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The best things to buy in Japan include old-style crafts, tasty snacks, and new beauty products. In busy cities like Tokyo or calm places like Kyoto, you can find matcha tea, pretty cups, fun sweets, and good skincare. These things show Japan’s rich culture and clever ideas. Whether you want something useful or fun, there is something for everyone. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful country, this guide can help you pick what to buy. These items are nice to use and also make great souvenirs to bring back home.
Top 10 Best Things To Buy In Japan
Here is a list of the top 10 best things to buy in Japan, where you can enjoy shopping:
1. Japanese Green Tea
Photo: dungthuyvunguyen / Wikimedia Commons
Japanese green tea is one of the best things to buy in Japan. It has a nice smell, rich taste, and is good for health. Green tea is an important part of Japanese life. You can find different types like matcha and sencha in places like Kyoto and Shizuoka. Some shops let you taste the tea before buying it. Matcha is a special kind of green tea used in tea ceremonies. People buy it for themselves or as gifts for others. It is a great choice to take home from Japan and enjoy the real taste of Japanese tea.
Where To Buy: Nishiki Market (Kyoto), Shizuoka Tea District
2. Japanese Skincare Products
Photo: Patriciasachi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Japanese skincare is world-famous for being gentle, effective, and innovative. From moisturising lotions to deep-cleansing oils, these skincare products are made for different skin types and needs. Popular Japanese brands like Shiseido, Hada Labo, and SK-II are known for their great quality. Many tourists like to buy these products in large amounts because they are cheaper in Japan and work very well. These products are easy to find in stores and are trusted by many people. Skincare items are some of the best things for beauty lovers to buy in Japan.
Where To Buy: Don Quijote (Tokyo), Loft (Osaka)
3. Japanese Chopsticks, Hashi
Photo: chris 論 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chopsticks in Japan are more than just tools for eating. They are a mix of tradition and art. Many are hand-painted, covered with shiny colours, or made from special types of wood. They often come in lovely boxes, which makes them great as gifts or souvenirs. Some shops let you add names or short messages to them, which makes them even more special. Chopsticks are small, light, and easy to carry, and they show a lot about Japanese culture. They are one of the best cheap things to buy in Japan, especially if you want something simple and meaningful.
Where To Buy: Kyoto Handicraft Centre, Asakusa Shopping Street (Tokyo)
4. Japanese Kit Kats
Photo: FlyingToaster / Wikipedia
Japan has many different Kit Kat flavours that you cannot find in other countries. Some special flavours are matcha (green tea), sake (rice wine), wasabi, and purple sweet potato. These fun and tasty treats are great as gifts or snacks when travelling. Some flavours are only found in certain places or during certain seasons. The small size and colourful wrappers make them even more fun to try and collect. If you visit Japan, these Kit Kats are one of the best things to buy in Japan Tokyo because they are unique and loved by many people around the world.
Where To Buy: Airports, convenience stores, and Kit Kat Chocolatory shops
5. Japanese Stationery
Photo: RF Vila / Wikimedia Commons
Japan has very nice and special stationery. You can find notebooks, gel pens, stickers, and washi tape that look beautiful and work very well. These items are great for students, artists, and people who like planning. Many shops in Japan sell cute and useful stationery. Some items show famous characters or local designs. Sometimes, there are limited sets that you can only get for a short time. The designs are simple but very pretty. If you like collecting or using nice paper things, Japan is a great place to shop. Stationery is one of the famous things to buy in japan.
Where To Buy: Tokyu Hands (Tokyo), Itoya (Ginza)
6. Japanese Kimonos And Yukatas
Photo: Mr.ちゅらさん / Wikimedia Commons
Kimonos and yukatas show Japan’s rich culture. A kimono is a traditional dress that is fancy and worn for special events. A yukata is a light cotton robe, usually worn during summer festivals. Yukatas are easier to wear and cheaper than kimonos. You can find both in many colours, designs, and prices. Some shops also sell second-hand kimonos that are good and affordable for travellers. They are nice gifts or keepsakes from Japan. If you are thinking about the famous things to buy in japan, a kimono or yukata is a lovely and special choice to take home.
Where To Buy: Nishijin Textile Center (Kyoto), Nakamise Street (Tokyo)
7. Maneki Neko, Lucky Cats
Photo: Miguel Á. Padriñán / Pexels
The Maneki Neko, also called the “beckoning cat,” is a lucky charm from Japan. It is a small cat figure with one paw raised as if waving. People believe it brings good luck, happiness, and money. These cat figures come in different colours and sizes, and each one has a special meaning. Many people keep them at home or in shops to bring success. They are light, easy to carry, and make a nice gift. This cat is also a part of Japanese culture. It is one of the best things to buy in Japan if you want a lucky souvenir.
Where To Buy: Gotokuji Temple (Tokyo), souvenir shops across Japan
8. Japanese Sweets, Wagashi
Photo: Douglas Perkins / Wikimedia Commons
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets. They are made using simple ingredients like red bean paste, rice flour, and fruits that grow in each season. These sweets are known for their lovely shapes, often looking like flowers or leaves. They are not just tasty but also look very pretty. People often give them as gifts, especially during tea ceremonies and festivals in Japan. Wagashi are a special part of Japanese culture and are enjoyed by people of all ages. If you visit Japan, they are one of the best things to buy in Japan because they are both beautiful and unique.
Where To Buy: Department store food halls (Tokyo, Kyoto), Tsukiji Outer Market
9. Japanese Ceramics
Photo: Takashi Mukoda / Wikimedia Commons
Japanese ceramics are beautiful and useful. They are made with great care and skill. You can find small teacups, big ramen bowls, and many other items. Each piece is special and has its own story. Some ceramics are simple and used every day, while others are made by artists and are more expensive. These special pieces are good for gifts or to take home as souvenirs. You can see many types of shops across Japan. If you are looking for the best things to buy in Japan, Japanese ceramics are a great choice for both beauty and use.
Where To Buy: Mashiko, Arita, or flea markets in Tokyo
10. Japanese Swords And Miniatures
Photo: Andres Rueda / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Japanese swords, called katanas, are famous, and many people like to buy them as souvenirs. Real swords are very costly and need special papers to take home. But small versions of these swords are easy to buy. They look just like the real ones and are great for showing at home or giving as gifts. These little swords remind us of the old samurai warriors in Japan. You can find them in many shops, and they are popular with tourists. If you are thinking about buying things in Japan, a miniature katana is a lovely and special choice.
Where To Buy: Sword museums (Tokyo), souvenir shops in Kyoto
The best things to buy in Japan include cute stationery, lucky cat figures, and many more special items. Each thing has a story and shows Japan’s rich culture. Shopping here is not just about buying, it’s about taking home memories. These items make great souvenirs. So, don’t miss them during your trip. Enjoy your shopping journey in Japan with TripXL and make your travel extra special and fun.
Cover Photo: Dex Planet / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
