Popular Japanese Souvenirs in Tokyo

When visiting Tokyo, selecting high-quality Japanese souvenirs is a delightful way to cherish your journey and share Japan’s artistry with loved ones. At Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, a renowned luxury hotel with deep ties to Japanese tradition, you’ll find an array of the best souvenirs to bring back from Japan. From traditional Japanese crafts to edible delights, our curated selection highlights the beauty of Japanese culture and aesthetics.

Whether you’re seeking souvenirs to buy in Japan for yourself or as gifts, we’ve curated a selection of traditional and popular Japanese souvenirs that stand out for their exquisite design and craftsmanship. Many of these are available at Selections, the souvenir shop within Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, or at nearby specialty stores.

Traditional Japanese Souvenirs: Craft Goods

Japanese craftsmanship is celebrated worldwide for its meticulous attention to detail, blending refined aesthetics with practical functionality. Many traditional crafts, such as lacquerware and hand-dyed textiles, involve labor-intensive processes that can take months to complete. These exquisite creations reflect the artisans’ dedication to producing superior items that bring joy and lasting value to their owners. Below are the four must-have craft items that make for the best Japanese souvenirs. 

1. Edo Kiriko Glassware 

One standout is Edo Kiriko glassware, a souvenir from Japan that comes highly recommended. Originating in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the early 19th century, it showcases the beauty of traditional Japanese cut glasswork. Edo Kiriko is made by layering colored glass over clear glass, and then using a grinding wheel to carve intricate patterns into the surface. 

Every piece of Edo Kiriko is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, requiring exceptional precision and patience. It uses high-quality leaded glass for its unparalleled clarity and brilliance. Available at Toshien, a ceramic and glassware specialty shop in Kagurazaka near Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, Edo Kiriko items such as tea cups, sake cups, bowls, and decorative pieces are perfect traditional Japanese souvenirs. 

2. Kutani Ware 

Also available at Toshien are exquisite pieces of Kutani ware, a premium Japanese porcelain from Kaga in Ishikawa Prefecture. Kutani ware is known for its vivid, colorful patterns, which range from geometric designs to motifs inspired by nature. The craftsmanship of Kutani porcelain dates back to the mid-17th century during the governance of the Maeda clan in Kaga province. The Maeda family’s refined tastes and patronage of the arts played a significant role in shaping the rich cultural heritage for which cities like Kanazawa and Kaga are renowned today. 

Plates, cups, teapots, and various food containers made from Kutani porcelain are perfect souvenirs for special occasions such as family celebrations or hosting guests. We recommend purchasing these items not only for their exquisite craftsmanship, but also to support the Kutani artisans who were impacted by the devastating earthquake that struck on January 1, 2024.

3. Mino Ware

For visitors drawn to the wabi-sabi aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony, we recommend exploring Mino ware, a type of pottery originating from Gifu Prefecture. Mino pottery has robust features and is durable, making it ideal for everyday use. Famous examples of Mino ware include tea bowls with rustic charm and irregular shapes that were highly prized by tea ceremony masters such as Sen no Rikyu (1522–1591) and Furuta Oribe (1544–1615). You can find such items, including tea bowls, at Seiangama Ichiyama, a specialty shop for Mino pottery. The store can be found at the intersection of Kagurazaka Street and Edogawabashi Street, just a pleasant 10-minute walk from Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo.

4. Furoshiki

If you’re looking for a lightweight and versatile Japanese gift, we recommend furoshiki—traditional wrapping cloths used for wrapping and carrying goods. Typically square-shaped, furoshiki come in a wide variety of colors and traditional patterns, making them both practical and visually appealing. In daily life, furoshiki can be used to wrap gifts or wine and sake bottles. They can also be cleverly folded into stylish bags that pair beautifully with casual wear. Furoshiki can also serve as unique decorative pieces, adding a Japanese touch to your interior design. 

The shop at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo offers furoshiki cloths adorned with camellia patterns that pay homage to the historic Camellia Hill, the foundation of Chinzanso Garden. These elegant patterns are inspired by the camellias painted by Yumeji Takehisa (1884–1934). A celebrated early modern Japanese painter and poet, he is renowned for his highly stylized Nihonga paintings, particularly of beautiful women.

In addition to furoshiki, the same camellia-patterned fabric is used to create charming items such as book covers and coin purses, all of which are available at the shop. These items make for thoughtful gifts and beautiful keepsakes, blending traditional Japanese artistry with functional design.

What Souvenirs to Buy in Japan: Elegant Japanese Stationery

Beautiful Japanese stationery is another excellent choice for a lightweight and practical souvenir. Items made from washi (traditional Japanese paper) are particularly special, showcasing a stunning variety of patterns inspired by Japan’s nature, history, and cultural stories. Below are some specific products that make for good Japanese souvenirs.

1. Origami Paper

Origami paper is a delightful Japanese souvenir that brings joy to children and stationery enthusiasts worldwide. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of silk-screen dyed Yuzen washi make it perfect for crafting origami objects, which can be enjoyed as toys or displayed as decorative accents. Guests staying at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo can find origami paper at Selections, our hotel shop, offering a convenient opportunity to bring home this iconic piece of Japanese culture.

2. Fountain Pens

Japanese fountain pens are an excellent choice for visitors seeking a timeless and practical gift that can be cherished for years. Among the many options, we recommend fountain pens that showcase traditional Japanese craftsmanship, such as those finished with lacquer.

Handmade by maki-e lacquerware artisans, these pens often feature intricate designs enhanced with inlays of mother-of-pearl or gold leaf, resulting in exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces. Owning and using a Japanese fountain pen is like carrying a piece of Japan’s artistry and culture with you, adding a touch of refinement to your daily work.

You can find premium Japanese fountain pens at major stationery stores and bookstores throughout Tokyo, making them a thoughtful and practical souvenir for yourself or a loved one.

Best Gifts from Japan: Interior Goods and Cosmetics

1. Cosmetics

For those who enjoy the amenities in our guest rooms, some of these premium cosmetics are also available for purchase at the Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo shop. Our top recommendation is the luxurious soap made with camellia oil, a natural ingredient that has been cherished in Japan for centuries as a skin moisturizer and hair emollient.

Also available are cosmetic products by L’Occitane, including their popular shampoos and hand creams. These items are perfect for bringing home a little extra indulgence or as elegant gifts for loved ones.

2. Kimono Bottle Wear

A popular gift among our guests is the kimono bottle wear, a charming ornamental wrap for wine and sake bottles designed to resemble a traditional kimono. These delightful creations are crafted using authentic kimono fabric and come in two styles: the ‘princess’ kimono and ‘samurai’ kimono, making them thoughtful souvenirs. For those who admire the elegance of kimonos but worry about not having the opportunity to wear one back home, this unique bottle wear offers a simple and stylish way to incorporate Japan’s rich kimono culture in everyday life.

Good Food-Related Japanese Souvenirs: Tea and Treats

Green tea, black tea, and baked or dry confections are excellent souvenirs for those looking to savor Japanese flavors long after their trip. With a shelf life of several months, these items are enjoyable reminders of Japan’s culinary traditions.

1. Japanese tea

At Selections, the shop within Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, you’ll find Japanese tea leaves packaged in elegant camellia-patterned canisters. With generous quantities of tea leaves designed to last for months, these beautifully-presented sets make perfect gifts for tea lovers worldwide.

For a unique tea experience, we recommend trying the Green Tea Muscat, a refreshing beverage featured on the drink menu at the lobby lounge Le Jardin. This delightful tea, made with quality leaves sourced from Shizuoka—a region renowned for its tea production—offers a subtle muscat flavor. It can be enjoyed as either a hot or cold brew, making it a versatile and memorable treat.

2. Camellia Tea

Camellia Tea is a wonderful choice for visitors looking to cherish memories of their stay at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo. This unique blend combines pesticide-free camellia leaves harvested in the scenic Kesen region with sweet tea from Kunohe Village, both in Iwate Prefecture. Each camellia leaf is carefully handpicked, dried, roasted, and blended with sweet tea, then meticulously hand-rubbed to create a tea with a distinctive flavor. Naturally sweet, sugar-free, caffeine-free, and calorie-free, this tea is a soothing and accessible drink that anyone can enjoy.

3. Japanese Confectioneries

From our confectionery selection, we recommend Fukiyose, a delightful tin box adorned with camellias. This elegant box contains an assortment of red and white camellia-shaped cookies, crispy round cookies, and konpeito (traditional Japanese sugar candy). Created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, this charming cookie box is perfect as a gift or a treat to enjoy at home.

The Tokyo Sea of Clouds and Seven Seasons Cookie Tin is a delightful assortment of baked treats inspired by the breathtaking natural scenery of Chinzanso Garden. This exclusive set includes ten varieties of cookies and meringue confections, all beautifully arranged in a tin decorated with the hotel’s logo.

Opening the tin reveals an array of colorful baked goods that capture the essence of the garden’s vibrant hues across the Seven Seasons: Camellia, Cherry Blossom, Fresh Greenery, Fireflies, Cool Summer, Autumn, and Winter, as well as the mesmerizing Tokyo Sea of Clouds.

These edible delights, perfect as a gift or personal indulgence, are available at the shop within Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo and through our online store.

Japanese Souvenirs to Buy in Tokyo: Artful Gifts 

Special souvenirs that embody the essence of Japanese aesthetics are certain to bring joy to your family and friends back home. 

Many of the items mentioned above can be found at the Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo shop or nearby stores. Don’t miss the opportunity to take some of these exquisite treasures home as lasting mementos of your journey!

Updated on March 31, 2025