some. Tokyo Banana is a soft cake shaped like a pale yellow banana, filled with banana-flavored custard cream, which is the original flavor. New flavors are released every year as well, such as
Maple Banana, Banana Shake, Gaoo Caramel, Banana Pudding, and Tree Chocolate Banana.
Photo: Toshihiro Oimatsu [CC BY 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/oimax/135895712
2. Royce Chocolate
Royce comes in many varieties, and one of the most popular is chocolate-coated potato chips. The salty, crispy chips pair well with the sweet chocolate coating.
Photo: denAsuncioner [CC BY-ND 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/asimulator/4239845227
3. Kit-Kat
The most popular flavor is green tea, but there are many other flavors to choose from. Each region of Japan also has its own special flavors sold only in that area.
Photo: Marco Ooi [CC BY-SA 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/jackredshoes/5485546382
4. Glico
This is a well-known snack brand that has been around for a long time. In Japan, it comes in a much wider variety of flavors, and the chocolate coating is richer than in versions found elsewhere. It's easy to find at convenience stores and is reasonably priced.
Photo: Chun-Hung Eric Cheng [CC BY 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/focusc/2959441622[wp_ad_camp_1]
5. Erasable Pens
Stationery in Japan is high quality and often has unusual features you won't find elsewhere. One example is the erasable pen, which has a rubber tip at the end that can erase your writing just like a pencil eraser. Besides pens, you'll also find pencils, notebooks, craft supplies, DIY tools, and all kinds of handy little items.
Photo: Becks Wade [CC BY 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/beckswade/14117172658
6. Tenugui Cloth
This is truly a classic Japanese souvenir. A tenugui cloth is about 90 centimeters long and can be used for many purposes. Though thin, it's very durable. Its length makes it useful for drying off after a bath, wrapping around your head, and more, and it comes in many colors. Some people even use it to wrap gifts or as room decoration. You can find tenugui cloths all across Japan.
photos by ma_shimaro from flickr.com/photos/ma_shimaro/1263148304( cc by 2.0)
7. Potato Farm - Hokkaido Potato Chips
This is a well-known potato snack from Hokkaido, available in several flavors, though the original flavor is the most popular. It looks and tastes similar to French fries. The potatoes used are carefully selected from Hokkaido farms. Inside the large box are small individual packs of crispy, lightly salted chips that are very tasty.
photos by あばさー from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jaga_Pokkuru_01.JPG( cc by public domain)
8. Giant Japanese Strawberries
Strawberries in Japan tend to be quite large, sweet, and crisp. Locals often dip them in sweetened condensed milk before eating. If you buy these as a souvenir, be sure to share them quickly, since they don't keep for long.
photos by Danny Choo from flickr.com/photos/dannychoo/8779397827( cc by 2.0)
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9. Instant Ramen
Instant ramen also makes a great souvenir, and it comes in a wide range of flavors.
photos by melanie_ko from flickr.com/photos/14541393@N03/6947510024( cc by 2.0)
10. Tofu Sheet Mask
This well-known sheet mask has been praised by beauty gurus as genuinely effective, making it a must-buy cosmetic item to bring home.
11. Shiseido Anessa Sunscreen
This is one of the top-rated sunscreens available, with several options, such as water-resistant, sports, and everyday formulas. It's easy to find at drugstores.
12. Japanese Beer
If you're looking for a souvenir for someone who enjoys beer, consider brands such as Sapporo, Yebisu, Lager Beer, and Suntory, with plenty of options to choose from. Just be sure to check your luggage weight allowance before buying beer to bring home.
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13. Japanese Green Tea
Green tea is enjoyed almost everywhere in Japan, and this long-standing tradition gave rise to the tea ceremony. Today, green tea comes in many different forms. If you enjoy green tea, it makes a great souvenir, with prices ranging from affordable to premium depending on quality.
photos by GoToVan from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sakura_Days_Japan_Fair_2016_(26290960011).jpg( cc by 2.0)
14. Nodo Nuru Spray (Sore Throat Spray)
This throat spray helps kill germs and can quickly relieve a sore throat without any other medicine. It is a popular item that people buy for themselves, and it also makes a good souvenir, as it is considered effective and safe for both adults and children.
15. Perfect Whip Facial Cleansing Foam
This facial cleansing foam is extremely popular — proof that a good product doesn't have to be expensive. Users say it cleanses thoroughly, leaves a light, pleasant scent, and is very affordable. It remains a favorite souvenir among visitors to Japan.
