Tag: souvenirs
First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets
Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within the station lies an expansive network of shopping and eating options, from fine dining to convenience stores. For eating and shopping in the area, I’m a big fan of...
Kungyokudo Incense: Modernity Meets Tradition in Tokyo
While shopping in Japan, there is a huge range of souvenirs to choose from. For something traditional yet different, might I suggest incense from Kungyokudo, the oldest incense company in Japan. This company's high-quality incense comes in affordable price points and makes...
Traditional Japanese Crafts in Osaka: Tenugui make great summer souvenirs
Osaka's "Nakani" shop creates the patterns on the tenugui hand towels using a technique called “chusen,” which is said to have been invented in Osaka in the Meiji period (1868-1912).
Often just a simple...
Nawate dori: Matsumoto’s Charming Frog Street
A visit to the mountain city of Matsumoto wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down Nawate Street. Just 10 minutes’ walk from Matsumoto Castle, the quaint Nawate-dori looks as though it’s been plucked from the pages of...
Gachapon Capsule Toys: Cheap Souvenirs and a Bit of Fun
If you’re looking for a cheap souvenir that comes with a bit of fun and surprise, try gachapon! These coin operated toy vending machines are seemingly everywhere in Japan—from tourist attractions to airports, arcades, supermarkets...even dedicated gachapon centres like Akihabara Gachapon Hall....
Shopping on Miyajima: What to Buy
Miyajima Island, with its sacred shrines and pristine nature, makes a wonderful day trip from Hiroshima City. Every day, throngs of visitors make the aquatic journey to enjoy its magical oceanside atmosphere of roaming deer, lush forests and stunning views. But would...
Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540
Are you on the hunt for Japanese souvenirs that are high quality and made in Japan? Look no further than 2k540. Just a few minutes’ walk from Akihabara, this shopping arcade is located under the train tracks and contains almost 50 specialty...
Strolling Arashiyama’s Shopping Strip Like a Pro
With gorgeous scenery and impressive temples, shrines and gardens, it’s no wonder Arashiyama draws the tourist crowds it does. Just a short bus or train ride from central Kyoto, you’ll find yourself in one of the most bustling day trip spots around....
Japanese Edible Candy Art: Amezaiku at Ameshin
Amezaiku is an ancient art requiring intense concentration and skill. Specifically, amezaiku is what happens when molten sugar is crafted into intricate miniature sculptures and designs. For thousands of years, these Japanese edible candy art pieces have been admired for their taste...
Kappabashi and its Many Tasteless Treats
A short walk from the temples and tourist attractions of Asakusa, sits a part of Tokyo known as Kappabashi or Kitchen Town. Although the area has made it on to the radar of a few travelers in recent years, it’s still over-looked...
