The tradition of buying souvenirs is common all around the world. You travel somewhere new and you want to bring something back with you. This could be either a memory of your travels or perhaps giving to a family member, friend, or co-worker to give them a sample of your experience on the road or abroad. Japan is no exception to the rule. In Japan, the souvenir, or \u304a\u571f\u7523 (omiyage) industry is quite large. It is a common custom in Japan to bring back \u304a\u571f\u7523 to your family, friends, and coworkers when you have been on a trip. Although this might also be common in many other countries for trips abroad, in Japan it is custom to do so for trips to other cities, even including business trips! If you are working in Japan, be prepared to receive \u304a\u571f\u7523 regularly if your co-workers.
\n![\"Omiyage](\"https:\/\/www.genkijacs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/omiyage-shop-1200x353-1.png\")
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Pilgrimages to thank<\/strong><\/h5>\nThe current belief is that this tradition goes back to religious pilgrimages, where a souvenir from your travels was meant to share blessings to those that stayed behind. Over time, this expanded to any form of travel which led to train stations all around Japan opening up shops for travellers to bring back something home. When we think about souvenirs, what usually comes to mind are fridge magnets, postcards, T-shirts, key chains, and other collectables. But in Japan, the vast majority of souvenirs are things you might eat. Nowadays if you visit any airport or larger train station you will likely find an \u304a\u571f\u7523 shop, where you can buy local delicacies. These are usually found in ornate boxes decorated with beautiful artwork. Inside you will most often find the item individually wrapped, perfect to be able to bring to the office!<\/p>\n
Our \u304a\u571f\u7523 Recommendations<\/h3>\n
With this in mind, we wanted to help you with a few suggestions for good Japanese souvenirs to bring home from Tokyo.<\/p>\n
![\"Toraya](\"https:\/\/www.genkijacs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/toraya-600x300-1.png\")
<\/div><\/a>![\"Nakamura](\"https:\/\/www.genkijacs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/nakamura-tokichi-600x300-1.jpg\")
<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\nToraya<\/h5>\n
\u3068\u3089\u3084<\/a> Toraya is a very beloved Japanese confectionery shop which was originally founded in Kyoto over 500 years ago, although it is currently based in Tokyo. They are known for their \u7f8a\u7fb9 \u3088\u304b\u3093 yokan, a sweet made of \u3042\u3093\u3053 (red bean paste) and agar jelly. They sell different variations of \u7f8a\u7fb9, so we recommend either one of their variety boxes<\/a> or perhaps one of their seasonal flavours. \u3068\u3089\u3084 has several locations<\/a> spread around Tokyo but can also be bought online through their website.<\/p>\nNakamura Tokichi<\/h5>\n
\u4e2d\u6751\u85e4\u5409<\/a> Nakamura Tokichi began as a Japanese tea shop but is now also famous for its matcha sweets. It is named after its founder and was originally started in 1819. They offer a huge variety of matcha sweets so it is difficult to recommend just one, however, looking at their popularity rankings, \u751f\u8336\u30bc\u30ea\u30a4\u8a70\u5408\u305b<\/a>, a jelly made of matcha and other tea flavours, seems to be a favourite. \u4e2d\u6751\u85e4\u5409 can be found in Ginza and also online.<\/p>\n![\"Donkihote\"](\"https:\/\/www.genkijacs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/donkihote-1-600x300-1.jpg\")
<\/div><\/div>![\"Omiyage](\"https:\/\/www.genkijacs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/omiyage-shop-2-600x300-1.jpg\")
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nBesides these 2 speciality shops, you can also find a huge variety of Japanese souvenirs if you visit a larger train station in some areas. You could always visit other shops such as \u30c9\u30f3\u30fb\u30ad\u30db\u30fc\u30c6<\/a> which almost always have a section with \u304a\u571f\u7523, with the stores in more commercial areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya having a larger variety to choose from. For those on a tighter budget, or those simply wanting to focus on quantity, we would suggest visiting one of the many \u767e\u5747\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30d7 hyakkinshoppu (100 yen shops) where you can buy small packages of Japanese snacks to bring home, or maybe some fun and interesting items and gadgets. Although the prices are low, you can still find some items of good quality here.<\/p>\n
<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\nToraya<\/h5>\n
\u3068\u3089\u3084<\/a> Toraya is a very beloved Japanese confectionery shop which was originally founded in Kyoto over 500 years ago, although it is currently based in Tokyo. They are known for their \u7f8a\u7fb9 \u3088\u304b\u3093 yokan, a sweet made of \u3042\u3093\u3053 (red bean paste) and agar jelly. They sell different variations of \u7f8a\u7fb9, so we recommend either one of their variety boxes<\/a> or perhaps one of their seasonal flavours. \u3068\u3089\u3084 has several locations<\/a> spread around Tokyo but can also be bought online through their website.<\/p>\n \u4e2d\u6751\u85e4\u5409<\/a> Nakamura Tokichi began as a Japanese tea shop but is now also famous for its matcha sweets. It is named after its founder and was originally started in 1819. They offer a huge variety of matcha sweets so it is difficult to recommend just one, however, looking at their popularity rankings, \u751f\u8336\u30bc\u30ea\u30a4\u8a70\u5408\u305b<\/a>, a jelly made of matcha and other tea flavours, seems to be a favourite. \u4e2d\u6751\u85e4\u5409 can be found in Ginza and also online.<\/p>\n Besides these 2 speciality shops, you can also find a huge variety of Japanese souvenirs if you visit a larger train station in some areas. You could always visit other shops such as \u30c9\u30f3\u30fb\u30ad\u30db\u30fc\u30c6<\/a> which almost always have a section with \u304a\u571f\u7523, with the stores in more commercial areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya having a larger variety to choose from. For those on a tighter budget, or those simply wanting to focus on quantity, we would suggest visiting one of the many \u767e\u5747\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30d7 hyakkinshoppu (100 yen shops) where you can buy small packages of Japanese snacks to bring home, or maybe some fun and interesting items and gadgets. Although the prices are low, you can still find some items of good quality here.<\/p>\nNakamura Tokichi<\/h5>\n
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