15 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Japan – Snacks, Gifts & Essentials
Gother
20 Mar 2025
Great news for Japan travel lovers! Over the past 2–3 years, the Japanese yen has been steadily weakening. Seeing the exchange rate drop makes it hard to resist—booking a flight and packing your bags for Japan has never been more tempting! A weaker yen is a golden opportunity for shoppers, allowing you to buy goods at lower prices. Plus, many brand-name products are more affordable in Japan than in Thailand. Known for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and unique cultural identity, Japan offers not only breathtaking travel destinations but also a wide variety of popular souvenirs that visitors can’t resist taking home. If you're unsure what to buy as souvenirs, Gother has compiled a list of 15 must-have Japanese souvenirs—from a variety of traditional snacks and bestselling cosmetics to practical daily-use items and other traveler favorites. Get your list ready and start shopping!
Japanese Souvenirs to Avoid Bringing Back to Thailand
If you're traveling to Japan and wondering what souvenirs to buy, it's important to know that not everything can be brought back to Thailand. You should be aware of legal regulations and restrictions to avoid any issues at customs. Here’s a list of Japanese souvenirs to avoid or be extra cautious with when bringing them into Thailand.
• Medications & Supplements – Some supplements or specific brands may contain ingredients that are illegal in Thailand or require an import license. It's recommended to check the list of restricted medications and supplements with the Thai FDA before purchasing.
• Meat & Animal Products – This includes pork, beef, chicken, and processed items like sausages, ham, and bacon. Import regulations are strict to prevent the spread of animal diseases. To avoid issues, it’s best not to bring these products into Thailand. If unsure, check with the Department of Livestock Development.
• Plant Products – Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant seeds are subject to strict import regulations due to the risk of carrying plant diseases or pests. If you need to bring them, check with the Department of Agriculture for specific guidelines.
• Counterfeit & Copyright-Infringing Goods – Fake luxury items or brand-name imitations are illegal and may be confiscated at customs. If you plan to buy branded goods, purchase them from reputable stores and keep your receipt as proof of authenticity.
• Luxury Goods & High-Value Items – Items like designer bags, watches, and jewelry may be subject to import taxes. Before making a purchase, check the import tax rates with the Thai Customs Department to avoid unexpected charges.
Must-Try Snacks! 5 Affordable Japanese Treats to Bring Home
Japanese snacks are among the most popular souvenirs. Travelers visiting Japan often bring back local treats because of their unique flavors, creative designs, and variety. Japanese snacks have become must-buy souvenirs that everyone wants to take home. Today, Gother has compiled a list of affordable and delicious Japanese snacks you shouldn’t miss!
1. New York Perfect Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, don’t miss out on New York Perfect Cheese, one of Japan’s most sought-after snacks! This treat is so popular that tourists often queue for long hours just to get their hands on it. Whether as a gift or for personal indulgence, this cheese biscuit is a must-try. Created by three renowned pastry chefs, this premium biscuit is stuffed with rich, creamy cheese made from a blend of white chocolate, cream cheese, and aged cheese. The crispy outer layer is a delicate Langue de Chat biscuit, enhancing the smooth and intense cheese flavor inside. You can find this irresistible treat at Tokyo Airport and Narita Airport Duty-Free shops. Make sure to grab a box before heading back home!2. Castella Cake
A classic Japanese souvenir that dessert lovers shouldn’t miss is Castella Cake. This premium sponge cake has a soft, fluffy texture and a delicate, rich aroma. The bottom layer is sprinkled with sugar crystals, adding a slight crunch. Castella comes in various flavors, including original, honey, and matcha. Its light and airy texture makes it a favorite among all age groups. Easy to find at major train stations, Tokyo Airport, and Duty-Free stores, this delicious cake is a great souvenir to bring home.3. Hakodate Pastry Snaffle
If you're visiting Hokkaido, don’t leave without trying Hakodate Pastry Snaffle, ranked among Japan’s top seven must-buy souvenirs! This **famous cheesecake** is known for its smooth, rich flavor, crispy crust, and irresistible aroma. Each pastry is handmade fresh daily, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cheesecake's unique flavor comes from using Hokkaido milk, produced from cows fed with high-quality grains and beer residue, giving it an exceptionally creamy taste. It’s also made with organic eggs from grain-fed hens, ensuring top-quality ingredients in every bite. If you’re a cheesecake lover, you won’t be disappointed!4. Yokan (Traditional Japanese Sweet)
Yokan is a traditional Japanese dessert made from red bean paste and high-quality agar. It has a firm, jelly-like texture and a naturally sweet taste, making it a perfect companion for a cup of hot matcha. Yokan comes in various flavors, such as fruit-infused and chestnut. This unique delicacy is an excellent choice for a thoughtful and traditional souvenir from Japan, suitable for both kids and adults. It’s also widely available in stores across Japan.5. Regional Kit Kat Flavors
No list of Japanese souvenirs is complete without Kit Kat. It’s one of the most popular gifts from Japan, with exclusive regional flavors that can’t be found elsewhere. Although Kit Kat is available in Japanese stores abroad, the variety in Japan is unmatched. You’ll find unique flavors like sake, red bean, pudding, soy sauce, grape, and more. Some flavors are so surprising that they’ll make you say, “Wow! They have this flavor too?” That’s what makes Japanese Kit Kats a must-buy souvenir!Handpicked for You! 5 Affordable & High-Quality Japanese Cosmetics
Aside from bringing back Japanese snacks as souvenirs, cosmetics and skincare are also top picks among travelers. Japanese beauty products are not only affordable but also well-known for their high quality, innovative formulas, and cute packaging. If you’re wondering which Japanese beauty products to buy as souvenirs, check out these must-have items!
6. LuLuLun Face Mask
One of the best cosmetic souvenirs from Japan is the LuLuLun Face Mask, a bestselling skincare brand widely loved by beauty enthusiasts. This mask comes in multiple formulas designed to target various skin concerns, such as anti-aging, brightening, hydration, and dark spot reduction. LuLuLun masks gradually enhance skin brightness, boost hydration, and strengthen the skin barrier. Plus, they are free from fragrances, artificial colors, and mineral oils, making them suitable for all skin types. If you’re unsure what beauty products to bring back from Japan, this face mask is a great option!7. Hakone Volcanic Charcoal Face Wash
The Hakone Volcanic Charcoal Face Wash is another popular skincare souvenir from Japan. Made from natural volcanic charcoal, this cleanser effectively absorbs excess oil and impurities while providing deep cleansing without over-drying the skin. With added hyaluronic acid, it gently exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth, moisturized, and radiant. It also contains a refreshing green tea scent, providing a calming and soothing experience. If you're looking for a thoughtful skincare gift from Japan, this face wash is a fantastic choice!8. Gyutto Hair Mask
The Gyutto Hair Mask is a top-rated hair treatment in Japan, recognized with multiple beauty awards. This innovative hair mask transforms frizzy, unmanageable hair into smooth, silky strands with long-lasting softness. Infused with 13 nourishing ingredients, it repairs hair from the inside out, improving elasticity and shine. The formula also features FiberHance technology, which deeply restores hair structure while preventing silicone buildup that can weigh hair down. If you're looking for a perfect hair care gift for your beauty-loving friends, this hair mask is a must-buy!9. THE LYPO Vitamin C Deep Capsule
For those who love health and beauty supplements, the THE LYPO Vitamin C Deep Capsule is a highly recommended Japanese souvenir. This supplement uses advanced liposomal technology, which enhances the absorption of vitamin C for maximum effectiveness. In addition to vitamin C, it contains hyaluronic acid to boost skin hydration and antioxidants to protect against environmental damage. It also helps stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and support the immune system. The easy-to-take capsule format makes it a convenient daily supplement!10. Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gold
Japanese sunscreens are famous for their high quality and gentle formulations. Most Japanese sunscreens are free from alcohol, artificial colors, fragrances, and parabens, making them ideal for sensitive skin. It's no surprise that Japanese people are known for their youthful, glowing skin! If you're shopping for sunscreen in Japan, the Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gold SPF50+ PA++++ is a must-have. This premium sunscreen features a lightweight essence texture, giving a silky-smooth feel similar to skincare rather than traditional sunscreens. It provides excellent sun protection, making it perfect for Thailand’s hot and humid climate.Top 5 Must-Buy Items & Popular Souvenirs from Japan
If you're looking for useful and adorable souvenirs from Japan, we've got you covered! Whether it's practical everyday items or must-have gifts that everyone buys, Japan offers a wide variety of choices. To make shopping easier, Gother has selected five popular and highly recommended items to bring home. Let's check them out!
11. Model & Figurines
Japan is a paradise for collectors, offering a vast selection of anime, manga, video game, and movie figurines. Popular series like Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Attack on Titan have collectible figurines in high demand worldwide. Many travelers make it a priority to buy these figures for themselves or as gifts for friends. What makes Japanese figurines so special is their superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, and realistic designs. If you or someone you know is an anime or gaming fan, a high-quality Japanese figurine is the perfect souvenir!12. Daruma Doll
For those who believe in good luck and positive energy, Daruma dolls are a meaningful traditional Japanese souvenir. These round, hollow dolls symbolize hope, perseverance, and good fortune, making them a cherished cultural gift. Each Daruma doll comes in different colors, each with a unique meaning:- Red – Protection from evil and good health
- Yellow – Financial prosperity
- Gold – Luck and fortune
- Black – Business success
- White – Goal achievement
13. On Cloud Running Shoes
One of the hottest running shoes in Japan right now is the On Cloud. These shoes are specially designed for high-performance running and are favored for their modern, minimalist, and stylish look. The key feature of On Cloud shoes is their lightweight material and cloud-like sole, which compresses upon impact and bounces back to reduce strain while walking or running. Many travelers take advantage of Japan’s prices to buy these shoes for themselves or as gifts. If you're looking for a comfortable, high-tech, and trendy pair of sneakers, On Cloud is an excellent choice!14. GU Fashion Clothing
GU is a popular Japanese fashion brand loved by young people and trendsetters. Known for its simple yet modern designs, GU offers a wide selection of casual wear, workwear, and seasonal outfits at affordable prices. Since GU is not available in Thailand, travelers often take the opportunity to buy their trendy clothes while visiting Japan. You can find GU stores in large shopping malls and duty-free stores. If you love updating your wardrobe with stylish yet budget-friendly pieces, don’t miss out on GU clothing as a souvenir!15. Anello Backpack
Anello backpacks are a hugely popular bag brand from Japan. While they are now available in Thailand, some models are still cheaper in Japan, especially when the yen is weak. Plus, Japan offers a wider variety of styles and colors compared to other countries.Known for their stylish yet functional design, Anello backpacks are perfect for daily use, work, or travel. Their popularity has made them one of the most sought-after Japanese souvenirs. However, keep in mind that if you buy too many, you may need to pay import taxes when bringing them back home!And that concludes our list of 15 must-buy Japanese souvenirs! From snacks and cosmetics to everyday essentials, we’ve covered the best items to bring back from Japan. We've even highlighted items that you should avoid bringing home! Of course, this is just a small selection—Japan has so much more to offer! If you're planning a trip, you can book flights, hotels in Tokyo, or exciting activities all in one place at Gother. Plan your entire trip easily with exclusive deals and discounts, so you can save money and shop more souvenirs!
