Top 16 Souvenirs You Should Buy When Traveling to Japan

Furin, also known as wind chimes, is typically made from glass or metal. The Japanese hang them by windows or doors, and when the wind blows, they produce unique, soothing sounds. This traditional sound is a characteristic of Japan and can even be found in modern buildings. During your visit to Japan, you’ll spot Furin for sale everywhere in various designs. However, for the best selection, visiting a fair like Hozuki Ichi at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is ideal. A Furin typically starts at around 80,000 VND, depending on the style you choose.

If you're a follower of Buddhism, you're likely familiar with the image of Bodhidharma. The Daruma doll is modeled after this figure, with a round shape and red color. In Japan, it's considered a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and a source of motivation to help fulfill one's dreams.

An interesting tradition is that when these dolls are sold, they don’t have eyes drawn on them. The buyer is expected to draw one eye after making a wish. The second eye is added when the wish comes true.

Daruma dolls are widely available in souvenir shops. If you haven’t found the right one yet, don’t worry! During the New Year season, numerous Daruma fairs are held across Japan, with the largest one at Daremadera Temple in Takasaki. It’s a great chance to explore the fascinating world of Daruma!

A Daruma doll typically starts at around 300,000 VND.

Traditional Japanese chopsticks are quite different from those used in Vietnam or China. Japanese chopsticks are usually made of lacquered wood with one tapered end, available in various sizes suitable for men, women, and children.

They are sold in sets, often with intricate and beautiful designs, making them a decorative item as well. For food enthusiasts, these make an excellent souvenir.

A set of Japanese chopsticks typically starts at around 350,000 VND, depending on the product.

Tanuki Statues, like the Maneki Neko, are symbols used to welcome guests and attract customers. Tanuki statues can be seen everywhere in Japan, especially in noodle shops. You may not know that Tanuki is a Japanese term for the raccoon dog, a mystical creature from ancient Japanese folklore.

According to legend, Tanuki is a mischievous animal known for its playful nature and shape-shifting abilities. The Japanese believe that a Tanuki statue brings good fortune and prosperity—whether you believe it or not, it still makes for a fun and unique souvenir.

A Tanuki statue typically starts at around 300,000 VND, depending on the product you choose.

Noren are traditional Japanese curtains, typically hung at the entrance of restaurants or shops to block sunlight, wind, and dust. The Japanese also use them as signage to advertise or inform customers that the store is open. Noren comes in various materials, sizes, colors, and patterns, making each one unique.

In addition to their practical use, Noren is also popular as a decorative item in homes and makes a thoughtful souvenir. However, they are not as commonly sold as other items and are usually found in fabric stores or can be custom-ordered. As a result, they tend to be quite expensive.

A hand-made Noren typically starts at around 6 million VND, depending on the design, pattern, and fabric used.

If you're a fan of the Japanese tea ceremony, the Matcha set is an incredibly valuable gift. The Matcha set includes delicate tools used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. A complete set typically contains a matcha bowl, natsume (tea container), furui (sifter), chashaku (tea scoop), chasen (bamboo whisk for stirring the matcha), and kesenaoshi (chasen holder).

Preparing a cup of Japanese tea is no simple task, but the flavor you savor after following these rituals is truly rewarding. It's a practice in patience and relaxation.

A set like this usually costs around 600,000 VND.

The art of Japanese ceramics is renowned for its diversity and richness. Japan boasts 18 distinct styles of ceramics, with many smaller subcategories within each.

Some of these ceramics are crafted by master artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations for hundreds of years, retaining the ancient essence of Japanese craftsmanship. On the other hand, some pieces feature more modern designs, often influenced by Chinese aesthetics. No matter your taste, you're sure to find something that appeals to you!

A Japanese ceramic plate typically costs around 500,000 VND. Prices for other items vary depending on what you choose, but the difference is usually minimal.

Japanese beauty products are some of the most popular choices among beauty enthusiasts, especially for those wondering what to buy when visiting Japan. Domestic Japanese products are highly regarded for their excellent quality and affordable prices!

From prestigious brands like Shiseido, KOSE, and SK-II, to more budget-friendly options like CANMAKE and KATE, there's no shortage of shopping choices. You can easily find beauty products at drugstores in towns all across Japan. In addition to skincare and makeup, Japanese sunscreens are also a top pick.

Japanese sweets are so delicious that they have begun to appear in supermarkets worldwide. The shelves in Japanese stores are stacked high with a variety of candies and snacks, all making for perfect souvenirs from Japan.

Aside from Kit Kat, you can treat yourself to some luxurious Bulgari chocolate. This long-established Japanese brand specializes in exquisite chocolates, elegantly packaged as though they were precious gems.

Each region and prefecture in Japan takes pride in its unique sweets and treats. For instance, Miyazaki is known for its red rice cakes, delicious fruit, and daifuku, while Osaka is famous for its taro pudding, Kuidaore. Wherever you travel in Japan, you’ll quickly discover the regional specialties. To make it even easier, you can pick up sweets at the duty-free stores in Japan’s airports.

Tenugui is a traditional Japanese hand towel, typically made from cotton, and measures about 35 cm by 90 cm. Though at first glance it might seem like a simple piece of fabric not worth considering when thinking about what to buy in Japan, these towels have a long history and are highly regarded in Japanese culture.

Today, Tenugui towels come in a variety of elegant designs and patterns, making them a fantastic souvenir gift, especially for women.

The price of a Tenugui towel in Japan starts from around 28,000 VND, depending on the size and pattern.

The Japanese have preserved the finest elements of nature in every bottle of sake. It's no exaggeration to say that sake is the national drink of Japan.

Sake, a beloved rice wine from Japan, makes for an excellent souvenir. It can be found everywhere, and many larger shops even offer tastings to help you select the perfect bottle for yourself.

Maneki Neko, the iconic cat with a waving paw, is commonly seen at shops, restaurants, and businesses throughout Japan. It's believed to bring good fortune to both families and businesses. The Japanese people believe that having a Maneki Neko at home or work will attract prosperity.

Maneki Neko is a popular decoration in Japanese homes, and you'll be enchanted by the variety of sizes, colors, and designs. These lucky cats are sold in most souvenir shops you visit during your travels. If you're seeking an authentic piece, however, the Gotoku-ji Temple, the birthplace of the Maneki Neko, is the place to go.

The price for a Maneki Neko starts at around 400,000 VND, depending on its type.

Yukata is a type of traditional Japanese clothing, similar to a kimono, but lighter and worn primarily in summer, during festivals, or at traditional inns (ryokan). Unlike the kimono, the Yukata is simpler, with fewer layers, and is made from cool, breathable fabrics, making it very comfortable. Available in versions for both men and women, Yukata can be found in tourist spots, but for a more stylish and higher-quality piece, visiting a fashion store offering a variety of designs and fabrics is highly recommended.

A Yukata set for adults typically costs around 1,900,000 VND.

Japanese paper fans are a familiar sight in Japan, symbolizing summer. These fans are made from paper and bamboo, so popular in Japan that it's almost impossible to find someone without one during the warmer months. The fan’s head is often decorated with floral fabric, featuring patterns of dragonflies, wind chimes, rice fields, reed grasses, and morning glories—simple yet vibrant designs that bring the essence of Japanese summer to life. If you attend a festival, you might even receive a beautiful paper fan as a token of good luck.

The price of a paper fan starts around 50,000 VND, depending on the design and quality.