Japan has been a destination on my bucket list for a while, and after restrictions were lifted, I was blessed to travel to Tokyo, and during my week in Japan, I picked up a few Japanese souvenirs to bring home. Here is a list of all the goods I picked up.
I organized the purchases by store.
I tried to avoid buying random items I did not have any use for or could easily find at home and tried to stick to “practical” items. I also had to be conscious of my limited luggage space.
Uniqlo
While in Ginza, we had some time before we visited the Art Aquarium Museum, so we stopped at Uniqlo. Although the Uniqlo in Ginza has floor after floor of stuff, we did not have time to visit all the levels (which was probably a good thing). However, I have previously heard about Uniqlo’s Heattech clothing and wanted to pick up a few items.
I had to do some research to understand how the Heattech technology works, and by research, I mean looking at the Uniqlo website. The materials used in the clothes interact with the body’s moisture to convert kinetic energy into heat.
I picked up two items, a pair of green pants and black leggings (both on sale). However, since it is currently warm where I am, I probably won’t wear these purchases until it gets colder in a few months.
Update: It is currently on the colder side in Addis Ababa and I can now say that I am a fan of HEAT TECH. I will have to pick up some more leggings next time I am in Uniqlo.
Mega Don Quijote Shibuya
After our food tour, we visited the Mega Donki in Shibuya. This location is one of the largest in Japan, with 8 floors. The store is open 24 hours and is filled with an assortment of interesting and random items from skincare, food, luggage, and electronics.
I was unsure if we would have a chance to eat at Ichiran during our visit, so I picked up a box to see why the brand is so popular. We ended up eating at Ichiran, and the instant ramen is pretty spot on. It was one of my favorites out of the brands I brought home (the other ramens are shared further down).
I saw this online before coming to Japan, and I just had to pick up a packet. How can I not want to try magic powder? I’ve tried it in some instant ramen, and it’s pretty good. Now, if you don’t like seafood, this is not for you.
You can’t go wrong with seaweed.
It was cherry blossom pre-season while I was in Japan, so I had to pick up something Sakura related.
Shibuya 109
While in Shibuya, I picked up a cute green jacket I saw on a mannequin as I walked by. I don’t even remember the name of the store, but I like the jacket.
7-11
We often purchased snacks from 7-11 and other convenient stores (Lawsons, Family Mart, and Newdays) for a quick bite while out or for the Shinkansen ride; I particularly liked the onigiri and sandwiches (chicken and pork cutlet).
One random purchase I ended up falling in love with was steamed cheesecake. It’s light and fluffy with a distinct cheesecake flavor. I bought this multiple times and took one home with me.
Nakamise-Dori Street
Before arriving in Japan, I planned to go thrifting to find a kimono. Then after going to Hakone and staying at Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori, I decided I wanted a yukata and samue, because when would I ever wear a kimono.
Do you know how you tell yourself to do something, then get busy and completely forget? Well, I planned to visit the gift shop before we checked out to purchase a yukata and samue, but after checking out, we left, and I did not remember about the items until we were already at the Togendai Station. So, needless to say, I missed that opportunity, but I figured I could find the items in Tokyo….and I was right.
So, on our last morning, before heading to the airport, we visited Nakamise-Dori Street again, and I picked up a kimono robe. For me, a robe is more practical because I am more likely to wear a robe around the house versus a kimono or yukata.
I also found my samue. This is so comfortable. Next time I am in Japan, I plan to pick up a few more.
Foodshow
I like visiting grocery stores in different countries to pick up local snacks. In the area of Shibuya we stayed in, I did not see any “typical” grocery stores. However, there was Foodshow, a food hall connected to Shibuya station. The food hall offers sweets, and a small grocery store is on the lower floor. Quick note: Like many stores, Foodshow closes at 9 pm.
I picked up some sushi rice to make my version of onigiri at home and, of course, sushi.
Match powder to make matcha-flavored lattes, pancakes, and desserts.
Finally, I picked up two bottles of sesame seeds, soy sauce and wasabi flavored.
Airport Shopping
I picked up a few more items and souvenirs at the airport.
Pre-check-in
I wanted to wait to pick up some items in the duty-free shops after I dropped my bags off to avoid exceeding my weight limit, which was already on the cusp. But I ended up picking up a few items at two shops before I checked in.
Naturally, I got some more ramen. The cashier advised me to put these in my suitcase since they had liquid pouches. The miso soup-based ramen was my favorite, along with the Ichiran ramen.
From the same shop, I got some caramels. These were super soft. I added a few to banana muffins I made, they took the muffins to another level.
While there were many KitKat flavors to choose from, I chose banana caramel and peach. Peach was my favorite; I wish I got a bag of peach as I have not seen the peach flavor it stores in the USA. I did not care for the banana caramel.
Fa So-La Shops (Duty-Free)
I picked these treats up for collogues. I tried mochi a few times in Tokyo and am still undecided if I like it. I think it’s the soft texture that throws me off.
Next up was some matcha-flavored nama chocolates. Since these needed to stay chilled, I also purchased a cooler bag the store offered and it held up for the long flight. The chocolates are smooth with a light matcha flavor, not too sweet.
Last but not least, I got two more boxes of ramen; because…why not? The 3 boxes I had were simply not enough.
This was my least favorite out of all the boxes I brought back. The peanut sauce did not mix well for me.
This one was also good. A little spicy but not unbearable.
That’s all I picked up during my travels to Japan this time.
You can check out my Japan itinerary and how we spent our time in Mt. Fuji and Kanazawa.