Are you tired of giving the same old sushi box to your Japan-loving friends and family? While there’s nothing wrong with Japanese gifts that appreciate the art of sushi-making, there’s so much more to Japan’s rich culture and history that can inspire unique and thoughtful Japanese gift ideas.
From traditional crafts and fashion to cutting-edge technology and pop culture, Japan has something for everyone. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 40 awesome gifts for Japan lovers that are sure to impress and delight any Japanophile. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or just want to surprise someone with a little piece of Japan, this is the list you need.
So forget the sushi and get ready to discover some truly unforgettable Japanese gifts!
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three Japanese gifts by budget.
- Large budget: Handmade secret puzzle box (#1)
- Mid budget: Japanese candy box (#18)
- Small budget: Omamori – Japanese good luck charms (#36)
Table of Contents
Save these Japanese gift ideas
Don’t forget to save these Japanese gifts for the next time you need inspiration.
Japanese gifts for large budgets
#1 Japanese secret box
A Japanese secret box is a puzzle box that can only be opened when a certain set of moves is performed. It’s a great way to keep your secret stuff hidden. It can also serve as a super safe piggy bank since no one will know how to open it.
And since traveling is quite an expensive hobby (especially traveling to Japan), a piggy bank is not a bad idea for Japan lovers!
#2 Japanese mochi ice cream kit
If you are looking for Japanese food gifts look no further. This mochi ice cream kit is an awesome gift for people who love Japanese food and who love to try and make it at home.
Oh, and in case you are like me and have no idea what mochi ice cream is. As I explained before in my international DIY food kits post. It’s an ice cream ball that consists of an ice cream filling and a chewy outside made out of pounded sticky rice.
#3 DIY sake kit
Here is another great DIY Japanese gift idea for people who love food and drinks; a DIY sake kit.
Sake is a traditional Japanese type of rice wine, and this kit includes (almost) everything they need to produce it at home!
And if you’re looking for Japanese gifts for lazy people who do love sake, check out the next item.
#4 A bottle of sake
As I said, this is a great gift from Japan for someone who loves sake, but who is too lazy to produce his or her own bottle. Simply order a bottle of sake from Drizly!
#5 Home zen garden
If you are looking for a Japanese gift idea for the home, this mini zen garden might be a great idea. It’s a beautiful decorative item and it is said to bring peace and calmness to a home.
It’s one of the best gifts for Japan lovers who are into meditation, and spirituality.
#6 Japanese-themed board games
I absolutely love board games. I guess that’s also why I think gifting a board game in the theme of a country someone loves, is one of the best gifts you can give!
There are actually quite a few Japanese-themed board games:
If you are looking for Japanese gifts for someone who is more into traditional games, check out the next item on the list!
#7 Traditional Japanese games
Shogi (Japanese chess) is a fun traditional Japanese game. The idea is comparable to chess, but the pieces and rules differ. You can also find a travel-sized shogi game, where the board is foldable and magnetic, so perfect for travelers!
#8 Kyoto silk scarf
Japan has a long history of silk, so finding a gift made from silk produced and harvested in Japan is always a great gift.
One example is this silk scarf made from Kyoto silk.
#9 Japanese gifts for whisky lovers
If you are looking for the best gifts for Japan lovers who also happen to love whiskey, I’ve got good news for you!
You can now find a gift that combines these two things exactly; Japanese whiskey.
I was quite surprised to learn that Japan is home to several whiskey distilleries. I guess I always assumed that it was something typical for English nations.
Anyways, Sensei is one of the most popular Japanese whiskeys, and I’m pretty sure that any whiskey lover, would love to try it.
#10 Japanese coffee maker
This is probably the best Japanese gift idea for a coffee lover. A traditional coffee maker from Japan!
I must say the coffee maker looks quite complicated and fancy, but I guarantee, it’s super easy to learn how to use it. Simply give them a link to Coffee Bean Road which includes an easy step-by-step guide.
#11 Matcha gift set
For those tea noobs like me. Matcha is a green fine ground powder that’s made from green tea leaves. It’s super popular for all sorts of drinks. But traditionally it’s also used for spiritual purposes. So it’s a super multi-functional cool green powder.
For more Japanese gifts for tea lovers, check out #30 or the next item.
#12 Japanese teapot
This traditional teapot is another great Japan gift idea for tea lovers.
Also check out the tea-lovers gift guide, for more cool ideas.
#13 Manga-related gifts
I am definitely not the right person to ask for advice about which manga box to get for your recipient. The only thing I know is that mangas are extremely popular in Japan (and outside Japan). Many people who love Japan also love them. And that’s why I am sure they make great Japanese gifts for manga and anime lovers!
The Legend of Zelda is probably one of the most popular ones (because even I know this one).
If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what in fox’s name is a manga.
They’re Japanese graphic novels. And if you think those are only for kids, think again. They are enthusiastically read by all age ranges. Mangas often serve as the base for anime shows. Check out the next gift if you have no clue what anime is.
#14 Anime-related gifts
Alright, so from the manga gifts we sent straight into the anime gifts. I am not going to lie. I actually had to look up the difference between the two.
But apparently, mangas are the books, whereas anime is (as the same suggests) animated. So it’s movies and tv shows.
One show that’s particularly popular is Naruto. So that’s why I picked this Naruto-themed shirt. But if you know which anime show is your recipient’s favorite, then find something related to that show and you found an awesome Japanese gift!
#15 Zabuton: A Japanese floor cushion
A zabuton is a traditional Japanese cushion that’s usually used to sit on the floor or for meditation. And this beautifully decorated one is handmade in Japan too.
Japanese gifts for mid-budgets
#16 Japan travel guide
Travel books about Japan are awesome Japanese gifts for someone who is going to travel to Japan soon. Of course, you have to check whether they already have a guidebook or not. But even if they already have one, you can try to find one for a specific region, city, or natural park.
Some great Japan travel guides include:
#17 Japanese language course
Language courses are awesome gifts for travelers. If you pick a language from a country they love of course!
You could opt for an online Japanese course from Udemy or a simple book for beginners.
#18 Japanese candy
Here is another awesome Japanese food gift; Japanese candy.
Candy from Japan is something truly unique (and in some cases a bit interesting). So if you want to give the taste of Japan in a gift, sweets are a great option. You could get this collection of KitKats from Japan, or gift a monthly subscription to Japanese treats!
I mean can you think of a better gift than receiving sweets from your favorite country every month?
#19 Japanese cookbooks
Cookbooks are another example of great Japanese gifts for people who love food and cooking. I selected a few cool cookbooks for all sorts of diets and cooks.
- Vegan JapanEasy
- Japanese cooking made simple
- Ramen at home
- The way of the cocktail: Japanese traditions, techniques, and recipes
#20 Geta sandals
Geta sandals are traditional Japanese flip-flips (kind of). Obviously, they come in all shapes and sizes. If you opt for the not-so-traditional geta sandals on Amazon, it’s a rather affordable gift for Japan lovers.
However, if you are looking for traditional Japanese gifts, you may want to check out the geta sandals from Japan Objects. They are slightly more expensive though.
#21 Japan-themed travel mug
Here is another great Japanese gift idea for a coffee lover; a Japanese-themed travel mug.
Check out Zazzle for a wide selection of Japan-themed mugs.
#22 Fun Japan-related books
If you are looking for gifts for Japan lovers and bookworms then perhaps one of the following books might be a cool idea.
- Be more Japan: the art of Japanese living
- A brief history of Japan
- Ikigai: the Japanese secret to a long and happy life
#23 Japan-themed water bottle
As you will see later on in this list, anything related to cherry blossoms is always a good gift for Japan lovers.
And a water bottle is super practical for travelers (and non-travelers) because it will help them to reduce the amount of places bottles they use (perfect for sustainable travelers). So it’s a win-win for everyone.
But don’t worry if you don’t like the cherry blossom design, Zazzle offers plenty of Japanese-themed water bottles.
#24 Sushi-making kit
If you are looking for the best Japanese food gifts, this post has got a few awesome gifts for you. You already came across a few of them. But obviously, one of the best is a sushi-making kit.
It is probably not the most unique Japanese gift idea, but come on, what Japanese food lover, doesn’t love sushi?
Also, check out the 25 international DIY food kits for more inspiration.
#25 DIY Japanese cocktail
These pre-made cocktail gifts are perfect gifts for Japan lovers who also love cocktails. All they have to do is bring a glass and ice and enjoy these Japanese cocktails!
#26 Japanese kimono
A kimono is probably the most famous piece of clothing in Japan. They are traditionally worn by both men and women, have long sleeves, and are worn from the shoulders down to the heels. As you search for kimonos on Amazon, you will notice straight away that the offers are not quite the traditional kimonos you’ll find in Japan.
I’m not here to tell you which one’s a better gift. I’m just here to show you where to find them.
For traditional Japan gifts, check out Kimono Yukata Market.
For the more affordable and modern ones, head over to Amazon.
#27 More traditional Japanese clothing
I mentioned the Kimono as one of the great gift ideas from Japan, but obviously, you can find more traditional clothing from Japan.
I am not going to pretend to be an expert in Japanese clothing, so I am just going to send you over to Japan Objects for more information and inspiration. Or if you are familiar with some of the items, check out:
#28 Cherry blossom-related gifts
If you think of Japan, the cherry blossom is something that will surely pop into your mind.
Simply check out Amazon to get some inspiration for cherry blossom-related gifts. Or go for these artificial cherry blossoms, to give the permanent feeling of the cherry blossom season in Japan!
#29 Takoyaki maker
If you are looking for gifts for Japanese food lovers, a Takoyaki maker is exactly what you need!
Takoyaki are typical Japanese octopus balls, made from wheat flour batter and octopus. And to make them you need a specific pan; the takoyaki maker!
Best Japanese gifts for small budgets
#30 Tea gifts from Japan
If you are looking for Japanese gift ideas for tea lovers, look no further. This Japanese twig tea is perfect for tea drinkers who would love to taste Japan at home.
Alternatively, head over to my tea gift guide.
#31 Japanese martial arts courses
In my safe travel gifts guide, I have already shared the idea of gifting a self-defense class for travelers. But gifting a Japanese martial arts course would be an even better gift for Japan lovers!
It’s a win-win. By learning about Japanese martial art they will do something related to the country they love and you will know that they’re learning skills that will help them stay safe on the road!
Udemy offers online courses for various martial arts, but also check out schools in the area that offer classes.
#32 Travel chopsticks
Do you need gifts for Japanese food lovers, who could eat sushi anywhere, anytime?
Then these travel chopsticks are perfect!
They can take them anywhere, ditch the plastic sticks and enjoy their sushi in the traditional Japanese way.
#33 Japanese-themed gifts: socks
Aren’t these socks the cutest Japan gift ideas for a small budget?
Or is it me getting carried away by my love for socks again?
#34 Japanese coloring book
Coloring books for adults work really soothing and relaxing. So if you are looking for gifts for Japan lovers who could really use a bit of relaxation, this coloring book is perfect.
Check out Amazon for different styles of coloring books.
#35 Japanese-themed tote bag
Tote bags can make great Japan gift ideas. If you buy a Japanese-themed bag of course ; ). And luckily you can find a lot of those on Zazzle. I quite liked this vintage tote bag.
#36 Japanese good luck charms
Omamori charms are amulets that are often sold in Japanese and Buddhist traditions and are said to bring good luck or protection.
#37 Japanese hand fan
Hand fans are both practical and fashionable gifts from Japan. People often think they originated in China, but Japan actually holds that title. For more background information about fans, where they originated, and what their function was in the military, you should definitely read this in-depth guide.
For those who simply want to buy one as a gift, check out Japan Objects for a traditional fan.
However, for cheaper, but less traditional options head over to Amazon.
#38 Japanese gift ideas for the home
Japanese-themed wall art is a great gift for Japan lovers at home. This way they can decorate their entire home with the country they love the most. I quite liked this poster of Tokyo in anime style. But simply check out all options on Amazon.
#39 Japanese keyring
These keyrings are great Japanese-themed gifts if you just want to give something small and thoughtful. You could go for this cherry blossom one, or pick one of the many options on Amazon.
#40 Japanese travel journal
This Japanese-themed travel journal is a great Japanese gift idea for someone who will travel to Japan soon! If you would rather find a traditional travel journal, check out these 25 cute travel journals.
Save these Japanese gift ideas
Did you save these gifts for Japan lovers on Pinterest yet?
