This guide reveals the best things to buy in Japan based on real experiences from Reddit users, featuring 15 diverse categories with practical recommendations. You’ll discover unique Japanese products that are either unavailable, significantly cheaper, or of superior quality compared to what’s available in your home country. From limited-edition snacks to high-quality personal care items and traditional crafts, this guide will help you make the most of your shopping experience in Japan while ensuring you bring home meaningful souvenirs and practical items that enhance your daily life. Learn what to buy in Japan according to Reddit discussions and user experiences.
15 Categories Things to Buy in Japan
1. Food and Beverages
Food enthusiasts, snack lovers, and those looking for unique gifts will find this category perfect for discovering unique Japanese food products including limited-edition snacks, premium beverages, and regional specialties. These are some of the top things to buy in Japan for food lovers. Available during travels through different regions, these items can be discovered at convenience stores, department stores, specialty shops, and regional markets. Since these products are either unavailable elsewhere or significantly cheaper in Japan, purchasing from convenience stores like 7-11, Don Quijote, or specialized regional shops is recommended. Prices vary from ¥100 for basic snacks to ¥3000+ for premium items.
- Limited-edition KitKats (Matcha, Yuzu, Wasabi, Peach, etc.)
- Traditional Yatsuhashi from Kyoto (both hard cookies and soft versions)
- Seasonal Wagashi - traditional Japanese sweets
- Regional Sake and premium Japanese whiskey (Yamazaki Smokey batch) - best whisky from Japan for alcohol enthusiasts
- Wasabi and Hojicha flavoured KitKats
- Premium coffee beans from local roasters
- Matcha from Uji (high-quality green tea powder)
- Amazake (fermented sweet rice drink)
- Ghana brand chocolate (superior quality compared to Western brands)
- Tokyo Banana (popular Japanese confectionery)
- Royce Chocolate Potato Chips (expensive in other countries)
- Regional snacks unique to different prefectures
First time to Japan - Food & Beverages to Try
2. Beauty and Skincare
Japanese beauty and skincare products are known for innovation and effectiveness. These are some of the best things to buy in Japan for beauty enthusiasts. Found in major cities with cosmetics districts, these products are available at drugstores, department stores, Don Quijote, and specialty beauty shops. Because these items are significantly cheaper in Japan and include unique formulations not available internationally, visiting areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Osaka’s Shinsaibashi is recommended for the best selection. Typically, these products cost 30-50% less than international prices.
- Innovative sunscreens (Biore UV Aqua Rich, Shiseido Elixir SPF, Anessa)
- Japanese skincare (Vitamin C serums, moisturizers, BB creams)
- Kose creams and serums
- Keana rice masks
- Tsubaki Moist shampoo and conditioner refill packs
- Fino hair mask (significantly cheaper in Japan)
- Japanese eyelash curlers
- Character bandages (cute themed medical tape)
3. Traditional Crafts
Culture enthusiasts, art collectors, and those seeking meaningful souvenirs will find authentic Japanese handicrafts that represent centuries of artistic tradition. These are some of the best things to buy in Japan for cultural enthusiasts and make excellent Japan souvenirs. Encountered during visits to traditional areas, temples, shrines, and cultural sites, these treasures are found particularly at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, traditional shopping districts, and temple gift shops. Since these items connect you with Japanese culture and feature techniques passed down through generations, visiting cultural centers, traditional shopping streets, and artisan workshops is recommended. Prices range from ¥500 for simple items to ¥50,00+ for high-end pieces.
- Maneki-neko (lucky cat figurines)
- Folding fans (Sensu) with traditional designs
- Japanese pottery and ceramics from various regions
- Personal stamps (Hanko) - can be customized with your name
- Lacquerware (urushi and maki-e decorated items)
- Woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e)
- Traditional textiles (Tenugui hand towels)
- Yosegi wood crafts and puzzle boxes from Hakone
- Kokeshi dolls
- Daruma dolls
- Calligraphy tools and materials
4. Fashion and Accessories
Fashion enthusiasts, denim lovers, and those seeking unique styles will appreciate these Japanese fashion items including denim, traditional clothing, and accessories. These include some of the best high-end things to buy in Japan as well as affordable options. Located in fashion districts like Harajuku, Shibuya, and Ginza, these items are either unavailable abroad or significantly cheaper in Japan. Visiting flagship stores, vintage shops, and specialized boutiques is recommended. Prices vary widely, but are often 20-50% less than international prices.
- Japanese denim (Samurai, Momotaro, Iron Heart, Pure Blue Japan)
- Onitsuka Tiger shoes (often with customization options)
- Kimonos, Yukata, and traditional clothing
- Vintage designer goods (often in excellent condition)
- Japanese-made Converse shoes (different from international versions)
- Furoshiki (decorative wrapping cloths)
- Unique accessories from Japanese brands
- Business suits from AOKI (often machine-washable)
- Tabi shoes (traditional split-toe socks)
- Comme ca Ism clothing
5. Stationery
Students, professionals, planners, and stationery enthusiasts will enjoy these high-quality Japanese stationery items that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. These are some of the best things to buy in Japan for office and study needs, including famous pencils from Japan. Discovered in major cities at Itoya in Ginza, Tokyu Hands, Loft, and stationery specialty stores, these products are unavailable outside Japan and represent the pinnacle of stationery design. Visiting dedicated stationery stores and department store stationery sections is recommended. They are generally affordable, with premium items costing more but offering excellent value.
- Washi tape (decorative Japanese paper tape)
- Hobonichi planners and calendars
- Pilot Frixion pens (erasable gel pens)
- Zebra Sarasa gel pens
- Japanese fountain pens (Pilot, Platinum, Sailor)
- Metal rulers and tape measures (metric only)
- High-quality notebooks (Moleskine-style from local brands)
- B-side Label stickers
- Itoya stationery items
- 3D paper theater kits
6. Kitchenware
Cooking enthusiasts, professional chefs, and kitchen tool collectors will appreciate Japanese kitchen tools renowned for craftsmanship and functionality. These are some of the best high-end things to buy in Japan for cooking enthusiasts. Located in kitchenware districts like Kappabashi-dori in Tokyo and kitchenware sections of department stores, these products are either unavailable outside Japan or significantly more expensive when imported. Visiting specialized kitchenware districts and high-end department stores is recommended. Quality items are available at reasonable prices compared to international markets.
- Quality Japanese kitchen knives (Santoku, Kiritsuke, etc.)
- Custom chopsticks (can be personalized with names)
- Ceramic tea sets
- Ramen bowls and traditional tableware
- Tamagoyaki pans (rectangular omelet pans)
- Japanese cooking knives (Tower Knives, Seisuke, etc.)
- Zojirushi thermoses
- Specialty cooking utensils
- Nori (dried seaweed sheets)
- Japanese ceramic knives
7. Electronics
Gamers, tech enthusiasts, and collectors will find gaming products, consoles, and specialized electronics unique to Japan. These include some of the cheap things to buy in Japan for gamers, such as Nintendo Switch consoles. Located in electronics districts like Akihabara, Yodobashi Camera, and Bic Camera, unique gaming products and region-free consoles are available at better prices. Visiting electronics districts and specialized gaming stores is recommended. Often 20-30% less than international prices, especially for gaming items.
- Nintendo Switch consoles (significantly cheaper than other countries)
- Nintendo Switch games (often 40-50% cheaper than home countries)
- Japanese exclusive video games
- High-quality headphones and audio equipment
- Vintage video games and retro consoles
- MSX games (rare outside Japan)
- Japanese camera equipment
8. Personal Care
Personal care enthusiasts seeking superior quality products will appreciate Japanese personal care items featuring unique formulations and high-quality manufacturing. These are some of the best things to buy in Japan for personal care needs. Sourced in major cities at drugstores, 100-yen shops, department stores, and specialized personal care shops, these items feature unique formulations difficult to find outside Japan. Visiting drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or stores in major shopping districts is recommended. They often offer better value than international alternatives.
- Green Bell nail clippers (famous for quality and durability)
- JINS glasses (custom prescription available same-day)
- Japanese toothbrushes
- Takuminowaza nail clippers
- Shupatto foldable shopping bags
- Japanese medication (where legally allowed)
- EVE pain relievers
- Tenga products (if appropriate for your destination)
9. Toys and Collectibles
Anime fans, collectors, and toy enthusiasts will discover anime figures, video game merchandise, and unique Japanese toys. These are some of the cool things to buy in Japan for collectors, based on things to buy in Japan Reddit discussions. Found in character districts like Akihabara, Character Street, Studio Ghibli stores, and gaming districts, Japan offers the best selection of anime figures and exclusive merchandise at competitive prices. Visiting specialized districts and character stores is recommended. Often significantly less than international prices, especially for collectibles.
- Anime figurines and collectibles
- COPIC markers (significantly cheaper in Japan)
- Gashapon/gachapon toys
- Pokémon merchandise and cards
- Studio Ghibli store items
- Nintendo merchandise
- Sanrio Puroland items
- Gundam model kits
- Sylvanian Families toys
- Tomica cars (superior quality to Hot Wheels)
10. Umbrellas and Rain Gear
Travelers seeking quality rain protection will appreciate high-quality Japanese umbrellas and rain gear featuring innovative designs. These are some of the unique things to buy in Japan for practical needs. Acquired during the rainy season or as a practical purchase at department stores and specialized umbrella shops, these items feature unique patterns and superior functionality compared to international alternatives. Visiting department store basement levels or specialized umbrella shops is recommended. Quality items are available at reasonable prices.
- High-quality UV protection umbrellas
- Patterned umbrellas (some show designs when wet)
- Traditional parasols
- Compact foldable umbrellas
- Rain gear from specialized stores
11. Watches
Watch enthusiasts and collectors will find Japanese watches from prestigious manufacturers and vintage timepieces. These include some of the best high-end things to buy in Japan cheap for watch collectors. Located in luxury districts at Seiko flagship stores, vintage watch dealers, and luxury shopping districts, Japanese watch brands are more affordable in Japan than in other countries. Visiting watch specialty stores and department store watch sections is recommended. Often 20-40% less than international prices.
- Seiko watches (including Japan-only models with Kanji)
- Grand Seiko watches (luxury line)
- Casio G-Shock and other models
- Japan-only watch models
- Used luxury watches (often in excellent condition)
12. Bags
Bag enthusiasts seeking quality accessories will discover high-quality Japanese bags known for exceptional quality and innovative design. These are some of the best things to buy in Japan for accessories, especially in Tokyo (best things to buy in Tokyo Japan). Found in fashion districts at Porter flagship stores, department stores, and vintage shops, these items represent excellent value compared to international prices. Visiting specialized bag stores and department stores is recommended. Premium quality at competitive prices compared to international markets.
- Porter bags (Yoshida & Co. - tax-free available)
- Customizable bags with personalized embroidery
- High-quality backpacks and messenger bags
- Vintage designer bags (in excellent condition)
- Shupatto foldable bags
13. Religious and Amulets
Cultural enthusiasts interested in Japanese traditions will appreciate traditional Japanese religious items serving spiritual and cultural purposes. These are some of the unique things to buy in Japan with cultural significance that also count as Japan souvenirs. Obtained during visits to temples and shrines at Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and religious goods shops, these items provide meaningful connections to Japanese traditions. Purchasing during visits to religious sites is recommended. Generally affordable, typically ¥500-1500.
- Omamori (protective amulets from temples/shrines)
- Goshuin (temple/ shrine stamp books and stamps)
- Daruma dolls (good luck symbols)
- Buddhist and Shinto religious items
14. Tools and Utilities
Craftspersons, DIY enthusiasts, and tool collectors will appreciate Japanese tools renowned for precision and quality. These are some of the best things to buy in Japan for craftsmen. Sourced in tool districts like Kappabashi-dori, tool specialty stores, and department stores, these items represent significant savings and unique designs not available elsewhere. Visiting specialized tool districts and high-end department stores is recommended. Quality items are available at reasonable prices compared to international markets.
- Japanese kitchen knives and cutlery
- Quality nail clippers (Green Bell, Kai brands)
- Japanese scissors (Kai Scissors)
- Specialty cooking utensils
- Mechanical pencils (high-end Japanese brands)
- Quality bonsai tools
15. Games and Entertainment
Gamers, anime fans, and entertainment enthusiasts will find Japanese games, manga, and entertainment products with exclusive content. These include cool things to buy in Japan for entertainment, especially in Osaka (things to buy in Osaka Japan). Located in gaming districts like Akihabara, gaming stores, manga shops, and department stores, Japan offers the best selection of Japanese games and exclusive content at better prices. Visiting gaming districts and specialized entertainment stores is recommended. Often 30-50% less than international prices.
- Japanese video games (especially Nintendo titles)
- Japanese exclusive game releases
- Anime and manga merchandise
- Trading cards (Pokémon, etc.)
- Retro gaming items
- Japanese board games
How to buy things in Japan
Now that you know what to buy in Japan across our 15 categories, it’s important to understand the shopping landscape to make the most of your purchases. When you’re planning to buy things in Japan, keep in mind the tax-free shopping system for tourists, which applies to purchases over ¥5,500 at participating stores in 2025, and [Japan’s New Tourism Tax Rising from 2026]. Bring your passport to claim tax-free purchases. Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have numerous shopping districts with everything from electronics to traditional crafts. Cash is still king in many places, though credit cards are increasingly accepted in larger stores. For the best deals, visit stores during seasonal sales periods, and consider shopping at discount chains like Don Quijote for a wide variety of items at competitive prices.
FAQ
Make the Most of Your Shopping Experience in Japan
Shopping in Japan offers incredible value and unique opportunities to acquire items that are either unavailable, significantly cheaper, or of superior quality compared to what’s available in other countries. From limited-edition snacks to high-quality personal care items and traditional crafts, Japan provides a shopping experience unlike anywhere else in the world. The weak yen and tax-free shopping for tourists make these purchases even more attractive. Remember to pack extra luggage space or an additional suitcase for your shopping haul, and don’t forget to ask for tax-free shopping options when making larger purchases. Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge technology, traditional crafts, or unique food items, Japan has something special for every type of shopper. You’ll find the best things to buy in Japan across all categories, from cheap things to buy in Japan to unique things to buy in Japan based on real experiences from Reddit users.
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