What to bring from a trip so that all this does not lie around with unnecessary rubbish? Shall we discuss souvenirs from Japan and other countries? How to buy them, based on the principles female logic and economy.
The other day we discussed souvenirs from trips and travels with a friend: what is better to carry and how to apply it later. And now I want to talk about this with you too 🙂 Well, since my most recent trip is to Japan, I will mainly cite Japanese souvenirs as an example, based on my experience.
Souvenirs from the trip are a separate and important part of the “cultural program”. But you also need to purchase wisely, so that later you can use them for their intended purpose. For example, it is always believed that shells should be brought from a trip to the sea. Yeah, we brought the shells collected in the ocean to Koh Samui. A whole shoebox. And where is she? I don't even remember. And it was hard to carry. That's why I always demand from souvenirs practical application and maximum economic benefits.
So, how to choose souvenirs?
First of all, what comes to mind is what the country we are going to is associated with. Egypt is the Pyramids and the Sphinx, right? Japan is a kimono, Paris is the Eiffel Tower... so of course the first impulse is to buy some of these.
I had an idea to buy a kimono in Japan, or wooden clogs, or those funny two-finger socks. And then I just remembered the Thai sarong that is lying around in the closet. Am I wearing it? No. Do I use it at home? Also no. I take it out and show it when talking about a trip to Thailand? Also no. And I immediately lost the desire to attach a kimono to it. Because I will not wear it, I will not hang it in a prominent place and show it to everyone.
The same with socks. Well, I'll buy it, well, we'll laugh at home. And then what to do with them?
And the desire to buy a Japanese national costume disappeared by itself.
But key chains bought in in large numbers in different places. Now all of us, even our teacher, have plastic sushi from Daiso, velvety deer from Nara and figurines from Disneyland dangling on our keys and bags. Chopsticks and Japanese bowls went to those of our friends who are fond of cooking.
But Japan is famous for more than just that! Let's see what else is in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan is known for unusual sweets and good cosmetics.
Kit-Kats with green tea, snacks called persimmon bones, all kinds of sweets and cookies with unusual flavors - all this is sold in huge quantities and is very cheap. Such souvenirs are interesting to buy, try yourself and give to friends. True, not everyone likes the taste of Japanese sweets. Even my child (a - a sweet tooth and b - a lover of everything Japanese) said with a sigh: “The Japanese have delicious sweets that do not contain green tea. But they add it to almost everything!”.
Therefore, my advice to you: give Japanese goodies in a small amount just to try. And then your friends will have half a kilo of tasteless sweets lying around 🙂
Japanese cosmetics can also become a good souvenir, especially for yourself - beloved
What tricks await here:
- On many packages of skin care cosmetics, the inscriptions are only in Japanese. That is, there is no way to understand: it is a cream, a cleanser, a peeling or a shampoo in general. So, either you need to look for cosmetics with English-language inscriptions, or communicate with consultants (I don’t know how to explain with gestures that you need a cream, not a facial wash 🙂), or find it on the Internet in advance necessary cosmetics and carry her photographs with you.
- The foundation is targeted at the Asian skin type and has a yellowish tint. Therefore, it will be difficult for owners of white skin with a pinkish tint to find their color.
But you can buy more or less neutral decorative cosmetics local brands: mascara, eyeliner, shadows…
There are a lot of masks with different impregnations in cosmetics stores and pharmacies. They are sold in packs of several. I bought these masks for myself.
It was more difficult with girlfriends, because I don’t know the skin types of my girlfriends and their requirements for cosmetics. And then there was a souvenir in the Daiso store - silicone mask. It can be used as self mask, creating a sauna effect on the face, or you can cover it with sheet masks enhancing their effect. And most importantly - all this does not depend on the type of skin and cosmetics. By the way, such a silicone mask is included in the top souvenirs from Japan.
A good souvenir can be an item for a collection or a hobby.
Someone collects magnets, someone collects mugs, someone collects key chains. All this, of course, is available in abundance and for every taste. Everyone has different hobbies and interests, I even saw reviews from tourists who brought knives from Japan, because the knives there are excellent and, apparently, someone really needs them.
For example, I bring pictures from each trip that I immediately hang on the walls. It happened somehow on its own and not on purpose. First we bought an elephant painting in Thailand, then we brought papyri from Egypt, and now here are paintings from Japan. At the same time, the main thing for me is not the paintings themselves (the most ordinary, not copyrighted, well, except for the elephant, printed in a mass way), but the stories associated with the purchase. Looking at the papyri, I am happy to tell how I bargained with an old Egyptian for them. And it's really very funny story If you want, I can write it separately. Japanese paintings remind me of when I bought them, which I already wrote about, but there is another story connected with this painting, it is also better to write it separately ...
In general, what did I want to say with all this long text? In my opinion, you need to buy useful things that will be used by you, or remind you of a trip. And I'm going. But a little. 🙂
Japan is a country that touchingly honors its customs and traditions. Therefore, Japanese souvenirs are now almost the same as they were 10 and 20 years ago. A list of 10 souvenirs that must be taken away from the Land of the Rising Sun.
1. Maneki neko. A cat that calls for happiness.
Everywhere in Japan, from shops and restaurants to banks and offices, you are greeted by a statue of a "luring cat". This maneki neko, one of the most famous good luck charms in Japan, is believed to bring good luck to businesses and increase wealth.
They are also used to decorate the interior of the house, since cats can be made in any size and from any material. You can buy them at any gift shop, but it is best to do it at Gotoku-ji Temple, the birthplace of this talisman.
2. Tenugui- a rectangular piece of fabric with an ornament or a graphic image.
Tenugui is one of the most popular souvenirs from Japan, it is so multifunctional that it is obvious " must have". Tenugui is a rectangular cotton towel approximately 90 cm long printed with a pattern of various motifs (geometric, floral or ukiyo-e patterns). It can be used as a towel, gift wrap or decorate a room with it as a tablecloth or panel.
3. Yukata- summer cotton kimono.
Yukata is everyday lung a cotton kimono often worn during summer festivals or in ryokans (Japanese-style hotels).
Clue:
Yukata are sold in all souvenir shops, but if you want a quality kimono, it is better to go to a regular clothing store or department store - there is more choice and higher quality of the fabric used.
4. Geta or Zōri- Traditional Japanese shoes.
Yukata is usually worn with geta, traditional Japanese shoes that look like flip flops and wooden clogs at the same time. If the wooden geta is too much for your delicate feet, you can choose zōri, which is more formal and comfortable shoes, which also goes well with a kimono.
5. Japanese fan.
In the summer, on Japanese streets, trains and restaurants, you will see a lot of people using hand fans. They can be folding (ōgi) or rigid flat fans (uchiwa). Hand fans are so popular in Japan that it is simply impossible to leave Japan without taking at least one with you.
6. Wagasa(traditional Japanese umbrella).
Japan is famous for the ancient traditions of making and using umbrellas. The traditional Japanese umbrella is used not only as protection from the rain, but also during the tea ceremony and also theatrical performances.
7. Furin- air bell
The furin sound is one of the most specific sounds in Japan, which is heard not only in traditional rooms, but also in modern buildings. Originating from the Edo period, furin is a glass or metal bell that is usually hung in front of a window or door. Its sound in the wind announces a cool breeze.
8. Pictures Ukiyo-e.
The ukiyo-e, “floating world paintings”, appeared in the 17th century and are still extremely popular today. These paintings depict landscapes, historical scenes, famous actors or sumo wrestlers. This is one of the main genres of Japanese art, which, of course, should be in the collection of every traveler.
Japan is an amazing oriental country, distinguished by its unusual culture and color. Every tourist who has visited this corner of the world will probably have to suffer a lot, thinking about what to bring as a gift to friends and relatives. Indeed, there are so many interesting things in Japan that it can be very difficult to choose something specific among the unprecedented variety of souvenirs.
Common Gifts
People who were lucky enough to be in the country rising sun, try to enjoy shopping as much as possible, buying a variety of goods for themselves and gifts for loved ones. Most often, tourists buy:
- electronics;
- clothes;
- cosmetics;
- crockery and ceramics;
- Food;
- various national souvenirs.
Japan has a very developed system of shopping centers, so in order to get everything you need, it is not at all necessary to go to some special store. Clothes, food and souvenirs can be bought in one place.
If you are in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, you can see whole shopping districts there, each of which contains shops of a certain theme. For example, expensive clothes famous world brands can be bought on Ginza street. In the Akihabara district of Tokyo, there are a huge number of shops and commission shops that sell various electronics. The Shibuya area is considered the center of youth life in the capital of Japan. Here are fashionable clothing and accessories stores, as well as clubs, bars and cinemas.
All kinds of gifts and souvenirs are presented on Tokyo Nakamise Street. Here tourists are expected huge selection various trinkets, national clothes, traditional Japanese delicacies and many other interesting things.
Another popular place to buy souvenirs is the Oriental Bazar, which is located on Omotesando Street. Here you can buy not only traditional trifles, but also original scrolls with calligraphic drawings, unusual paintings, vases, and beautiful furniture in traditional Japanese style.
Tourists going to the Japanese city of Kyoto should definitely visit the city market. It presents an unprecedented assortment of exquisite Japanese ceramics, tea sets, as well as a variety of kimonos and other national clothes.
Since Kyoto is a city of geishas, there are many shops selling luxurious kimono accessories: all kinds of belts, hairpins, hairpins, as well as traditional shoes Japanese - wooden sandals.
Many tourists, going to Japan, dream of buying a real samurai sword as a keepsake. Indeed, in this country there are shops that sell original swords with certificates. You can even find the oldest swords that were made 400-500 years ago, but their prices are usually very high and can reach several tens of thousands of dollars. Buying a sword takes about 7-10 days, as it is necessary to draw up the proper documents so that later there are no problems with the police and customs.
Souvenirs for friends, colleagues and family members
Perhaps the most popular Japanese souvenir are maneki-neko - cat figurines with a raised paw. It is believed that they bring good luck and prosperity.
Another famous symbol of Japan are netsuke - miniature sculptures depicting Japanese gods, which are sold in huge quantities in any souvenir shop. Also traditional Japanese trinkets are furin bells, daruma dolls, tanuki figurines, copies of Noh theater masks and others.
A beautiful unusual umbrella or a traditional Japanese fan will be an interesting highlight of the interior or a means of saving you from the heat. Also for home decoration you can bring beautiful panels with hieroglyphs. Many tourists bring paper lanterns, which in Japan are always used at holidays and festivals.
For example, as a gift to your boss, you can buy an original tea set, which consists of a small cast-iron teapot and several cups decorated with drawings. Japanese porcelain is also considered very beautiful and of high quality. You can buy both modern porcelain dishes and exquisite antique sets.
This country has a huge selection. wooden sticks for food different sizes and design. They are often bought by tourists as souvenirs and as souvenirs for friends.
Sake is a traditional Japanese drink with a bitter taste of sherry and fruits. It is best to buy it in large stores, so as not to accidentally buy a fake.
For a wife or girlfriend, you can bring high-quality Japanese cosmetics, which are in great demand today. Soaps, shampoos, creams and face masks will certainly please the beautiful half of humanity.
For children, they often buy a national Japanese toy, which is very reminiscent of a spinning top. Most often it is made of wood and painted with various patterns.
Japanese sweets that have common name"Wagashi" are distinguished by their diversity and are made according to ancient recipes. They will certainly please both children and adults.
Probably most tourists, when planning their trip to Tokyo, set aside some time to do some shopping. Here is a real expanse for those who like to shop. Shopping in Tokyo means entire shopping districts, where all kinds of shops and shopping centers are concentrated. But, for starters, we offer you to find out what is better to buy in Tokyo.
What to buy in Tokyo
Electronics Japan is famous for its high quality and reliable electronics. At the same time, the prices for it are not very high, and the quality is excellent.
Watch. Yes, Japanese watches are still in demand.
Pearl. As well as products from it. There are many shops in Tokyo that sell quality pearl products. There is even a whole chain of stores - Tasaki. Here you can find the addresses of Tasaki stores in Tokyo - http://www.tasaki.co.jp/eng/stores/japan/index3.html
Cloth. Japanese clothing style is definitely not for everyone. Young people are very fond of all kinds of accessories and therefore there are really a lot of them. Otherwise, most of the local clothing sold in malls is made in China. And the clothes of popular European and American brands it's not cheap here. But you can focus on Japanese fashion houses - Kenzo, Yoshi Yamamoto and others.
Cosmetics. Young ladies will surely be delighted with Japanese cosmetics, which has long become popular all over the world. Shiseido, Kanebo, Pola, Menard, Mikimoto Cosmetics, etc.
Toys. If you have children, be sure to buy Japanese toys for them. The difficulty will be only in the choice, in Japanese toy stores your eyes just run up)
Souvenirs in Tokyo Classic Tokyo souvenirs are a traditional japanese kimono, household items - dishes, sticks, bowls, calligraphy sets, Japanese samurai dolls, porcelain items. From food, tourists usually bring Japanese green tea, sweets, dried squid and octopus.
Shopping areas in Tokyo
Ginza. The most famous shopping area in Tokyo. Yes, and the oldest. It appeared in 1612 as a district jewelry stores and mint. However, the Ginza district is still a place where very expensive shops are collected. For example, here is the world's largest Chanel boutique. Here you will also find 3 large supermarkets with Japanese goods - Matsuya, Mitsukoshi and Matsukaya.
If you want to get to the Ginza area, then use Yorakucho station as a landmark. She has two exits. One of them is just on Ginza street.
Akihabara- the focus of all kinds of electronics, computers, laptops and related products. You can tell the taxi driver this name - Akihabara Electric Town. And if you want to get to public transport, then, as a landmark, look for Akihabara Station. Popular electronics stores in the area are LAOX and Nishikawa Musen.
Shibuya– area for those who prefer youth clothes. Well-known world brands here coexist with products of local craftsmen. There is also a large shopping center "109" and popular department stores Kimuraya and Seibu. Landmark - Shibuya Station.
By the way, there is a monument here. famous dog Hachiko.
Omotesando located near the Shibuya area. Here you can also find many popular European and American stores - Zara, Benetton, Morgan, H&M, etc.
Harajuku another district of youth shops. Japanese freaks and representatives of various subcultures dress up here. So, even if you do not want to buy anything and shopping in Tokyo is not an end in itself, just go here for tourism purposes. It will be interesting. However, one can also find here familiar clothes in casual style.
Minami Machida. Suburb of Tokyo. One of the largest shopping malls in Tokyo, Grandberry Mall, is located here. Here you can find cheap shoes and clothes. Landmark – Minami Machida station
Shops are open without a break for lunch and seven days a week, from 10:00 to 19:00, boutiques - from 11:00 to 20:00.
Bargaining is not accepted in Japan. Even in a small market, you should not try to persuade the seller to throw off the announced price.
Sales in shopping centers take place at the end of each season. But the most grandiose is the New Year's sale. It starts in mid-December and reaches its maximum in mid-January.
Many Japanese stores have a tax free system. Tourists who have made a purchase in the amount of 10,000 yen or more in a store that participates in the tax free system are exempt from paying VAT (5%). In general, the whole process of tax exemption in Japan is much simpler than the same event in Europe. The difference of 5% will be deducted immediately from the price of the goods by pasting the receipt into your passport.
This receipt will be picked up by a customs officer at the airport of departure. Sometimes you may be asked to present the purchased item. In some stores, after paying the cost of the goods, you will be taken to the customer service department, where they will issue a receipt and immediately give the difference in cash.
There is no tax refund on the purchase of alcohol, food and medicine.
Japan has its own sizing system for clothes and shoes. But, you can always ask the sales assistant to translate the Japanese size into the usual European one. Or just pick up clothes “on you”.
if you have useful information about shopping in Tokyo or you want to advise what is better to buy in Tokyo - we are waiting for you in the comments!
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