Choosing souvenirs for family and friends is one of the joys of traveling. Especially when traveling abroad, you can experience unique souvenirs and cultural differences that you won't find in your own country. So, this time we'll introduce souvenirs sold in Japan.
1. Traditional Japanese souvenirs
- Manjū
"Manjū" is a steamed sweet made by wrapping bean paste in dough, mainly made from wheat flour, and has been popular among Japanese people for a long time. "Manjū" is also a popular souvenir at tourist destinations.
There are many different types of manjū, but onsen manjū are a popular souvenir from hot springs. Onsen manjū are characterized by the fact that they are made using hot spring water when making the dough that encases the bean paste, and are steamed using the hot spring steam. Onsen manjū have a long history, said to have been created over 100 years ago.
Japan is home to famous hot springs such as Kinosaki Onsen and Dogo Onsen. Artisans in each region make onsen manjū using traditional methods. As a result, the taste, texture, and appearance of onsen manjū vary depending on the hot spring. If you visit a hot spring in Japan, be sure to buy some and enjoy them.
- Regionally limited sweets
In Japan, the flavors of local specialties are sometimes recreated in sweets and sold only in that region. For example, mango-flavored chocolate is sold in Okinawa, a prefecture in the south of Japan famous for its mango production. Corn-flavored chocolate is sold in Hokkaido, a prefecture in the north of Japan famous for its corn production. Apple-flavored chocolate is also sold in the Shinshu region, famous for its apple production.
Regionally exclusive sweets are popular souvenirs among Japanese people because they can only be purchased in that area.
2. Souvenirs that give you a taste of Japanese culture
- Fan (sensu)
A sensu is a folding fan that can be carried around. During the hot and humid Japanese summer, you will often see people using a sensu. The reason why sensu are recommended as souvenirs from Japan is that they are often decorated with traditional Japanese patterns and pictures. For example, sensu may feature beautifully fluttering petals of the cherry blossom, a representative Japanese flower, or a checkerboard pattern called Ichimatsu moyō, which symbolizes prosperity.
Furthermore, sensu have long been used at auspicious ceremonies such as weddings. For this reason, some sensu are brightly decorated. We hope you will have fun choosing your sensu.
- Tenugui
Tenugui are cotton hand towels that have been around in Japan for a long time. Tenugui often have patterns unique to Japan woven into them. For this reason, they are recommended as souvenirs that allow you to experience Japanese culture. Tenugui are long, thin, and durable pieces of cloth, so one of their charms is that they can be used in a variety of ways other than just for wiping your hands.
For example, using it as a rug while eating can make your everyday meals more enjoyable. Also, if you hang a tenugui with your favorite pattern on the wall of your room, you can create a Japanese atmosphere. Try visiting many shops and looking for a tenugui with your favorite pattern.
3. How do I buy souvenirs?
When buying souvenirs at tourist spots, it is recommended to buy them at shops in the shopping districts of major stations or tourist destinations along the way. Each region carries different souvenirs, so try stopping by shops in various locations. This time, we will introduce some useful example sentences to remember when buying souvenirs.
Example sentences
What souvenirs would you recommend?
Osusume no odosan wo oshietekudasai.
Please tell me the recommended souvenirs.
Example sentences
How much is this?
Kore wa nan-en desu ka?
How much is this?
When buying food as souvenirs, you want to buy something that doesn't cause any allergies or food dislikes. Be sure to tell the store clerk about your preferences so you can choose a souvenir that you'll be happy with.
Example sentences
Does it contain bean paste? I don't like bean paste, so I'd like to know.
An-ko wa haitte imasu ka? Watashi wa an-ko ga nigatena node shiritai desu.
Does this have red bean paste in it? I don’t like red bean paste, so I want to know.
Did you notice any differences between the types of souvenirs in Japan and those in your country? Please use this as reference when traveling or shopping in Japan. By the way, if you're traveling in Japan and want to ask for directions, do you know how to say it in Japanese? Studying even a little Japanese might help you enjoy Japan even more.
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