Stories from Japan
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Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team
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4 Spots near Tokyo Disney for Japanese Souvenirs Shopping You’ll Love
Looking for Japanese souvenirs near Tokyo Disney? There’s a convenient shopping destination nearby where you can find everything from Japanese snacks and quirky gadgets to pottery, clothing, and Tokyo-themed gifts.
What Souvenirs or gifts from the USA should I bring to my Japanese colleagues?
In Japan, there’s the cultural tradition of gift giving or omiyage. This practice centers around gratitude and giving thanks towards family, friends, and coworkers. For workplace omiyage, it often takes the form of individually wrapped local foods that could be enjoyed by multiple people. What to bring your Japanese colleagues or clients from the USA.
Where to Buy One-of-a-Kind Kimono Souvenirs in Japan (2026 Guide)
The best one-of-a-kind kimono souvenirs come from stores and studios working with real, once-worn kimono and obi rather than printed fabric — think Tokyo Kimono Shoes and Asakusa Tatsumiya for walk-in shopping in Asakusa, Tokyo Kimono Make and Kanzashi Sugino for hands-on workshops, and Annaj or Far East Fabric if you'd rather order online. Because every kimono bolt carries its own pattern, nothing on this list repeats — what you bring home won't be sitting in anyone else's suitcase too.
What Can Design Students Learn From Traveling in Japan?
Traveling through Japan offers design students valuable lessons in visual communication, accessibility, user experience, and storytelling. From public spaces to retail stores and theme parks, every environment demonstrates how thoughtful design shapes everyday experiences.
What Are the Best Flagship Stores in Tokyo for Designers and Tech Professionals?
Explore Tokyo's best flagship stores and immersive retail experiences, featuring interactive technology, contemporary art, and innovative store design.
What Is a Unique Food Experience in Tokyo? Try This Salt-Making Workshop and Umeboshi Tasting
Looking for a unique food experience in Tokyo? Learn how to create your own custom salt, taste different varieties of umeboshi, and discover a hands-on activity at Tokyo Solamachi that's perfect for food lovers and curious travelers.
18 Japanese Souvenirs Neurodivergent Travelers Will Actually Love (2026)
Traveling as a neurodivergent individual or with neurodivergent family members requires thinking about souvenirs through a sensory lens. Instead of overwhelming trinkets, this guide highlights meaningful, grounding Japanese keepsakes that double as comfort items. It explores sensory-friendly options like soothing Japanese incense, grounding tactile pottery like Kintsugi, satisfying craft kits like Studio Ghibli paper theatres, and comforting ritual items like traditional matcha sets.
Peak Performance Style: The Ultimate Guide to Shopping Outdoor Luxury in Japan
A comprehensive shopping guide for high-end outdoor brands. This article explains where to find flagship stores in Tokyo and the mountains, highlights "Japan-only" exclusive lines like TNF Purple Label, and offers a seamless way to book shopping transport via Tokudaw.
Where is the Best Facial in Japan? Your Guide to Flagship Luxury and "Glow-Up" Souvenirs
If you’re traveling to Japan, you’ve probably asked yourself: Where can I actually get the best facial? and What skincare should I squeeze into my suitcase before I leave? Forget the generic spa menus at your hotel. To get the "Glass Skin" of your dreams, you need to go straight to the source: the flagship salons of Japan’s most iconic skincare brands. Here is where to go and what to buy.
Functionality and craftmanship: Japan’s best inventions you need at home
Japan’s reputation for its innovation and technology is renowned around the world.
The country has a history of being home to incredible creations and inventions, whether it be in the home or the international stage.
From simple tools to cool gadgets, here are some traditional Japanese tools you need to bring home with you to make your everyday life easier!
Japanese good luck charms: Must-buy souvenirs for you and your loved ones
Throughout history, Japanese culture has remained rich in spirituality and connection to religious beliefs.
Because of these beliefs, Japanese culture has a wide range of traditional of different symbols and figures that are told to bring good fortune and protection.
These charms not only make for great, unique souvenirs, but also act as a way to connect with local heritage and keep protection for you and your loved ones.
How to decorate your home with traditional Japanese art
Japan’s strong culture of art and craftsmanship means it is the perfect place to find a wide variety of artworks and intricate decorative pieces.
Bring a sophisticated and cultured twist into your home by adding some pieces from Japanese culture you can find throughout your trip.
Ready to get decorating? Here are some art and craft works you need for your space!
From traditional to modern dress: 12 Japanese Kimono clothing and accessories you need
Japan is home to some of the best fashion in the world, and it is no new phenomena.
For centuries, the country has boasted an incredibly rich and beautiful range of traditional clothing; ranging from colorful garments to cute accessories.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan soon, make sure not to miss out on your chance to get these pieces before you leave!
How to decorate your Christmas tree with Japanese souvenirs this festive season
The festive season is just around the corner! But this Christmas, don’t miss out on the chance to have your tree shine extra bright by adding your favourite Japanese souvenirs to the mix.
Japan souvenir stores are filled with cute keychains and hanging decorations featuring many traditional, cultural figures. But there’s only so much room on a single keychain. Instead, try adding a unique twist to your tree this year by hanging these keychains as ornaments instead.
Disney Christmas in Japan: 15 must-buy items from Japan’s iconic Disney stores
With over 40 Disney stores globally, Japan is the ultimate destination to stock up on all your Disney favourites for the coming Christmas period.
Disney is one of the, if not the, most famous franchises of all time. From toddlers to great-grandparents, the beloved films and characters have touched the hearts of millions around the world.
Celebrate alongside all your favourite childhood characters with these adorable and unique festive items. New collections and items are released every festive season, so here’s a few you definitely cannot miss out on!
The amazing world of Japanese stationery: What to buy and where
Combining colourful designs and high-end paper and ink, Japanese stationery is famous for being some of the best in the world! Offering specific Japanese brands and traditional products such as calligraphy pens and paper, there is so much that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Whether you’re an avid scrapbooking fan or a humble, daily user of the classic diary and pens, Japan’s stationery is one thing that you simply cannot skip on your trip.
With so many options to choose from and only so much space in your pencil case, here’s a quick guide on the best from what the world’s stationery capital has to offer.
Top 10 Must-Buys from Don Quijote
If you’ve visited or planned a trip to Japan, chances are that you’ve heard of Don Quijote: the country’s largest discount store. Between travellers and locals alike, Donki is a favourite and one-stop shop for almost anything you could need.
From cosmetics to candy, and suitcases to souvenirs, Donki stores have it all. But with some mega-stores spanning across eight floors, there’s almost no time to see everything on offer in store.
Here’s a quick must-buy guide for all visitors looking to visit a store near them; for travel essentials and keepsake goodies!
Where to find the best matcha in Japan
Matcha isn’t just a health fad here, it’s part of daily life—and it has been for centuries. From ancient tea ceremonies to modern ice cream shops, Japanese matcha shows up in ways that are cultural, creative, and endlessly tasty. So where do you go if you want the best matcha in Japan?
The Science of Kawaii: How Japan’s Culture of Cuteness Supports Well-Being
Japan’s fascination with kawaii, or the culture of cuteness, is easy to spot. From pastel mascots and plush toys to playful stationery and whimsical fashion, it seems to touch every corner of daily life. But beyond its charming appearance, kawaii culture carries a deeper meaning. Research in psychology and neuroscience is beginning to show that it can have a real and positive impact on mental health and happiness.
Cherry blossom souvenirs in Japan—what to buy and where to buy it
The second sakura season begins, Japan transforms. Shelves fill with pastel-colored packaging, cafés roll out their once-a-year menus, and entire product lines disappear as fast as they arrive. It’s not subtle—it’s a full-scale seasonal takeover. Timing is everything. These aren’t souvenirs that wait around. If you want the good stuff, you need to know what to look for—and exactly where to find it before it’s gone.