Nestled in East Asia, Japan is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The nation saw 2.78 million inbound visitors in February 2024 alone. This nation’s increasing tourism is due to its numerous attractions, including the number one tourist spot, Mt. Fuji. From ancient shrines to futuristic spots, there are many places to visit and things to do in this Asian country.
In addition to exploring, visitors often look forward to buying souvenirs or keepsakes to take back home. You are in luck, as this beautiful country offers many options. Don’t fear their prices; these items don’t cost much and will fit your budget. So, we have handpicked the top things to buy in Japan without further ado.
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How to Buy Things in Japan?
In foreign countries with language barriers, visitors are often troubled regarding shopping. Japan has numerous shopping districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza, which have many boutiques, department stores, and malls. However, sellers rarely communicate in English or other languages than Japanese.
Likewise, many tourists are unaware of shopping etiquette and are confused about dos and don’ts when shopping in Japan. So, we have listed a few tips for our readers that will be useful during your shopping expedition.
- Shopping Hours and Closures: Be aware of Japanese stores’ opening and closing times. Most shops are open from 10 AM to 8 PM.
- Polite Greeting: Respect is given and taken. However, you are not expected to respond to sellers’ greetings after entering the store.
- Cash Transaction Only: Many Japanese neighborhoods don’t have a card policy, so it’s better to take cash whenever you shop.
- No Bargaining: Japanese people don’t appreciate bargaining, so refrain from doing that.
- Shopping Manners: You are expected to put money onto the provided tray and receive a similar change.
- Consumption Tax: While many Japanese products include taxes, visitors can enjoy tax-free shopping at licensed stores if they are shopping over ¥5,000.
- Online Shopping: To avoid the language barrier and enjoy hassle-free shopping, buy things online. Japan has many online shopping websites.
Cool Things to Buy in Japan
There are way too many things to buy in Japan, so we have categorized them into multiple sections to make it easier for our readers to understand. So, let’s first look at some cool things to buy in Japan.
Check Out Japanese Tea Sets
It’s no secret that Asians love tea. They have a special place and significant importance in Japanese culture. Japanese people drink tea during or after meals. Furthermore, many restaurants serve customers a cup of tea immediately after they take a seat. Then, there is also the tea ceremony between the host and guest.
If you enjoyed drinking green tea during your Japan tour, you might as well buy a tea set to take back home. Even if you are not a tea lover, these beautiful sets would be nice decorative items in your living room. Moreover, they don’t cost more than ¥10,000.
Order Customized Chopsticks
- Where To Buy: Asakusa, Ginza, Kappabashi
- Price Range: ¥100 – ¥200
In Japan, do as the Japanese do, including using chopsticks for meals. They are light and usually made of wood. If you want to gift chopsticks to your friends back home, you should order customized ones. They are also famous among Japanese people for gifting newlyweds, grandparents, parents, and children.
Personalized chopsticks are more durable than the disposable ones. You can ask for any design, including names, zodiac signs, or cute symbols. Chopsticks usually cost somewhere between ¥100 and ¥200. However, customized versions might cost a bit more.
Listen to Furin – Wind Chimes
- Where To Buy: Tokyo, Osaka
- Price Range: $8 and above
If you want a unique and cool product to bring back home, you should purchase Japanese Furin, aka wind chimes. They usually have three parts: the outer bell-shaped exterior, the bell clapper, and strips of colorful paper that flutter in the breeze. When blown by the wind, they produce a musical sound.
Initially, wind chimes were used as a protective charm and hung to ward off evil spirits. Ancients believed their sounds could predict good or bad fortune. Later, Japanese people used it to dispel the blistering heat of the summer. Nowadays, you will wind furin hanging outside the windows or balconies in houses.
Check the Sharpness of Japanese Knives
We all use knives in our daily lives. However, you will be surprised to hear about the price of this daily kitchen necessity in Japan. For instance, some Japanese knives cost thousands of dollars. The price is based on the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, and Japan delivers the highest quality to its customers.
Japanese chef knives are sharp and built to last a lifetime. Takamura knives, for example, are of excellent quality, durable, and light enough to use. Likewise, Gyuto and Santoku knives are often used in Japanese households. While you will get a cheap deal when buying knives in Japan, they are expensive compared to other items.
Dress Up in Traditional Kimonos
- Where To Buy: Tokyo, Kyoto
- Price Range: ¥3,000 – ¥10,000
Kimonos are among the good things to buy in Japan. They are traditional Japanese straight-seamed garments wrapped left over right side and secured with an obi. Japanese women wear this national dress during the New Year, weddings, tea ceremonies, summer festivals, funerals, and important events.
Visitors can also wear kimono while traveling in Japan. It shows their appreciation for Japanese culture and history. Moreover, this garment is available in various designs and colors at department stores in Tokyo and Kyoto. You can also gift it to your friends and family.
Shop for Japanese Cosmetics and Clothing
- Top Brands: Hada Labo, Shiseido, Canmake, Kanebo Cosmetics
- Price Range: $30 onwards
Japanese beauty products are known for their anti-aging and radiant skin properties. Japan’s women often have young-looking faces with smooth, soft mochi skin. Hence, this country’s cosmetics are exported to numerous countries with a large customer base.
You won’t find the best deals in Japanese cosmetics anywhere other than Japan. For instance, Shiseido and Hada Labo products cost less in the country than elsewhere. Visitors can get products for almost half the price. In addition, they can choose items according to their budget, from ¥300 to ¥30,000.
Best High-End Things to Buy in Japan
Having looked at some good items to purchase, let’s check out these handpicked best high-end things in Japan.
Savor Diverse Flavors of Japanese Sake
- Where To Buy: Tokyo, Kyoto
- Price Range: ¥1,500 – ¥5,000
Have you ever tried Japanese rice wine? Also called sake, this alcoholic drink is made from fermented rice and served in eateries and restaurants in Japan. It tastes slightly sweet with a clean finish. Some sake has a mild taste with a slight bitterness, acidity, and astringency.
This Japanese drink is best for all occasions, be it weddings or office parties. You can also enjoy a glass or two after meals with your family. Furthermore, buy some bottles to take home and share with your friends and family. You can also give them as gifts.
Practice Calligraphy with Japanese Calligraphy Set
- Where To Buy: Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto
- Price Range: ¥2,000 – ¥10,000
Japanese calligraphy dates back to the 6th century. However, it’s still thriving and kicking in the 21st century. Shodo is taught to children in schools from age six and continues until university. Japanese people also believe that a person’s character can be told by handwriting.
Calligraphy workshops are available in Tokyo, Osaka, and Namba. Classes are often one or two hours long and will fit right into your schedule. After a memorable calligraphy experience, you can buy Japanese Shodo kits and take them home as souvenirs.
Purchase Unique Wagasa Umbrellas
- Where To Buy: Kyoto, Tokyo
- Price Range: ¥5,000 – ¥20,000
Who knew a mere umbrella could cost as much as ¥20,000? However, when it comes to Wagasa, the price is worth the product. This Japanese umbrella is coated with vegetable oil and has multiple colors and patterns. Like typical umbrellas, it can shield from rain and sun.
Japanese Wagasa’s origins date back to the Heian Period. In the early days, it was imported from China. Later, oil was painted on washi paper, and wagasa came into practice in the Muromachi Period (1333 – 1573). These oil-paper parasols look eye-catching with vibrant colors and suit well with kimonos.
Admire Beautiful Japanese Pottery Items
- Where To Buy: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
- Price Range: ¥3,000 – ¥10,000
What could be a more high-end thing to buy in Japan than beautiful Japanese ceramics? Japanese pottery is quite a valuable collectible in various shapes and sizes. They also have a profound meaning in the country’s culture. For instance, people use ceramics during tea ceremonies and kaiseki meals.
Visitors can purchase pottery items made up of earthenware or porcelain. Many people prefer porcelain products due to their quality, originality, and various shapes and sizes. However, these pottery items are expensive, with some costing up to $10,000.
Find Cheap Things to Buy in Japan
If high-end items are out of your budget, we recommend several cheap things to buy in Japan. These products are valuable and will be perfect souvenirs.
Buy Sweet Mochi at a Low Cost
- Where To Buy: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
- Price Range: ¥100 onwards
One can never go wrong with mochi. Pounding glutinous rice into a sticky paste makes this sweet Japanese cake. It is then molded into various shapes and served. This Japanese delight is known for its soft, sticky, and chewy texture. It is low in cholesterol and saturated fat and has Vitamins A, C, E, and K.
This Japanese cake stays good for a few months, making it a perfect souvenir. Buyers must store them in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss from the mochi skin. They can also store them in the freezer and defrost them before consumption. If mochi is not to your taste, try buying Kit Kats, which also cost less in Japan.
Challenge Yourself with Origami Paper Kits
Did you ever make origami as a child? Most Asian kids are familiar with turning paper into complex shapes, including paper airplanes, birds, and flowers. Origami began in Japan during the 1500s and has been part of the country’s culture since then. Japanese people love origami, primarily Orizuru, the paper crane.
If you are bored and have nothing to do, let your imagination run wild with the help of origami paper kits. You won’t realize how fast time goes when you are engrossed in creating paper crafts. Likewise, origami is not about being talented but about being willing to learn to shapefully mold simple pieces of paper into beautiful and creative designs.
Purchase Budget-Friendly Matcha Products and Kits
- Where To Buy: Kyoto, Tokyo
- Price Range: ¥2,000 – ¥8,000
Japan is famous for matcha, which originated in the 1100s. Legends say a Zen Buddhist monk brought green tea seeds from China and introduced the practice called the way of tea. Moreover, Japanese people love matcha tea and often consume it daily. It has many health benefits, including increasing energy levels and boosting metabolism.
Matcha tea improves cardiovascular health and is rich in antioxidants. It is especially famous among ladies due to its weight loss and glowing skin properties. Furthermore, these products are budget-friendly. You can also buy matcha kits for ¥2,000, including a ceramic bowl, a scoop, and a bamboo whisk.
Shop for Japanese Stationery
- Where To Buy: Tokyo, Kyoto
- Price Range: ¥300 – ¥3,000
Sometimes, a souvenir doesn’t have to be high-end and unique; it can be simple products like stationery. From pens and pencils to cute notebooks, you will find everything in the department stores of Tokyo and Kyoto. These items bring back childhood nostalgia and are perfect for stationery lovers.
Moreover, Japanese stationery is among the cheapest available. Pens and notebooks cost a mere ¥300 and even lower in some stores. You can also gift pens or notebooks to your friends and family.
Unique Things to Buy in Japan
In addition to visiting historic landmarks and popular tourist destinations, Japan offers many hidden non-touristy things to do. So, it’s no surprise that several unique and quirky things are available for buying.
Bring Japanese Omamori from Temples
- Where To Buy: Nara, Shinto shrines in Tokyo and Osaka
- Price Range: ¥300 – ¥1,000
Buy yourself a good luck charm from Japan. Omamoris are commonly available around Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples and are believed to ward away evil. There are different amulets for different milestones, such as getting married and passing a school exam. You can also gift them to your friends as a form of well-wishing.
These good luck charms are usually made of paper or wood. You can also find them as stickers, keychains, and small metal charms. Although you can buy Omamori online, it’s best to buy from the shrines to get good luck. Several types of amulets include Kenko, Yakuyoke, Katsumori, Kaiun, and Shiawase.
Fan Yourself with Beautiful Japanese Fans
- Where To Buy: Asakusa, Osaka, Kyoto
- Price Range: ¥500 – ¥5,000
If you are looking for cute things to buy in Japan, you won’t go wrong with gorgeous Japanese fans. They are available in various sizes and designs and will be the perfect souvenirs for your trip. Furthermore, these fans are available in two forms: uchiwa and sensu.
A Uchiwa fan is a traditional round silk fan often used to fan oneself during summer. It is non-foldable and is part of Chinese seasonal traditions. On the other hand, Sensu fans are the ones that you see commonly in dances, plays, and movies. They are foldable and come in vibrant colors and diverse designs.
Find Out Why Japanese People Keep Bonsai Trees at Home
- Where To Buy: Tokyo, Kyoto
- Price Range: ¥2,000 – ¥100,000
Although a bonsai tree looks tiny, it could cost up to ¥100,000 and above. Japanese people often grow bonsai in containers by taking good care of it. They regularly water the tree, prune excess branches and leaves, and fertilize it with nutrition. These miniature trees also require direct sunlight for 5-6 hours daily.
Bonsai is also called a Japanese art form, and its history goes back several centuries. It is considered a lucky tree that attracts positive chi and promotes balance. Moreover, placing this miniature tree in a home or workplace attracts good luck, prosperity, and wealth.
Bring Luck to Your Home with a Maneki-Neko
- Where To Buy: Gotokuji Temple, Kyoto, Tokyo
- Price Range: ¥500 – ¥5,000
Finally, the legendary Maneki-Neko is on our list of unique things to buy in Japan. These beckoning cats are often found behind the cash registers of restaurants and stores. While many believe they call customers, this cat figurine symbolizes good luck to the owner. People often buy it to gain good fortune.
Maneki-Neko originated in Japan, many link it to Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo. Legends say a cat invited Li Naotaka inside the shrine to shelter from an unexpected thunderstorm. Naotaka later reinvented the temple to show his gratitude to the cat. At present, you will find thousands of Maneki-Neko cat figurines in the temple.
What Are the Best Things to Buy in Daiso Japan?
To do last-minute shopping in Japan before returning home, you must visit Daiso Japan. This is a one-stop store where you will find everything you need at affordable prices. Moreover, this is the cheapest store in the country where everything costs only ¥100. Hence, it’s also called a $1 store.
Check out some of the best things to buy in Daiso Japan down below:
- Onigiri Bath Bombs: Buy sushi-shaped soap suds at Daiso.
- Mini Animal Skewers: Make your lunch enjoyable with pretty mini animal skewers.
- Toothpaste Tube Squeezer: Although it might sound weird, this product is useful when you have a near-empty toothbrush tube.
- Panda Toothbrush Holder: A cute item for your kids.
- Daiso Japan Egg Timers: A viral Daiso product popped into boiling water.
- Daiso Erasers: Buy cute animal-shaped or sushi erasers at Daiso.
There are lots of things to buy in Japan, are there not? The exciting part is you don’t have to worry about money or other problems; you can buy whatever fits your budget. Likewise, our handpicked items are sold in almost all famous destinations in Japan. So you can make your purchase while traveling along the way.
We are ending our blog on the top things to buy in Japan here. To explore more activities, tours, and tickets in this Asian country, visit our website, TourTeller.
