Japanese kitchen knife
USD 80–300
Expertly forged carbon steel tools that hold an edge far longer than Western equivalents.
EverJean from Nishiki Ichiba, Kyoto (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Kappabashi Kitchen Town, accessible by a day trip from Hakone.
Japan
What to Buy in Japan
Local goods and souvenirs worth bringing home — with photos, typical prices, and where to buy them.
Washi paper stationery
USD 5–40
This traditional paper uses long fibers from mulberry bark, creating a durable and textured surface.
Tomomarusan (CC BY 2.5)
Where to buy: Kyukyodo
Tenugui hand towel
USD 5–25
These thin, versatile cotton cloths feature distinct local mountain and lake motifs.
ma_shimaro (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Small craft shops along the Hakone Tozan Railway route.
High-end stationery
USD 5–100
Japanese paper and fountain pen ink offer a tactile quality you cannot replicate elsewhere.
Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels
Where to buy: Itoya Ginza
Matcha Powder
USD 10–60
Fresh stone-ground green tea provides an umami profile that loses intensity during long-distance export.
Evanhoever (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Ippodo Tea Co. in Kyoto or local shops in Uji.
Matcha Tea
USD 15–80
Fresh, stone-ground green tea retains a vibrant color and flavor profile unavailable in exported bags.
Photo by sentidos humanos on Unsplash
Where to buy: Ippodo Tea Co. in Marunouchi.
Momiji manju
USD 5–20
Soft sponge cakes filled with sweet bean paste, baked in the shape of maple leaves.
NY066 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Fujiiya or Nishikido storefronts throughout Hon-dori and Miyajima Island.
Sake
USD 25–80
Local breweries use pristine regional mountain water to craft their distinct, crisp rice wines.
The Epopt (Public domain)
Where to buy: Specialty liquor shops near Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Anime figurines
USD 15–200
The Belsel building offers a dedicated space for rare figures and manga outside the Tokyo rush.
Photo by Sirius Df on Pexels
Where to buy: Belsel Building in Tatemachi.
Hida beef jerky
USD 8–20
This savory treat uses the famous local wagyu beef known for intense marbling.
Photo by fan zhang on Pexels
Where to buy: Food stalls near the Miyagawa Morning Market.
Koshu Ori silk necktie
USD 40–150
This regional weaving technique produces high-density silk known for a deep, shimmering luster.
Photo by Rafael Minguet Delgado on Pexels
Where to buy: Local textile workshops along the Honcho street area.
Master-Piece Backpack
USD 150–400
Durable, high-performance materials meet refined city design in these locally crafted bags.
Photo by Christopher Spence on Pexels
Where to buy: Master-Piece Flagship Store in Shinjuku
Ainu-style wood carving
USD 25–300
Hand-carved designs celebrate the indigenous heritage of the Hokkaido region using native hardwoods.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels
Where to buy: Specialty craft shops in the canal district
Kumano-fude makeup brushes
USD 20–120
Artisanal natural-hair brushes provide a professional finish that synthetic factory versions fail to achieve.
Photo by Feng Zou on Pexels
Where to buy: Kumano brush galleries, specialty department stores
Matcha green tea powder
USD 15–60
Kyoto produces the finest stone-ground tea leaves, specifically from the nearby Uji region.
Evanhoever (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Ippodo Tea Co. main shop or the vendors at Nishiki Market.
Sashiko stitched textile
USD 20–100
These durable, hand-stitched goods feature geometric patterns rooted in rural Hida workwear.
Photo by Yumi on Pexels
Where to buy: Hida Sashiko in Kataharamachi.
Premium Sencha Green Tea
USD 10–50
High-quality, steamed green tea leaves sourced from nearby prefectures, ideal for daily brewing.
Difference engine (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Maruyama Tea Shop near the Hakone-Yumoto station.
Shunkei lacquerware
USD 30–300
This regional technique highlights the natural grain of yew wood under transparent lacquer.
掬茶 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Traditional craft shops in the Sanmachi district.
Ichii Itto-bori carving
USD 40–500
Masters carve these intricate figures from local yew wood without applying colored paint.
gundam2345 (CC BY 3.0)
Where to buy: Specialized woodcarving galleries along the Miyagawa River.
Japanese incense
USD 10–80
Delicate, low-smoke scents crafted from natural sandalwood and agarwood provide a subtle home fragrance.
Public domain
Where to buy: Shoyeido