A Traveler’s Guide to Shopping: Gift/Souvenir Ideas from Japan

When I lived in Japan I was always being pressured with sending gifts to America. I come from a large family and have a ton of friends (in my opinion) that were always in need of birthday presents, Christmas presents, Easter Presents and so on. It was a lot of pressure because my parents always stated that my presents were left for last each place they took my presents since they were extra special coming from Japan. After years of working through the struggles of finding the perfect Japanese gift, here is my list to help save you time and stress.

1. Electronics: In Japan there is a place in Osaka that is the best for Japanese electronics that are new on the market. In fact, these products are so new on the market that the technology has not even been taken to America. For instance, I purchase an Mp3 Player about ten years ago when they were not even on the market, it was all a rumor at that time. Some of the best products are stereo equipment, pocket-sized calculators, radios, hi-fi equipment and so on. The best part, the prices are extremely cheap!

2. Camera and Optical goods: Among the stores that contain electronics, there are just as many camera stores. These stores contain both still and movie models that are the newest on the market, not even in America. In addition, microscopes, binoculars, telescopes and et cetera are sold at these stores. Again, the best part are the extremely cheap prices. Most of these stores will have English representatives that will come up to you when you walk in so that they can help you out. Be sure that any video camera you purchase though will switch to English if you are not fluent in Japanese.

3. Bamboo Ware: Bamboo grows in all parts of Japan is used in traditional art work. Some of the popular items to purchase are ornaments and kitchenware that have delicately been put together by hand.

4. Dolls: Dolls are very popular in Japan and have been a common art form since the beginning of Japan. The most popular doll is a ceramic doll called a Daruma Doll. These were first started in the bottom of Japan in a place called Fukuoka and have spread throughout Japan as a national art form.

5. Lacquer Ware: This is an art form that dates back to 7000 B.C in Japan. There is an ongoing fight about if it began in Japan or China however being loyal to Japan, I believe it began there. Unlike other countries that try to use a chemical resin to cover materials and call it lacquered, Japan prefers to use a natural substance from a “Japanese Lacquer Tree. These items are very durable however I prefer to mail mine to assure the safety of the art piece. Usually one might find plates, boxes, chopsticks and et cetera to purchase around Japan that are authentic.

6. Folding Fans: This is always easy to find in shopping centers and at shrines to cater to tourists. There are some very colorful options though and I suggest purchasing one from a Kimono shop instead of anywhere else to assure the quality of the fan.

7. Silk Goods: Japanese silk in my opinion is the same as Chinese silk however a Japanese person will complain about this comment. Either way, Japanese silk is a high quality and is usually seen used in kimonos. Unlike common belief, kimonos come in a variety of price ranges. A good Japanese silk kimono can be purchase for a few hundred dollars up to thousands. If you look hard enough, there are secondhand stores that contain real Japanese silk kimonos that are in perfect condition and can be given as a gift. There are also handkerchiefs and et cetera available.

8. Damascene: This is a special type of metal art form exclusive in Japan. Basically it is when the artist places two or more types of metals together in one item such as a ring or necklace. It was very popular in decorating samurai swords and et cetera. Look for items that have a dark steel background with gold or silver foil inlays.

9. Cloisonné: This is another way for artists to create metal products. It was first started in the Near East and traveled to China and has grown into a popular art form in Japan today. This type of metal gift such as a plate or jewelry will have a jewel-like appearance that glitters. These can be rather expensive though since it is very popular in Japan right now.

10. Woodblock Prints: These are very popular throughout Japanese history and examples can be seen in many historical museums around the world. When searching for authentic Japanese woodblock prints ask for Ukiyo-e prints. There are many knockoffs though so be sure the quality of the paper is top-notch to assure the print is real and not just a copy. These can be purchase all over the place and come in a range of prices.

11. Pottery: Japan received this art form from China many years ago and has a drastically different artistic appeal than the originals from China. Look for plates, vases, tea utensil and so on for gifts. Be sure there is a stamp on the bottom of each piece though, the stamp should be in red ink for the highest quality.

12. Lanterns: Paper lanterns are very popular and are traditionally from Japan. Most lanterns are created in a prefecture called Gifu however there are other locations around the country too. In fact, in the country there are locations where you can create your own paper lanterns for a minimal fee.

13. Pearls: Many people are not aware of this however the water near the bottom of Japan is the perfect location to grown pearls. Near the bottom of Fukuoka there are many “pearl farms” so the prices of pearls in Japan are very cheap compared to other countries. Since the pearls are farmed in Japan, the sizes, shapes and colors are unbelievable.

14. Kimono Accessories: Kimono accessories are wonderful to give to women and younger girls. There are different styles, degree of artistic work and come in many colors. These are the gifts that I purchased for my daughter when she grows up, she will be the most decorative girl in her class!

15. Food: As always, people want to know about food items that are available in Japan. Each time I sent a box or packed my suitcase I assured I packed tons of Japanese food products. Look for new items such as chips, candy, pre-packaged instant meals and so on to give away. There are also “Omiyage” shops all around Japan that have cute decorative boxes with confectionary items and pastries to give as presents.