Kaminari-okoshi: Asakusa Thunder Crackers
Kaminari-okoshi （雷おこし） are traditional Japanese sweets. Crispy rice is mixed with sugar and syrup, pressed down into a flat shape and cut into squares. Often there are some peanuts mixed into it, but there are also many other flavors such as macha green tea and sesame. The added ingredients giv…(286 words)
David
Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Wagashi Sweets Souvenir Tera (Temple) Nakamise-dori Tokyo
Ningyo-yaki: Little Baked Doll Cakes
Ningyo-yaki （人形焼） is very popular in Tokyo Asakusa where you can watch them being baked. This is one of my favorite Japanese sweets and a very good omiyage gift. Ningyo is the Japanese word for doll, so the name of this sweet reads "baked dolls". Ningo-yaki are small cakes baked in small m…(192 words)
David
Asakusa Ningyo-yaki Wagashi Sweets Nakamise-dori Souvenir Tera (Temple) Cake Senso-ji Temple Tokyo
Kintsuba - Japanese Sweets in Asakusa
Kintsuba きんつば is one of the Japanese sweets that I like because you can watch them being made. This photo is from a small shop in Asakusa located in the Nakamise-dori shopping street at Senso-ji temple. You can try the Kintsuba fresh, still warm. Kintsuba are made from sweet bean paste. The…(255 words)
David
Kintsuba Asakusa Wagashi Sweets Senso-ji Temple Nakamise-dori Japanese style shopping arcade Souvenir Kappabashi
Shopping Seasonal Japan - Limited Edition Products
“Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.” ― Yoko OnoOne of the many things I love about Japan is its distinctive four seasons. You…(259 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japan Seasonal Souvenir Shopping Summer Spring Winter Nature Japanese Autumn
Tenugui - Printed Textiles with Japanese Patterns
Tenugui are small pieces of cloth for everyday use. They make perfect gifts and souvenirs. Now many Japanese carry small towels in their bags, but before the more fluffy towels became popular tenugui was widely used.A tenugui is a thin piece of cloth made from cotton. It dries very quickly, is …(334 words)
David
Souvenir Tenugui (Japanese towel) craftmanship Art Asakusa
"Gomatamago" - Tokyo sweet souvenir
You may not know it yet but one of the Tokyo "omiyage" you want most is the gomatomago. Goma means sesame seed and tamago means egg. Literally it is a sesame seed egg. It's a Tokyo specialty and previously available only at Tokyo Station. However, as it is getting popular, you can find it some othe…(164 words)
EmiOnishi
Tokyo Souvenir Kansai Cake Tokyo Station Sweets chocolate
How to spend one day in east Tokyo, for first-time visitors to Japan
Senso-ji Temple: Make your visit special by putting on a Kimono“Kimono is usually made of silk or hemp, beautifully dyed or embroidered. Yukata is made of cotton, the Kimono for summer. Most of Ryokan (Japanese hotels) prepare Yukata in each room as a sleepwear, but you can get out with Yukata …(553 words)
DeepJapan
Tokyo day trip Japanese food Asakusa Kappabashi Japanese garden Matome Department store Souvenir
Japanese-style depachika food courts
Japan has the most elegant restaurants as well as vending machines and convenient stores selling snacks and beverages on seemingly every corner. Somewhere in the middle on the gourmet scale are the food courts of the big department stores. Usually they are located in the department store basement a…(314 words)
David
Food Depachika Department store Bento (box meal) Sweets Souvenir
Omiyage wrapping
Omiyage is the Japanese social obligation of gifting. It's expected for travelers/guests to bring omiyage when they go somewhere for hosts or when they return home for family, friends or coworkers. It's best when the gift is a specialty product of the region, from which that the traveler is coming.…(226 words)
EmiOnishi
Souvenir Shopping Visit Etiquette Beauty Region Japanese Culture
The Three Wise Monkeys
Ever since I was little, storybooks, cartoons, and popular culture, have depicted the story of The Three Wise Monkeys. You know the image, three monkeys sitting there; one covering his ears, another covering his mouth, and the third covering his eyes. In the western world, we often relate this to t…(356 words)
Alex
World Heritage Site Nikko Tera (Temple) Park Visit Jinjya (Shrine) Art Souvenir Monkey Three Wise Monkeys
Japanese sweets : “Yatsuhashi”
When you visit one of Japanese historic city, Kyoto, I would like to recommend its famous sweets “Yatsuhashi” for souvenir. It’s hard baked cracker having a cinnamon flavor. The name comes from Kengyo Yatsuhashi, a good “koto”(a long Japanese zither) player. Therefore Yatsuhashi cracker looks like …(57 words)
OKAKI-sun
Sweets City Visit Kyoto Souvenir
Origami Shop & Exhibition at Narita Airport
Flying is not always fun, but this origami paper and book store can help make waiting at Narita a little better. When you fly out of Tokyo´s Narita airport, go to Nippon Origami Museum. It has books about origami, origami papers, and a selection of paper art on display. Check out the origami p…(204 words)
David
Origami Narita International Airport Stationery Souvenir books Play Art
Must Have Japanese Souvenirs: Gachapon
Spend any amount of time in Japan and you'll inevitably run into one. Whether it's at your local supermarket, drug store, or Yodabashi Camera, gachapon machines are practically everywhere."Gachapon" or "gashapon" are vending machine-dispensed capsule toys that are extremely popular in Japan.The…(181 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japanese Toy Souvenir Japan Yokohama Shop Kids Manga Gachapon Must have souvenir
Must Have Japanese Souvenirs: Tenugui
If you're looking for a souvenir that is truly Japanese, look no further than "tenugui" - a thin hand towel made of cotton. Although the idea of a hand towel as a gift sounds simple, and it well may be, tenugui also happen to be one of the most popular souvenirs you can buy in Japan - popular even …(280 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japanese Souvenir Japan Train Trip Art Shop Department store Clothes Must have souvenir
The Ultimate One-stop Souvenir Shop in Ginza
Need to buy souvenirs for someone or a group of people and don't have a clue what to buy or where to go? Well, you *could* read any of the following articles on the subject:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4160http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4171http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4179Or you could just…(282 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Park Toy Souvenir Tokyo English Japan Food Shopping Must have souvenir Ginza
Yatsuhashi
If you get a chance to visit Kyoto, you can find Yatsuhashi here and there at almost every souvenir shops. It is one of the best known regional products of Kyoto. Growing up in Kansai, there was a time I got actually a bit tired of this too popular sweets as a kid, but now I sometimes feel like…(134 words)
EmiOnishi
Tea Kyoto Souvenir Green tea Kansai Rice cracker Sugar Strawberry Sweets
For the Rice Lovers: Furikake!
I love Japanese white rice. Rice is an essential part of Japanese culture and is consumed by Japanese households on a daily bases. Although there are much variety to Japanese cuisine, personally, I believe that rice is always the main dish and everything else are just side dishes. Of course, having…(253 words)
Natalie
Cuisine Souvenir Miso Japanese cuisine Mayonnaise Japanese plum Seasoning seaweed
Japanese sweets : “Kaichu Shiruko”
Kaichu Shiruko is a dried red bean soup put inside a pieces of rice cake (“Monaka” skin). It becomes ready for eating with hot water having been poured in the cup just like the cup ramen (instant Chinese noodles in a cup). As there are a variety of shapes, you can enjoy both its look as well as tas…(88 words)
OKAKI-sun
Sweets Souvenir Ramen noodles Mochi (Rice cake) Shop Cake
Tokyo Skytree Winter Illumination & Events
Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Solamachi are illuminated beautifully in the winter. Tall Skytree itself shines every evening of the year in changing colors and now the big Solamachi shopping mall at its base is also sparkling with lights and decorations.I took a walk around Solamachi to see the Tokyo …(450 words)
David
Tokyo Skytree illumination Winter Projection Mapping Christmas Souvenir
Must Have Japanese Souvenirs: Kendama
Japan is a veritable treasure trove of souvenirs and gifts; there's absolutely something in this country for anyone you can think of - and it's usually unbelievably cool. In this "Must Have Japanese Souvenirs" series, Deep Japan senpai will share with you the coolest of the cool, the strangest of t…(279 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Souvenir Japanese Toy Traditional Culture Japan Play Yen custom Must have souvenir
Japanese Souvenirs @ Can Do, Meguro Tokyo
Tokyu Store Super Market is located on the first floor of our multi-tenant building, and on the 2nd floor, there is a 100 Yen Shop, Can Do. So it is very convenient for us to buy anything. Can Do now has many kinds of Japanese souvenirs for foreign travelers, and I found good ones.Sushi magnets…(257 words)
skymaho
Meguro 100 yen shop Souvenir Tokyo Summer Shop Kimono
Japanese sweets
Wagashi“Take a taste of a typical Japanese sweet called "Wagashi" ... The Wagashi sweets are a beautiful art form as well. Just like cakes and patisserie are an art in Europe, Wagashi is molded into lovely shapes and colors with just the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the fresh bitterne…(391 words)
DeepJapan
Wagashi Cake Sweets Japan Travel Japanese food Souvenir Matome
Best Tourist Souvenir-- Samurai Umbrella!
Purchasing a real samurai sword in Japan is very difficult, especially after they enforced the laws against the possession of knives a couple years ago. I also assume that taking a samurai sword out of Japan will definitely be a hassle at the airport. A better option might be purchasing the samurai…(112 words)
GenS
Samurai Umbrella Souvenir Tokyo Asakusa Kamakura Airport Trip
Yokohama's "Akarenga Soko" Red Brick Warehouse
The "Akarenga Soko" Red Brick Warehouse is one of Yokohama's most popular destinations for both tourists and locals alike. It's a great place to enjoy a walk or small picnic, or just sit around and stare at the sea. Because of its large open spaces, Akarenga is often the site for events - so there'…(202 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Park Summer Food Beer Souvenir Sea Winter Walk
Dont Forget to Manga-fy Yourself at Purikura! (part 2)
What would it be like to be a fairy princess? What would it be like to have that little pointy chin, big eyes and pouty mouth? Ever since my PuriKura “print club” experience in Kumamoto, I now know exactly how, at least, I would look.Found in almost any game center or resort (ski, hot spring, e…(607 words)
Manga
Photo booth
Tokyo
Japan
Music
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Amusement arcade
Retro Souvenirs and Collectables Shopping in Yokohama
The Yokohama Collectors Mall is located in the mezzanine level of the famous Silk Center Building in Yamashita-cho, Yokohama near Yamashita Park. It is wall-to-wall, row-after-row, and counters filled with a wide range of fun toys, antiques, Americana memorabilia, and much much more.Walk the ai…(190 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Souvenir Shopping Holidays Yamashita-cho Visit Park Building Walk Shop
Souvenirs from Japan
Gachapon capsule toys make ideal souvenirs"Gachapon, coin operated vending machines, are ubiquitous in Japan. Unlike their downscale cousins in the US, which usually dispense stale candy or cheap plastic gadgets, gachapon figurines can be collectors items. The variety is endless, and changes co…(387 words)
DeepJapan
Japan Travel Souvenir Shopping Kappabashi Matome
Japanese foods & souvenirs that let you experience a taste of Japan at home
Try the flavor combinations of Japanese candy“You can't go wrong buying Japanese candy. You will see some of the most creative packaging that will make the person receiving the candy wonder whether to open the candy or display it. It can look traditional or futuristic. But you are probably wond…(499 words)
DeepJapan
Japanese food Japanese cuisine Souvenir Tea Sake (Rice wine) Sweets cooking Matome
Kimono for you to wear or for souvenir?
Traditional Kimono is wide range of the price.If you would like to buy traditional Kimono for you to wear, you can go to the department store such as Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihongobashi or Shinjyuku Takashimaya Department store. The most of Department store have a Kimono shop and the…(150 words)
yukorose
Souvenir Kimono Tokyo Department store Harajuku Takashimaya Mitsukoshi
Weird Japanese Devices: Vegetabrella
I found this site Japan Ichiban that is an online shop for cool things from Japan. I particularly like this vegetable umbrella and will probably by this for my mom to take back to her for Christmas this year. It is fun to browse through the different items since they have sourced them from around t…(102 words)
Umbrella
Japan
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What is a good souvenir for children?
Big soft toys! Japan has tons of soft toys that come in many shapes and cute characters. I would recommend you to visit one of the game centers and try out their UFO catchers. In some places like Round One, Namco etc, you can ask the staff how to efficiently win it or place it where you can easily …(78 words)
lucaslim
Souvenir Game Amusement arcade
"Furoshiki" can be a great gift!
Furoshiki is known as traditional culture representing Japanese Culture and it can be a great souvenir. Furoshiki can be used not only as a cloth wrapper for special presents but also as a part of your fashion. It's very neat to have your own favorite Furoshiki pattern and/or size. If you are inter…(80 words)
OKAKI-sun
Furoshiki Souvenir Harajuku Fashion
Local Secret: Kappabashi
A 15 minute walk down 'Butsudan Road' (where all the Buddhist altar companies have their showrooms) from Ueno station lies Kappabashi, a street full of restaurant goods. These range from awesome crockery to individual taiyaki (fish-shaped cake) forms, and of course the amazing plastic food you…(167 words)
Chiara
local secret Building Asakusa Coffee Ueno Rice cracker Souvenir
Chubby Guys With Blank Eyes
At the shrines, and in many shops, you’ll see these roly-poly dolls with blank eyes (if they are for sale) or one eye painted black (if they are on display and owned by the shop).These rotund dolls are known as Daruma (Dharma) and are modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Bu…(295 words)
Joe Peters
Daruma Souvenir Lucky
Tourist Tip #3: Stay Away from Souvenir Shops
Here's a quick tip to make your memories of Japan more memorable for you and your friends back home: stay away from souvenir shops!Like anywhere else in the world, souvenir shops, by nature, tend to offer only the most generic - and usually hokiest - of gifts. I've seen wares that - at best - w…(219 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Souvenir Tourist Tip Yokohama Shopping Visit Nature Shop Don Quijote Tokyu Hands Loft
Crazy Colorful Nails: A very unique Japanese souvenir
For people who are interested in fashion and playing with their look, getting gel nails done in Japan is a must-try experience.Unlike a regular manicure, gel nails and art can last for up to 6 weeks. You can get any design imaginable, from a basic lame' gradation (where the tips of your nails a…(198 words)
Chiara
Souvenir Art Fashion design Rainy Day Nail art
NOUSAKU: Flexible ware? Great Japanese Craftmanship
My parents' birthdays are coming up this month and I am considering to present them a special Japanese craftman art this year. Have you heard of NOUSAKU brand? I had a chance to do some research on this company at work and I would like to share about their wonderful work. It is becoming a huge hit …(395 words)
EmiOnishi
craftmanship Japanese manufacturing Souvenir Art Ginza Department store Mitsukoshi Tokyo City Hotel
Japanese Fish Markets
As Japan is surrounded by ocean, we have a lot of famous fish markets with fresh fish. Usually such markets have a couple of restaurants inside the market and they serve great fish dishes. I recommend you to check out local fish markets and include one of them in your sightseeing itinerary!(52 words)
OKAKI-sun
Mount Fuji Souvenir Rice cracker
2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN: shopping under the Yamanote line
There is a hidden street under the Yamanote line tracks near Ueno's Ameyoko Shotengai between Okachimachi and Akihabara. Follow the elevated JR train tracks to 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN and you will find a quiet place filled with the best handcrafted Japanese goods.There are about 50 small stores and w…(155 words)
David
handmade Japanese style shopping arcade Ueno Shopping Souvenir Okachimachi Akihabara Train hidden spot
Bunbogu Cafe has the Best Japanese Stationery to Make a Travel Journal
Bunbougu （文房具） is the Japanese word for stationery and it includes all kinds of items that you might use for writing, drawing, or paper crafts. In Tokyo Omotesando, you can find a selection of the best stationery from Japan at the Bunbougu Cafe. It is a stationery store and cafe combined. Pi…(251 words)
David
Stationery Souvenir Omotesando Coffee Wine Tokyo