16 Cool Things You Can Only Buy in Japan

Traveling to Japan can even more interesting if you take a look at our list of 16 cool things you can only buy in Japan.

The land of the rising sun is the dream destination for many people, and you are probably one of them if you came across this list. Of course, if you are planning a trip you will probably first think about transportation, accommodation, and SOUVENIRS. I am one of those people who like to bring unique souvenirs from the places I go to and in that way, I feel like the trip will always remain in my memory. Of course, shopping for friends and family is mandatory meaning that the shopping list will be pretty long. If you are looking for cheap things to buy in Japan, take a look at our list of cheap things to buy in Japan which might give you a perfect idea what to buy and not spend a lot of money.

When it comes to Japan, you will have a lot of choice of souvenirs ranging from “only in Japan products” and cool stuff to buy in Japan to those which can be bought everywhere else but with a different price (for example camera equipment). Japan is famous for products such as origami, sushi and unique Japanese knives and swords, among other things. However, some of these can be found elsewhere and nowadays it’s pretty hard to find cool things to buy in Japan that you can’t buy elsewhere. Consumer society is growing more than ever, and you can find anything your heart desires even outside the country of origin. However, it is very likely that you will have more choice if you are in Japan, in this case. For example, you can buy Japanese cosmetics and items that are connected with certain regions in Japan. If you are wondering what to buy in Tokyo, unique Tokyo souvenirs include a variety of train-themed items. On the other hand, if you are going to Osaka, answer to what to buy in Osaka is very simple: food. During the Edo period, Osaka was a rice-trade hub, and its nickname is Tenka no Daidokoro or “the nation’s kitchen.” The name itself is enough to know that this is a perfect place for you if you are a foodie.

In order to compile the list of 16 cool things you can only buy in Japan, I looked for some ideas on Reddit and Quora and a website with an article about unique Japanese products. This list is not a guarantee that these things cannot be found outside of Japan since in modern society we can get anything we want, wherever we are. However, it does (mostly) refer to items that are unique to Japanese culture. If you want a genuine product, then Japan is the best place to buy them, at least when it comes to authenticity and price. At the bottom of the list, you will find items that are available in other countries as well but buying them in Japan has its own benefits. As you go up the list, most items will be specific to Japanese culture as well as some items that you probably see anywhere else. Some products at the top of the list can be bough personalized, and for this reason, it is less likely that you can find them elsewhere. Be prepared because some things are pretty strange.

16. Electronics

“Made in Japan” label gets a completely new dimension when you actually go there. Of course, you can find Japanese products everywhere in the world but the fact that there is Tokyo Akihabara area called Electronic Town, tells you that you can find some unique local products. Japan is the first-release country for many things, and it is very likely that you can find gadgets that are not yet released anywhere else. This includes cameras and camera lenses which can be found at a lower price than overseas. Of course, you can wait and buy them in your home country, but it’s nice if you can save a few bucks.

15. Oppai Mousepad

Anime and Manga lovers will immediately know what oppai is, but for those who do not know, it refers to woman’s breasts, especially in those women who have been gifted with a bit larger assets, so to say. The term is not used in any derogatory way. In Japan, you can buy special oppai mousepads with “oppai” designed in such a way to gently support your wrist. It’s a bit strange but maybe you have a friend who will be thrilled to get such an unusual gift.

14. Chirimen Craftsmanship

Up next on our list of cool things you can only buy in Japan we have chirimen, which is Japanese craft with a long history dating all the way to Edo period (1603-1867). It includes using crepe fabric or denim cloth to make various items such as bags, purses or beautiful decorative chirimen flowers.

13. Cosmetics

Ladies, there is a large variety of cosmetics available only in Japan and your only opportunity to get them is if you or your friends and family travel to Japan. There are a lot of brands which you can buy only in Japan, but you need to make a list of what you need. If you need everything possible, then prepare to spend hours and lots of money because the choice of Japanese cosmetics is pretty large.

12. Armpit cooler

Believe it or not, this thing exists, and you can buy it in Japan. Japan has very humid and hot summer season, and sweat stains are hard to avoid. Luckily there is an invention which can keep your armpits cool(er). Thanko Electric Armpit clip-on cooler is a small, battery-run device which you can attach with a clip on your sleeves. Batteries can hold for around 5-9 hours, and the cool air from the device will make the hot summer bearable.

11. Gotochi Cards

Gotochi cards rank 11th on our list of cool things you can only buy in Japan. They are also unique souvenirs you can buy in Japan. Gotochi cards are designed by the Japanese Postal System, and each one of them contains features of a specific place in Japan (symbols include local dishes, costumes, landscape, monuments, etc. They do not have the usual rectangular shape but follow the design on the picture. It is definitely an inexpensive and interesting souvenir to bring back from your trip.

And now, let’s see the top ten cool things you can only buy in Japan.

10. Handmade Ceramics

Handmade Japanese-made ceramics are very cool things you can buy only in Japan (if you want the product to be 100% authentic). Each region has its own masters who carry on their family traditions and there are many styles of Japanese pottery. High-quality ceramics are very expensive, especially the Raku pottery, but you can always find cheaper options that will be a great souvenir.

9. Musical Instruments

Music lovers will probably be happy with this suggestion on our list of 16 cool things you can only buy in Japan. There are many traditional Japanese instruments you could buy but make sure to think about the space you have while traveling home. Some of the smaller instruments include various types of bamboo flutes, small hand drum (tsuzumi), small drums played with sticks (shime-daiko), etc.

8. Games (Limited Edition)

Japan is a perfect place to buy Japan-exclusive video games that are not available elsewhere. Although there are many low-quality games that never made it to the foreign market, every true geek will find a perfect game that is not available outside of Japan. Pokemon lovers, beware because there are exclusive Pokemon games available only in Japan.

7. Kit Kat (Limited Edition)

Of course, you can buy Kit Kat bars in any grocery store near you but there is a twist when it comes to Kit Kat bought in Japan. In the past eighteen years, there were more than these include: Maccha Milk, Baked potato and soy sauce, brandy and orange, azuki banana, white peach, strawberry fromage and many, many more flavors. If you know a Kit Kat lover who is ready to try his/her favorite candy with a new twist, this is a perfect choice for a gift.

6. Yukata Sets

Yukata is traditional Japanese summer clothing very similar to kimono. It comes in a variety of designs and materials, and it is easier to put on than kimono. Of course, instead of buying yukata set, you can always choose and buy original Japanese materials and clothes which are not listed on our list of 16 cool things you can only buy in Japan.

5. Inkan/Hanko Stamp

This one is one of my favorites on our list of cool things you can only buy in Japan. If you wanted to have a cool and exotic personal stamp, you could order a custom one while you are in Japan. If you simply like the looks of it or want to have it as decoration or a gift, you can always make a pre-made one (with common Japanese names).

4. Japanese Liquor

Of course, we’ve all heard of sake, traditional Japanese liquor made by brewing rice. Another famous type of liquor in Japan is shōchū, made with various ingredients including, believe it or not, potato. It is very similar to whiskey and can be drunk with tea and various sour fruits. There are also doburoku, awamori, amazake (for those who are not that good with alcohol this is a very sweet type), umeshu (plum wine) and many others.

3. Rilakkuma “Honey” Condoms

We are continuing our list of cool things you can only buy in Japan with condoms that are available in many sizes, flavors, and colors and Japan’s unique product is Rilakkuma condom with honey flavor. Advertised as “cute” condoms, Rilakkuma condoms are wrapped in colorful wrapper with an image of a teddy bear, reminiscent more of a candy box rather than condoms. Apparently, it a nice option for those who are shy to carry regular condom packages. In this case, if it accidentally slips from your wallet, you can always say that it’s a candy (which you are not willing to share obviously).

2. Amoau

Amoau is a special type of Japan-grown strawberries which have a richer taste than regular strawberries. These strawberries are pretty expensive, but you can find them in the forms of special Japanese sweets. Ita-ame-hanehitoe has a very crispy texture when bitten but it also melts once place on your tongue. The second type is made in a honey-like texture and the third one is packed like any other candy. In case you like strawberries, you can find them in any shape and texture you want.

1. Omamori

Omamori is a special type of amulets or good luck charms originating from Japan. They are commonly sold at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. These amulets are made from paper or wood contained within a small bag, and they usually include prayer, invocation or some kind of religious inscription. You probably think that you can find it online as well, but there is a special charm of buying it in Japan since the priests perform a special ritual to make them sacred and connected to you personally. I believe that this one definitely deserves a number one spot on our list of 16 cool things you can only buy in Japan.