What to Bring from Japan? This country drives crazy even those far from shopping. Many tourists carry suitcases full of souvenirs and spend days in Don Quijote – a popular discount store.
I’ll admit, I too brought back a bag of chocolates and a box of cheap matcha from my first trip to Japan. Then I went to a Japanese store back home and saw all the same stuff on the shelves. In this article, I’ll tell you what I spend time/money and space in my suitcase on, having been to Japan a few times.
1. Photography Equipment
What high-quality items should you bring back from Japan? At the top of the list, of course, is camera gear. Japan is a paradise for photography lovers. Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony, Panasonic – many leading camera manufacturers are Japanese, so new releases usually appear in Japan first. In major electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera, you’ll find an enormous selection of cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, and much more – all in one place. Prices are generally lower, and foreign visitors can enjoy tax-free shopping (usually for purchases over 5,000 yen). Japan also has one of the world’s largest markets for secondhand equipment — often in excellent, almost new condition.
ALSO READ: What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Japan
2. Audio
If you’re an audiophile, you already know about the unique quality of Japanese audio equipment. Sony, Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo release exclusive models for the Japanese market. My recent discovery – Tago T3-01 headphones (quite difficult to get outside of Japan).
3. Optics
Japan produces excellent, affordable eyeglasses in stylish frames. In nearly every optical store, you can have your vision tested on-site, and your personalized glasses will be ready within a few hours (typically costing between 5,000–15,000 yen). You can also bring your prescription from your home ophthalmologist. If you have special or complex requirements, the process may take about one to two weeks. Popular brands include JINS, Owndays, and Zoff (I personally order from Zoff).
4. Vintage Kimonos
Looking for something truly unique to bring back from Japan? There’s a growing trend in Japan right now focused on the “revival” of vintage kimonos. Young people are buying shortened versions and wearing them with jeans, while older and more formal kimonos are being transformed into modern dresses – and the obi sashes into handbags. You definitely won’t find anything like this in European boutiques. An interesting store in Tokyo is Kimono Reborn Tokyo (for contemporary pieces). For great vintage finds, check out Vintage Kimono AN Gion in Kyoto.
READ ALSO: 10 Kyoto places every traveler should see
5. Tea
Tea was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 9th century and has held a special place in Japanese culture ever since. Most Japanese tea is green, but the growing and brewing methods vary widely.
The most popular varieties include:
– Matcha – the finely ground powder used in traditional tea ceremonies
– Sencha – the most common tea in Japan
– Hojicha – roasted green tea with a warm, nutty flavor
– Genmaicha – green tea mixed with roasted rice
– Gyokuro – a premium shade-grown tea known for its rich umami taste
If you have a bit of free time in Kyoto, I highly recommend attending a traditional tea ceremony and taking a short trip to the town of Uji, where Japan’s famous matcha is grown and produced (just a 30-minute train ride from Kyoto Station). My favorite tea shops in Tokyo are Ippodo (for matcha) and SABOE (for other types of tea).
READ ALSO: Uji, Kyoto: Things To Do in Japan’s Matcha Capital
6. Coffee
In recent years, coffee has become incredibly popular in Japan. In true Japanese fashion, they’ve perfected every detail — now they’re among the world’s top experts in pour-over brewing and drip bags. Tokyo has seen an explosion of top-tier roasteries and coffee shops. Two of my favorites are ROAR COFFEE Tokyo Ginza, which sells its own branded drip bags (perfect souvenirs!), and KOFFEE MAMEYA Kakeru – a coffee laboratory where you’ll need to reserve a table in advance.
READ ALSO: 25 Things to Do in Tokyo
7. Sake
What to bring from Japan for alcohol connoisseurs? In Japan, the word sake refers to all alcoholic beverages, but internationally, it usually means nihonshu – a rice-based drink with an alcohol content of around 15–18%. The varieties differ depending on how much the rice is polished and whether additional alcohol is added. Whether you prefer it warm or chilled, highly polished or less refined, is a matter of personal taste. The best way to find your favorite is to visit a sake brewery, try a tasting (usually around 1,000 yen for 4–5 varieties), and buy the one you like best.
8. Ceramics
The history of Japanese ceramics spans several thousand years. When you buy Japanese pottery, you’re acquiring a piece of that history. Many styles and techniques have been passed down through generations, and each region has its own distinctive approach to craftsmanship. The three most famous styles of Japanese ceramics are:
- Arita or Imari – originally a blue and white porcelain with traditional Chinese motifs, later started using brighter colors, complex shapes, and patterns inspired by kimono fabrics. This was the first porcelain to be exported from Japan to Europe.
- Raku is a type of pottery traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. After firing, the pieces are rapidly cooled in cold water, which causes cracks to form in the glaze, creating unique and unpredictable patterns. Raku ceramics are considered the embodiment of the wabi-sabi aesthetic – the beauty of imperfection.
- Shigaraki is one of Japan’s oldest pottery styles, known for its rustic, natural appearance. The pieces are often left unglazed, revealing a rough brown texture. Shigaraki ceramics are highly valued for their simple and functional design.
9. Ancient Prints: The Art of Ukiyo-e
Ukiyo-e developed in Japan during the period when the country was closed off from the rest of the world (17th–19th centuries – foreigners were not allowed to enter Japan, and Japanese people were forbidden to leave). It’s a truly unique art form. The most famous artists of that era include Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Utamaro. Ukiyo-e prints were produced in large quantities, and even today you can find original 18th-century pieces in vintage shops and used bookstores at reasonable prices. In Tokyo, many of these treasure troves are located near Jimbocho Station. My favorite shop is Hara Shobo, and you should also visit Art Gallery Kotenhanga TOSHUSAI and Ohya Shobo Co., Ltd.
READ ALSO: Japan in 2 weeks: what to see and do
10. Cosmetics
Japanese cosmetics are known worldwide for their quality and innovative formulas. They typically use local natural ingredients (green tea, camellia oil, seaweed, lotus) which have healing and anti-aging properties. These ingredients are often combined with advanced technologies. Japan is one of the leaders in the beauty industry for sheet masks, cleansing oils, and cosmetic gadgets. Popular brands: Shiseido, SK-II, Kanebo, Kose, Hada Labo, Clé De Peau.
11. KitKat chocolate
I’m sure not a single tourist has left Japan without this famous British chocolate bar. It’s a perfect example of brilliant marketing. In the 2000s, the company’s marketers analyzed sales data and discovered that demand peaked during school exam season. It turned out that the brand’s name sounds similar in Japanese to the phrase “you will surely win.” That clever connection became the foundation of all their future advertising campaigns – the chocolate bar came to symbolize good luck on exams.
It’s also a Japanese tradition to bring sweets as gifts for friends and family after a trip. KitKat cleverly embraced this custom by creating unique regional flavors across Japan. Later, they even introduced special packaging that allowed people to write a message on the wrapper and mail it anywhere in the country. Today, there are more than 300 different KitKat flavors in Japan. Some of the most unusual ones include wasabi, sakura matcha, blueberry cheesecake, azuki bean sandwich, sake, and sweet potato.
12. Japanese knives
The sharpness and durability of Japanese knives are legendary. Made from high-quality hard steel, with precise blade geometry and centuries-old craftsmanship, these knives are tools that will serve you for many years. Naturally, the price reflects that – starting around $100–200 USD and going up endlessly from there.
A few places to buy Japanese knives in Japan: Kappabashi Street or Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, Aritsugu (Nishiki Market) in Kyoto, Tower Knives (Tsutenkaku) and Sakai (Kishu-Kaido St) neighborhood in Osaka. Note, each knife will have a different shape for different purposes (sushi, meat, vegetables). Decide in advance what you need.
ЧИТАЙТЕ ТАКЖЕ: 15 Идей что поделать в Осаке
13. Clothing
On every trip to Japan, I pack minimal clothing and buy more once I’m there. I love the quality of UNIQLO and Muji, and in Japan, they’re much cheaper. The same goes for local luxury brands. Some of the most notable Japanese fashion labels include Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, A Bathing Ape (BAPE), Sacai, Undercover, and Visvim.
Tokyo is also home to some of the world’s best vintage stores in terms of price and quality: Ragtag, 2nd Street, Kindal, Bookoff, Shimokitazawa district.
Tax Free in Japan
Now, when you present your passport at the store checkout, tourists are exempt from the 10% tax (for purchases over 5,000 yen). The tax simply isn’t included in your total bill.
From November1 , 2026, the tax free system will be changed. Tourists will pay the full price in the store (together with tax) and make a refund at the airport.
Also, parcels with Japanese purchases (if you want to send home and not carry in a suitcase) are no longer exempt from the 10% tax.
Other Info
The list of “what to bring from Japan” could go on forever. Japanese products are renowned for their exceptional quality and functionality – all thanks to the concept of monozukuri, the art of creating things with meticulous attention to detail and pride in one’s craftsmanship. Japanese consumers have very high standards, and companies strive to meet them by combining traditional techniques with modern innovation.
Whatever you choose from the store shelves – whether it’s Asics sneakers, board games, anime merchandise, or kitchen knives – I’m sure these items will bring you joy for many years and remind you of your wonderful journey through this amazing country.
Happy shopping to everyone! Share your finds in the comments.
