20 Unique Things to Buy in Japan for Malaysian Travelers

Discover the Best Souvenirs to Bring Home from Japan
Traveloka Accomodation
21 Jul 2023 - 10 min read

Souvenir Japan - Konnichiwa! Are you planning a trip to Japan and wondering what souvenirs to bring back home? Our guide offers 20 unique things to buy in Japan that make perfect souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones.

Not sure where to find these souvenirs? Don't worry! Our guide provides information on the availability and prices, in Japanese yen (JPY) and Malaysian ringgit. With our guide, you can shop for unique and authentic souvenirs Japan with confidence, knowing that you're getting the best Japan offers.

So whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Japan traveler, our guide is the perfect resource for discovering the best souvenirs to bring home from Japan. Get inspired, start shopping, and take a piece of Japan home with you today!

20 Must Buy Souvenirs from Japan

1. Japanese Tea Set

Hey there tea lovers, are you planning a trip to Japan soon? Remember to add a Japanese tea set to your shopping list! It is definitely one of the first things to buy in Japan.

You can find a wide variety of tea sets in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. They range from delicate porcelain to rustic clay, so there's a style for everyone. A Japanese tea set typically ranges from JPY 3,000 to JPY 10,000 (about MYR 110 to MYR 370).

Not only are these tea sets functional, but they also make for a great display piece in your home. So, whether you're a fan of matcha or sencha, be sure to pick up a Japanese tea set as a perfect souvenir from your trip to Japan.

2. Samurai Sword

Samurai Sword - Souvenir Japan

Samurai swords, or katana, are a revered symbol of Japan's cultural heritage with deep spiritual significance. Crafted with skill, patience, and dedication, the price of a katana varies based on its craftsmanship, age, and historical value.

Tokyo and Kyoto have antique shops and sword dealers where these cherished weapons can be explored and acquired, with prices ranging from JPY 10,000 to JPY 100,000 / MYR 370 to MYR 3,700. As a popular collectible item among enthusiasts, a samurai sword is an investment and treasured possession, capturing the imagination of people worldwide.

3. Yukata

Yukata - Souvenir Japan

Get a taste of Japanese summer fashion with a yukata, a breezy cotton kimono perfect for hot days in Japan. With prices ranging from JPY 3,000 to JPY 10,000 / MYR 110 to MYR 370, you can find a variety of designs and colors at department stores and specialty shops in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Customize your look with a matching obi belt and get sandals for a truly unique style. Whether you're strolling through a festival or lounging at home, a yukata is a comfortable and stylish addition to your wardrobe.

4. Japanese Fan

Japanese Fan - Souvenir Japan

A practical and beautiful thing to buy in Japan is a traditional Japanese fan, with prices ranging from JPY 500 to JPY 5,000 / MYR 18 to MYR 185. They are affordable and can be found in most souvenir shops and department stores in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Offering a wide variety of designs from traditional to modern, and available in two types - the compact folding fan or sensu, and the larger round fan or uchiwa, perfect for cooling off during hot summer days or adding a touch of elegance to any room.

5. Japanese Sake

Japanese Sake - Souvenir Japan

Trying different types of sake is a must-do when visiting Japan, regardless of whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a curious first-timer. Sake is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history, and its process has been refined over centuries.

With a price range of JPY 1,500 to JPY 5,000 / MYR 55 to MYR 185, you can easily find a bottle of sake to fit your budget at liquor and department stores in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Be it hot or cold, sweet or dry, the diverse flavors and aromas of sake are sure to leave a lasting impression. Bringing back a bottle or two of this fine liquor as a souvenir will always remind you of your amazing trip to the land of the rising sun.

6. Japanese Ceramics

Japanese Ceramics - Souvenir Japan

Japanese ceramics are a great way to bring home a piece of Japan's rich cultural heritage. With a price range of JPY 1,000 to JPY 20,000 / MYR 37 to MYR 740, you can find a unique piece at specialty shops and markets in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

From simple tea cups to decorative plates and vases, each piece is handmade using traditional techniques, making them a cherished addition to any collection.

7. Japanese Candy

Japanese Candy - Souvenir Japan

Treat your taste buds to a playful adventure with a visit to Japan's unique and fun candy scene, where you can discover a sweet souvenir to bring back home with a price range of JPY 100 to JPY 1,000 / MYR 4 to MYR 37.

From classic flavors to quirky varieties, convenience stores and souvenir shops in Tokyo and Kyoto offer a wide selection of candy types and flavors, including soft and chewy mochi with various fillings, and sour gummies with unusual flavors like grapefruit or yuzu.

8. Bonsai Tree

Bonsai Tree - Souvenir Japan

Bonsai trees are a unique symbol of Japanese culture that any plant enthusiast would love to add to their collection. With a price range of JPY 2,000 to JPY 100,000 / MYR 74 to MYR 3,700, specialty shops in Tokyo and Kyoto offer a variety of carefully cultivated miniature trees in different species and styles.

A bonsai tree can fit any budget and bring a piece of Japan's natural beauty into your home. With proper care, your bonsai tree can last for years to come, serving as the best souvenir Japan gave you.

9. Tenugui

Tenugui - Souvenir Japan

Have you ever heard of tenugui? It's a super cool and versatile traditional Japanese cloth that you absolutely need to check out! With a price range of JPY 500 to JPY 1,500 / MYR 18 to MYR 55, you can find a tenugui to fit any budget at souvenir shops and department stores in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Use it to wrap gifts, as a stylish handkerchief, or even as a decorative wall hanging. Plus, with its beautiful patterns and designs, a tenugui is a perfect way to add a touch of Japanese culture to your everyday life. So why pick one up and see for yourself how awesome tenugui can be?

10. Japanese Stationery

Japanese Stationery - Souvenir Japan

If you're a stationery lover, you want to explore unique and high-quality Japanese stationery. You can find it all from beautifully designed notebooks to cute and functional pens at specialty shops and department stores in Tokyo and Kyoto. Some popular Japanese stationery brands include MUJI, KOKUYO, and Tombow.

Remember to check out washi tape, a decorative paper tape that's perfect for adding a personal touch to your notebooks and bullet journals. With a price range of JPY 300 to JPY 3,000 / MYR 11 to MYR 110, you're sure to find something that fits your budget.

11. Japanese Knives

Japanese Knives - Souvenir Japan

Japanese knives are highly sought after for their superior quality and expert craftsmanship. With a price range of JPY 3,000 to JPY 50,000 (equivalent to MYR 110 to MYR 1,850), these knives are a worthwhile investment for any home cook or professional chef.

They can be found at specialty knife shops in Tokyo and Kyoto, where skilled artisans have been crafting these knives for generations. From a versatile chef's knife to a specific type of knife for a particular task, Japanese knives are sure to exceed your expectations in terms of performance and durability.

12. Matcha Kit

Matcha Kit - Souvenir Japan

Matcha, a powdered green tea, has gained popularity for its unique flavor and health benefits. To properly prepare and enjoy matcha, you'll need the right tools, which can be found in matcha kits. These kits typically include a ceramic bowl, a bamboo whisk, and a tea scoop.

Prices for matcha kits range from JPY 2,000 to JPY 8,000 (MYR 74 to MYR 295), depending on the quality of the items included. You can find these kits at department stores and specialty shops throughout Tokyo and Kyoto, where matcha is an integral part of the culture.

13. Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi Dolls - Souvenir Japan

Looking for things to buy in Japan for your kids? Kokeshi dolls are a beloved symbol of Japanese culture and a popular souvenir among tourists. These wooden dolls have a simple yet charming design and are known for their distinctive painted hairstyles and floral motifs.

Skilled artisans handcraft kokeshi dolls, and are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. They make for a perfect gift or a decorative item for your home.

You can easily find them in souvenir shops or specialty stores in Tokyo and Kyoto at reasonable prices, around JPY 1,000 - JPY 10,000 / MYR 37 - MYR 370 and your kids surely will love them.

14. Furoshiki

Furoshiki - Souvenir Japan

Furoshiki is a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to paper or plastic bags, as it can be used repeatedly. The cloth comes in various colors and designs, and can be used to wrap anything from bottles to bento boxes.

In addition to its practical uses, furoshiki also makes for a beautiful and unique souvenir from Japan. Prices for furoshiki range from JPY 1,000 to JPY 5,000, depending on the size and material of the cloth, making it an affordable and practical gift option for those looking to bring a piece of Japanese culture back home.

15. Japanese Toys

Tamagotchi - Souvenir Japan

If you're looking for a fun and unique souvenir Japan, consider checking out the wide variety of Japanese toys available. From classic wooden toys like kendama and daruma dolls, to modern electronic gadgets like Tamagotchi and Gundam models, Japan has something to offer for toy collectors of all ages.

Prices for these toys typically range from JPY 500 to JPY 10,000 (approximately MYR 18 to MYR 370), and they can be found at most toy stores and specialty shops in Tokyo and Kyoto.

16. Maneki-Neko

Maneki Neko - Souvenir Japan

As a traveler, you might be interested in buying a Maneki-Neko, or "lucky cat," during your trip to Japan. This popular Japanese figurine is believed to bring good luck and fortune, and you can find them at most souvenir shops and specialty stores in Tokyo and Kyoto.

With a price range of JPY 500 - JPY 5,000 (MYR 18 - MYR 185), a Maneki-Neko makes a great and affordable souvenir to bring back home.

17. Japanese Calligraphy Set

Japanese Calligraphy Set - Souvenir Japan

A Japanese calligraphy set can make a wonderful souvenir. These sets often come with brushes, ink, and paper, and can range in price from JPY 2,000 to JPY 10,000 (MYR 74 to MYR 370).

You can find them at specialty shops, department stores in Tokyo and Kyoto, and some art supply stores. Many calligraphy sets come with instructions, so even beginners can enjoy trying their hand at this beautiful art form.

18. Wagasa

Wagasa - Souvenir Japan

Get yourself a unique and practical souvenir from Japan by purchasing a wagasa, a traditional Japanese umbrella made with washi paper and bamboo. You can find them at specialty umbrella shops in Tokyo and Kyoto with various styles and designs, with prices ranging from JPY 5,000 to JPY 20,000, or MYR 185 to MYR 740.

Some shops even offer custom designs, allowing you to personalize your own wagasa as a special memento of your trip to Japan. Remember to bring one back with you as a useful and thoughtful souvenir.

19. Soba Noodles

Soba Noodles - Souvenir Japan

If you're a foodie, then you can't miss trying the delicious soba noodles during your visit to Tokyo and Kyoto. Soba noodles are a staple dish in Japanese cuisine and are made from buckwheat flour, giving them a unique nutty flavor.

You can find them at most grocery stores and specialty food shops throughout the city, and they are an affordable souvenir option, with prices ranging from JPY 500 - JPY 2,000 or MYR 18 - MYR 74. So, bring back a taste of Japan with you by buying a pack of soba noodles to prepare at home or to gift to your foodie friends.

20. Japanese Pottery Kit

Japanese Pottery Kit - Souvenir Japan

Creating your own pottery is a unique experience, and a Japanese pottery kit makes for an excellent souvenir for those looking for a hands-on activity.

The kit typically includes all the necessary tools and materials, including clay, glazes, and a pottery wheel. You can find these kits at specialty pottery shops in Tokyo and Kyoto, where you can also learn about the traditional techniques used in Japanese pottery-making.

The price range varies depending on the quality of the materials and the size of the kit, but you can expect to pay between JPY 3,000 to JPY 10,000 or MYR 110 to MYR 370 for a complete kit.

Looking to book your flight to Japan? Traveloka can make your travel planning hassle-free with its easy-to-use website and mobile app. With Traveloka, you can compare flight prices from multiple airlines, making finding the best deal for your budget easy.

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Plus, you can also book your hotel and activities through Traveloka, making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore Japan's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Book your trip with Traveloka today!

In This Article

• 20 Must Buy Souvenirs from Japan
• 1. Japanese Tea Set
• 2. Samurai Sword
• 3. Yukata
• 4. Japanese Fan
• 5. Japanese Sake
• 6. Japanese Ceramics
• 7. Japanese Candy
• 8. Bonsai Tree
• 9. Tenugui
• 10. Japanese Stationery
• 11. Japanese Knives
• 12. Matcha Kit
• 13. Kokeshi Dolls
• 14. Furoshiki
• 15. Japanese Toys
• 16. Maneki-Neko
• 17. Japanese Calligraphy Set
• 18. Wagasa
• 19. Soba Noodles
• 20. Japanese Pottery Kit
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