ThoughtFul Finds
Souvenir Hunting in Japan
When it comes to souvenirs, I’m all about finding items that I can genuinely use and appreciate when I get home. Japan’s rich culture, craftsmanship, and attention to detail make it the perfect place for this kind of thoughtful souvenir hunting. Each piece I pack up, whether it’s a beautifully crafted notebook, quirky candy I couldn’t resist, or a handmade item from a local artisan, typically serves a purpose beyond just sitting on a shelf (but not always). From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the tranquil beauty of Kyoto and Okinawa, every souvenir I brought back serves as a reminder of the experiences and memories that made this trip so special.
Tokyo: A Treasure Trove of Memories
Sweets:
Tokyo was a literal candy shop for me. My suitcase quickly became filled with a year’s supply of sweets. No, really, took me a year to get through. As we were there at the beginning of October, I had the added bonus of variety packs for Halloween everywhere I turned. This meant I was able to try and bring back a mix of goodies for my friends, family, and coworkers, including mini Kit Kats and various strawberry chocolates, which are a personal weakness. Not dairy-free, but I can’t always resist sweet temptation. I’m happy to say the variety kept me excited about my candy stash.
Stationery and Art Supplies:
One of my favorite things about Tokyo is all the stationery and craft stores. From notebooks to calligraphy pens and cute erasers shaped like Mount Fuji (the more you use them, the more they resemble the mountain), Tokyo was a treasure trove for my artist heart. I visited multiple stores dedicated to the art of writing and sketching, which left me with enough supplies to last me quite a while.
Architecture and design Books
While in Tokyo, I found an ardesign focus book shop where I grabbed a surrealist architectural dreams book, an inspiring find. azs well as a Japanese architecture book (pictured below.) I wanted to buy more then just the two, but seeing as these were large-scale coffee table books, I was limited by how many I could carry. I wrote a few authors and titles down that I could possibly purchase in the future (book wishlist coming soon). These books were one of the highlights of my souvenir haul, allowing me to further my creative exploration from my the trip once home.
I also bought a book at the National Art Center. The exhibit featured was on YSL, and I couldn’t resist a book filled with the designs.
Home Goods:
One of the best ways to go about looking for souvenirs is to find things that you will use at the dinner table. From hand-carved wood serving spoons to ceramic dishes from Kappabashi Street, you can’t go wrong. One of my favorite purchases was a lava stone flower frog that I got in an adorable flower shop/cafe. I collect vases and vessels for flowers, so this little frog has now become a cherished item in my home.
In addition to the candy I picked up at DQ. I couldn't help but buy a phallic wooden bottle opener, which was my one funny find on the trip. Makes me laugh every time I take it out at home. Don Quijote is the kind of place you could easily lose hours in—so many unique trinkets to choose from! Just remember to bring your passport for the tax deduction.
Kyoto: Craftsmanship and Tradition
In Kyoto, I was struck by the incredible handmade crafts and local artistry that define the city. I purchased a baroque pearl necklace, ahndcarved wood chopsticks and cute mushroom-shaped chopstick holders. I also found paintbrushes at a small shop, and while I didn’t buy the giant brush (the price made gave me a jumpscare) , it remains a tool I use often and brings back great memories. Plus, it gives me an excuse to go back and something to aspire to.
Osaka: Vintage Treasures and Unexpected Finds
Osaka thrifting was an absolute win! The streets of Shinsaibashi were lined with fantastic second-hand stores, and I was lucky to find some stylish coats, scarves, and even a bag (a surprising find from Benny's hometown in Hawaii—how crazy was that?!). We spent an afternoon hunting for treasures, and this area did not disappoint.
Benny also won me an unexpected souvenir, a mahjong set at an arcade, which we are still learning how to play (but it's a great souvenir, right?).
Okinawa: Treasures of the Sea
In Okinawa, my souvenir haul took a different approach. I took a handful of seashells, which I carefully collected, making sure to only pick up a few, small uninhabited shells. I made sure only to collect after spending a few hours cleaning the beach, collecting plastic waste that had been washed ashore, and as much as we could carry on our bikes, including a rather large net. It was important for me to balance collecting with contributing to keeping the local environment clean.
One of my favorite purchases was a terracotta lion soap dish that I found in a local shop down by the beach, where we also had a delicious lunch. The shop had a great selection of local crafts, and I loved the charm of the items on display.
I also bought a set of lion statues from the hotel gift shop (never skip the gift shops!) I gave one to my father as a gift, while the other unfortunately got lost in our move. As some of the only display pieces I purchased on this trip, the little statues have remained functional in bringing me happiness.
The last purchase of the trip was salt at the airport. It's a little travel habit of mine—whenever I’m in a tropical place, I always pick up some local salt. It's a simple and practical souvenir, and it always reminds me of my travels when I use it at home.
Each city in Japan offered its own special selection of treasures, from unique stationery in Tokyo to crafts and vintage goods in Kyoto and Osaka. My souvenirs are more than just items; they’re tangible memories of my travels, each one reflecting the culture, history, and artistry of the places we visited.
