For five cool souvenirs to buy in Tokyo, focus on fashionable clothing from Shibuya 109, Kokeshi dolls, incense, traditional hand-made Japanese fans, and manga. Each offers a distinct piece of Japanese culture, with specific shops and price ranges to guide your shopping.
Finding Souvenirs in Tokyo's Crazy Shopping Scene!
If you're shopping in Tokyo, you'll want a memento to remember your trip by. Japanese souvenirs make excellent gifts for loved ones. But shopping in Tokyo can be confusing, especially near Shibuya or Shinjuku District.
Tokyo shopping districts are jam-packed. For travellers, it can be overwhelming. You'll find diverse Japanese products on sale: Japanese manga, travel bags, cool backpacks and several kinds of souvenirs. Many options can make deciding difficult, especially when you don’t know where to buy souvenirs in Tokyo.
Where to shop depends on the type of souvenirs you plan to buy. Ask yourself who you're buying for. If it's for yourself, a travel bag, Japanese manga or some cool backpacks can suffice. For something more unique—a traditional Japanese gift for a friend back home—you will need to dig deeper. Here are the top five souvenirs to buy in Tokyo.
Manga: Souvenirs you can't go wrong with
Japanese Manga tops the list. You can’t go wrong with Japanese manga souvenirs. Japanese manga has gained popularity over the years. Countless devout fans read Manga comics with passion. There's even a dedicated Manga Museum in Kyoto. These comics make great souvenirs made in Japan and work well as Japanese gifts. Manga suits kids and adults alike.
Where to buy: Kinokuniya Shinjuku District Main Store. 3 Chome-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8636, Japan
Traditional Hand-Made Japanese Fans
Souvenirs in Asakusa
Traditional souvenirs simplify things. Picture yourself on Shibuya's Tokyo shopping street, typing “souvenirs near me” on your phone. Scrolling through search results is a hassle. A traditional hand-made Japanese fan saves you the trouble. These fans are decorated with Japanese art and lines from Japanese poetry. They have become a cultural icon.
The fans symbolize friendship and good wishes. Being hand-made makes them even more special. They serve as a great gift for people of all ages. These fans are common Japanese products on sale in Tokyo. You can say good-bye to searching for "souvenirs near me" on your phone. Instead, keep an eye out for one of these beautiful fans while you shop.
Where to buy: Asakusa Street. 1 Chome-20 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Fashionable Clothing from Shibuya 109
If unique fashion and artsy clothing speak to you, Shibuya 109 is the place. It's a hit among the younger crowd, with several shops selling trendy clothes. You can find souvenirs that appeal to both men and women. Even if you are only searching where to shop in Tokyo, Shibuya 109 is worth checking out. You will find several traditional Japanese clothing brands here.
Where to buy: 2 Chome-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
Price: It can vary depending on the brand you buy from
Kokeshi Dolls
This list wouldn’t be complete without Kokeshi Dolls. For a classic, traditional Japanese souvenir, Kokeshi Dolls are an ideal fit. Kokeshi dolls are hand-crafted by Kokeshi artists. They first originated in the Tohoku region of Northern Japan and have become a popular traditional souvenir gift. These dolls may be a little hard to find on a Tokyo shopping street. You will have to travel to Ookura-Mokkozyo, the only place in Tokyo that manufactures them. If you can make the trip, you'll have a wonderful souvenir.
Where to buy: At Ookura-Mokkozyo, 3-12-3 Motoyokoyamatyo, Hachioji, Tokyo
Incense
Incense is an important facet of Japanese culture. Incenses are available almost anywhere in Japan. You will come across incense in Japanese temples, homes and local shops. While there are plenty of shops in Shinjuku and Shibuya, you should buy the ones sold by the Kyukyodo brand.
Kyukyodo has historical significance within Japanese culture. Three centuries ago, the brand provided the Imperial family with incense, giving it a special place. Incense offers a piece of Japanese culture and history, all in one. You can buy a pack for your friends or take one for the folks back home.
Where to buy: Kyukyodo Store, 5 Chome-7-4 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
There you have it. All the goodies you need to buy in Tokyo as souvenirs. Sharing is caring, so buy more and gift more. Enjoy the best things to do in Tokyo, or spend some peaceful time in Kyoto. Sayonara!
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