Every traveller in Japan faces the same moment: a suitcase with limited space, and shops full of things that look wonderful there and strange at home. The best souvenirs are the ones you will actually use, or see every day. Here is what is worth bringing back.
Things you will use every day
Stationery
Japanese pens, notebooks and washi tape are some of the best in the world and cost little. Big stationery stores in Tokyo and Osaka can take hours. Light, flat and easy to pack.
Kitchen tools
A good knife, a set of chopsticks, ceramic bowls or a small grater. Tokyo's kitchenware district is famous for a reason. Check your airline's rules for knives in luggage.
Tenugui and furoshiki
Printed cotton towels and wrapping cloths. Beautiful, practical, and they weigh almost nothing.
Food (that survives the trip)
Regional snacks, seasonal sweets, tea, furikake and instant ramen from specific regions. Check your country's import rules for meat and fresh food before you buy.
Things that hold a memory
Goshuin (temple and shrine stamps)
Calligraphy seals collected in a stamp book at temples and shrines. A record of your trip, not a product.
Train station stamps
Many stations have free commemorative stamps. Bring a small notebook.
The souvenir most people can't find
A lot of travellers spend their trip looking for a small, glowing version of the convenience store sign they walked past every night, and come home empty-handed. Miniature light-up konbini signs are rarely sold in the stores themselves. Ours, the Konbini Lightbox Magnets, ship worldwide, so you can order once you are home instead of hunting for one on your trip. If you prefer a city, there are Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto signs too.
What to skip
- Generic airport keychains and plastic magnets. They feel dead by the time you unpack.
- Anything fragile you cannot carry on. Ceramics in checked luggage are a gamble.
- Huge posters. Hard to pack, and they need wall space you may not have.
Buying for people back home?
See our gift guide for people who love Japan.
Konbinii is an independent brand and is not affiliated with any convenience store chain.
