Shopping lover or not, we guarantee you’re going to want to factor in some serious Tokyo souvenir shopping into your Japan trip itinerary. Why? Because there are just so many things to find here that can’t be bought anywhere else!
We’re talking limited-edition Tokyo releases, cultural mementos of your Asia adventure, and delicious treats to share a taste of Japan with friends back home. And if you don’t know where to start, then don’t worry. This guide has covered on all things Tokyo souvenirs shopping, taking you through what to buy and exactly where to buy it.
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Want to know our top 10 Japan souvenirs?
Tokyo Cultural Souvenirs
Chopsticks
Chopsticks (or ohashi in Japanese) are one of those perfect Tokyo souvenirs: practical, lightweight, and full of cultural significance. You’ll find them at every price point, from beautifully handcrafted lacquered sets made by artisans to personalized chopsticks that can be engraved with your name, and affordable options picked up from Don Quijote.
Where to Buy: Temple gift shops, like those at Meiji Jingu, or Senso-Ji’s Nakamise Shopping Street, are great places to find chopsticks. For cheaper options, you’ll find chopsticks in most department stores and Don Quijote.
Omamori
Omamori are traditional good luck amulets sold at shrines and temples across Japan. Each brings a specific blessing to the owner, such as success in exams, good health, or safe childbirth, and whilst you can buy them for yourself, they also make amazing gifts for friends and family back at home.
Where to Buy: Outside most temples, just remember to bring cash!
Japanese Knives
For foodies and home cooks, a Japanese knife is one of the most special Tokyo souvenirs you can bring back from Tokyo. Known for their precision, sharpness, and balance, these knives are prized by chefs all over the world. Prices do vary widely, meaning you can find simple entry-level knives for around ¥5,000 to ¥10,000, while handcrafted, high-carbon steel blades from master artisans can cost ¥30,000+. Many shops also offer engraving or handle customisation, so you can take home a knife that’s both functional and personal.
Where to Buy: Tsukiji Market has a great selection of Japanese knife vendors, or you can make the experience even more special by taking part in a knife-making workshop.
Japanese Pottery
Pottery might not be the first thing you think of when shopping in Tokyo, but it’s one of our top Tokyo souvenirs to recommend. Traditional Japanese pottery styles, like Bizen, Arita, and Mashiko, have been perfected over generations and consider even small imperfections as adding character, making every cup or plate unique. You might consider picking up simple ramen bowls, cute mugs, or finely crafted sake sets, with prices ranging from a few hundred yen to several thousand, depending on quality.
Where to Buy: Make sure to include Kappabashi Street (or “Kitchen Street”) in your itinerary, where the entire road is filled with pottery and kitchenware stores. You can also try out kintsugi pottery for yourself.
Tokyo Skincare Souvenirs
Japanese Brands
Japan is famous for its skincare, and although you can get a lot of Japanese products in other countries, you’ll find a much larger array at a much cheaper price in Tokyo. Japanese products tend to have a more gentle and balanced approach to skincare, with innovative technology you can’t find anywhere else.
Here are a few of our favourite brands (and their star products):
- Hada Labo: Gokujyuan Emmulsion and Lotion
- Sekkisei: Medicated Sekkisei Lotion
- Fancl: Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil
- Melano CC: Premium Brightening Essence
- Naturie: Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel
- Senka: Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam
Where to Buy: Explore the best-selling products at the huge Cosme in Harajuku, or stroll the endless aisles at Don Quijote.
Face Masks
Sheet masks are a huge part of Japanese skincare routines, being used multiple times a week to soothe and moisturise skin…they’re also a lightweight, affordable, and easily packed Tokyo souvenir. Lululun is probably Japan’s most famous face mask brand, with the Keana Nadeshiko rice masks being super popular for moisturizing, or Quality 1st being another great option.
Spot Patches
One thing you need to add to your Tokyo souvenir list is a pack of Japanese spot patches. They’re ultra-thin and super effective compared to Western versions, and usually much more affordable. Our favourite brands are Cosrx and Mediheal, which look nearly invisible on the skin and seemingly magically heal spots overnight.
SPF
If you’re at all interested in skincare, then you know about Japanese SPF. The formulas are lightweight, don’t leave a white cast, and are actually reasonably priced. And no need to worry about sun protection, UV protection of 50+ and PA++++ is the standard.
- Budget: Biore UV Aqua Watery Essence
- Mid-Tier: Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk
- Luxury: Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Lotion
Tokyo Clothing Souvenirs
Onitsuka Tigers
If you’re looking for a stylish and practical souvenir, consider picking up a pair of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers. This iconic Japanese brand, founded in 1949, is known for its retro-inspired designs and lightweight comfort.
Where to Buy: You’ll find Onitsuka Tiger stores across Tokyo, with the global flagship store in Shibuya, where you’ll find the widest selection of styles, including Japan-only releases.
Uniqlo Limited Edition Collections
We know you’ve not only heard of Uniqlo and can shop it pretty much all over the world, but do you know about the Tokyo-exclusive collections? These collaborations with Japanese artists and brands are limited edition and only available at select stores.
Where to Buy: Your best chance of finding your dream anime/Sanrio/local artist x Uniqlo collab? The 12-story Ginza Flagship Store.
Japanese Denim
If you’re into fashion (or just appreciate quality craftsmanship), Japanese denim is an absolute must-buy when in Tokyo. Japan is famous for its premium denim brands like Momotaro, Samurai Jeans, and Edwin, which are crafted with meticulous stitching, high-quality fabrics, and attention to every detail.
Where to Buy: You can find a range of brands in Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street, or visit the dedicated Japan Blue Jeans on Cat Street or Momotaro Jeans in Aoyama. If you’re interested in the dying process, check out the indigo dying hands-on experience.
Seiko Watches
Seiko is a Japanese brand with a long history of innovation, from classic mechanical watches to cutting-edge solar and GPS timepieces. The watches definitely aren’t cheap, but they are cheaper when bought in Japan, particularly when you factor in that they’re tax-free for tourists.
Where to Buy: Shop new at the beautiful Seiko House Flagship Store in Ginza, or look for vintage models in Nakano Broadway.
Tokyo Kawaii Souvenirs
Sanrio
We’ll be shocked if you can go a single day walking around Tokyo without seeing a Sanrio character…or three. So, if you’re interested in anything cute and kawaii, they make the perfect Tokyo souvenir. In the West, we know Hello Kitty, but in Japan, there are so many more characters in the Sanrio family for you to meet and fall in love with. They’re even ranked by popularity every year! You can bring home a plushie, hair bow, wallet, bag, magnet…the list continues.
Where to Buy: Visit the largest Sanrio store in the world in Nishiginza, or make a reservation at the Sanrio Cafe in Ikebukuro.
Pokémon
Nothing says a trip to Japan like Pokémon merch. You can find a plushie for pretty much every single pokémon at the Pokémon Centres, with each location also stocking their own unique products like limited edition Pikachus and enamel pins that can only be bought in that exact spot.
Where to Buy: There are seven Pokémon Centres in Tokyo, with the most famous (but also busiest) being in Shibuya.
Hair Accessories
We might be biased, but we think Japan has the cutest accessories. From big hair bows to giant scrunchies and immaculate claw clips, you can find it all in Tokyo, and at a super reasonable price point. Hair accessories are also a great way to bring a little bit of Japan into your everyday morning routine.
Where to Buy: Peruse the stalls and shops along Takeshita Street in Harajuku, or visit Three Coins for cheap (but still super cute) hair accessories that only cost three ¥100 coins.
Stationery
If you love cute and practical souvenirs, Tokyo’s stationery scene is a dream come true. Japan takes stationery seriously, with several prestigious stationery awards that recognise products for innovation, functionality, and creativity. You’ll also find cute themes and endless aesthetic designs.
Where to Buy: You can make personalised notebooks in Traveler’s Factory in Nakameguro, or visit shops like Loft, Tokyu Hands, and Itoya for a huge stationery selection.
Tokyo Food and Drink Souvenirs
Instant Ramen
Instant ramen in Japan is on another level, making it one of the most fun (and tasty) souvenirs to bring home from Tokyo. You’ll find everything from regional flavours like Sapporo miso or Hakata tonkotsu to limited-edition collaborations featuring popular restaurants, and don’t forget the iconic ichiran instant ramen sets.
Where to Buy: Don Quijote has a great array of choices, or for something more unique, make the trip to the Yokohama Ramen Museum to make your very own cup noodle.
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Famous Snacks
It goes without saying that Japan is known for its food, and this doesn’t stop at snacks. There are so many famous savoury and sweet treats that you’ll want to try for yourself, and bring back to share with friends at home. Here are the ones we think you won’t want to miss:
- Tokyo Banana: Soft sponge cakes filled with banana custard, Tokyo’s most iconic sweet souvenir.
- KitKat Japan-Exclusive Flavours: Matcha, sake, strawberry cheesecake, and dozens of other regional editions.
- Shiroi Koibito Cookies: White chocolate sandwiched between delicate butter cookies, originally from Hokkaido but sold in Tokyo.
- Pocky: Look out for Japan-only flavours that can’t be found anywhere else
- Jaga Pokkuru: Light, crispy potato snacks made with Hokkaido potatoes, beloved for their addictive crunch.
Where to Buy: Airports, grocery stores, or Don Quijote.
Matcha
You might find more matcha in Kyoto, but Tokyo still has its fair share of matcha souvenirs to discover. Beautiful matcha tins make particularly lovely souvenirs, which look great displayed in the kitchen, or fun treats like matcha KitKats and cookies make for good gifts to give the matcha-lovers in your life.
Where to Buy: There are specialty tea shops, such as Ippodo, or you can find matcha chocolates and snacks in pretty much any convenience store.
Tokyo Souvenir Shopping FAQs
What is unique to buy in Tokyo?
Tokyo is full of souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else, from Japan-only snacks to kawaii character goods, Japanese knives, and locally made pottery. Limited-edition items at stores like Pokémon Center and Uniqlo Ginza also make for fun, one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
What is a good luck souvenir from Japan?
For something meaningful, pick up an omamori, a small charm from a shrine or temple that brings good luck, protection, or success.
What brands are cheaper in Japan to buy?
Many Japanese brands are more affordable in Japan than overseas. Popular examples include Hada Labo, Sekkisei, Onitsuka Tiger, and even Uniqlo are often cheaper in Tokyo, especially if you shop in department stores, drugstores, or discount shops like Don Quijote.
Do I haggle in Japan?
Haggling isn’t a thing in Japan, especially in shops, department stores, and tourist areas. Prices are fixed, and staff usually won’t negotiate.
