As you venture beyond the neon-lit streets and bustling crowds of Japan, you will discover a treasure trove of unique souvenirs waiting to be discovered. From delicate sweetness to elegant kimono, each item tells a story of tradition and modern flair.

Whether you're a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first adventure in Japan, this guide will serve as your compass, leading you through a world of cultural delights. So, forget the generic keychains and get enchanted by these 15 unforgettable souvenirs as what to buy in Japan that will bring a touch of Japan back home with you!

What to buy in Japan? To help you navigate the vast array of treasures available, here's a guide to some of the most authentic and delightful souvenirs Japan has to offer:

What to buy in Japan for the first list? It’s wagashi! Beyond the dazzling lights and buzzing streets, Japan beckons with a delicate sweetness, wagashi, traditional Japanese confections. These artistic treats, crafted from natural ingredients like mochi, rice flour, and seasonal fruits, are both delicious and visually stunning. But when it comes to choosing wagashi as souvenirs, a world of options unfolds.

Where to buy: Wagashi-ya (specialised wagashi shop)

Price: Starts from S$ 5 to S$ 30

When you come to Japan around March, you can visit Hinamatsuri or Doll Festivals and get yourself some Hina dolls. Hina dolls, known as "Hina-ningyo," are traditional Japanese dolls displayed during Hinamatsuri, or the Doll Festival, celebrated on March 3rd. These beautifully crafted dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, and their court, dressed in exquisite Heian-period attire.

Getting Hina dolls as a souvenir from the Hinamatsuri festival is a unique way to capture the essence of Japanese culture. These dolls are often passed down through generations, symbolizing good luck and protection. Hina dolls are the perfect choice for luxurious things to buy in Japan, and it will indeed make a thoughtful gift for someone important.

Where to buy: During Doll Festivals / Hinamatsuri

Price: Starts from S$ 95 / set. Possibly more expensive for a more comprehensive set.

Daruma dolls are traditional Japanese talismans that symbolize perseverance and good luck. It is actually a nice gift for someone special. Modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, these round, hollow dolls are typically red and feature a stern, bearded face with large, blank eyes.

When you first acquire a Daruma doll, you paint in one eye while making a wish or setting a goal. Once the wish is fulfilled or the goal achieved, you paint in the other eye. It symbolizes the completion of your aspiration.

You can get a Daruma doll as a souvenir from a Japanese festival, such as the New Year’s celebrations (shogatsu) or Daruma fairs. You may want to buy it for yourself too, so it’s like bringing the culture and art of Japan to your own house.

Where to buy: During shogatsu festival

Price: Starts from S$ 5, depends on the size of the Daruma Dolls

Kintsugi is a unique art and craftsmanship from Japan. It is actually the art of repairing broken pottery. If a bowl breaks, instead of throwing away the pieces, they are reassembled with a glue-like tree resin and the cracks are adorned with gold.

It holds a meaningful philosophy as well. They believe that beauty can be seen anywhere, including on an imperfection. Deep, right?

The good news is, you can make your own kintsugi and bring it home! The kintsugi will surely bring your home decoration to another level. You can find various kinds of kintsugi-making workshops in Japan, especially Tokyo. Not staying long? No worries, you can join a one-day only workshop!

Where to join the workshop: Wabunka - Minami Aoyama Mansion 205, 6-12-12 Minami Aoyama, Minato Ward, Tokyo 107-0062

Price: Starts from S$ 242.81

If you’re into perfume or fragrance, let’s make another unique Japanese souvenir by joining the Herbarium and Aromatic Botanical Sachet Making Workshop in Osaka. Here, you can use your creativity to produce a new smell, maybe your favourite smell made by yourself!

Using only natural ingredients, you will combine dried flowers, spices, and herbs that can make a new sachet of smell. Of course, the coach will help you blend them together. If this is your first time engaging in a herbarium field, you’ll be surprised how flowers and plants can be so therapeutic.

Where to buy: RAiNBOW SOUL: Atelier 1616, 1-16-16 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, 556-0002 Japan

Price: Starts from S$ 33.70

Are you interested in ceramic? No, we revised, are you interested in making your own ceramic? Because if you do, you can bring one as your most valuable souvenir from Japan and put it on your desk to make your room more pretty. Yup, when you’re in Japan, you can join a ceramic workshop!

The coach will give you clay for you to shape it like a bowl or a plate, whatever you want. You’ll see and learn about making the detailing with tobikanna technique, or also known as fly-panning, as the potter will do it in front of you. So much interesting!

Where to buy: Kyoto Ceramic Workshop Soryu Gama – Fly-planed Kiyomizu-ware at Soryu Gama, 4 Chome-170-22 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

Price: Starts from S$ 234,16

Who doesn’t know matcha? The vibrant green hue of matcha instantly evokes images of serene tea ceremonies and calming moments. This powdered green tea, cherished in Japan for centuries, is not just a trendy beverage; it's a cultural icon.

Matcha boasts a distinct earthy, slightly sweet flavour and a fresh grassy aroma. It's unlike any other tea you've tried. Matcha comes in different grades, from ceremonial (highest quality) to culinary. Choose based on your intended use.

Where to buy: dedicated shops like Maruya in Kyoto or Gion Bancha in Tokyo.

Price: Starts from S$ to S$ 40, depends on the grade of the matcha

Japan's rich tapestry is woven with many threads, and one of the most alluring is sake. This fermented rice wine, steeped in tradition and boasting diverse flavours, is more than just a beverage; it's a cultural canvas waiting to be explored. So, when it comes to choosing the perfect sake souvenir, prepare to be swept away by a wave of options.

Where to buy: Dedicated shops like Hakutsuru Sake Shop in Kyoto or Shibata Shuzo in Tokyo

Price: Starts from S$ 20 to S$ 30

Kimonos, the iconic flowing robes of Japan, are more than just a souvenir – they're a window into centuries of tradition and artistry. Kimonos come in various styles, from the formal silk kosode to the casual cotton yukata. You can repurpose them into stunning scarves, wall hangings, or even pillowcases, adding a touch of Japanese elegance to your home.

Where to buy: Kimono Yasokkyu in Kyoto, Ginza Kimono in Tokyo, Goto Chiyoko in Kyoto or Flamingo in Harajuku

Price: Starts from S$ 100 to S$ 2000

Furoshiki are beautiful, colourful squares of fabric used in Japan for centuries to wrap gifts, carry belongings, and even decorate. They're more than just wrapping paper; they're a sustainable and stylish alternative, imbued with cultural significance.

Made from silk, cotton, or linen, furoshiki come in various sizes and designs, from traditional floral motifs to modern geometric prints. They're not just for gifts, though! Use them as a picnic blanket, a headscarf, or even a tote bag.

Where to buy: department stores like Takashimaya or Mitsukoshi, Nishiki Market in Kyoto or Ameyoko Market in Tokyo

Price: Starts from S$ 10 to S$ 80

Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are stunning traditional Japanese art pieces made using a labour-intensive technique involving multiple woodblocks and vibrant colours. They were originally produced in large quantities during the Edo period (1603-1868) and depicted a variety of scenes from everyday life, including: landscapes, portraits, events, and nature.

Where to buy: Watanabe Shozaburo in Tokyo or Kyoto Hanga-in in Kyoto.

Price: Starts from S$ 20 to S$ 100

Gashapon, sometimes written as "gachapon," are charming little capsules filled with surprise toys, found in abundance in Japan and increasingly popular worldwide. They're a unique and fun type of souvenir, offering a chance to grab a piece of Japanese pop culture for a small price.

Where to buy: Takashimaya or Tokyu Hands department stores or Akihabara and Shibuya stations.

Price: Starts from S$ 1 to S$ 3

Kawaii accessories are charming trinkets and adornments that capture the essence of Japanese cuteness. Think fluffy plushies, sparkly hair clips, and whimsical stationery adorned with anime characters, adorable animals, or sweet treats.

Where to buy: Harajuku and Shibuya

Price: Starts from S$ 5 to S$ 20

Tenugui, the humble Japanese hand towel, is a hidden gem amongst souvenirs. These are lightweight cotton cloths, about 35cm x 90cm, with vibrant printed designs ranging from traditional patterns to playful pop culture characters. Their versatility is their magic: use them as hand towels, headbands, bandanas, placemats, even gift wrapping! They're eco-friendly and reusable, making them a sustainable choice.

Where to buy: Takashimaya or Mitsukoshi Department Store or Kyoto Tenugui Yasokkyu and Tokyo's Tenugui Furoshiki Maruya

Price: Starts from S$ 5 to S$ 30

Beyond the steaming bowls of ramen and delicate sashimi, Japan's culture unfolds in the graceful dance of chopsticks, or hashi. These elegant tools elevate mealtimes to an art form, and choosing the perfect pair to bring home offers a unique and meaningful souvenir.

Where to buy: Matsuzakaya or Isetan department store, Kyoto Nishijin Ori, Tokyo Wakashiba, or Dotombori Market.

Price: Starts from S$ 5 to S$ 30

As your bags overflow with furoshiki wraps, delicate teacups, and playful gashapon treasures, the memories you've woven in Japan will forever shimmer through each souvenir. But the journey doesn't end here.

Open Traveloka on your phone, let the alluring glow of cherry blossoms beckon you back, and book your next flight ticket from Singapore to Japan. Let the Land of the Rising Sun continue to surprise you, to charm you, to fill your suitcase – and your heart – with endless wonders. Get the best price for hotels and attraction tickets too!