A Guide to What to Buy in the Capital of Japan: a List of 12 Things You Must Buy when You're in Tokyo (2019)

Japan, especially Tokyo has always received attention and footfall from tourists all across the world, and is becoming a very popular travel destination. This is because the very busy capital of Japan, it offers a blend of modernism while preserving the traditional realms, and hence giving its visitors a diverse experience.

You will find living on the edges here, with lit-skyscrapers on one hand, to historical buildings on the other. You can eat at Michelin star restaurants for money that wouldn't burn your pocket, live in cheap capsules and enjoy the city till morning the next day.

There are so many markets you can explore to quench your shopping thirst, you can eat at one of the many crazy themed restaurants like Ninja Restaurants, Alice in Wonderland Themed Restaurants, and even Robot restaurants. You can enjoy the calm at certain places beyond the crowds of this extremely busy city, eat sushi, explore the various historical places and so much more.

This is what makes Tokyo a unique yet bizarre city, which everyone wants to explore to know what is it that makes this city what it is.

A place is made up of what you see, eat, and buy and this article is where we will be covering the Buying aspects of this mad city, Tokyo where we have listed down 12 Interesting Items you must shop when in Tokyo along with the reasons why you should buy them and some markets you can explore when in Tokyo.

Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise with so many shops, stores and markets at almost every part of the city, it is impossible to know what to buy and where to buy it from. Here are some Markets in Tokyo that you must visit:

Nakamise Shopping Street: It is one of the oldest Shopping streets in Tokyo, and you will find all kinds of souvenirs in this market. You can also get traditional sweets and snacks in this market and have some bargaining skills intact because that will come in handy at this market.

Nogi Shrine Market: Well, this market opens on the fourth Sunday of each month and is popular for various antiques that can be bought from the market at great prices. It is great for furniture, second hand clothes, and cooking utensils among other antiques. However, to enjoy this market, make sure you plan your trip in such a way, that it coincides with a fourth Sunday of the month you’re travelling in.

Mottainai Flea Market: This one is popular for second hand items, from clothes, books, and so much more, all of which are known to be in great condition. The market was started by the locals with an aim to reduce waste and it is a great way to shop while you also ensure sustainability.

Every country has certain items that it is famous for. It could be something that is a common item for the locals of that country, or something that portrays a tale or a story, be it of the country’s past or the present. This is what makes shopping while travelling interesting, wherein you get a chance to dive deep into the country’s culture and understand it better through its products.

Which is why, we have listed down 12 such products which you must buy in Japan. Some of them are the popular products, and some of them come with a tale for you to know and then tell.

Keep scrolling to read all about these Japanese items.

A very appropriate and popular item from Japan would be these paper fans, which are known to all, and instantly reminds them of Japan. They are traditionally made up of narrow wooden sticks and then washi paper or silk is used, to complete the entire fan.

Even though now they are considered as tools used for cooling down, but the actual history of these fans suggest that they were used as tools by aristocrats and the samurai class, which means it was actually a tool to reflect the social standing of an individual within the Japanese society.

This interesting story is what makes Paper Fans something that you should buy when in Japan. You can find them in all price range, depending upon the quality and material of the fan, and where you are buying it from.

If you are planning on getting them in bulk, then it is better you find the simple ones from any road side shop to get a good deal. Not only it is something that can actually be put to use during the summer months, but it also can be an element of decor with its unique pattern and use of vivid colors.

Pottery and ceramics have been a huge part of Japan’s cultural history. Which is why, you must get yourself some Pottery items when in Japan as they have their unique forms of Pottery, with detailed designs and brilliant craftsmanship.

Tokyo is the perfect place for you to get these ceramics and one of the most popular shops is Takumi Crafts Shop, which has been selling crafts since the past 80 years and they stock ceramics and crafts from different parts of Japan.


The only thing that you should keep in mind is that make sure you get it in a bubble wrap back to ensure that the delicate ceramics are safe during your travels.

If you’re planning on getting these items as gifts for your family or friends, then Japanese Sweets would be a great idea for that.

Since Tea is an everyday affair in India, these Japanese sweets, also known as wagashi, would be the perfect accompaniment, since that is how it is served in the Japanese culture as well.

They are made up of traditional ingredients like bean paste and sweet potato, and everyone would love to taste and then binge on some Japanese Sweets.

You can easily find packed Japanese Sweet Boxes in any shop in Japan.

Japan is known for its tea culture and they have been cultivating some of the finest tea leaves since time immemorial now. This is why, it is an item you just cannot miss.

Ideally, go for Matcha Tea, one of the most popular one, has a sweet taste to it, and can also be used as a sweet ingredient for creating other dishes. Moreover, Matcha has great health benefits and is traditionally served in Japan on ceremonies and major occasions.

Matcha is something that should be on your list, and you should definitely buy this authentic tea when in Japan.

These never go out of time. Postcards have been the most simple, yet immemorial souvenir you will ever find. A postcard really allows you to carry a part of that place with you, because of the actual connotation attached to it, of bridging distances and carrying messages, from one part of the world to another.

This is why Postcards would make a great souvenir, and you must grab one from Japan, as you wouldn't find them in your native place. Moreover, you can find it anywhere, airports or any tourist spot.

You can look for ones which showcase handblock print, something that Japan is popular for. Another great thing about postcards is that it does not require much effort, and since they are cheap, you can buy a lot of them and give it to your friends as gifts by writing a short handwritten note on it.

Omamori are popular Japanese good luck charm, which are supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. If you believe in religious artifacts, then you must buy this when in Japan. You can buy this from shrines and Buddhist Temples.

It is considered extremely lucky for students and you will see many students in Japan who are taking their exams, have Omamori Charms hanging on their bags.

So, you can definitely buy Omamori Charms if you are looking for a gift for someone who is a student whose exams are soon approaching.

Every place has its own homegrown liquor which is popular among the natives and Japan especially, is known for its finely brewed liquors.

The most traditional one would be ‘sake’, which is a very popular Japanese rice wine which can be found anywhere. Apart from this, you could also buy Suntory’s Yamazaki Single Malt from Japan, which was once considered as the best whisky in the world.

Here is what you need to know about Furoshiki Fabrics, In Japan, gifts are not merely handed over to the receiver, but are carefully wrapped in these beautiful fabrics which are called Furoshiki. It is more like a tradition and has been passed on from one generation to another.

Sometimes when we travel, we not only get memories and items, but certain simple traditions which then we want to follow in our life as well.

This could be one such tradition, which does not require much effort, is a beautiful gesture, adds an aesthetic appeal and is also eco-friendly, much better than the wrapping papers. There are different ways to pack using these Fabrics.

You will find these at almost any store in Japan due to its common use, and there are various prints and qualities of fabrics available, and you can pick the one which feels good on touch, and looks great too.

How can a trip to a place be complete without trying and buying their traditional attire and being a part of their culture and community? Well, if you agree with this belief, then you must get yourself or your loved ones a Kimono, a very traditional, beautiful and comfortable piece of clothing.

There are different kinds of Kimonos available in Japan, both for men and women, and you can pair them in unique ways and it can be added to any attire to change your look and make it stylish.

Kimono is a must buy when in Japan, as a remembrance of Japan.

Another thing to explore and buy when in Japan is the crazy colorful stationery where you will find all stationery items in different colors, shapes, designs, and prints.

One such shop which is popular for its off-beat stationery item is Shibuya Loft, so why not visit and get some stationery for yourself or the kids in your family. You will find everything from colorful pencils, quirky erasers, diaries, and so much more, Shibuya is your place to be.

Another great thing about stationery item is that they are small in size and you can carry a lot of them, without worrying about storage space in your luggage.

No matter what, the child in you never dies, and toys are something that always serve the child’s soul in us. This is why, the next item in the list is the Kendama Toy, traditional skill toy from Japan, something that every child has played with. It has three elements to it, with cups and a spike which fits into the hole of the bole. It is a variant of the classic cup and ball game, and will keep you hooked.

You should definitely get this for the children in your family, as they would be intrigued to explore and play with a toy from another country.

In Japan, Name Stamps are used for personal signatures and it is a practice with is being followed since a really long time.

Which is why, Name Stamps are something that would be a really interesting item to buy in Japan, a stamp with your name on it in Japanese. Imagine how cool would that be.

It is not only a unique item to get, but also something that can be a reminder of Japan’s traditional practice of using these as signatures.

You could also get this as a gift for your friends and family, something that is unique and they would love.