10 Things Worth Buying in Japan

Japan is one of those places where shopping can easily become part of the trip.

But with convenience stores, department stores, Don Quijote, specialty shops and endless tempting souvenirs, it’s easy to come home with things you didn't really need.

Instead, look for items that are particularly good in Japan, whether because of the quality, design, price, variety or simply because they're difficult to find elsewhere.

Here are 10 things worth making room for in your suitcase.

01 — Japanese Skincare & Sunscreen

Japanese beauty products are an easy addition to your shopping list.

Look for lightweight sunscreens, cleansing oils, sheet masks and everyday skincare from brands such as Shiseido, Anessa, Hada Labo and Biore.

The best part is the sheer variety. Japanese drugstores and beauty stores make it easy to discover products you may never have seen at home.

Worth looking for: sunscreen, cleansing oils, lip products and sheet masks.

02 — Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers

If you’ve been thinking about buying a pair of Onitsuka Tigers, Japan is a great place to do it.

You'll find the iconic Mexico 66 alongside different colours, collaborations and Japan-market styles.

Rather than buying the most obvious pair, take a look around for a colour or edition you wouldn't normally find at home.

Leave room in your suitcase.

03 — Japanese Ceramics

One of my favourite things to bring back from Japan is something completely ordinary: a cup, bowl or small piece of pottery.

Japanese ceramics have a beautiful simplicity, and you can find everything from everyday tableware to handmade pieces from local artists.

Worth looking for: tea cups, small bowls, sake cups and handmade plates.

04 — Stationery

Japan takes stationery seriously.

Visit a large stationery store and you'll quickly understand why it can be dangerous for anyone who likes notebooks, pens and beautifully designed little things.

Look for Japanese pens, notebooks, washi tape, stickers, stamps and planners.

Tip: Keep a little space in your suitcase specifically for stationery.

05 — Japanese Snacks & Matcha

Some souvenirs don't need to last forever.

Japanese supermarkets and department-store food halls are perfect for picking up snacks to take home. Matcha sweets, rice crackers, regional treats and seasonal Kit Kats are easy gifts and fun to try yourself.

For something a little more special, explore the beautifully packaged sweets found in Japanese department stores.

Best approach: buy a few things you can actually share rather than filling your suitcase with one giant snack haul.

06 — MUJI Travel & Lifestyle Goods

Japan is the place to browse MUJI beyond the basics you may already know.

The stores are full of practical travel accessories, storage solutions, stationery, clothing and everyday objects with that unmistakably simple Japanese design.

Worth looking for: packing cubes, travel bottles, pouches, socks, stationery and small home goods.

They're useful, understated and unlikely to end up forgotten in a drawer.

07 — Japanese Knives

For food lovers, a Japanese kitchen knife can be an incredible souvenir.

Specialty knife shops offer everything from beautifully crafted traditional knives to practical everyday options.

This is one purchase where it's worth doing a little research beforehand. Different types of knives are designed for different tasks, and quality varies considerably.

Tip: If you're buying one, ask the shop about care, sharpening and how to transport it home safely.

08 — PORTER Bags

For something you'll actually use long after your holiday, look at PORTER by Yoshida & Co.

The brand is known for its functional, understated bags and strong Japanese craftsmanship.

A small shoulder bag, wallet or everyday backpack can make a particularly good travel purchase because you'll probably start using it before you even leave Japan.

09 — Japanese Fashion

Japan is an excellent place to discover clothing brands you might not encounter elsewhere.

Beyond UNIQLO and GU, explore Japanese labels and independent boutiques for well-made basics, denim, outerwear and accessories.

And don't overlook vintage stores. Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto have an impressive selection of second-hand fashion, often with pieces that feel much more distinctive than typical souvenirs.

The best find is usually the one you weren't looking for.

10 — Something Completely Unexpected

This might be the most important one.

Don't make your entire shopping list before you arrive.

Maybe it's a tiny ceramic cat from a neighbourhood shop. A vintage poster. A beautiful tenugui cloth. A handmade incense holder. A piece of Japanese fabric.

The souvenirs you'll remember years later aren't always the expensive ones.

Sometimes they're simply the things that remind you of where you were when you found them.

Before You Shop

A few things are worth keeping in mind.

Compare prices. Don't assume something is automatically cheaper in Japan. Prices can vary between Japan, the US and other markets depending on the product and exchange rate.

Look for Japan-exclusive items. A limited colourway or domestic collection can be more interesting than a small price difference.

Check tax-free shopping. If you're eligible, participating stores may offer tax-free shopping, subject to Japan's current rules.