Souvenirs can be something edible. If you don’t think so, a scan through this list may change your mind.
It is simply because instant food and sweets in Japan are so delicious to taste and easy to fit in the luggage. Moreover, the cute and lovely shapes of the sweets are something to be crazy about.
Scroll down to see the recommendations. And check out the prices and store locations for easier access and proper budget preparation.
Image credit: Alejandro CInstant ramen is always among the top souvenirs from Japan.
It is conveniently packed in a cup or packet. All we need to do is to add boiled water and enjoy. What is even better is that its taste is close to an actual ramen bowl you have had in Tokyo.
If you want it to look like a fresh ramen bowl, add preferred ingredients like boiled egg and garnish it as you cook.
To have the good quality ramen, buy the packets from Nissin or Toyo Suisan that are two of the leading instant ramen manufacturers in Japan. Their products are sold under the Raoh and Maruchan brands respectively.
Best gifts for: Family, friends, co-workers
Portable level: Easy to manage
Pricing : From JPY100 (US$1)
Where to buy
Image credit: GRAPESTONE Co.LtdTokyo Banana is actually a cake, cream-filled sponge cake that is shaped like a banana. It is comparable to the Twinkie of the US except for its shape.
The standard flavor is, of course, the banana cream flavor. Other variants include chocolate and caramel bananas that come with animal prints. There are also heart and flower printed Tokyo Banana versions. This makes the sweets too cute to eat.
Best gifts for: Children, family, friends, co-workers
Portable level: Manageable
Pricing: From JPY500 (US$5) for a pack of 4 to 8 pieces
Where to buy
Image credit: Marc BuehlerDaifuku is a popular Japanese confection that has mochi (rice cake) skin wrapping around sweet filling. The cakes are usually rolled in starch to keep them from sticking to your fingers or to each other.
The most common filling used in daifuku is the anko (red bean paste). Others include strawberry, Japanese apricot, caramel, chestnut, coffee, and many more.
This likeable food is a fail-safe edible gift, even those who haven’t tasted daifuku before will surely like it.
Best gifts for: Family, friends, co-workers
Portable level: Easy to manage
Pricing: From JPY500 (US$4.40) per pack
Where to buy
Image credit: Marco OoiSpecial flavored KitKat bars belong to the list of novelty souvenirs that people usually ask for whenever a family member or friend goes to Japan.
More than 300 flavors have been produced in Japan including trademark Japanese ones like wasabi, green tea, and sakura (cherry blossom). There are also other all-time favorite flavors like strawberry, apple, and rum raisin.
This is the best souvenir for children and people who love their chocolate with a twist. It is also convenient because you can buy them at almost all supermarkets and grocery stores. If you are running out of time, grab some at the airport.
Best gifts for: Children, family, friends, co-workers
Portable level: Easy to manage
Price range: From JPY130 – 483 (US$1.14 – 4.25) per pack depending on sizes
Where to buy
Image credit: Tokyo HiyokoJapan never runs out of cute-shaped food and accessories. Among the companies that lead this trend is Tokyo Hiyoko, which has been in the sweets business for more than 100 years.
Its chick-shaped pastry, an all-time favorite in Japan, has been around for decades. The bun with its thin pastry shell and sweet lima bean paste is really yummy. When you want other flavors, try the salt-flavored paste or black sugar.
Tokyo Hiyoko sweets can be found at major train stations and airports. If you are visiting Tokyo Skytree, check out the souvenir shops there for a taste of this lovely souvenir.
Best gifts for: Children, family, friends, co-workers
Portable level: Manageable
Average price: JPY605 (US$5.36) per box (5 pieces)
Where to buy
Image credit: Tokyo Tamago Directly translated as “sesame egg”, Goma tamago looks really like an egg. Yes, there is the white chocolate-coated outer layer resembles the ‘egg shell’; a thin layer of sponge cake to be the egg white; and the inner with black sesame paste in place of egg yolk.
Beyond this classic goma tamago, there are other egg-shaped products like goma tamago pudding, caramel tamago, and sweet potato tamago.
These delicious eggs deserve a place in your shopping list, which can bring receivers surprise and enjoyment.
Best gifts for: Children, family, friends, co-workers
Portable level: Manageable
Average price: JPY500 (US$4.43) per box of 5 pieces
Where to buy: Tokyo Tamago branches at Ginza, Daimaru Tokyo, Odaiba Aqua City, Tokyo Skytree, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, and Shinagawa Station.
Image credit: Shiseido ParlourShiseido Parlour was originally established as a soda shop in 1902. It later evolved into a premiere restaurant that sells elegantly packaged delicious treats.
It is great to take home one box each of their bestselling items like cheesecake, biscuits, and sables. If you want to have everything in one box, then buy the assorted box for JPY4,000 – JPY5,000 (US$30 – US$40).
What is so special about Shiseido Parlour products is that all the sweets have a beautifully designed box to stay in. This makes it an elegant gift to someone special.
Best gifts for: Someone special, boss
Portable level: Manageable
Average price: JPY1,000 – 3,500 (US$8.87 – 31.00)
Where to buy: Shiseido Parlour branches at Ginza, Shinjuku, JP Tower, Tokyo Station, and Nihombashi Takashimaya.
Image credit: FunawaImo yokan is a popular Japanese dessert that is made with sweet potato and sugar. The sweet is usually served in rectangular bite-size slices.
If you are determined to buy imo yokan in Tokyo, there is no other place to go but Funawa Café in Asakusa. Funawa is an old Japanese yokan shop that specializes in imo yokan. It was established in 1902 and continues to serve the delicious sweet potato dessert in many branches around Tokyo and other parts of Japan.
Imo yokan has a normal shelf life of 7 days. It is best paired with green tea.
Best gifts for: Family, friends, co-workers
Portable level: Easy to manage
Average price: JPY650 (US$5) per box (5 slices)
Where to buy: Funawa branches at Asakusa, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Takadanobaba, and Jiyugaoka
Image credit: blog.livedoor.jpNot everyone eats curry but if you do know somebody who loves the dish, then you should bring home a few packs. Even the curry haters might like the Kobe beef instant curry containing tender beef that melts in the mouth!
Seafood fans will love the king crab curry. Want some color in your bowl? Check out the instant curry that comes with a blue and white sauce!
There are also fruit-flavored curries like orange, melon, and strawberry.
Best gifts for: Curry lovers, family, friends, co-workers
Portable level: Easy to manage
Price range: JPY200 – 800 (US$1.50 – 7)
Where to buy
Image credit: eeemsOsuimono refers to Japanese clear soup. It’s a contrast to miso soup, another Japanese favorite soup dish.
Osuimono is usually made of the three very basic ingredients: water, salt, and garnish. Vegetables, fish and other seafood can be added as preferred.
Instant osuimono come in regular variants at very affordable prices. Special versions that contain cute-shaped and higher quality ingredients are also available.
Best gifts for: Family, friends, co-workers
Portable level: Easy to manage
Price range: JPY250 – 1,000 (US$2.20 – 8.82)
Where to buy
