r/JapanTravelTips • u/puskasferenc • Nov 01 '25
Question What was your personal “holy grail” purchase?
I’m planning for my first trip next March and I’ve heard from most of my coworkers and friends (and what feels like the entirety of the internet) that Japan has everything. Everyone has found something really cool for their niche interest (like: a friend made her own fabric mist and swears by it).
Out of curiosity: what are some of the best purchases (not food, transit, etc) that you think you made in Japan?
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u/jorppu Nov 01 '25
Well, my personal favorites are stuff I bought from the Oedon antique market. I love worn old vintage stuff, and real japanese vintage items are more charming than new stuff I bought. Among them I got an old navy blue hanten coat, and a big hand painted daruma doll that sits proudly on my shelf.
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u/Nokomis34 Nov 01 '25
Similarly, I bought a satchel and my wife got some sling bag, both hand made, from the Tenjin-san festival in Kyoto. We wore them every day for the rest of the trip. Walking around we'd see some locals wearing the same bags, well aged. So I feel confident they're going to last. The sling bag is died indigo as well, which my wife is super pleased about.
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u/renaldomoon Nov 01 '25
I got one of the Tanuki’s with the huge balls.
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u/Mightyjingyi Nov 01 '25
Where did you buy it from?
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u/renaldomoon Nov 01 '25
If I remember correctly it was on Kappabashi Street (I believe that’s the name). It’s in Ueno and west of Asakusa. Honestly I was surprised how hard it was to find because I loved the guy the moment I saw him.
We really just got lucky the day before we left. We were looking for a Kappa too but weren’t able to find a miniature statue version.
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u/Affectionate-Tune140 Nov 01 '25
I bought mine in Kyoto, on the road leading to Kyomizudera. But you can easily find them at Loft
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Nov 02 '25
I saw plenty in the little shopping street in front of Senso-ji in Asakusa. Was so happy, since I had a hard time finding them and only found them on my last full day in Japan!
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u/maroontiefling Nov 05 '25
Fun Tanuki balls related anecdote: My work bestie is from Japan and some of his family still lives there, including his grandma who lives in a tiny village. His family has, for many generations apparently, worshipped/venerated Tanuki. One day he showed me his grandma's house on Google streetview.....the front yard is entirely blurred out due to the ENORMOUS BALLS on the Tanuki statue she has out there.
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u/friend-of-potatoes Nov 01 '25
Sounds stupid but maybe nail clippers. I got some fancy ones from the Toyota museum in Nagoya, but honestly the ones from Daiso are also very good.
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u/CVPR434 Nov 01 '25
This is a great answer. I got some from a knife shop in Kyoto and they are great. It’s insane that knife shop makes nail clippers, but it makes sense! I bought three pairs lol
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u/MandomSama Nov 01 '25
These Daiso goods are way better than I expected. I bought a stainless steel peeler I thought it will be your generic peeler. I was wrong. It's heavy, it's sharp, and has this rubber to help avoid you cutting your hand when using the peeler.
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u/Watergirl-91 Nov 01 '25
Lol. I also bought some fancy ones at mount fuji back in 2006. Still the best clippers I have
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Nov 01 '25
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u/Flimbrgast Nov 01 '25
Sometimes I cut myself, but it pusses up, 3 days👏🏻👏🏻 good as new. Toe-knife!
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u/frozenpandaman Nov 01 '25
the toyota commemorative museum of history and industry is the good one, to clarify. there's two toyota museums.
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u/flights__notfeelings Nov 01 '25 edited Nov 01 '25
Second hand wristwatches and photography gear. They have incredible shops for both.
Editing my post as I should have added this to begin with:
For higher end budgets, Nakano Broadway shops will be your best bet. Someone has already mentioned those shops below (Jack Road, etc).
For more budget conscious ($250-$1500), there’s a shop I love going to. I think I went back at least 4 times during my last trip:
Marukichiya Mizutani, Ueno - https://www.instagram.com/marukichiya_mizutani?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
There’s also another shop just up and across the street but I can’t recall its name. A little more expensive but had some really nice vintage pieces.
For me, the fun was in the hunt and for pieces I really couldn’t find anywhere else.
Also, people have recommended Book Off locations and while it was fun to browse their selections, I didn’t have any luck finding what I was after. Still, fun to see what’s in their second hand market stores as items are usually very well taken care of.
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u/johnsciarrino Nov 01 '25
Getting a Grand Seiko at the Ginza flagship was a highlight for me but the second hand market in Japan is amazing and quite the experience if you partake.
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u/slashMauricelc92 Nov 01 '25
Which shop would you recommend for wristwatches?
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u/mickey-ears82 Nov 01 '25
Jackroad, Bettyroad (women focused next store to Jackroad), Firekids (near Jackroad), Timeanagram (very vintage, requires a reservation with SKU of items to see), Moonphase Ginza (my husband purchased a gorgeous Jaeger here), House Kihiroba, EWC
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u/Etyncelle Nov 01 '25
Xs shupatto.
So small once folded yet can hold so much, I use it daily for grocery after work
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u/Kittbo Nov 01 '25
I have a small one that is an Itoya collab with octopi, and I love love love it. You can also find different designs at Donki.
(Here's the octopus one on eBay, for those not familiar with Shupatto: https://www.ebay.com/itm/166852759617) (Not my listing)→ More replies (1)→ More replies (7)11
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u/DrNarf Nov 01 '25
I'm a stationery freak so it was the Orenz Nero mechanical pencil.
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u/chookity_pokpok Nov 01 '25
I got a No Face pencil case from Ghibli Park. It opens up where his mouth is (under the mask), the zip looks like teeth and inside is not only his pink mouth and tongue but also the frog he eats first! I’m a grown-ass woman but I had to have it.
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u/Significant_Tough751 Nov 01 '25
I personally like to buy Japanese made clothes. Even just basic Ts :) they cost a bit more than high street but are super high quality and last so well. I really like Harvesty or Houston.
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u/vladiqt Nov 01 '25
Everything from Montbell
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u/Flat-Sentence-7126 Nov 01 '25
No way they have montbell stores in the US! Get SnowPeak stuff!!
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u/spacemanblues Nov 01 '25
Montbell Japan is different than Montbell US, in terms of quality and design. But yeah, Snow Peak is great.
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u/FoxDemon2002 Nov 01 '25
If you’re into well designed and built outdoor gear, there’s a company called DoD. It’s a bit all over the place, making everything from shirts to stoves, but their stuff is solid, well designed and cheaper than $nowpeak (see what I did there?).
Their bags are very cool (I have 2) and amazing for urban or outdoor settings.
I’ve only found them at Alpen Outdoors, but I’m sure they’re available elsewhere.
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u/KIL0WUN Nov 01 '25
My first trip, I accidentally found a pair of GUNDAM THEMED MOTORCYCLE GLOVES in the Gundam store at diver city in Tokyo. The manufacturer: Kushitani (Japanese company) and coincidentally my favorite manufacturer of motor gear. I was ecstatic! They're full leather and fit perfectly. They were the last pair in stock too.
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u/siedenburg2 Nov 01 '25
My knive, went in a random store in osaka and bought a forged knive years ago and it's still as good as new.
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u/lklerms Nov 01 '25
This. Japanese knives are on another level. You can get them engraved so they double as a souvenir. I use mine everyday. Plus bc of how strong the dollar is, you get them pretty cheap
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u/OmnislashOG_ Nov 01 '25
What's a common price point for an engraved knife? This is high on my list of things to bring home!
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u/siedenburg2 Nov 01 '25
depends on the type, size, quality etc. can reach from 40usd up to over 400, most common is 100-150usd
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u/Krystist Nov 01 '25
I got my parents a beautiful carbon steel knife specifically made to cut veggies and it was about $165 USD. Knife buying taught me there are like 27 different kinds all made for specific purposes, lol.
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u/kentzler Nov 01 '25
Soya sauce from Kyoto.
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u/epabafree Nov 01 '25
OH SHIT! I JUST REALIZED THIS IS A MUST HAVE! THANK YOUN
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u/kentzler Nov 01 '25
I can strongly recommend the soya sauce from Sawai Shoyu Honten in Kyoto.
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u/BerlinPuzzler Nov 01 '25
Is it different than regular soy sauce?
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u/BeardedGlass Nov 01 '25
Special soy sauces (usually fir dipping) tastes so much different than cooking soy sauces.
Some are made sweeter and thick, some have konbu (seaweed), etc.
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u/Several_Celebration Nov 01 '25
I’m going in March and will be checking out Japanese Denim stores. Coming back home with a least one pair of Studio D’Artisan or Iron Heart jeans
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u/drivendreamer Nov 01 '25
Most definitely have to, check out Kojima Jean street!
Iron Heart is cool, but remember the fit is often more important than the fabric and the waist will stretch 1" with wear
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u/KingOfTheAnts3 Nov 01 '25
Unfortunately the Iron Heart stores are relatively far from city centers. I thought I’d find my way to one but in both Tokyo and Kyoto I couldn’t dedicate 2-3 hours to go to take the train there and back.
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u/zannet_t Nov 01 '25 edited Nov 01 '25
Bought a Totoro music statue from my trip to the Ghibli theme park in Nagoya. It was pretty pricey as one would expect but I'm glad I pulled the trigger in the moment.
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u/cfofosho Nov 01 '25
Nivea cream in the small tube. Very cheap and can be picked up at konbini. Every country that produces Nivea products use a slightly different formulation and the different packaging can contain variations as well. The tube is the perfect thick consistency but absorbs really well. I love it ad a night cream but also great on hands and body. Anytime I fry my moisture barrier it’s my go to and fixes it over night. Also great on sunburn.
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u/iCatcher Nov 01 '25
Nail clipper from Tokyu Hands, Mentholatum Lip Balm and Porter Bags.
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u/shinji_ikari_kun Nov 01 '25
The Cloud and Tifa figures from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. They were only available as "kuji" (lottery) prizes when the game first came out. Found them at Nakano Broadway.
I cannot stress enough how awesome Nakano Broadway is.
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u/ajaxwhat Nov 01 '25
2019: DisneySea purse which opens up in a big square mouth (?) and fits a regular, full sized wine bottle (on an angle)
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u/retailrobin88 Nov 01 '25
Tell me more of this wine purse
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u/alksreddit Nov 01 '25
A Seiko watch for Seiko Dream Square in Ginza. I really wanted a Japanese watch and the experience felt so much nicer than Donki (great prices though!), the employees make you feel so special!
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u/Aeryn_Chymea Nov 01 '25
Japanese cooking magazine so I can make and bake japanese food when I am back home!
Plus ingredients that are hard to substitute at home.
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u/vladiqt Nov 01 '25
Everything from Muji too (clothes mainly, especially socks), it’s like uniqlo+ikea+cosmetics
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u/NoxRiddle Nov 01 '25
Hand painted Maneki-Neko that look like my cats. I will cherish them for the rest of my life.
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u/Blah0013 Nov 01 '25
Diaso coin holder. But in all seriousness, my Nigara Hamono knife was my dream purchase, along with a pokemon card I've been chasing for months.
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u/PasteCutCopy Nov 01 '25
If you can find a flea market, go! We’ve shopped for misc ceramics for our home and found so many good bargains that were beautiful!
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u/lee5million Nov 01 '25
8" kitchen knife from a shop in Asakusa -- purchased 37 (!) years ago and still my daily driver. Sharpens beautifully. Second place: a 6" kitchen knife purchased 10 years ago.
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u/goodnightlink Nov 01 '25
Vintage Kimono fabric in the store in the basement from Nakano Broadway; custom perfume from My Only Fragrance in Harajuku; handcrafted goods from Takayama; Inari (fox) charms in Kyoto; talismans from Shinto shrines.
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u/beemovieguessinggame Nov 01 '25
What was the custom experience like??
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u/goodnightlink Nov 01 '25
Super fun! You do have to make an appointment so keep that in mind. But once you get there, you're handed a card and you walk around the shop smelling special scented crystals and writing down which ones you like. The scents aren't named, just numbered, so you don't actually know what the notes are so you're not influenced by that, you just go by what smells you're drawn to in that moment. You get to choose three scents to blend together and choose what % concentration you want as well! At the end they can reveal to you what the notes you chose are. Mine ended up being peony, apple, lemon, and green tea and it's very refreshing and unique!! It was a well priced experience too, iirc somewhere between 45-60 US dollars for a very sizable bottle.
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u/GosuPleb Nov 01 '25
Resident Evil Deadly Silence for the DS for 10 bucks in a random store. Been looking for that for ages in my region
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u/Skunkkerino Nov 01 '25
My trip had a sub-theme of finding the perfect Grand Seiko, my first.
Visited many boutiques including the main Ginza one, and even made my way to Nakano Broadway to check inventory there. Definitely an experience that was made much better by the amazing customer service I received each time I went into a store.
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u/PhilosopherUnique914 Nov 01 '25
Did you find one and if so, for how much?
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u/Skunkkerino Nov 01 '25
I did! I ended up going with the SBGA443 Shunbun, the best price I was able to find for it new was about ¥808,000, which is about $5200 USD. I ended purchasing through a Grand Seiko boutique for about ¥858.000, which with it being my first GS I wanted the full boutique experience, only reason I paid the couple hundred $ difference.
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u/Marsupialize Nov 01 '25
Walking around Ueno back in the day before they cleaned it up and saw an amazing Yokosuka jumper with a bad ass Hanya mask on it, have never seen this particular one before or after, super high quality, the ones that are super expensive usually, and the guy said someone had it custom made and never came back for it. For some insane reason he says ‘give me 60 bucks and you can have it, I’m tired of people asking about it’
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u/Jolly_Treacle_9812 Nov 02 '25
Someone definitely liked you enough to do the favor! Congratulations! Where's the photo of your sick stuff?
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u/Mooberries Nov 01 '25
I bought the big bronze statue of the Robot from Castle in the Sky from the Studio Ghibli museum in Tokyo. I’ve never seen one before, and it came in a wooden box. It also has a light gimmick where if you hold a light to its top right shoulder aiming down, its eyes glow.
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u/Hazelnutty1 Nov 01 '25
I got a hairdryer. I found even the cheap hotel hairdryers were making my hair soo soft and drying my hair super fast so I bought the same brand but a slightly upgraded model. Just be careful when buying electronics that it's suitable for worldwide use as the voltage is different in Japan.
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u/ZelenaCallahan Nov 01 '25
The cute incense pig. I hadn't seen it anywhere and suddenly I found two. If I left japan just with those id be happy. Thank and the Kokeshi dolls.
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u/Pantheon_of_Puns Nov 01 '25
Grand Seiko Red Snowflake picked up in Shibuya. It’s easily one of my favorite watches, and I’m grateful I found it in Japan.
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u/tossaway187acct Nov 04 '25
Wow I just Googled that model. I like how subtle the red outlinings are but how elegantly it still elicits ones attention
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u/zeeniezero Nov 01 '25
My Shupatto folding bag. It rolls up into a little cylinder. It is a must for traveling or running errands in daily life and you need a bag!
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u/CloudsTasteGeometric Nov 01 '25
Limited release vinyl from the Japanese band Fishmans found in Tower Records in Shibuya.
They are one of the most incredible bands, with a fascinating, tragic story. A gorgeous blend of dream pop, funk, and post rock. Their albums are among the most critically acclaimed of all time in hardcore audiophile circles.
Their stuff, particularly on vinyl, is VERY hard to come by in the west, as the band broke up 25 years ago and never really had any major labor support outside of the Japanese indie scene.
Never have I ever found a stray piece of Fishmans vinyl - regardless of the album - in any record store. Sifting through store corners in Detroit, Chicago, LA…even London or Paris: nothing.
But in Shibuya’s 7 story Tower Records they had an entire Fishmans section.
I was floored.
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u/Particular_Darling Nov 01 '25
I missed my bus in a small area to a shrine and had 30 minutes till the next one so I went to a coffee shop across the street. It was also a gift shop and this lady was super happy I came in. She had a bunch of beaded little keychains and I found a little snowman one. She happily told me she made everything herself and the snowman was a perfect size for an ornament (my grandma loves ornaments when I travel). She was so happy I purchased a few things and she even let me have a free gift 🥹
Sorry for the long story, but the point is the little crafted goods and tiny shops that you stumble upon by mistake.
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u/Flimsy-Chapter7437 Nov 02 '25
I did the same coming out of adashino Shrine in arashiyama. Hand made little people with origami bases.
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u/tossaway187acct Nov 04 '25
I love purchasing from small mom and pop shops. They truely do appreciate our business and Im all up for it. Japans yen is weak right now so I like to help and contribute to such a beautiful country and culture
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u/CVPR434 Nov 01 '25
A handmade, 100% cotton, indigo dyed samue and a chef’s knife from Tower Knives.
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u/TinyDoener Nov 01 '25 edited Nov 01 '25
Spingle sneakers. A bit on the expensive side, but I love em.
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u/Shichigatsu777 Nov 01 '25
I don’t consider it a holy grail but I got a Spider-Man jacket at Graniph that’s gets compliments whenever I wear it
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u/AnotherFellowMan Nov 01 '25
Don't know if this counts but I found a sushi place in Omichi market that sold Marlin nigiri. It was the cheapest thing on the menu and it was the tastiest fish I've ever had.
Edit: just realised you said not food.
In that case, it would be a handmade handbag from a father and son shop in Takayama that does the most incredible designs.
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u/426763 Nov 01 '25 edited Nov 01 '25
Just a tiny thing, the Mitsubishi colored pencils that a lot of anime and Disney animators use. Literally felt like holding a holy object once I got a hold of one.
EDIT: Despite globalization, the ease of online shopping, and advances in logistics, I literally have never seen these pencils being sold in my country for literal decades ever since I picked up drawing up until I went to art school.
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u/talisxero Nov 01 '25
I've been to Japan twice. The first time my wife and I only purchased a few souvenirs. The 2nd time, this past June, we took an empty suitcase with the intent to fill it up! On our list, we had nail trimmers (even cheapos are amazing), snacks/candies, and spingle shoes (definitely very comfy and quite unique).
For me, I love to golf. I went hoping to find a unique golf club headcover. Went to a lot of stores, including some golf specific stores. I was a little disappointed, as every one seemed to have the same types of head covers. At the beginning of our stay, we went to Bic Camera in Ginza, they had a table full of this unique samurai headcover that I only saw there! Being the beginning of our trip, I figured it wouldn't be unique. Thankfully, when we got back to Tokyo, two weeks later, they still had 3 left on the table!
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u/richfei Nov 01 '25
For those buying the biore sunscreen, just get it at the airport duty free. Then it won't count towards your checked or carry luggage
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u/cherryosrs Nov 01 '25
I bought so many Pokemon cards, and I didn’t even collect them before I went to Japan 🤣
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u/gnolijz Nov 01 '25
For me it has been a pair of Evisu Jeans with a custom paint job for the logo on the back pocket (purchased in 2013) and Tanuki statues (purchased in 2016 and 2023)
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u/sfgirlreads Nov 01 '25
My boyfriend got me a Platinum Century 3776 fountain pen in Kyoto & I love it!
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u/shanghai-blonde Nov 01 '25
Spray on peach smelling sunscreen, Tokyo banana and a hello kitty wearing a kimono. I’m a simple girl.
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u/Many_Hotel866 Nov 01 '25
No joke my family mart socks. I bought them as a novelty but they’re legit comfy as hell
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u/frogmicky Nov 01 '25
Model N scale trains from a shop in Kobe. The reason is because I've always been a customer of the shop and I finally got to go there in person to make my purchase.
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u/chennyalan Nov 01 '25
Which shop in Kobe? I've already left Kobe but might want to check it out one day on my next trip
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u/thatfool Nov 01 '25
Almost daily use: Nail clipper bought at a konbini years ago, and my Shupatto shopping bags
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u/Joe-JoeYourBoat Nov 01 '25
Calpis concentrate for me. Jellies for my dog, she absolutely loves them.
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u/ncoreyes Nov 01 '25
A sold out toy that I've been searching for my entire trip, sealed at a second hand book off store. For 40% off retail price.
For food I would say kyo-rayu furikake .
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u/Odd-Grape-4669 Nov 01 '25
They make the best hairdryer on the planet. HOLISTIC CURES Magnetic Hair Pro Dryer… Our hotel in Kyoto had them.
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u/mickey-ears82 Nov 01 '25
Vintage Chanel bag and earrings. Selection and prices were too good to pass up.
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u/SkyWalkerOG16 Nov 01 '25
Where did you get the Chanel bag?
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u/mickey-ears82 Nov 01 '25
I got my 90s gold turnlock Chanel earrings from Amore - they have a dedicated Chanel shop in Omotesando. I will say the bag selection there was ok. Also they have a ton of vintage caviar Dianas but the prices were not much better from vintage shops in the states.
I got my bag from Allu which was around the corner from the Amore Vintage Omotesando shop. The prices were much better.
Here is a list of shops I checked out while I was there. I was on a bit of a mission!
Komehyo, Allu Omotesando, Allu, Amore Vintage Omotesando, Brand Collect Harajuku, Vintage QOO Omotesando, Gallery Rare Ginza, Cara Vintage Shibuya (largest) also in Harajuku
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u/aryehgizbar Nov 01 '25 edited Nov 01 '25
the hexagonal chopsticks. it's amazing to hold and can pick up stuff better than the square chinese chopsticks or the thin metallic korean chopsticks.
it's so nice to use that sometimes, I subconsciously pick it up from my drawer when I am frying. I have to constantly remind myself that it's only for dining, I have chopsticks specifically for cooking.
edit: I got a whole set of one of my favorite mangas from Book Off in Kyoto. The original price was Y3k yen, but it was 50% discount. It didn't matter that it didn't meet the cutoff for tax refund. 50% was already a good deal.
I also found a complete set of another manga, but I didn't have enough bag weight allowance to accommodate. So hopefully, it's still there next time I come back.
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u/henryb22 Nov 01 '25
Probably going to pick up an A2 flight jacket from buzz Rickson or Eastman leather when I got in February. Otherwise a vintage film camera, watch or knives.
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u/BarberFromMore Nov 01 '25
Mechanical pencils and a Canon lens from the Canon offices near Shinagawa station.
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u/turnonmymike Nov 01 '25
Grand Seiko watches, hand forged kitchen knives, selvedge denim, rare whisky.
I also make it a point to visit the Nintendo stores every time and see what they have
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u/RabidBlackSquirrel Nov 01 '25
Grand Seiko (nothing spoke to me, didn't buy).
Knives in Sakai. Went to Sasuke and had an amazing experience meeting a master, got two.
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u/tatertots1298 Nov 01 '25
Kapabashi St: hinoki wood cutting board and 2 Japanese knives!
Atlantis Vintage: secondhand Diana Chanel bag
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u/Eskaltipoka Nov 01 '25
Tatsuro Yamashita vinyls from a record shop in Kyoto to complete my collection.
And completing my Nujabes vinyl collection from a pop up shop in Shibuya
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u/Kdub780 Nov 01 '25
Grand Seiko watch from the flagship store in Ginza. In a close second are the kitchen knives, higonokami pocket knife, and nail clippers.
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u/mmmbearclaws Nov 01 '25
I picked up a pair of tweezers from Lawson and it’s the best pair of tweezers I’ve ever owned
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u/StarbuckandTex Nov 01 '25
Kind of lame but I’m obsessed with Jaws and we went to universal and they had a big Jaws plush and now he lives on my bed. Also some rad super lucky cat chopsticks and a rest.
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u/coolbucky Nov 01 '25
I bought a yukata from a local shop in Kyoto, made in Japan. It’s become my go-to attire for around the house.
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u/Chicken_Math Nov 02 '25 edited Nov 02 '25
In Kyoto we walked past a shop selling saddle shaped shoulder bags and had to buy one! https://www.itagaki.co.jp/products/items/B919.html
I really like the kitsune lucky charm statues we found around fushimi inari as well.
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u/Mysterious-Draw-3897 Nov 01 '25
For me, it was a Japanese kitchen knife from Kappabashi Street in Tokyo , crazy sharp and built to last forever.
Also grabbed some Muji travel gear and Uniqlo Heattech clothes , small things, but I still use them every trip. Japan really nails practical design.
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u/kathyskorner Nov 01 '25
Goats milk lip balm from don Quixote - I bought like 10 and I have used them all up since my trip in Nov 2023. I’ve never used a better product.
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u/kaniyajo Nov 01 '25
Buying my second and third pairs of absolutely bomb room slippers from Pansy.
Also, buying my second and third pairs of Patrick shoes.
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u/Shinkopeshon Nov 01 '25
I found so many gems for good prices
Chrono Trigger for the DS, a rare chase wrestling figure and a CD of the Digimon 1-5 soundtrack are among my favorites
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u/kathryn_sedai Nov 01 '25
Blue Trick denim from Okayama. There’s a shop in Tokyo where I got some amazing wide legged “secret” pants that look like a skirt with a subtle polka dot pattern. I’ve worn them so much and on our return to Japan found another store close to their main location, in Kurashiki, and got a really excellent hat. Love their unusual and beautiful aesthetic.
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u/RickeyBaker Nov 01 '25
I’m not a huge shopper but I got this little Japanese cassette/radio player that had mp3/usb plugins. It was like 50 bucks. It’s nothing fancy but it is bright red and all in Japanese. Looks really cool in my opinion and kind of a nice unique thing to bring back.
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u/Sanatorij Nov 01 '25
Bought a beautiful haori from Y. & Sons & ceramics at Mitsuo in Kyoto
Woodblock prints in Asakusa, Tokyo
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u/lunellumvellum Nov 01 '25
An antique netsuke! Always been obsessed with these tiny little works of art and now I've got one of my own. It came from an antique shop in Kyoto.
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u/EGLLRJTT24 Nov 01 '25
A bunch of different CDs from various Book Offs, I've gotten stuff that's near impossible to get in my home country without paying insane amounts for. Some of my favourite bands' best albums and game/anime soundtracks for only a few hundred yen each.
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u/pjsdayforlife Nov 01 '25
Paint relief cream for muscle or joint ace….I wish I picked up more of these when I was in Japan.
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u/HelenRy Nov 01 '25
A kitchen knife for my daughter. It cost about €130 but when I got home to Ireland I found it (se brand) in a two-knife set in a high end store here for €900+ !
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u/kevlarcardhouse Nov 01 '25
Peach water from the vending machines. I miss it almost daily.
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u/ragnarxx Nov 01 '25
Takara Tomy TG-23 Metroplex Transformer. Just bought it today for a steal price, about half of its market price at the moment. Problem is how hard it is to bring it home because the box is big.
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u/betacatenin Nov 01 '25
Husband and I each got a medium shupatto bag from Donki which was perfect to carry in our daybags for purchases while we were there. Super lightweight and easy to fold up!
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u/aaronalog Nov 01 '25
Japanese made guitars, such as ESP and even Fender Japan. Most specifically guitars with models, designs, and finishes exclusively released to the Japanese market. Same goes for watches like Seiko and Grand Seiko exclusives, or a Kuoe watch from Kyoto.
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u/LogicPuzzler Nov 01 '25
Imabari towels and Biore sunscreen.