5 Unique Gift Ideas Straight from Japan to Your Holiday Festivities

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Not sure what to get for your friends and family this year? We’ve got the coolest Japanese present recommendations to surprise and delight them all!

Doing the Holidays the Japanese Way



'Tis the season, and after having so many holiday celebrations canceled in recent years, Japan is getting ready to celebrate Christmas, New Year's, and all the other winter celebrations with the rest of the world this year! Of course, an impromptu trip to Japan might not be your family's go-to way to celebrate the holidays, but Japanese Christmas has grown to encompass gift-giving traditions and much more in the past few decades. Why not try adding some unique Japanese touches to your winter get-togethers this year, and finding the perfect gift from an unexpected source across the ocean? It's easier than ever to order gifts from Japan these days, meaning you can quickly get your hands on everything from one-of-a-kind toys for the kids, to chic fashion from Japan's trendiest brands. So get your bucket of fried chicken ready, and check out some of our favorite Japanese holiday gift ideas!

Presents for the Foodie



From the luxurious flavor of a fresh piece of maguro sushi, to the satisfying crunch of piping hot tempura straight from the oil, there's a lot to like about Japanese food. Japan is full of unique delicacies, local flavors found nowhere else, and cookware perfected over centuries of use. Is it really any surprise that the country of carefully forged and polished katana swords is now renowned for making exquisitely beautiful and high-quality chef's knives? Whether the foodie in your life likes to cook, or just likes to eat good food, Japan has a lot to offer.

Gift Recommendations:
・These traditional octopus crackers made with whole octopuses, from Echizen Kaisen Club. (They also make plenty of tasty Japanese-style crackers with less intimidating seafood!)
・This little Japanese tea set modeled after sets used by peasants of the Edo-era (1603-1868), from Maruhiro.
・A meticulously crafted santoku knife from Jikko (a fairly all-purpose knife), or a long, graceful sashimi knife from Ehamono.
・These traditional Japanese tabletop accessories, for keeping exciting new condiments and sauces within easy reach, made by Shobido Honten.
・This simple handmade grinding bowl (textured mortar and pestle), for grinding sesame seeds or mixing up fresh dressings, from Uchill.

Presents for the Music Lover



Looking for a gift for a music listener? Maybe even a musician? We've got suggestions for both!

For centuries on end, Japan has been creating its own traditional music with instruments borrowed from foreign cultures and made purely Japanese over time, leaving the country with a rich musical culture that continues today. You're less likely to find modern J-pop artists playing the Japanese shamisen or a traditional flute, but Japan has still developed its own sound within the genres of pop and rock. Japanese bands have fans all over the world, who would love to get their hands on the latest releases, but anyone who loves listening to new music won't regret giving Japan's unique music a listen!

Gift Recommendations:
・The best-selling J-pop hits currently available from Tower Records.
・An undeniably stylish and minimalist Japanese CD player to keep that CD collection in rotation, from Tsutaya Books. (Of course, it comes with built-in Bluetooth capabilities as well!)
・This traditional shamisen for beginners (or this cheaper shamisen learning set) from Digimart.

Presents for the Anime Enthusiast



These days, anime (AKA Japanese animation) has found its way around the world, and it's so common outside of Japan that it's not unusual to see English-speaking kids chattering about the latest episode of Pokemon, or Hollywood celebrities discussing their love for Ghibli movies. But for big anime lovers, there's no doubting that Japan is the best place on Earth to find rare anime goods, and the coolest merchandise from each and every show.

Gift Recommendations:
・Silly Crayon Shin-chan underpants mugs and more from Futabasha.
・Elegant gold and silver accessories with themes from Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Madoka Magica, made by U-Treasure.
・Sleek Pokemon hoodies with holographic Charizards from Baby Faze Shop.
・Just about every style of Attack on Titan merchandise from CharaOn.
Anime figures galore and adorable My Neighbor Totoro merchandise from Hobby Stock.

Presents for the Fashionista



Japan is known for a range of fashion encompassing Tokyo street style, Harajuku girls, and even ultra-minimalist, androgynous styles, but no matter what trends are in for the season, tourists are often impressed by how carefully styled people get for everyday outings. Whether the fashion-lovers seem to vibe with Japan’s kawaii aesthetic, or their look leans more towards the timelessly simple, they’re bound to love the creativity of Japanese fashion and cosmetics brands. Why not add a piece to their wardrobe they could never get back home?

Gift Recommendations:
・A handmade cardigan from a small-scale Japanese knitter to keep cozy and warm over the holidays, available from Minne.
・The practical and stylish bags from Yoshida. This year's line of Studio Ghibli My Neighbor Totoro accessories is especially popular!
・The latest 2022 outerwear in a variety of styles, from Pal Closet.
・Comfortable loungewear and sweats in unique Japanese designs you won't find anywhere else, perfect for lounging around with the family, made by Graniph.
・A cool, casual Japanese denim jacket from the Japanese fashion and lifestyle brand Beams. (Check out their whole Holiday Gift Guide, too!)
 

Presents for the Toy & Game Fan



Looking for the cutest toys for kids? How about retro video games and trading cards that would be the crown jewel of any grown-up’s vintage collection? When it comes to anything falling under the umbrella of “play,” Japan is the place to get it. Surprise your little ones with adorable characters and colorful kids' games, or treat a video game lover with the latest tech and the coolest retro titles. Then grab a Japanese board game or two, part of a blossoming local industry, to play with friends and family over the holidays!

Gift Recommendations:
・A kaleidoscope projector covered in cute characters, this jenga-like sushi game that can be played with chopsticks, or lots more unique toys and games from Eye Up!
・Japanese packs of Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards from Bee Honpo.
・Adorable and durable wooden toys in traditional-Japanese-meets-modern designs, from Poletoko.
・The latest video games from Japan, or a mini tabletop retro arcade machine, to revel in the nostalgia, all from Sofmap.
・A wide variety of board and card games designed and produced in Japan, many of which come with English instructions, available at BoardGamer.

This Year, Give a Gift Like None Other!



No matter what your friends and family are interested in, there's bound to be a special gift from Japan that will make their holiday season this year! So take a look at our recommendations, which range from Japanese snacks and cookware, to this year's fashion trends and pop hits, plus everything to be found in the world of toys, games, anime, and more. And for even more ideas, be sure to check out all our other shopping recommendations from the past year!

Looking for the latest trends and products coming out of Japan? We've got you covered!

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    • HOKKAIDO

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      Hokkaido (北海道) is the northernmost of the four main islands that make up Japan. The area is famous for Sapporo Beer, plus brewing and distilling in general, along with fantastic snow festivals and breathtaking national parks. Foodies should look for Hokkaido's famous potatoes, cantaloupe, dairy products, soup curry, and miso ramen!

    • Niki, in south-west Hokkaido, is about 30 minutes from Otaru. The small town is rich with natural resources, fresh water, and clean air, making it a thriving center for fruit farms. Cherries, tomatoes, and grapes are all cultivated in the area, and thanks to a growing local wine industry, it's quickly becoming a food and wine hotspot. Together with the neighboring town of Yoichi, it's a noted area for wine tourism.

    • Niseko is about two hours from New Chitose Airport, in the western part of Hokkaido. It's one of Japan's most noted winter resort areas, and a frequent destination for international visitors. That's all because of the super high-quality powder snow, which wins the hearts of beginners and experts alike, bringing them back for repeat visits. That's not all, though, it's also a great place to enjoy Hokkaido's culinary scene and some beautiful onsen (hot springs).

    • Otaru is in western Hokkaido, about 30 minutes from Sapporo Station. The city thrived around its busy harbor in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to active trade and fishing, and the buildings remaining from that period are still popular attractions, centered around Otaru Canal. With its history as a center of fishing, it's no surprise that the area's fresh sushi is a must-try. Otaru has over 100 sushi shops, quite a few of which are lined up on Sushiya Dori (Sushi Street).

    • SAPPORO

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      Sapporo, in the south-western part of Hokkaido, is the prefecture's political and economic capital. The local New Chitose Airport see arrivals from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, alongside international flights. Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in Odori Park―one of the biggest events in Hokkaido. It's also a hotspot for great food, known as a culinary treasure chest, and Sapporo is a destination for ramen, grilled mutton, soup curry, and of course Hokkaido's beloved seafood.

    • Consisting of six prefectures, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) is up in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. It's the source of plenty of the nation's agriculture (which means great food), and packed with beautiful scenery. Explore the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs!

    • Akita Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan, in the northern reaches of Japan's northern Tohoku region. Akita has more officially registered important intangible culture assets than anywhere else in Japan, and to this day visitors can experience traditional culture throughout the prefecture, from the Oga Peninsula's Namahage (registered with UNESCO as a part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage), to the Tohoku top 3 Kanto Festival. Mysterious little spots like the Oyu Stone Circle Site and Ryu no Atama (Dragon's Head) are also worth a visit!

    • FUKUSHIMA

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      Fukushima Prefecture sits at the southern tip of Japan's northern Tohoku region, and is divided into three parts with their own different charms: the Coastal Area (Hama-dori), the Central Area (Naka-dori), and the Aizu Area. There's Aizu-Wakamatsu with its Edo-era history and medieval castles, Oze National Park, Kitakata ramen, and Bandai Ski Resort (with its famous powder snow). Fukushima is a beautiful place to enjoy the vivid colors and sightseeing of Japan's beloved four seasons.

    • YAMAGATA

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      Yamagata Prefecture is up against the Sea of Japan, in the southern part of the Tohoku region, and it's especially popular in winter, when travelers soak in the onsen (hot springs) and ski down snowy slopes. International skiiers are especially fond of Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Gassan Ski Resort, and in recent years visitors have been drawn to the area to see the mystical sight of local frost-covered trees. Some destinations are popular regardless of the season, like Risshakuji Temple, AKA Yamadera, Ginzan Onsen's nostalgic old-fashioned streets, and Zao's Okama Lake, all great for taking pictures. Yamagata is also the place to try Yonezawa beef, one of the top 3 varieties of wagyu beef.

    • Japan's most densely populated area, the Kanto Region (関東地方) includes 7 prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, which means it also contains the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. In modern-day Japan, Kanto is the cultural, political, and economic heartland of the country, and each prefecture offers something a little different from its neighbors.

    • Gunma Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, and in addition to the area's popular natural attractions like Oze Marshland and Fukiware Falls, Gunma also has a number of popular hot springs (Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima)―it's even called an Onsen Kingdom. The prefecture is popular with history buffs and train lovers, thanks to spots like world heritage site Tomioka Silk Mill, the historic Megane-bashi Bridge, and the Watarase Keikoku Sightseeing Railway.

    • TOCHIGI

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      Tochigi Prefecture's capital is Utsunomiya, known for famous gyoza, and just an hour from Tokyo. The prefecture is full of nature-related sightseeing opportunities year-round, from the blooming of spring flowers to color fall foliage. Tochigi also has plenty of extremely well-known sightseeing destinations, like World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Ashikaga Flower Park―famous for expansive wisteria trellises. In recent years the mountain resort town of Nasu has also become a popular excursion, thanks in part to the local imperial villa. Tochigi is a beautiful place to enjoy the world around you.

    • Tokyo (東京) is Japan's busy capital, and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. While the city as a whole is quite modern, crowded with skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Tokyo also holds onto its traditional side in places like the Imperial Palace and Asakusa neighborhood. It's one of the world's top cities when it comes to culture, the arts, fashion, games, high-tech industries, transportation, and more.

    • The Chubu Region (中部地方) is located right in the center of Japan's main island, and consists of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. It's primarily famous for its mountains, as the region contains both Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps. The ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano also draw visitors from around the world, making it a popular winter destination.

    • Nagano Prefecture's popularity starts with a wealth of historic treasures, like Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine, but the highlight might just be the prefecture's natural vistas surrounded by the "Japanese Alps." Nagano's fruit is famous, and there are plenty of places to pick it fresh, and the area is full of hot springs, including Jigokudani Monkey Park―where monkeys take baths as well! Thanks to the construction of the Hokuriku shinkansen line, Nagano is easily reachable from the Tokyo area, adding it to plenty of travel itineraries. And after the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, ski resorts like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are known around the world.

    • Aichi Prefecture sits in the center of the Japanese islands, and its capital city, Nagoya, is a center of politics, commerce, and culture. While Aichi is home to major industry, and is even the birthplace of Toyota cars, it's proximity to the sea and the mountains means it's also a place with beautiful natural scenery, like Saku Island, Koijigahama Beach, Mt. Horaiji. Often used a stage for major battles in Japanese history, Sengoku era commanders like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu left their own footprints on Aichi, and historic buildings like Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and those in Meiji Mura are still around to tell the tale.

    • NIIGATA

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      Niigata is a prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, situated right on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and abundant with the gifts of nature. It's known for popular ski resorts such as Echigo-Yuzawa, Japanese national parks, and natural hot spring baths, plus local products like fresh seafood, rice, and sake. Visitors often spend time in the prefectural capital, Niigata City, or venture across the water to Sado Island.

    • SHIZUOKA

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      Shizuoka Prefecture is sandwiched between eastern and western Japan, giving the prefecture easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is it known for beautiful natural attractions, with everything from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Lake Hamanako, and Sumata Pass―Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is known as a go-to spot for hot springs lovers, with famous onsen like Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji, and Dogashima. Shizuoka attracts all kinds of travelers thanks to historic connections with the Tokugawa clan, the Oigawa Railway, fresh eel cuisine, Hamamatsu gyoza, and famously high-quality green tea.

    • Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.

    • Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.

    • Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.

    • Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.

    • CHUGOKU

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      The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.

    • HIROSHIMA

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      Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.

    • SHIKOKU

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      On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).

    • Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.

    • Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!

    • FUKUOKA

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      Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.

    • KAGOSHIMA

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      Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.

    • OKINAWA

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      The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.

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