10 Incredible Gifts for Japan Lovers

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A few torii ema in a fence at a Japanese temple

Japan. A land filled with ancient temples, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities, Japan’s beauty and culture are truly unmatched. It can be hard to find the perfect gift for Japan lovers, whether it’s a friend, family member, or hey, even yourself. So today, I have assembled the 10 best gifts for Japan lovers.

From Japanese treats to stationery and dishware, this list will provide you with the best ideas for what to get any Japan enthusiast. So sit back, grab a steaming cup of green tea, and get ready to shop: these are the best presents for Japan lovers!

Gift for Japan Lovers – 10 Fabulous Ideas

Tokyo Treat Box

First, if you’re looking for the best gift for Japan lovers, look no further than Tokyo Treat.

A snack box subscription service, Tokyo Treat offers a wide variety of scrumptious Japanese treats on a monthly basis. From unique Kit Kat flavors (such as strawberry chocolate cake) to fishy chips and seasonal Pocky products, you’ll discover something new and delicious every month.

What I love most about visiting Japan is exploring their amazing variety of snacks, and Tokyo Treat offers a little glimpse into both the savory and sweet sides of Japan! One of my favorite items from their December box was the pack of instant yakisoba.

With worldwide express delivery, Tokyo Treat offers 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month subscription plans. And you can order it as a gift, or even buy it for yourself! Check out their website here for more details.

And if you or your loved one is more interested in traditional Japanese treats, Sakuraco is another fantastic Japanese treat box subscription service.

Japanese Dish Set

A set of turquoise Japanese tea pots and cups in a wooden tray, one of the best gifts for japan lovers

Next, one of the most classic gifts for someone who loves Japan is Japanese tableware. From their intricate tea sets to their minimalist ceramic bowls, Japanese tableware is a thoughtful gift for any home.

I personally love using my Japanese rice bowls, even when they have a more minimal design. They remind me of having dinner with my grandfather during my childhood trips to Japan. Whether or not your loved one has been to Japan, they’re sure to appreciate their Japanese tableware!

Here are a few different places where you can buy some stunning Japanese dish sets:

Muji: An affordable option with some simple but beautiful designs!
Object of Living: A website filled with gorgeous Japanese tableware.
My Japanese Home: A bit more pricey, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Japanese Chopsticks

In the same vein as the Japanese tableware (but significantly cheaper), a practical gift for any Japan lover is a beautiful set of Japanese chopsticks. With a variety of styles, from simple wooden ones to ornate lacquered sets, chopsticks are a charming and useful present perfect for any Japan enthusiast.

Whether your loved one frequently enjoys traditional Japanese meals or they just want to add a cultural touch to their daily instant ramen, chopsticks are the way to go. I personally love using chopsticks for a variety of meals, from salad to chips.

Here are a few different places where you can buy some lovely Japanese chopsticks:

Musubi Kiln: With a wide variety of designs, uses, and prices, you’ll be sure to find the perfect set of Japanese chopsticks at Musubi Kiln!
Masu: The perfect place to buy beautiful, handcrafted Japanese chopsticks.
Amazon: While it’s less-likely to be authentic, Amazon is a cheap and convenient place to buy chopsticks.

Japanese Knives

A couple of kitchen knives on a wooden surface

Next, if you or your loved one is a cooking fiend looking for an easier time in the kitchen, look no further than Japanese steel. Known for their sharpness and craftsmanship, Japanese knives are both practical and beautifully made.

While I’m definitely not a chef, I love using Japanese knives for their quality and ease-of-use. So whether your loved one is an experienced cook or they just want a sharper blade for cutting fruit, they’ll appreciate the quality of a Japanese knife!

Here are a few different places where you can buy some premium Japanese knives:

Sharp Edge: Sharp Edge is a fantastic store offering a wide range of authentic Japanese steel.
Knifewear: If you’re looking for high-quality knives at a more affordable price, Knifewear is the place to go.
Amazon: A cheaper and convenient place to buy Japanese knives.

Japanese Cookbook

A feast of Japanese food, including miso soup, tempura, and sashimi - a perfect gift for Japan lovers

The last food-related item on our list is a Japanese cookbook, one of the best gifts for Japan lovers. A fun way to explore a country’s culture is through their cuisine, so a cookbook is the perfect present for anyone with an interest in Japan.

And if your loved one isn’t a sushi fiend, don’t worry – Japanese food isn’t limited to sushi and ramen! One of my favorite dishes is okonomiyaki, but there’s also yakitori, tonkatsu, gyoza, and hiyayakko.

Here are a few great Japanese cookbooks:

Japanese Stationery

A tan notebook, a pink planner, a pink mechanical pencil, and a pink eraser, examples of a perfect gift for Japan lovers

Whenever I visit Japan, the one place I absolutely have to visit is a stationery shop. From uni-ball gel pens to washi tape and midori notebooks, the stationery in Japan is top-tier.

Japanese stationery is not only functional but also beautifully designed. Regardless of if your loved ones prefer a simple-looking planner or they’re a fan of the cute and colorful, you can find it all in Japan.

So whether you’re looking for travel gifts for Japan lovers or Christmas gifts for Japanese lovers, stationery is the way to go! Here are a couple of places where you can buy Japanese stationery:

Muji: If you want minimalist Japanese stationery, then I definitely recommend Muji.
Bungu: With a wide variety of high-quality Japanese stationery, Bungu is the perfect store to check out.

Origami Set

A few folded origami cranes in varying colours and patterns

If you’re looking for an affordable and timeless gift for Japan lovers, then look no further than an origami kit. It’s perfect for any Japan enthusiast, regardless of whether they’re a total beginner, craft fiend, or origami expert.

While I’m by no means an origami aficionado, I find that it’s a really fun way to explore Japanese culture. From paper cranes, frogs, flowers, ninja stars, and dragon flies, there are countless figures that you or your loved ones can make out of paper. It’s truly the perfect gift!

Here are a few great origami kits and books to check out:

Tabi Socks

While it’s a bit controversial, I’m a huge fan of tabi socks. Dating back to the 15th century, tabi socks were only worn by the extremely wealthy in Japan. Fortunately, it’s now accessible to everyone, making it one of the best gifts for someone who likes Japan.

Tabi socks are perfect whether you wear flip-flops regularly, want to separate your toes, or simply enjoy the look. Some even claim that wearing tabi socks improves balance!

If you’re interested in getting some for you or your loved one, here are a couple different options:

Etsy: This seller offers cute and affordable tabi socks.
Amazon: While it’s less authentic, Amazon also sells some cheap tabi socks!

Noren

Whew, we’re almost at the end of the list! But if you’re still wondering what to get someone who loves Japan, then I highly recommend a noren.

A traditional Japanese curtain/space divider dating back to the early Heian period (800s), a noren is a decorative but functional gift. While it can be hung in doorways to separate one room from another, it can also be hung in windows as a piece of art.

There’s also a wide variety of designs to choose from, from minimalist Japanese calligraphy, ancient pieces of Japanese art, or cute images of cats. Here are a few different places to buy a noren:

My Japanese Home: Featuring a wide variety of stunning designs, I highly recommend checking this website out.
Nanao Kimono: If you’re looking for something more minimal and classic, Nanao Kimono is the perfect website.
Amazon: A more affordable option.

Maneki Neko

Last but not least, a perfect gift for Japan lovers is a maneki neko. A common figurine that I’m sure you have seen at a Japanese restaurant, it is thought to bring good luck and fortune.

Its cute and cheerful design adds a touch of charm to any space, and it’s a fun way to bring a piece of Japanese culture into the home. Here are a couple of places to get a maneki neko!

Etsy
Amazon

And That’s It!

I hope that you found this Japan gift guide helpful! Finding the perfect gift for a Japan lover is all about choosing something that reflects their appreciation for Japanese culture.

So whether its a Japanese cookbook, stationery, or traditional items like a noren or a maneki neko, I hope this article has helped you find the perfect gift for your loved one (or yourself).

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more articles (including self-guided walking tours and travel itineraries), make sure to check out my other articles.

Cheers,

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on an incredible trip around Japan or Asia? Here are some of my relevant articles and favorite Asian destinations:

And here are some additional helpful links:

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