Don’t Buy Keychains! 5 Authentic Japanese Souvenirs Your Friends Will Actually Love (Under $10)
We need to talk about souvenirs. Most travel guides will tell you to buy traditional fans or expensive chopsticks. And sure, those are nice.
But as your friend in Japan, I have to be honest: The best souvenirs aren’t in the gift shops. They are in the aisles of the local Supermarket, Drugstore, and Stationery Store.
Why? Because that’s where the real Japan is. The products are higher quality, the packaging is cooler, and they are shockingly cheap.
Here are the top 5 things I tell all my friends to buy.
1. The “Weird” KitKats
You probably know KitKat. But you don’t know Japanese KitKat. In Japan, KitKats are a cultural obsession. We have over 300 flavors, and they make the perfect gift.
- Where to buy: Don Quijote (Donki) or any large supermarket.
- Flavors to hunt for:
- Matcha (Green Tea): The classic. Not too sweet, very authentic.
- Sake: Yes, they contain a tiny bit of alcohol and taste like rice wine.
- Wasabi: Sounds scary, actually delicious.
- Seasonal: Look for Sakura (Spring) or Sweet Potato (Autumn).
- Why it’s great: They come in big bags of mini-bars. Perfect for sharing at your office back home.
2. High-Tech Stationery (Frixion Pens)
Japanese stationery is, simply put, the best in the world. It’s functional art. If you buy one thing, buy a Pilot Frixion Pen.
- Where to buy: Loft, Tokyu Hands, or any convenience store.
- The Magic: It writes like a smooth gel pen, but it erases perfectly with the rubber tip. No eraser dust, no smudges. It feels like magic.
- Why it’s great: It costs about $2. It’s practical, sleek, and literally everyone I’ve ever given one to has freaked out (in a good way).
3. Japanese Curry Roux (Golden Curry)
Want to recreate the taste of your trip in your own kitchen? This is the secret. Japanese curry is different from Indian or Thai curry. It’s thicker, sweeter, and richer—pure comfort food.
- Where to buy: Any supermarket (look for the “Sauce/Curry” aisle).
- What to look for: Boxes that look like chocolate bars. Brands like “Golden Curry” or “Vermont Curry” are legends.
- How to use: You just chop veggies and meat, boil them, and throw in the “curry cubes.” It turns into a thick stew instantly.
- Why it’s great: It costs $3, packs easily, and feeds a whole family.
4. MegRhythm Steam Eye Masks
Walk into any Japanese drugstore (like Matsumoto Kiyoshi) and you will see boxes of these. They are a lifesaver for long flights.
- What it is: A disposable eye mask that gently heats up to 40°C (104°F) when you open the package. It stays warm for about 20 minutes.
- Why it’s great: It forces you to relax. The scents (Lavender, Yuzu, Rose) are amazing. Buy a box for yourself for the plane ride home—you will sleep like a baby.
5. Ceramics from a “100 Yen Shop” (Daiso)
This is the ultimate hack. Go to a Daiso or Seria (our famous “100 Yen Shops,” similar to a Dollar Store but way better quality). Head straight to the tableware section.
- What to buy: Sake cups, small dipping bowls, or cute chopstick rests.
- The Price: 100 JPY (about $0.70 USD) each.
- The Quality: They are often made in Japan, beautiful, and look like they cost 10 times the price.
- Why it’s great: You can buy a whole set of beautiful Japanese ceramics for under $10. Just make sure to wrap them well in your clothes!
The Best Souvenir is a Story
The plastic samurai sword will gather dust. But a dinner made with Japanese curry, shared with friends while eating Sake KitKats? That brings the memories back.
Go explore the local aisles. It’s an adventure in itself.
And if you want to find the best specialty shops—like handmade knives or vintage kimono fabrics—that aren’t in the guidebooks, our guides would love to take you shopping. Let’s go treasure hunting together!
