What to Buy and Not Buy in Japan
Planning a trip to Japan? Whether you've been there before or not, you'll likely want to bring an empty suitcase with you for all the shopping you're bound to do. But while some things are worth buying in bulk, others might just take up unnecessary luggage space. With that in mind, here are 10 items to stock up on your next trip to Japan and 10 you can do without.
1. Snacks
If you're obsessed with Japanese snacks, there's obviously no better place to stock up than in Japan. While the price difference can depend on the latest exchange rates and where you're from, buying it from the origin will likely be much cheaper. Tip: There are loads of spots that sell snacks, so be strategic about which districts and shops you choose to go to.
2. Skincare
Japanese skincare is another thing you absolutely must stock up on, especially sunscreen. Make sure you look out for brands like Biore and Anessa, and you'll likely also come across tone-up creams with SPF in them, which are great for makeup base. Cleansers and moisturizers (like Naturie or Hada Labo), as well as eye creams, are also worth stocking up on.
3. Makeup
If you like makeup, then you must stock up on Japanese brands like Canmake, Cezanne, Isehan, and more.
These brands are typically marketed at double the price outside of the country, so take advantage of purchasing it straight from the source in stores like Don Quijote.
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Pexels
4. Tea Leaves
There's a reason why Japanese tea is so popular—it's delicious and fragrant, and many varieties are packed with antioxidants and health benefits. Genmaicha, matcha, sencha, hojicha, and gyokuro are just some of the kinds to buy. Plus, tea also makes great souvenirs.
5. Small Household Items
This might sound odd—since you can get these items anywhere and even back home—but if you're familiar with Daiso, then you'll understand. Not only is Daiso famous for cheap, dollar-value goods, they're made locally in Japan, and they often offer varieties you don't see anywhere else. This means you're getting good quality and a good deal.
6. Stationery
Stationery lovers will love the variety Japan offers. Muji is often the place that comes first to mind for most, but you'll be able to find lots of variety elsewhere, even in Daiso. Since many stationery goods are often themed as well, you're more than likely to find your favorite show or cartoon characters.
7. Hair Products
Japanese hair care brands are some of the most recommended in the world, from Shiseido and Tsubaki to Honey.
Shampoos, treatments (conditioners), masks, and serums are all products that will make your hair silky smooth, and they're known for their gentler formula, made without the harsh ingredients you'll often find in Western brands.
8. Candy
Stocking up on snacks is one thing, but candy deserves its own category. You're bound to find varieties you've never seen before, or at the very least, they're (of course) priced much cheaper. This may sound like a no-brainer, but KitKat is a must to stock up on—make sure to grab all the unique flavors.
9. Japanese Clothing Brands
Japanese clothing brands, like Uniqlo, GU (Uniqlo's sister store), Muji, and more, are also worth stocking up on. While you'll find other local brands, they might not have sizing options, so your best bet is the larger chain stores. Even then, it's important to keep in mind that clothing is often around two sizes smaller, meaning an L in Japan is around an S/M in the West. Sizes also tend not to go higher than XL.
10. Animated Figurines & Goods
If you're an anime, Disney, or Nintendo fan, you'll find many adorable figurines, games, posters, and other goods to stock up on. Particularly for anime, Akihabara is the go-to district in Tokyo, but you're likely to come across similar shops elsewhere.
As you're stocking up, though, it's key to not go overboard—especially with these next 10 items on the list that we think you can do without.
1. Gacha Toys
You'll come across lots—and we mean lots—of these capsule toys in Japan. You'll likely also find many claw machines. But no matter how tempting the items and prizes may be, you can easily end up with a huge bag of them. If you must play, limit yourself to one or two.
2. Plushies
We know—the plushies you'll see in Japan are adorable. Some of them you might be able to win in games. But even though they're cute, these stuffed animals are troublesome to pack and bring home, so think twice about purchasing more than one of them. Better yet, resist the temptation.
3. Umbrellas
Non-retractable umbrellas are a big thing in Japan, and during your trip, you might feel like buying a few to bring home. But since they're not compact, they'll likely have to be carry-on items, meaning you'll have to find space to store them overhead. So while Japanese umbrellas are lightweight and well-made, if you're looking to buy one, get one that's compact instead.
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
4. Souvenir Cookie & Chocolate Boxes
Cookie and chocolate souvenir boxes are also items you should skip.
It's not that they don't taste good, but it's more so that there are better souvenirs to buy. Plus, since most people are tempted to buy these snack boxes at the airport, they're often priced much higher. You'll also have to bring them on board as carry-on items.
5. Graphic T-shirts
We're not talking about all graphic t-shirts—we specifically mean the touristy ones. Any shirt that's printed with "I love Japan" or "I love Tokyo" is a shirt you can skip. If you're looking to get these as souvenirs, you're better off spending your money on something more unique.
6. Fruit
Fruit in Japan is a must-try, from shine muscat to mikan and satsuma. But while these delicious varieties are ones you should sample during your trip, don't bring them home. Packing fruits in your luggage can be a hassle, and depending on where you're flying back to, there can be restrictions.
7. Drinks
Japanese drinks are unique and must-tries as well, like melon soda, ramune, royal milk tea, and more. But again, while these are great to try in bulk during your trip, you can't necessarily stock up on them. So remember to not buy more than you can handle, or you might not be able to finish it all before you leave.
8. Electronics
You may be tempted to purchase electronics while you're in Japan; laptops, phones, and cameras are all items you might consider, whether due to price or quality. However, keep in mind that the menus and manuals on most—if not all—of these items are in Japanese, and will likely have different voltage requirements than those in your home country.
9. Yukata or Kimono Sets
While yukata and kimono sets are some of the most unique souvenirs you can buy in Japan, they can be bulky and take up luggage space. Unless you absolutely need these sets for gifting or specific memorabilia reasons, it's probably best to skip them.
10. Home Appliances
Larger home appliances like rice cookers, fans, humidifiers, and more might be tempting to buy, but again, they operate on Japan's voltage (100V), have different outlet types, and menus and manuals will be in Japanese. Not only that, but they're inconvenient and challenging to pack.
