As the holiday season approaches, you’ve probably been racking your brains to come up with ideas for the perfect presents to give your friends and family. This year, instead of the usual socks and bath bombs, why not surprise them with some authentic gifts from Japan? From foodie treats to traditional cultural accessories, there are all sorts of amazing Japanese gifts out there to suit whoever you’re buying for. Keep reading to find out about some of our favorites!
Gifts from Japan
Gift-giving is a huge part of Japanese culture. From Valentine’s Day chocolates to temiyage presents that you bring when visiting someone’s house, there are many occasions when it’s appropriate – or even expected – that you give a gift.
One of the most important types of gifts from Japan is omiyage, or Japanese souvenirs. These are gifts that people bring back for their friends, family and coworkers when they return from a trip (either international or domestic). A key element of omiyage is that they should be a local product, and they’re usually edible treats such as cookies or mochi rice cakes. Beautifully presented boxes of local delicacies are a common sight in airports, train stations, department stores and tourist spots, and they make fantastic gifts to bring back from Japan.
Regardless of the type of gift you’re giving, the way that it’s presented is key. In fact, you could argue that the way Japanese gifts look is more important than what they actually are! This is why you’ll notice that all gifts from Japan are immaculately wrapped in either exquisite paper or traditional furoshiki cloth. Don’t worry if your wrapping skills aren’t up to scratch, because in many stores the clerks will offer to take care of it for you!
Christmas Gifts from Japan
When it comes to Christmas presents, the Japanese custom is a little different to that in the west. Rather than being a family occasion, Christmas is more of a time for couples to enjoy a romantic date night and exchange presents as a way to celebrate their love. However, whether you’re looking for Japanese gifts online or buying souvenirs from Japan during a trip to the country, you’re sure to find presents that are perfect for everyone.
To get you inspired, here are 17 of the top Christmas gifts from Japan:
1. Chopsticks
2. Japanese Tableware
3. Kokeshi Dolls
4. Daruma Dolls
5. Japanese Juice Set
6. Japanese Tea
7. Japanese Tea Set
8. Wagashi Sweets
9. Japanese Soy Sauce
10. Japanese Spices
11. Japanese Knives
12. Sake
13. Shochu
14. Japanese Whisky
15. Japanese Artwork
16. Jewelry and Hair Accessories
17. Japanese Fans
1. Chopsticks
Chopsticks are the best way to enjoy Japanese cuisine, so they make a wonderful present for foodies. You can find both traditional pairs and ones with more modern designs, to suit who you're buying for. Plus, they’re great gifts to bring back from Japan because it’s easy to fit them into your suitcase!
You can browse chopsticks here: byFood gourmet market.
2. Japanese Tableware
The first bite is with the eye, so presenting your dishes in high-quality Japanese tableware ensures they taste as good as possible! Porcelain ramen bowls, elegant sake cups and delicate chopstick holders are all really cool Japanese gifts for friends who love to cook.
Find beautiful tableware here: byFood gourmet market.
3. Kokeshi Dolls
If you’re looking for more traditional Japanese gifts, kokeshi dolls are a great choice. Carved out of wood, they originate from northern Japan and have a simple shape with no arms or legs. The hand-painted finish makes these charming figurines beautiful for use as display pieces.
4. Daruma Dolls
Daruma are another interesting option for traditional Japanese gifts. These round dolls are symbolic of good luck and perseverance, and are weighted at the bottom so that they don’t fall over. They have blank eyes, and the custom when you receive a daruma is to make a wish and fill in one eye. When you reach your goal, you fill in the other one. This makes them ideal for your more ambitious friends!
5. Japanese Fruit Juice Set
Japan is famous for its luxury fruit industry, and the country's fruit juices are second to none. From mikan (Japanese satsumas) to peach, these rich and refreshing hand-pressed drinks are as elegant as they are delicious.
6. Japanese Tea
From high-end gyokuro to smoky roasted hojicha, loose-leaf teas make a wonderful choice for gifts from Japan because they’re such a significant part of Japanese culture. Don’t worry if your friend doesn’t have a teapot, because you can always get teabags instead.
7. Japanese Tea Set
When it comes to really special Christmas gifts from Japan, a full tea set is unbeatable. A matcha bowl and whisk allows someone to enjoy their own tea ceremony at home, or you can choose a traditional teapot and cups so they can brew the perfect tea every time.
8. Wagashi Sweets
Authentic wagashi sweets have long been a popular pick for gifts from Japan. The majority are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, and they’re so beautifully decorated they look more like a work of art than confectionery!
9. Japanese Soy Sauce
As a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine, good quality bottles of soy sauce are excellent Christmas gifts from Japan for those who enjoy cooking. There are a surprising variety of styles available, so a set of miniatures ensures your friend can get creative in the kitchen!
10. Japanese Spices
Soy sauce is far from the only seasoning used in Japanese cuisine, so flavorsome spices and condiments such as yuzu powder and sansho are fantastic gifts for broadening someone’s culinary repertoire.
11. Japanese Knives
Japanese knives are renowned as among the best in the world thanks to their artisanal craftsmanship and the precise cuts they make. There are specialist blades for everything from vegetables to fish, so you can find the perfect option for your lucky recipient depending on what they like to cook.
12. Sake
Sake, or Japanese rice wine, is arguably the country’s most famous type of alcohol. From celebratory sparkling sake to box sets of aged local varieties, these bottles make really cool Japanese gifts to raise a toast with over the holidays.
13. Shochu
For something a little different, a bottle of shochu might be just what you’re looking for. Although very popular within Japan, this traditional Japanese spirit is still relatively unknown internationally, so can be a great conversation starter.
14. Japanese Whisky
Japan is well-known for being one of the world’s top producers of whisky, so if your dad or partner is fond of a tipple, then a bottle is definitely worth considering if you’re searching for Japanese gifts for him.
15. Japanese Artwork
Another option for Christmas gifts from Japan is authentic artwork for recipients to hang on their wall. From stunning cherry blossom images to replica Hokusai prints, there are styles to suit all personalities and homes.
16. Jewelry and Hair Accessories
When you’re shopping for Japanese gifts for her, jewelry and hair accessories are always a reliable choice. For example, you can get traditional hair clips and bands crafted with gorgeous kimono fabric, or stunning necklaces and bracelets made with Ryukyu glass from Okinawa that replicates the color of the surrounding ocean.
17. Japanese Fans
Speaking of accessories, traditional sensu fans make really cute Japanese gifts. With a wealth of designs to choose from, you can either use them practically to keep cool in the summer, or display them as artwork in their own right.
As you can see, if you’re searching for gifts from Japan this Christmas, there are plenty of options out there to choose from. So no matter which lucky person you’re buying for, you’re sure to find the perfect present for them. Just remember to wrap it beautifully to make it truly authentic!
