Buying gifts for your loved ones and seeing their reaction is one of the best feelings ever, especially when you bring them from abroad.
Have you planned out all the activities you would do in Japan but do not know what to bring for your friends and family? We have enlisted top-notch gifts ranging from Japanese candies and cosmetics to traditional crafts. Take a look at the following best Japanese gifts you can give to your loved ones and see a smile on their face:
Table of Contents
1. Sake
A trip to Japan is incomplete without getting a Japanese Sake. Japan is internationally known for producing some of the finest quality liquors in the world, and Sake is one of them. Sake is a national beverage of Japan. It is a non-carbonated and alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It has a light color and a sweet fragrance. Many Japanese cuisines around the world serve Sake along with sushi. Sake is a perfect gift for the party lover in your immediate circle. You can also get a set of five bottles of old Sake. The older the sake, the more strong and delicious it becomes, just like aged wine.
2. Kimono
A kimono is a must-get gift for the ladies in your circle. A lady wearing Kimono is a widely seen symbol used in pottery and kitchenware. Traditional Japanese kimonos are beautiful attire worn by both locals and foreigners. They are available in different textures and prices. You can get a cotton Kimono in the range of $40 to $80.
If you want a woolen kimono, then it may cost you $100 to $150. If you opt for the traditional silky kimono, then it may cost you $250. Kimonos are readily available throughout Japan, such as in Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. Kyoto is a Geisha capital making it a hub of stunning kimono manufacturers. You can get a vintage kimono or a kimono robe. If you have Kyoto in your travel plan, then do buy a kimono from there.
3. Japanese Cosmetics
Japan is known for its premium quality cosmetics and skincare products. The Japanese pay adequate attention to their skin, and that is why their skin is always glowing. If you are getting a gift for the lady in your life, then Japanese cosmetics are the best option. The most surprising thing about Japanese cosmetics is that they are reasonably priced despite being high quality. You can choose from a range of cosmetics such as lipsticks, eye shades, eyeliners, gloss, or mascara.
4. Ceramics
Japan manufactures one of the most beautiful fine potteries, kitchenware, and ceramics. They are known for unique and intricate designs, especially the tea sets and matcha bowls. If you want to purchase a complete tea set, then you need to assemble certain things on your own. The tea set consists of a Chawan, Furui, Chasen, teapot, and tea cups. A Chawan is a matcha tea bowl in which you make tea. A Furui is a tea sifter that you use to sift tea in the matcha bowl. A Chasen is a bamboo tea whisk that you use to whisk tea.
5. White Katana
Japanese knives and the White Katana, a traditional Japanese sword, are internationally known due to their sturdy handles, razor-sharp blades, and stunning craftsmanship. May chefs and culinary students worldwide love Japanese knives due to their precision cutting and long-lasting blades. You can get these knives from any place, but Kitchen Town is most famous for its variety of different knives. You can either decorate these knives, wear them with your outfit or use them for cutting purposes.
6. Imabari Towels
Towels are a sign of hospitality and etiquette in Japanese culture. There are different kinds of towels available, ranging from Oshibori, the hand towel used before eating, to Sent, a bathroom towel. A set of Imabari Towels is a perfect gift to bring to your loved ones. Imabari is a city located on Shikoku Island near Tokyo, which is the hub for towel manufacturing. The climate at Imabari results in extremely soft cotton hence leading to the best manufacturing of towels.
7. Japanese Snacks
The snacks you can have in Japan are unlike any other you have ever come across. From sweets to candies, Japan produces the most savory delicacies. The Japanese KitKat is one of the most loved chocolate as it comes in unique flavors such as strawberry, matcha, green tea, or espresso. If you or your loved one are a rice lover, then you need to get Shigenmochi, Wagashi candies, and rice crackers.
Shigenmochi is a sweet rice cake covered with black syrup, and rice crackers are thin baked crackers. Rice crackers come in six different flavors, such as plum, seaweed, and curry, and come packed in a traditional Japanese box. Wagashi candies are colorful flower-shaped candies made from bean paste and rice that have a sweet taste.
8. Japanese Toys
Japanese toys are must-get gifts for the children in your family. Japanese toys are unique as they require intellect and help children in developing problem-solving capabilities. One of such toys is Kendama works just like a yo-yo but is more challenging than it. You can also get anime-based toys for the anime lovers in your circle. For doll lovers, you can get Kokeshi or samurai dolls which were popular children’s toys in the nineteenth century.
Each Japanese doll has a name based on the town of its origin. Lastly, you can also get a Daruma Otoshi game. The game features a statue of Daruma Otoshi, a Buddhist symbol of perseverance. The purpose of the Daruma Otoshi game is to use a mallet to knock the wooden pieces underneath the Daruma to win the game.
Conclusion
You can get a variety of Japanese gifts online or by visiting the shops on foot. These gifts are not only meaningful but will also make your loved ones feel special. These gifts are also affordable and have premium quality packaging.
