Souvenirs from Japan: 20 Cheap and Great Food and Snack Ideas Worth Buying

“What should I buy in Japan?” is a common question for anyone planning a trip to Japan and making a list of great, unique souvenirs. So we've put together some updated souvenirs and snacks, including cute items sold only in Japan. Snacks are one of the most popular souvenirs, and there are also many unique everyday items you can buy for yourself or give to someone else.

Reference: 23 Japan Souvenirs | Latest Update

20 Souvenirs from Japan

1. PREMIUM MORNING TEA MILK Flavored Water

This looks like mineral water or soda from the outside, but once you take a sip, it turns out to be milk tea. After someone posted a review, it became an instant hit. Besides being unusual, it also tastes good. If you don't believe it, try it for yourself. It's easy to find and affordable at convenience stores and supermarkets. Once you're in Japan, you have to bring some back as a souvenir.

2. Meltykiss Chocolate from Meiji

This is a Japanese souvenir snack that's easy to find at convenience stores and mini marts. These rich chocolates come in various flavors, such as fragrant, sweet green tea, or fruity ones like strawberry. Buy a whole box to bring home.

3. Japanese Laundry Detergent: Ariel 3D Premium Gel Ball

This has actually been available in Japan for a long time, but recently there have been many reviews about these gel balls, and demand has surged. If you don't want to miss this trend, bring some home to use. The great thing about this detergent in ball form is that it doesn't get on your hands. It's easy to use because you don't need to measure it out, and there's no spilling or dripping onto the bottle or the floor. It's widely available at supermarkets in Japan.

4. Pocky, Various Flavors

Pocky sold in Japan is a little different from what you might expect. The sticks are thick and generously coated, and importantly, the flavors are more varied, with new ones released all the time. Recently, Pocky released a Chocolate Coconut flavor, with thick chocolate coating and shredded coconut that pairs perfectly. It's easy to find, even at Narita Airport, so it's definitely worth buying.

5. Pablo Cheesecake

There are still many flavors sold only in Japan. Recently, Pablo collaborated with Lotte to release the Lotte Choco Pie PABLO Supervision Premium Cheesecake, a chocolate pie coated in rich chocolate and filled with Pablo's signature cheese cream. Bite into it and you'll find a surprise in the middle: a caramel brulee filling, where the tangy cheese is balanced by sweet caramel and a hint of chocolate. Cheesecake lovers shouldn't miss this one.

6. Uchi cafe sweets @ Lawson

A convenience store full of premium sweets at low prices. If you're short on time and can't shop around for souvenirs, Lawson is the best choice, since it carries its own Uchi Cafe Sweets line, full of premium treats that even locals in Japan love. Recommended items include the Shirofuwa Cheese Souffle, soft and filled with rich cream cheese, and Mochipuyo, made unusually with mochi flour instead of regular cake flour for a chewy texture, filled with strawberry cream. Sometimes Lawson also carries limited-time items from famous brands, most recently the GODIVA Chocolate Roll Cake.

[wp_ad_camp_1]

7. Kororo Jelly

Jelly is another snack that's very popular as a souvenir from Japan. No matter how many times you visit, you'll want to buy some, since there are many brands with lots of chewy, delicious flavors, and new ones come out all the time. Try a little and you'll be hooked. Recent favorites include Kororo, known for its fruit-flavored jelly, and Fettuccine Gummi, a fruit-flavored ribbon-shaped jelly that isn't too sweet. It's widely available and affordable.

8. Theme Park Merchandise

Japan has two giant theme park brands: Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. Buying merchandise from popular collections at these two parks is a must, especially since some items are limited editions available only for a certain time, or only at the Japan branches, such as items from the Harry Potter and Minions zones at USJ.

10. Starbucks Tumblers

Starbucks tumblers are very popular souvenirs, and each country has its own unique design. Japan has beautiful designs sold only in Japan, with new ones released frequently. Limited-edition designs are even harder to find. We recommend shopping at Narita Airport, which has a collectible line you can't find elsewhere. If you bring one back for a Starbucks fan, they'll be thrilled.

11. Sneakers

Japan has many shoe styles, brands, and shops to choose from, and stores often compete on price with big discounts. Limited-edition sneakers from sports brands like Adidas and Nike are quite expensive but extremely popular, sometimes selling out completely, so you may have to hunt around for them. Popular Japanese-style footwear also includes zori, made mainly from cloth or wood. As well as being comfortable, they come in many stylish and cute designs.

12. Pokémon Merchandise

After Pokémon Go became a massive hit, played by everyone from kindergartners to retirees, Pokémon merchandise became hugely popular with kids and adults alike. Japan, as the country of origin, has plenty of cute items to buy as souvenirs. You can find them at Pokémon Center, which has several branches across Japan, but if you want limited-edition items, we recommend the largest branch, Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo.

[wp_ad_camp_1]

13. Japanese Cosmetics

Japanese cosmetic brands are well suited to Asian skin types and work very well. Must-have items include Cow Mutenka Moisturizing Facial Foam, a facial foam suited to sensitive skin with a soft texture that's currently a favorite in Japan; Cleansing Research AHA Wash Cleansing, a facial foam for oily, acne-prone skin that leaves it clear right away; and Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder, a powder facial cleanser that's both unique and effective enough to rank among the best products on cosme.net. It's best to buy these at drugstores or cosmetics shops, where they're often cheaper than in department stores.

14. Oil Blotting Paper

Japanese oil blotting paper can handle even the oiliest skin. The three brands with the highest ratings on Amazon Japan and cosme are Yojiya, DHC, and Oshiroi. They're easy to find at drugstores, Daiso, and airport souvenir shops.

15. Hello Kitty Charms

Charms in Japan come in many types, for love, studies, health, and work. Besides warding off bad luck and bringing good fortune, they're also cute and collectible, making them a great souvenir for friends. The latest Hello Kitty charm design is especially popular and makes a great gift.

16. Cool and Unique Japanese Stationery

Japanese stationery is known for its quality and design, with cute shapes combined with highly practical functions. Recommended items include the HARAC 'Line' cutter, which can cut any shape, curved or notched, and is simple to use; PENTONE, sticky notes rolled up in a pen-like shape; and the Harinacs Press, a stapleless stapler that presses paper firmly together without it coming apart.

17. Kokeshi Wooden Dolls

Kokeshi dolls are adorable, authentically Japanese dolls made from quality wood. They're not just decorative; they also carry deep meaning related to friendship and love, and are believed to be charms that ward off evil. They make a great home decoration gift for adults, who are sure to love them.

18. KitKat

Don't write this one off just yet. Even though the green tea KitKat that was once a huge hit is now common, KitKat keeps releasing new flavors all the time, from region- or prefecture-specific flavors to seasonal ones. If you come across a new flavor, it's worth buying to bring home.

19. Origami Paper

This is a great souvenir for anyone who loves crafts or for kids to play with. Origami paper in Japan comes in many shapes and styles, from simple to advanced. The paper is good quality and doesn't tear easily, and it comes in patterns that reflect Japanese style. You can find it at general stationery shops, LOFT, and Hands, starting from just ¥100.

20. Gundam Models

In Japan, you can find models and figures of almost every character, as they're very popular. There's a huge selection, including both regular and special editions. Gundam models are recommended because they're the most popular. Many types can be found at general stores, electronics stores, and Don Quijote, but for something more special, you may need to visit specialty shops in major areas like Akihabara, Tokyo.

That wraps up this list of 20 popular snacks and souvenirs from Japan. Actually, there are many more popular items travelers like to buy to bring home, such as Tokyo Banana, which keeps releasing new flavors to try; chocolate from Royce; Anello bags, a Japanese brand; various medicines and vitamins; fresh seasonal fruit or dried fruit; all kinds of Japanese snacks sold only in certain regions; and instant ramen noodles that come in many flavors, plus plenty more. It's hard to know how much money to bring to cover it all.

More Popular Snacks and Souvenirs from Japan