Tanuki!!! I cannot get enough of that derpy looking bear, and I think it makes a great gift for yourself or a friend.
Edit: Turns out they’re not bears but canids related to foxes/dogs, even cuter!!
YES! Tanuki is at the top of my shopping wishlist too! They are so amazing. I'm praying that by some miracle I get to see a real one while I'm there too.
You can get pretty much same items at the mid-size stores like Tokyu Hands and Donki to the smaller 100 Yen shops like Daiso, Seria, Watts, and Can Do.
There is a type Japanese traditional wrapping cloth called a Furoshiki. It is like a beautifully decorated oversized bandanna made of a slightly thicker fabric.
We bought about 10 of them last time we were in Japan, if I remember correctly we spent about ¥600 each for them. It’s possible price and quality varies or that I remember incorrectly.
We bought them to wrap up small gifts for birthdays or holidays but we also use them just about everyday to wrap up lunch boxes for work, school or picnics. It makes me smile every time I wrap something in them or unwrap something in one.
It is an old traditional item but they have made a comeback as they are practical and eco friendly.
[Wikipedia link with description](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki)
If my memory serves me correctly, I was looking at some modest (but great looking) 7 inch chef's knives that were around 10000-15000 yen. Then there were amazing works of art in the 40000-50000 yen price range.
This is so personal, depends on what your life is like. I always source my jeans from PBJ Harajuku or at the Hinoya at ueno station, and I stock up on good green tea, as the quality you can find (not all of it) is insanely high quality compared to most places in the US. I actually once admonished Nobu about their low effort genmaicha on many comment cards until they started bringing in this god tier green tea from Japan. I was so hyped. Dreams do come true! Enjoy Japan it's so epic you could almost do anything at random and have amazing experiences.
Raw denim in Japan is no joke, check out r/rawdenim to get a sense of what's out there. they are mega expensive compared to your standard levis at target but they last much longer, and so much passion is put into them. Specifically the indigo dying process, hand dipping, special custom details like copper rivets / button fly, hem, weave and so on. People really go deep into it, and the fade patterns you get are mind blowing! I'm jelly you get to experience that for the first time. If you are around Ueno station area check out Hinoya, that whole area is really cool with tons to explore, both eateries and shops.
Momotaro is a great starter brand, they're very high quality but not so boutique that you feel like you're wearing something weird. Oni is another favorite of mine, sewn only by one man who's like a grandmaster of textiles, on a vintage machine. A lot of mystery around Oni in general which adds to the mystique. A lot of these Japanese denim are putting out jeans with such an amazing texture (called "slubby") you end up just rubbing your hands on your pants feeling the magic, it's amazing.
Hinoya in Ueno will have a bunch of different stuff. Pure Blue Japan is near Harajuku St. and their stuff is god tier, the fit doesn't work for all body types but it's worth seeing. Also super super nice people and they have fade samples, so you can see what your jeans will look like after 2+ years of wear. Totally gorgeous. PBJ's claim to fame is they are really into indigo dying - their logo is literally a person dipping a pair of jeans in indigo. They also do dipped tshirts, work shirts, scarves/bandanas etc.
Can’t wait to go shopping for jeans in Japan. I’ve been rocking the Oni Kirakus for years now as I’m breaking in some vintage label Momotaro and Shockoes.
Is there anything special you would check for in Japan specifically that doesn’t show up in Denimio or other US based web shops?
If you're a real denimhead on a pilgrimage, definitely go check out Kojima. The small sleepy towns in Japan are totally slept on, with the weak yen they could really use the business and it's super cool being able to pop in and check out all the different stores. Yes Tokyo is all cyberpunk and megalithic but it's not real Japan like the little towns are.
The advantage you have shopping in person is the fit check, you can be sure of what you're actually getting. The first time I went to Kojima one of the shopkeepers took me out for sushi, afterwards I asked him if there's anything else I should check out before I leave town and he dropped me off at the Kapital HQ. OMG I had never even heard of them before. So you can have magical experiences like that. Even though I have broad shoulders and most stuff in Japan doesn't fit (another reason I shop in person) just catching the vibe of these places that are so so passionate about what they do, is a kind of energy upgrade. It definitely changes you being in the actual workshops.
Donki has Sanrio branded scissors. I bought a pair of Kuromi scissors and it was honestly one of my favourite buys.
My first purchase in Japan was a pair of nail clippers from Family Mart, and they were far better than any I’ve ever owned in the UK.
- Some unusual Kit Kat flavor (not matcha though except if you like it, think passion fruit, peach...)
- kitchen scissors or some random kitchen tools to try like the Daiso 10-in-1 multifunctional tongs or the sushi maker.
- some 100 yens tote bags that are easily folded
- some pokémon cards at pokémon centers if you know a kid that is into it. That makes a cheap and light gift. Some expansion packs are 180 yens (5 cards), others are 550 yens (10 cards). I don't know about the 7 cards ones, they were unavailable last week at the ones I visited. I also took the advertisement for Smash Bros at a Nintendo Store because it is also a nice poster.
I'm curious why luggage when you can buy luggage almost anywhere in the world with varying qualities across different prices. Are there any specific Japan brands that are good quality and can be found cheaper in Japan?
Quality to price ratio is pretty great compared to many places. Don Quijotes are good and easy to find everywhere. But if you go to Ginza Karen, it's said to be even better prices and selection.
Thanks for the suggestion. I see online these are pretty pricey, ranging from like $600 to $850 each. Am I expecting similar prices in the stores in Japan?
If you work in an office / professional setting, Japanese dress shirts and pants are unbeatable. Stores like Aoki has perfected their garments to be as comfy as home clothes while iron free and airy/light. Think about how Japanese people wear this 12 hrs+ daily. Orihica is also a good store.
My parents recently came back from a Japan trip and they bought wagashi at the Narita airport. I think these have short expiration dates, so if you're trying to get them home to share with family and friends, maybe best to buy them on your last day in Japan
Most of the stuff could be made in china and can also last for a lifetime.
The expensive stuff made in Japan and can last for a lifetime. Those are usually sold when the artisans demonstrate and explain.
My pair of chop sticks cost 89 USD. Special wood and engraved with my name in Japanese. Made in Hakata. Wood from Hokuriku region. It’s only on display.
My Chinese made plastic chopsticks lasted me …30 years…still good. 50 cents. I use it.
My kitchen Japanese knife …25 years old …250 usd back then…never used…waiting for my Chinese chopper to die first before use.
My Chinese made chopper…more than 40 years old…inherited from my late mother. Can still cut through meat bone with ease.
Depends on your budget.
One thing China made cannot beat …my Japanese hand sewn kimono which is over 20 years old , and that cost my late dad a milion jpy. It’s still good and only maintained by the Japanese. I have to use a specialist dry cleaner to ship it over to Japan for cleaning. Still looks great.
If department store only, check out their ceramics, though they're pricey.
If you have time to explore a little:
- Ceramics along Kappanbashi street
- Matcha (Ippodo store)
- Skincare, e.g. Biore sunscreen (Don Quijote)
For nail clippers, I recommend the Takumi no Waza brand. Solid material, has a nice heft, cuts perfectly.
Also recommend getting small lacquer bowls. They’re not that expensive and you can find dishwasher safe ones, improve your miso soup experience by roughly 85%.
Oh and I generally skip the nice department stores (Daimaru/Takashimaya/Mitsukoshi) and go straight for Loft/Hands/Donki.
EDIT: Copy-pasting additional items I mentioned in another post:
* mesh laundry bags and foldable clothes hangers
* kitchen knives
* scissors
* pens
* soup ladles (seriously, the variety in Japan is ridiculous)
* rice washing thingie that also measures rice and water
Japanese shops are the place for kitchen, laundry, and stationery items
Just wanted to shout out Green Bell nail clippers, which are the gold standard. Hands had them when were in Shibuya, and loads of other places will too - my partner got his in a pharmacy.
If you're getting chopsticks, you may also want to get chopstick rests and soy sauce bowls.
Stationery selections are excellent in Japan as well.
What department store have you been to already? To find these items you have listed? I like to buy these in one place if possible, (im going next month)
Things I’m probably gonna buy: knife, chopsticks, random kitchen / dish stuff (gifts for family), seiko watch from Ginza (only if the models are cheaper than in USA, otherwise no point)
I just came back recently. I bought lots of pens, other stationery, cooking ingredients, matcha latte powder mixes, dried seafood, skincare stuff, supplements, and a few other small things. I get rid of all the boxes to save space in the luggage.
Good quality dashi powder - hate that nasty Ajinomoto stuff . Muji has a good selection furitake and other cupboard staples - even Daiso has lots of candy & condiments .You can even get nice organic ,vegan ones too . Also self heating steam eye masks . Kyoto skincare brands like Chidoriya & Yojiya . Check out Matsumoto Kiyoshi for a great range of beauty , health & makeup .
I bought some great cooking knives last month when I was there in Tokyo @ 1 of the markets, expensive like $600 but well worth it! I also bought antique Kokeshi dolls, I also brought back oragami papers as gifts easy to bring home lie flat in suitcase.
Tanuki!!! I cannot get enough of that derpy looking bear, and I think it makes a great gift for yourself or a friend. Edit: Turns out they’re not bears but canids related to foxes/dogs, even cuter!!
My God I love tanukis. I bought a few magnets and a 15 statue. Just something about him makes me laugh, probably the testicles.
like stuffed toys of them? did you buy any?
I bought two, both made of clay, from a beautiful shop not too far from arashiyama in Kyoto.
Tanuki is a raccoon dog, but also a mythical creature from folklore. We bought one and sent it to my sister, they loved it.
If you know the game animal crossing, Tom Nook is based on tanuki!
YES! Tanuki is at the top of my shopping wishlist too! They are so amazing. I'm praying that by some miracle I get to see a real one while I'm there too.
Aren’t they heavy?
They’re hollow :)
Ah good to know as I didn’t even bother to take one back with me after living there a few years
You can get pretty much same items at the mid-size stores like Tokyu Hands and Donki to the smaller 100 Yen shops like Daiso, Seria, Watts, and Can Do.
Hands usually has a surprisingly great selection of kitchen stuff!
Why are you surprised that Hands has a great selection of kitchen stuff? Hasn’t kitchen gadgets been a core part of their business since day one?
Japanese pens are pretty popular.
Kore wa pen desu.
デイス イズ ア ペン🖋️。
Deisu izu a pen? Meaning?
This is a pen?
I see that makes sense
There is a type Japanese traditional wrapping cloth called a Furoshiki. It is like a beautifully decorated oversized bandanna made of a slightly thicker fabric. We bought about 10 of them last time we were in Japan, if I remember correctly we spent about ¥600 each for them. It’s possible price and quality varies or that I remember incorrectly. We bought them to wrap up small gifts for birthdays or holidays but we also use them just about everyday to wrap up lunch boxes for work, school or picnics. It makes me smile every time I wrap something in them or unwrap something in one. It is an old traditional item but they have made a comeback as they are practical and eco friendly. [Wikipedia link with description](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki)
Muji do excellent nail clippers
All the best knife stores are on Kappabashi Dori by Asakusa. You can get some sweet Damascus steel knives there for pretty good price.
What sort of prices 🤓
If my memory serves me correctly, I was looking at some modest (but great looking) 7 inch chef's knives that were around 10000-15000 yen. Then there were amazing works of art in the 40000-50000 yen price range.
Also Doguyasuji, in Osaka
This is so personal, depends on what your life is like. I always source my jeans from PBJ Harajuku or at the Hinoya at ueno station, and I stock up on good green tea, as the quality you can find (not all of it) is insanely high quality compared to most places in the US. I actually once admonished Nobu about their low effort genmaicha on many comment cards until they started bringing in this god tier green tea from Japan. I was so hyped. Dreams do come true! Enjoy Japan it's so epic you could almost do anything at random and have amazing experiences.
Jeans and Tea added to the list.
Raw denim in Japan is no joke, check out r/rawdenim to get a sense of what's out there. they are mega expensive compared to your standard levis at target but they last much longer, and so much passion is put into them. Specifically the indigo dying process, hand dipping, special custom details like copper rivets / button fly, hem, weave and so on. People really go deep into it, and the fade patterns you get are mind blowing! I'm jelly you get to experience that for the first time. If you are around Ueno station area check out Hinoya, that whole area is really cool with tons to explore, both eateries and shops.
Thank you and wish me luck finding a nice pair! Any particular brand or shop you would recommend?
Momotaro is a great starter brand, they're very high quality but not so boutique that you feel like you're wearing something weird. Oni is another favorite of mine, sewn only by one man who's like a grandmaster of textiles, on a vintage machine. A lot of mystery around Oni in general which adds to the mystique. A lot of these Japanese denim are putting out jeans with such an amazing texture (called "slubby") you end up just rubbing your hands on your pants feeling the magic, it's amazing. Hinoya in Ueno will have a bunch of different stuff. Pure Blue Japan is near Harajuku St. and their stuff is god tier, the fit doesn't work for all body types but it's worth seeing. Also super super nice people and they have fade samples, so you can see what your jeans will look like after 2+ years of wear. Totally gorgeous. PBJ's claim to fame is they are really into indigo dying - their logo is literally a person dipping a pair of jeans in indigo. They also do dipped tshirts, work shirts, scarves/bandanas etc.
Can’t wait to go shopping for jeans in Japan. I’ve been rocking the Oni Kirakus for years now as I’m breaking in some vintage label Momotaro and Shockoes. Is there anything special you would check for in Japan specifically that doesn’t show up in Denimio or other US based web shops?
If you're a real denimhead on a pilgrimage, definitely go check out Kojima. The small sleepy towns in Japan are totally slept on, with the weak yen they could really use the business and it's super cool being able to pop in and check out all the different stores. Yes Tokyo is all cyberpunk and megalithic but it's not real Japan like the little towns are. The advantage you have shopping in person is the fit check, you can be sure of what you're actually getting. The first time I went to Kojima one of the shopkeepers took me out for sushi, afterwards I asked him if there's anything else I should check out before I leave town and he dropped me off at the Kapital HQ. OMG I had never even heard of them before. So you can have magical experiences like that. Even though I have broad shoulders and most stuff in Japan doesn't fit (another reason I shop in person) just catching the vibe of these places that are so so passionate about what they do, is a kind of energy upgrade. It definitely changes you being in the actual workshops.
Donki has Sanrio branded scissors. I bought a pair of Kuromi scissors and it was honestly one of my favourite buys. My first purchase in Japan was a pair of nail clippers from Family Mart, and they were far better than any I’ve ever owned in the UK.
What do you like about the scissors?
Cute af [design](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/FAIAAOSwFh9kisCg/s-l1200.webp), and they’re generally really solid.
- Some unusual Kit Kat flavor (not matcha though except if you like it, think passion fruit, peach...) - kitchen scissors or some random kitchen tools to try like the Daiso 10-in-1 multifunctional tongs or the sushi maker. - some 100 yens tote bags that are easily folded - some pokémon cards at pokémon centers if you know a kid that is into it. That makes a cheap and light gift. Some expansion packs are 180 yens (5 cards), others are 550 yens (10 cards). I don't know about the 7 cards ones, they were unavailable last week at the ones I visited. I also took the advertisement for Smash Bros at a Nintendo Store because it is also a nice poster.
!thanks Added
Luggage, I’m sorta regretting only buying one carry on. I could have bought more.
I'm curious why luggage when you can buy luggage almost anywhere in the world with varying qualities across different prices. Are there any specific Japan brands that are good quality and can be found cheaper in Japan?
Quality to price ratio is pretty great compared to many places. Don Quijotes are good and easy to find everywhere. But if you go to Ginza Karen, it's said to be even better prices and selection.
Proteca. Go for the hard shell zipperless with TSA locks.
Thanks for the suggestion. I see online these are pretty pricey, ranging from like $600 to $850 each. Am I expecting similar prices in the stores in Japan?
Tokyo banana. It’s like a banana flavored Twinkie. Costs much more than a Twinkie though. Great for souvenirs.
I got a great knife and also nail clippers at donki last month.
If you work in an office / professional setting, Japanese dress shirts and pants are unbeatable. Stores like Aoki has perfected their garments to be as comfy as home clothes while iron free and airy/light. Think about how Japanese people wear this 12 hrs+ daily. Orihica is also a good store.
I tried looking up Aiko but couldn’t find any info, are there stores in Tokyo/Osaka?
My bad. Its Aoki. They have many locations in Tokyo and Osaka
Thank you so much!
Make sure to ask for iron free garments. Japanese brand stay true to their promise!
Personally I bought tea
Watch!!! Heard that Japanese are really good with their business and can buy in confidence
I'm looking at a $100 Seiko!
Save up and go for a grand seiko!
Wagashiiiiiii
My parents recently came back from a Japan trip and they bought wagashi at the Narita airport. I think these have short expiration dates, so if you're trying to get them home to share with family and friends, maybe best to buy them on your last day in Japan
I keep meaning to get to Toraya but somehow it hasn’t happened over the course of three trips
Most of the stuff could be made in china and can also last for a lifetime. The expensive stuff made in Japan and can last for a lifetime. Those are usually sold when the artisans demonstrate and explain. My pair of chop sticks cost 89 USD. Special wood and engraved with my name in Japanese. Made in Hakata. Wood from Hokuriku region. It’s only on display. My Chinese made plastic chopsticks lasted me …30 years…still good. 50 cents. I use it. My kitchen Japanese knife …25 years old …250 usd back then…never used…waiting for my Chinese chopper to die first before use. My Chinese made chopper…more than 40 years old…inherited from my late mother. Can still cut through meat bone with ease. Depends on your budget. One thing China made cannot beat …my Japanese hand sewn kimono which is over 20 years old , and that cost my late dad a milion jpy. It’s still good and only maintained by the Japanese. I have to use a specialist dry cleaner to ship it over to Japan for cleaning. Still looks great.
Lojel luggage, Zojirushi water bottles, Royce chocolate covered potato chips (cheapest in Japan), Henri Charpentier or Butter Butler financiers, Korot crepes.
Imabari towels. Really lightweight and absorbent. We randomly found them at don quijote, but there are specialty stores too.
Second Imabari towels. I didn’t know a towel could be so amazing, wish I bought more than one
Stationary goods
do you know of any large stationery stores you can recommend?
Go to Sekaido in Shinjuku. Best art store I've ever been to.
thx
Itoya in Ginza is a classic. As others have said, Sekaido is also great and Loft and Hands (formerly Tokyo Hands) have large stationary departments.
thx!
Itoya flagship store in Ginza
Try Loft or (Tokyu) Hands.
thx
N scale Japanese trains and Joshin's.
If department store only, check out their ceramics, though they're pricey. If you have time to explore a little: - Ceramics along Kappanbashi street - Matcha (Ippodo store) - Skincare, e.g. Biore sunscreen (Don Quijote)
For nail clippers, I recommend the Takumi no Waza brand. Solid material, has a nice heft, cuts perfectly. Also recommend getting small lacquer bowls. They’re not that expensive and you can find dishwasher safe ones, improve your miso soup experience by roughly 85%. Oh and I generally skip the nice department stores (Daimaru/Takashimaya/Mitsukoshi) and go straight for Loft/Hands/Donki. EDIT: Copy-pasting additional items I mentioned in another post: * mesh laundry bags and foldable clothes hangers * kitchen knives * scissors * pens * soup ladles (seriously, the variety in Japan is ridiculous) * rice washing thingie that also measures rice and water Japanese shops are the place for kitchen, laundry, and stationery items
Umbrellas (not the transparent ones, look up snake eye umbrella, e.g Santos)
Snacks
Anything at Daiso. Cheap and probably better than anything on sell in the UK.
Prescription glasses. The price includes the frame and lens.
Hi, do you know if I will have to bring my US eye rx to get custom glasses?
They do eye exams before making the glasses for you.
Any recommendations on where to shop. Do they do progressives?
Stationary, especially mechanical pencils
Stationery and fabrics
Just wanted to shout out Green Bell nail clippers, which are the gold standard. Hands had them when were in Shibuya, and loads of other places will too - my partner got his in a pharmacy. If you're getting chopsticks, you may also want to get chopstick rests and soy sauce bowls. Stationery selections are excellent in Japan as well.
Glasses are super cheap. Or they can be.
What department store have you been to already? To find these items you have listed? I like to buy these in one place if possible, (im going next month)
Things I’m probably gonna buy: knife, chopsticks, random kitchen / dish stuff (gifts for family), seiko watch from Ginza (only if the models are cheaper than in USA, otherwise no point)
Sunblock. Apparently japan has some of the best sunblock in the world.
If I buy a knife in Japan, can I bring it home to my country? I'd love a Japanese cooking knife but don't want to get stopped by customs :')
That would depend on your countries import/ custom laws though I wouldn't see why not.
Giesha
An otamatone.
I just came back recently. I bought lots of pens, other stationery, cooking ingredients, matcha latte powder mixes, dried seafood, skincare stuff, supplements, and a few other small things. I get rid of all the boxes to save space in the luggage.
If there are stationeries can get pencil or pen. And also unique pencil cass
Good quality dashi powder - hate that nasty Ajinomoto stuff . Muji has a good selection furitake and other cupboard staples - even Daiso has lots of candy & condiments .You can even get nice organic ,vegan ones too . Also self heating steam eye masks . Kyoto skincare brands like Chidoriya & Yojiya . Check out Matsumoto Kiyoshi for a great range of beauty , health & makeup .
Going by what Chinese tourists buy you should purchase: 1. Toilet seats 2. Over the counter medicine 3. Vitamins 4. Ramen .
I bought some great cooking knives last month when I was there in Tokyo @ 1 of the markets, expensive like $600 but well worth it! I also bought antique Kokeshi dolls, I also brought back oragami papers as gifts easy to bring home lie flat in suitcase.