If you want to take home some memorabilia from your Japanese vacation for yourself, family and friends, the following are 10 of the best Japanese souvenirs:
Yukata
Also referred to as a summer kimono, a yukata is a traditional and casual Japanese clothing that is made of synthetic fabric or cotton material. It is worn by both males and females, and comes in a wide array of styles, designs and colours.
Foldable fan
Believed to have been invented in Japan between the 6th and 9th centuries, foldable fans are hand fans made of Japanese fabric or paper attached to a wooden or bamboo frame. They are usually used as an accessory by Shinto priests, the Emperor, the Empress and geisha, and they can be plain or printed.
Omamori
Typically seen at shrines, temples and other religious sites in Japan, omamori are a type of charm or amulet that are believed to bring protection or good luck to its owner. They are made of wood or paper with prayers printed on them, and are enclosed in silk.
Origami
If you want to master the art of paper folding, buy an origami set that you can practise with. They are available in a wide selection of patterns, colours and prints in many stores all over Japan. And, with an origami book, you can try out different folding techniques to create various models.
Kendama
Consisting of a spike, a ball and two cups, kendama is a traditional Japanese toy that is similar to the Hispanics’ balero or boliche, which is a cup-and-ball type of game. With origins tracing back to 1777, it remains popular up to this day, with numerous national competitions held around the country every year. It is played by both children and adults.
Sake
Made from fermented rice, sake is Japanese wine that is commonly served in Shinto rituals, on New Year’s Day and at other celebrations and gatherings. Different regions in Japan have their own versions of sake as they use varying quantities of water and rice, and different fermentation methods.
Sweets
The Japanese have so much to offer when it comes to sweets, whether candies, cakes, pastries or chocolates. The matcha, or tea, flavoured varieties are highly recommended, but do not hesitate to try all the other tasty flavours.
