#140 Cheap Japanese Souvenirs 2016!

I wrote a short post about this all the way back in October 2012, but since it's now one of my most popular posts on this blog I've decided to write an update here.

Daiso in Harajuku

So, having lived in Japan twice, I can now confirm the absolute best and cheapest place to look for souvenirs is at the Japanese dollar store equivalents - the most popular being Daiso, but there are tons of other chains and smaller stores that can offer other great products too (such as Watts and Seria).

All 100yen store prices are set at 108yen (including tax), with a very small selection of products 216yen or more (but they will be very clearly labelled as such, and the cashier will remind you when you checkout too so there's no surprises).

Maneki Neko (lucky cat)

Some of the great things you can buy here includes chopsticks, lucky cat statues, keyrings, Japanese fans, flags and head ties, green tea sweets, Japanese stickers, Japanese socks, fancy Japanese paper, traditional Japanese games etc. I've gotten so used to some common Japanese household objects that I don't even see them as special anymore so it surprised me when my sister visited and picked out some Japanese household items we don't have in Ireland to take home with her, so I'm sure you'll find something weird too! Some stores have more souvenir type goods and the best place in Tokyo for these is in Daiso in Harajuku, but all stores around the country will have something you can find to take home with you.

Japan is probably the most expensive country in Asia, and pretty far up the list in the world too, so buying souvenirs can really empty your pockets here if you're not careful. Therefore, the worst places you can shop is at any of the main tourist areas - sure they look great and they're better quality, but you will be paying up to ten times the price for similar items. Some of the worst tourist shopping areas in Tokyo are at Akihabara (the electric town) and the narrow street approaching Asakusa Sensoji Temple (the one with the giant lantern). I would say you should shop around at the 100 yen stores first, and if there's an item you absolutely must-have or need then splash out on that item there.

Obviously you are limited with 100 yen stores as you're not going to find a katana sword or kimono clothing or something more spectacular - but then my next piece of advice is to find a recycle store (second hand shop). These places will only take high quality goods so you can be sure of getting something decent, but then it may not be as cheap as some charity/second hand stores you're used to in your country. Another good place to look would be at flea markets, we accidentally found a very good one in Osaka at Shittenoji Temple and got some very cheap kimono (a little old and a little stained but this didn't bother us) but this is unfortunately only held about once a month so you would need to check the dates before you plan your trip.

Green tea Oero

Japanese paper

Japanese masks and flags

Japanese stickers

Japanese traditional games

Special goods for Rio Olympics