Japan Shopping Guide: From Mangas to Mochi to Maneki Neko and More

The iconic “Made in Japan” label signifies more than just origin; it’s a promise of quality, innovation, and attention to detail. From cool gadgets and anime merch to traditional Japanese tableware and umami-flavoured snacks, shoppers are spoiled for choice in Japan’s retail landscape. With the Japanese Yen currently at a favourable exchange rate, there’s no better time to plan your Japanese adventure! But when you arrive, hold on dearly to our list of things to buy in Japan and indulge in a shopping spree unlike any other.

Whether you’re a seasoned Traveller or a first-time visitor, delve into our curated Japan itinerary for a memorable experience packed with fun and adventure.

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Things to buy in Japan: Apparel

One of the biggest perks of shopping in Japan is the sheer variety of international and local brands. The best places to shop for everyday fashion items are UNIQLO, GU, WEGO, MUJI, PUNYUS, and BEAMS. Thrifting is also popular in Japan. If you are lucky, you can find luxury-branded clothing items in mint condition at affordable prices. For those looking to shop traditional Japanese outfits, here’s a list of things to buy in Japan.

• Kimono: Buying a kimono in Japan will be more affordable than in your home country. Traditional kimonos are expensive and made from high-quality silk, linen, hemp, or brocade. Affordable alternatives made from less-expensive fabrics like cotton, polyester, rayon and satin are also available.
• Yukata: It is a casual variant of a kimono, typically made from cotton or synthetic fabric in pretty colours and patterns. The Yukata is a famous outfit for summer festivals, firework displays, hot springs, traditional Japanese inns and casual summer outings.
• Jinbei is another lightweight summer outfit worn by children, men and women. It has a kimono-style top paired with matching-coloured shorts.
• Haori is a traditional Japanese jacket worn over a kimono. You can also wear it over Western outfits like dresses and shirts.
• Tenugui are traditional decorative towels made from cotton or polyester. You can use them as headbands, scarves, aprons, bags, bandanas, and masks. You can also frame and display these in your home!

What cosmetics to buy in Japan

Japanese makeup and skincare products are known for their effectiveness, high-quality ingredients, and aesthetic packaging. Here’s a quick list of things to buy in Japan for skincare and makeup.

Japanese makeup:

• Canmake Cream Munyutto Highlighter for dewy, glowy skin.
• Heroine Make SP Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep for the perfect cat-eye.
• Shiseido Spotscover Foundation for covering blemishes and tiny scars on the face.
• Heroine Make SP Long and Curl Mascara for doll-like lashes.
• Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder for fresh-looking skin and makeup.
• Visee Essence Lip Plumper for juicy, moisturised lips.
• Cezanne Natural Blush for that healthy flush of colour on the cheeks.

Must-buy Japanese skincare:

• Hadalabo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Lotion for plump, hydrated skin.
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ to protect your skin from sun damage.
• SK-II Facial Treatment Essence to improve skin’s texture and add radiance.
• Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil for removing makeup without drying out the skin.
• Senka Perfect Whip Face Wash is perfect for keeping pores squeaky clean.
• DHC Medical Lip Cream for baby-soft lips.
• Muji Milky Lotion to add moisture back to dry skin.

Things to buy in Japan: Electronics

Japan is a mecca for electronic gadgets and cutting-edge Technology. The best places to shop for phones, cameras, rice cookers, laptops, television sets, electric toothbrushes, massagers, smart washlets, smart watches, gaming consoles and smart home devices are Bic Camera, Yamada Denki and Yodobashi Camera. These are major Japanese electronic retail chains with stores all over Japan. You can also find other electric shops in almost every shopping mall in Japan. Akihabara in Tokyo is a fine district to shop for pre-loved gadgets, electric parts and vintage gaming consoles and cameras.

Local markets in Japan

Almost every prefecture in Japan has a local market. While some are open for Business throughout the week, others are operational only on certain days of the month. Also, most markets start early and close in the late afternoon. When you visit, recall our list of things to buy in Japan.

• Market of the Sun in Tokyo: This urban farmers market on the second weekend of each month brings together about 100 vendors and small business owners with fresh vegetables, Japanese ingredients, seasonal fruits, and coffee.
• Oi Race Course Flea Market in Tokyo: Tokyo hosts its biggest flea market event every weekend from 9 am to 3 pm, boasting hundreds of stalls selling miscellaneous items, pre-loved clothes, antique furniture, anime figurines, soft toys, vintage gadgets and potted plants! But be aware that the market is likely to get cancelled on rainy days.

• Nishiki Market in Kyoto: Also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, this shopping street is famous for selling fresh seafood, Japanese sweets, pickles and kitchenware.
• Kobo-ichi Market in Kyoto: On the 21st of every month, the temple grounds become a lively market town. From handmade ceramics to traditional Japanese attire, there is plenty to see and buy at this flea market.

• Omi-cho Market in Ishikawa: A 20-minute walk from the Kanazawa station, this market is the perfect place to buy fresh seafood, thrift clothes, kitchen tools and sample local dishes.
• Miyagawa Morning Market in Gifu: Open on all days from 8 am to 12 pm, this market features stalls selling homegrown vegetables, fruits, and local farm products.
• Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka: Boasting over 150 shops, this sells everything edible from fresh seafood and pickled goods to green tea ice cream.
• Hakodate Morning Market in Hokkaido: This local food market near Hakodate Station has lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and Japanese sweets.

Snacks and sweets to buy in Japan

Japanese snacks and sweets make good souvenirs to bring back home. Some of the popular ones include:

• KitKat: Besides milk chocolate, these come in unique flavours like matcha, sake, cookies and cream, lemon, strawberry, milk tea, and cheesecake!
• Pocky: These are thin biscuit sticks with a chocolate coating. Crunchy, chocolaty and oh-so-delicious.
• Mochi: It is a soft and chewy rice cake. While fresh mochi may get rancid in a few days, we recommend purchasing the ones that get sold in packets and have a longer shelf life.
• Taiyaki: When you visit Japan, you must treat yourself to warm Taiyaki, fish-shaped pastries filled with the goodness of chocolate, custard or red bean paste. You can find them in almost any part of the country.
• Tokyo banana: The ultimate Tokyo souvenir is this sponge cake featuring a delicious cream filling. You can purchase them at Tokyo Station, Haneda Airport, or Narita Airport.

• Ramune candy: You will find different kinds of candy in a lemonade flavour, especially during summer. Ramune candy is sweet, sour, and slightly fizzy, making it a unique treat that creates a delightful fizzy sensation in the mouth.
• Japanese instant noodles: Instant noodles, a Japanese invention, come in many unique flavours and variants in Japan.
• Matcha-flavoured sweets: Matcha is not only a tea beverage, but an ingredient added to noodles, snacks, ice cream and even sweets!
• Furikake: A Japanese seasoning that’s sprinkled on plain rice for flavour and texture.
• Seaweed chips: Known as ‘Nori’ in Japanese, you can find plenty of seaweed snacks like crisps and rice crackers.
• Anmitsu: A popular dessert served at teahouses in Japan. Along with a scoop of ice cream, you will be served sweet red bean paste, fruits, agar jelly, and sweet syrup.
• Rice crackers: Crunchy rice crackers seasoned with salt, soy sauce, seaweed, shrimp, cheese, sesame, curry or fish. Plain salted rice crackers also make perfect souvenirs and snacks for vegans and vegetarians.

Anime, manga and game products

Akihabara, Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, and Nakano Broadway are your go-to places to shop for gaming consoles, manga, anime merchandise, and second-hand gadgets.

Character Street in Tokyo Station is another place to shop for your favourite anime, Ghibli, Pokemon, Sanrio, and Disney characters.

Right under Tokyo Skytree is a shopping centre where you can shop for your favourite kawaii merch or grab a bite at a character-themed cafe (reservation required)!

From entertaining to eerie, explore more with our selection of the most unique cafes in Japan.

Home decor items and souvenirs to buy from Japan

The best places to shop for home decor and Japanese souvenirs are LOFT, Hands, Muji, and Nitori. These brands have stores all over Japan and you’re bound to find something special here. Here’s a list of things to buy in Japan.

• Daruma dolls: These bring good luck to your home and act as a reminder to achieve your goals.
• Kyusu (Japanese teapot): These aesthetic-looking Japanese teapots are bound to fetch you compliments when guests visit.
• Bento boxes: These lunch boxes help you organise your meals in the right proportions.
• Sensu (folding fan): Use these to keep cool during summer. They also make fabulous wall decor items.
• Matcha bowl set: To make yourself a bowl of matcha anytime, anywhere.
• Maneki Neko: Keep it in your home for good luck in life and business.

• Japanese dolls: Known as ‘Kokeshi’ in Japanese, these wooden dolls symbolise good luck and fortune. They will make a great addition to your showcase.
• Chopsticks: Investing in a good pair of chopsticks will ensure a pleasant eating experience every time. Some stores in Japan will be happy to engrave your name on them!

• Japanese coin purse: You will collect plenty of coins when shopping in Japan, so it’s wise to invest in a cute coin purse to keep them all in one place.
• Incense sticks and stand: Japanese incense sticks come in many unique scents like agarwood, hinoki and aloeswood.
• Furin: A Japanese wind chime that makes a pleasant sound on breezy days.
• Hanko: A personal seal used as a signature to attest personal documents, contracts and office paperwork. Every Japanese person has one and now, foreigners can make one as well.

Things to buy at Japan’s airports

Japan’s airports are lovely places to do last-minute shopping. Almost everything you can find in Japan is also available at the airports. Another advantage of shopping at Japan’s airports is the numerous tax-free stores offering products at affordable prices.

Hero Image: Courtesy ANTHR_Photoblog/Pixabay; Feature Image: Courtesy MasashiWakui/Pixabay

This story first appeared Travel + Leisure Asia.