That Perfect Japanese Gift: Here are some hints for your Omiyage Adventure
So many options for gifts at the airport for your ultimate convenience. But! We know those of you at Deep Japan want to search out something unique and "real" for your loved ones back home. Here are some tips and suggestions from expert Senpai.
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Japan's Expanded "Tax Free" system for tourists
If you are coming to Japan on a tourist visa (or if the stamp in your passport says "temporary visitor") and in Japan less than six months, you can take advantage of Japan’s tax free system. Save 8% on Everything from electronics, alcohol, clothes, and more. Just for tourists. Currently, Japan has over 5,800 "export sales" stores (tax free shops) with most being located in the larger cities; however, the government is looking to expand the number to 10,000 with a push on regional areas to increase the sales of local specialty goods.
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Enjoy Japanese department stores basements !
You might associate a Japanese word “department store” with expensive stores, but every Japanese department store has its own depachika and all of which are crammed with attractive shelves containing a wide range of foods from a delicious bento box to gorgeous sweets yet for reasonable prices. Aisles snaking between the various shops and counters lead to bountiful displays of season’s foods anytime.
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Japanese candy will offer great packaging and unique flavors
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 wondering what does it taste like and that is the most difficult to explain as there can be some really wacky flavor combinations here. -
Tips on Japanese 100 Yen shops (Top 3 Best Buy & Worst Buy)
Many of the 100 yen shops are chain stores and here are TOP 3 shops for your reference. But honestly speaking, there is no big difference among them. So you might just want to check out your nearest shops.The biggest 100 yen shop in Japan is Daiso in Funabashi city, Chiba prefecture (approx. 6650m2). They have 55,000 items! The biggest one in Tokyo area is Daiso in Kinshi-cho (6,600m2)
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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 are dusted with glitter) to full on sculpted nails which can extend for several centimeters.
