Five Things You Must Buy on Your Japan Trip

/ Shopping

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When visiting Japan, shopping is often part of the experience.

From snacks to electronics, there are countless products that look interesting, but it can be hard to know which ones are really worth buying.

To make it easier, I put together my list of five must-buy items in Japan.

These are simple, practical, and make great souvenirs to bring back from your trip.

Five Must-Buy Items in Japan

In this post, I’m sharing five must-buy items in Japan

1. Japanese Snacks and Sweets

Japanese snacks and sweets are always at the top of my must-buy list.

Supermarkets, souvenir shops, and convenience stores are full of options, and it can be hard to choose.

Compared with many snacks I’ve had in the US, Japanese treats are usually lighter and less sweet, which makes them easy to enjoy.

Here are some popular choices that are easy to find anywhere in Japan:

  • KitKat (matcha and seasonal flavors) → official site
  • JagaRico potato sticks (salad flavor is the classic) → Calbee site
  • Pocky chocolate sticks → Glico site
  • Senbei rice crackers (soy sauce flavor is the standard)

These are simple, affordable, and available in almost every shop. They make great souvenirs without taking up too much space in your suitcase.

2. Japanese Cosmetics

Japanese cosmetics are another must-buy in Japan.

Drugstores and department stores have shelves full of affordable skincare and makeup, and many of them are easy to use even if you don’t read Japanese.

Here are some popular choices:

I have dry and sensitive skin, so I often use → Curél Sebum Trouble Care because it is very gentle.

There are so many options that it’s fun to look around and test different items at the store.

Some of the packaging is very cute too, which makes them great souvenirs to bring home.

3. Appliances and Electronic Goods

Japanese appliances are also very popular with travelers.

Electronics stores such as Bic Camera , Yamada Denki and Yodobashi Camera have a wide selection, and browsing the shelves is always fun.

Here are some popular choices:

👉 For details on voltage, see → Hair Dryers in Japan: Voltage and Travel Tips.

4. Stationery

Japanese stationery is well known for being both practical and well designed.

From everyday pens to high-quality notebooks, the variety is huge and it’s fun to browse the shelves at stores like Loft or Tokyu Hands.

Here are some popular choices:

These items are affordable, easy to pack, and always appreciated as souvenirs or small gifts.

5. Anime Goods

Anime goods are always popular souvenirs from Japan.
Shops in places like Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and even major train stations such as Tokyo Station sell a wide range of character items.

Here are some popular choices:

These items are easy to find, and it’s fun to look for your favorite characters while shopping. They also make great gifts for friends and family.

Make Room for Must-Buys from Japan

Shopping may not be the main goal of your trip, but in Japan it’s worth taking a little time to look around.

Snacks, cosmetics, appliances, stationery, and anime goods are easy to find, and they make practical and fun souvenirs.

I recommend leaving some space in your suitcase so you can bring back a few of these must-buy items.

And if you miss something during your trip, many products are also available online through shops like Amazon.

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