Planning a trip to Japan and wondering, what can I bring back from Japan? Well, now you can stop worrying as Traveloka already made a list for you and we’re going to share it in this article!

With its rich culture, delicious snacks, and traditional crafts, Japan offers an incredible variety of souvenirs that are perfect for friends, family, or even yourself. From handcrafted Daruma dolls symbolizing good luck to matcha green tea straight from the fields of Uji, every item carries a piece of Japanese history and charm.

Sure you want to bring a little part of Japan to your home. In this guide, we’ll explore the best, most portable souvenirs that will make your return from Japan unforgettable!

So, here’s the best things that you can bring home from Japan:

Where to buy it? Takasaki City, Asakusa, sellers in front of Senso-ji Temple, Kyoto Handicraft Center

Daruma is not a regular doll. It’s an authentic Japanese doll, comes in red, round-shaped almost like a ball, with no hands nor legs. Daruma is so Japanese, you can have this as a souvenir for your best friends and families back home.

It also has a philosophical purpose. New Daruma dolls don’t have eyes, as the owner of the doll has to draw the eyes by themselves. First, they draw the first eye when they make a wish. The other eyes should be drawn when the wish comes true. Thus, the locals believe that Daruma is a symbol of luck and success, making it such a nice gift.

Daruma dolls are very easy to find. You can find it from the sellers in front of the temples or at a market, including night markets. If you’re in Takasaki City, you’ll find more sellers, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Daruma.

Where to buy it? Tokyu Hands in Tokyo, souvenir shops anywhere

So, what can I bring back from Japan next? Yup, it’s tenugui, a Japanese hand towel that is made from hand-dyed cotton cloth. They are so thin and lightweight, and very functional too. Buying tenugui for your colleagues back home won’t take so much space on your luggage. Also, tenugui comes in various colours and patterns — so decorative, it’s so beautiful.

But tenugui is more than just a towel; it can be used in countless ways. It serves as a wrapping cloth for gifts, a stylish headband, a placemat, or even wall art.

Some Japanese people also use it as a protective cloth when carrying hot dishes or as a reusable eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper. Its versatility and traditional craftsmanship make tenugui not just a practical item, but a piece of Japanese culture to cherish. You should definitely have this at home.

Where to buy it? Gift shop at Edo-Tokyo Museum or Ota Memorial Museum

If you want to bring back a notable souvenir home, it should be something artistic, with a strong Japanese touch that will always remind you of your trip to Japan. One of them is Ukiyo-e (pronounced oo-kee-yo-eh). It means “floating world”.

It is a style of Japanese art that became popular in the 1600s and lasted until the late 1800s. Back then, people in Japan lived in bustling cities filled with entertainment, like theaters, teahouses, and festivals. Ukiyo-e artists wanted to capture the beauty and excitement of everyday life in these cities.These artworks are most famous for being woodblock prints, or to be simpler today, as the art on a postcard. Well, imagine having the woodblock and putting it on your favourite corner at home. Perfect!

Where to buy it? Meiji Shrine (Tokyo), Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto), Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)

Another souvenir that has strong Japanese culture is omamori. It is actually an amulet, from the belief of Buddhist and Shinto, explaining why it is so common to be found at both temples. They believe that the omamori can bring them charm, bring them luck, success, happiness, and throw away bad luck.

Omamori is a little bag with a strap, and inside it is a mantra or prayer written by the monks, and at the surface is the kanji writing of the purpose. The locals bring it everywhere, and you can tie the strap on your bag, in your car, or anywhere you like.

It’s a nice gift to give to someone, especially if they are believers too. Also, omamori is beautiful, with different patterns or pictures on the surface that makes it look more like an art.

Where to buy it? Convenience stores (like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart)

What can I bring back from Japan for food lovers? Snacks, of course. Japanese snacks are known to be top notch. One of the most popular is KitKat that comes in a different flavour that couldn’t be found in any other countries.

You’ll be surprised to see so many Kitkat flavours in Japan: from Matcha Latte, Strawberry Cheesecake Mt. Fuji, Sanrio Strawberry Milk, Sweet Potato, Ruby, Hojicha, and even Wasabi! They also have the alcoholic KitKats, such as Sakura Sake, Sparkling Wine, and Rum Raisin.

In fact, there are more than 300 flavours of Japan’s KitKat. If you’re a big lover of chocolate, exploring all those 300 flavours will be a thrilling journey for sure. Every bite could be your heaven!

Where to buy it? Ippodo Tea Shop (Marunouchi), Uji (Kyoto)

In recent years, Japanese’s matcha has gained immense popularity, including in Australia. And it’s no wonder—this finely ground green tea powder is not only unique but also has a distinctive aroma and an irresistible taste. Beyond its delightful flavor, matcha offers a range of health benefits, making it a thoughtful and practical souvenir.

One of the key health benefits of matcha is its ability to boost metabolism. It is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Drinking matcha regularly can also promote heart health by lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

As a souvenir, matcha is ideal because it’s lightweight and easy to pack. For an authentic experience, consider purchasing high-quality matcha from regions like Uji in Kyoto or Shizuoka, both renowned for producing some of the best green tea in Japan. Read more about the famous anime cafes in Japan and discover unique spots every anime fan will love!

Now you already know the answer for what can I bring back from Japan, whether for yourself, or for your beloved friends and families. To make sure that you’ll have a good time in Japan, start by booking all your travel needs from Traveloka. Best price is always ready for your hotel booking, flights, and attraction tickets.