When you’re visiting Japan for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming to try to find cheap souvenirs. You might be wondering if you’ll be able to find something meaningful without spending too much, or where to go shopping for souvenirs. Japan has a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and unique products, so it’s natural to think that affordable options might be hard to find. But the truth is, there are plenty of great options out there.
Affordable souvenirs in Japan include tenugui (hand towels), omamori (charms), and chopstick sets, often priced from ¥400 to ¥1,500. Popular snacks like Kit Kats, senbei, and matcha treats are budget-friendly and easy to pack. You can also find unique gifts at 100-yen shops like Daiso.
Rest assured, this guide is here to help you discover some of the best affordable and authentic souvenirs. You’ll bring home the essence of Japan without compromising on quality and breaking your travel budget.
Why Choose Cheap Souvenirs?
Not everyone wants to spend thousands of yen on traditional lacquerware, and not everyone can afford to. But cheaper souvenirs let you take home a piece of Japan’s culture and creativity, and have more money for experiences, dining, and travel. And don’t think that being budget-friendly means you’ll get low-quality stuff. Japan has tons of unique, quality items at prices that’ll surprise you.
While it’s tempting to spend on luxury items, affordable souvenirs can be just as meaningful. You can find lots of affordable souvenirs that reflect Japan’s culture, artistry, and charm if you know where to look.
The Best Places to Shop for Cheap Souvenirs
Japan’s got tons of stores and markets where you can find awesome stuff at great prices. I’ll give you a list of some of the most common and easy to find.
100-Yen Shops: These shops are great for finding cute and practical souvenirs. You can find chopsticks, ceramics, office supplies, and traditional Japanese items, all for just ¥100 (plus tax). There are several brands but try to look for Daiso, Seria, and Can Do which are probably the most popular.
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Don Quijote: It’s a popular discount store with everything from snacks and beauty products to unusual souvenirs. Keep an eye out for Japanese sweets, tea sets, or fun keychains which are amazing. This store is popular and easy to find in every city.
Local Markets: Check out places like Ameya-Yokocho in Tokyo or Nishiki Market in Kyoto. You can find traditional crafts, snacks, and small accessories at reasonable prices. They’re not as cheap as 100 yen shops, but they’re usually affordable and offer authentic souvenirs.
Street Vendors: Temples and festivals often have stalls selling handmade goods, charms, or local specialties for a reasonable price. There are more festivals during the summer, but it’s still worth checking if there’s a festival going on during your trip.
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Outlet Malls: If you’re looking for discounted brand-name items, outlet malls are the best place to shop. The most popular ones are Gotemba Premium Outlets and Rinku Premium Outlets near Osaka.
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Where to Find Cheap Souvenirs in Major Cities
Tokyo
Nakamise Street (Asakusa):
Located near Senso-ji Temple, this famous shopping street is lined with stalls. They sell traditional souvenirs such as folding fans, keychains, and senbei (rice crackers). Many items cost under ¥1,000, making it perfect for affordable shopping.
Daiso Harajuku:
This huge 100-yen shop in the heart of Tokyo has everything from chopsticks to stationery with fun and stylish Japanese designs.
Ameya-Yokocho (Ueno):
This lively market is perfect for cheap snacks, traditional crafts, and unique finds. You can also pick up bulk deals on sweets and snacks to bring home.
Kyoto
Nishiki Market:
Nishiki Market is known as Kyoto’s kitchen, and it’s a great place to find small, affordable items like handcrafted chopsticks, Japanese tea, and local snacks.
Gion District Shops:
Explore the shops in this historic area to find beautiful tenugui (hand towels) and omamori (charms) from nearby temples.
Kyoto Handicraft Center:
While it offers a range of prices, you can also find small and affordable traditional crafts like mini kokeshi dolls or pottery.
Osaka
Kuromon Ichiba Market:
This lively market is great for picking up affordable food souvenirs, such as dried seafood or local sweets.
Don Quijote (Dotonbori):
A favorite among tourists, this discount store is packed with quirky Japanese products, from matcha-flavored snacks to fun-themed keychains and magnets.
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade:
Browse through smaller shops for discounted kimono fabrics, small accessories, and unique keepsakes.
Hiroshima
Miyajima Island Shops:
While famous for its giant torii gate, Miyajima also has multiple shops. They have local specialties like momiji manju (maple-leaf-shaped cakes) and wooden rice scoops, both affordable and uniquely tied to the area.
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Hiroshima Station Gift Shops:
Pick up small regional treats like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki sauces or lemon-flavored snacks, often available at reasonable prices.
Popular Budget-Friendly Souvenirs
Snacks and Sweets:
Japan-exclusive Kit Kats, senbei, and wagashi are perfect for gifting. You can find most of these for under ¥1,000 at convenience stores, supermarkets, or specialty shops.
Stationery:
Japan is also known for its high-quality and cute stationery, like notebooks, pens, and washi tape. Stores like Loft and Tokyu Hands have great options starting at ¥200.
Tenugui (Hand Towels):
These lightweight towels have beautiful patterns and traditional designs, making them great gifts. Prices range from ¥500 to ¥1,500, depending on the design.
Omamori (Charms):
You can find them at temples and shrines, and they’re pretty affordable (¥300–¥1,000). They’re also really meaningful, and you can get omamori to bless you with good health, love, or success.
Miniature Crafts:
You can find miniature samurai helmets, lanterns, and folding screens at tourist shops, and they often cost less than ¥2,000.
Tips for Souvenir Shopping in Japan
- Set a Budget: Decide on a spending limit to avoid overspending. Even if you’re buying cheap souvenirs, it can add up after a while.
- Shop Smart: Compare prices in different stores or markets. And remember to check out 100 yen shops first.
- Buy in Bulk: Snacks or small items are usually cheaper when purchased in sets.
- Look for Tax-Free Shopping: Stores offering tax refunds can help you save on larger purchases. Check out my article about tax-free in Japan for more information.
Why Affordable Souvenirs Are Worth It
You can find cheap souvenirs that are just as good and authentic as any other. In fact, a lot of the best gifts you’ll find in Japan are small, meaningful, and budget-friendly. These souvenirs are more than just things; they’re memories of your trip, a reflection of Japanese culture, and a way to show your loved ones back home you appreciate them.
With affordable souvenirs, you can share Japan’s charm with loved ones without spending a fortune. They often have a story to tell, like that small snack unique to the region you visited. So, let’s get shopping!
