My usual souvenir purchases are not the usual souvenir purchases!  Wanting to buy items in Japan that reflect their incredible eye for detail and quality I was on the hunt for items that reflect this.

1. Stoneware, earthenware and porcelain items.

Kappabashi Street or Kitchen street starts at the 11 metre high Chef's head adorning a buildling.  Depending on which station you arrive at you may exit at the other end of Kappabashi Street.  Don't panic, walk down th eoppoiste way and you will find the Chef's head eventually.  A short walk from Sensi-JO Tmeple in Asakusa, this 800 metre street is a kitchen wares lovers delight.


This street is not only for professional chef's looking for ridiculously expensive kitchen knives that Japan is famous for, it is also a shoppers paradise.  Beautiful hand made ceramics called yakimomo are piled high is ridiculously small shops where your handmade or backpack could be them end of you if you turn around too fast.  You can also buy fake food use in restaurant windows, chopsticks of the highest quality and all sorts of kitchen gadgets.



To my absolute delight I was able to chose one of each item meaning I could buy a set of handmade ceramic cups for my coffee addiction.  While these are most probably for Japanese tea they were a perfect size for my coffee cup collection ranging from around $2-$4 each.



I also could just not resist the exquisite bowls and plates of the most stunning glazes from rish blues to aqua greens to earthy tones.  5 kilos later with a very patient hubby and carrier of goods I was done and very happy.



2. Kokeshi Dolls




While we are all familiar with the modern, kitchy kokeshi dolls found in tourist stores, I was chasing antique and vintage kokeshi dolls.  These dolls have a very long history and come in all shapes and sizes, but are very hard to find in stores.  While I would love the luxury of time to rove through countless weekend markets, where i know they are found, I just did not have the time.  Thats where Oriental Bazaar, Tokyo  comes in play.


Situated in the gorgeous Omotesando district on a very flash street, its a short walk from Takashita Street. This shop has a long a rich history. opening in 1971  for foreign travellers.  Reinventing itselk in 1951 after World War 11, near the US Army barracks where the  personal bought souvenirs for their families, it has continued to be a reasonably priced, high quality  treasure trove every since.     his shop is huge of course, with three floors, the top floor dedicated to antique and vintage Japanese items. This is where I found my Kokeshi dolls.  They weren't super cheap but very affordable.

On the first floor you can find gorgeous etchings of Hokusai, "The Great Wave" and other famous etchings unframed and good prices.  They have the usual array of tourist items too but seem to be of a higher quality.  The packing is amazing and the staff delightful of course.

3. Antique Obis

Japanese Obis are essentially a sash made of exquisite material used to tie around a Japanese dress or Keikogi.  I was actually not looking for an obi to wear but rather display.  As the material is of the highest quality, often silk, I wasn't sure if my budget could afford one.



On my travels to Kyoto and staying with a local, I explained my dilemma (yes, first world, I know)
My lovely host then mentioned I need to go to vintage clothing shops, which coincidently Kyoto isi famous for.  So off i trundelled to Teramachi-dori which had loads of vintage clothing stores.  I was specially looking for Harijuku Chigao store which had a huge collection of second hand Japanese clothing on the second floor where I finally found my obi at a great price.  Obviously the prices reflect the fabric and rarity of the designs.  I was was really on after a traditional Japanese scene, which I managed to find for only $30. There were some there priced up to $300!

4. Tower Records Merch...



This freaking huge 5000m2 shop with a vast vinyl collection is a must for music lovers.  Fabulous to look through and if you can't find a vinyl of your taste then grab one of the iconic Tower Record canvas bags for T-shirts.  Your music lovin' friends will be forever in your debt.

5. Miniature Beer Cans



Yep! It's a thing!!  Japan sells half size beer cans.  All the most famous beers; Aashi, Kiriin and Sapporo are sold in pint size cuties.  They are sold in most local supermarkets and 711s and are meant for a quick little drink.  These beer cans are highly collectable, cheap and a very cute souvenir.

6. Miniature Sake Barrels



Another very Cute and collectible souvenir is a replica Sake barrel.  The huge ones are found in restaurents and temples but obviously most possible to take home.  It's just not going to fit.! I actually foun dit really hard to find these at a size suitable to carry.  They come filled with sake so the bigger the heavier. I finally found one in Takashimaya department store , in the gourmet food and drinks section after asking some locals in Osaka.  Probably because they have alcohol in them they are not in the usual tourist shops.

7. Japanese Souvenirs in 100 Yen Shops




Those trashy dollar shops you find in your country are nothing like the ones in Japan.  100 yen shops include the most famous such as Daiso and they are also others like Can-Do. There's heaps more smaller brands and you will find them with huge signs saying 100 yen.  They are often hard to find due to rent prices I guess.  We found them underground in in shopping centres, but not usually on the main streets.  So why would you shop there?  Because they have an amazing array of Japanese souvenirs for one yen, and a  much more expensive range than in your own country.  While they are not the most high end, you can get ceramics, posters, and other every cute tourist items at a bargain price.  Don't forget to look at the weird and wonderful beauty products and cute as a button stationary item.

8. Uniqlo and Muji



While Uniqlo and Muji stores are worldwide, the flagship stores in Japan are cheaper and have a way better range.  I have shopped in Uniqlo all over the world and the ones inJapan are by far the cheapest and the experience is so very different.  Of course you need to visit the biggest Uniqlo in the world at Ginza, bu tall the shops have a huge range.  I just love the fact they will adjust your hems for free if yo wait an hour or tow, or come back later.  They also are a tax free store as well.  Muji is the same deal; better range and cheaper.

9. Japanese Woodblock Prints



Wanting a couple of original wood block prints, I found the Japanese shop in Tokyo called Mokuhankan Ukiyo-e.  Run by an amazing man, David Bull, who helped rebuild the dying art of wood block prints, I discovered his shop right near Sensi-Jo Temple.  Not only can you make your own wood block print you can also buy originals at his shops.  I bought a number of famous pieces for reasonable prices at a very high quality.  He was a lovely man, who loved to chat.  You can also buy online, but what is the fun of that!!




Sorry, no number 10!! Have fun shopping in Japan.