Pop Japan

Planning to visit Japan? If you have extra pocket money and you want to buy a unique souvenir that can't be bought in 100 Yen Shops but worthy of keeping for a long time, you are reading the right guide for your shopping.

The following are some of the good buys Made in Japan:

1. Kitchen Knife - Japan is one of the best makers of high-precision knives. It requires meticulous care, so you must seek advice from the sales clerk on what kind of knife to buy.

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2. Japanese Dolls - Any kind of traditional dolls would cost much more than the common dolls we see in toy stores. These are made in different materials and made with utmost care. It's also ideal to give to women as ornament for their homes.

Photo by Daniel Schwen. Licensed under Creative Commons.

3. Kimono - It is one of the most favorite souvenirs of foreigners; however, it would cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars to buy one. Yukata is a good alternative.

Photo by Daderot. Licensed under Public Domain. 

4. Wagasa - The high-end Japanese parasols would cost you hundreds of dollars each.

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5. Randoseru - Randoseru are the leather backpacks of the Japanese elementary students. It is usually  comes with black (for boys) and red (for girls).

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6. Rice cookers - Sure you have a cheaper rice cooker in your own home now, but these magical rice cookers can evenly transmit heat in all of the rice it contains. It is like cooking your rice in an oven. Just don't forget to buy adapters when you buy one.

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7. Action Figures - Otaku lovers won't miss buying an action figure from the roots of anime and manga! Prices range from 6000 Yen to 20,000 Yen depending on the quality.

8. Wristwatches - You can buy limited edition and exclusively-sold-in-Japan watches for some brands like Casio and Seiko.

Photo by Omnicloud at English Wikipedia. Licensed under Creative Commons. 

9. Mikimoto Pearls - Would you like to give something special to your special girl? Give her a pearl jewelry coming from Mikimoto Island, harvested by the ama or Japanese Pearl Divers! Prices range from 60,000 Yen or higher.

Photo by Brandon Baunach. Licensed under Creative Commons. 

10. Edo Kiriko Glass - These sophisticated glasses undergo the traditional, meticulous glass cutting of the Japanese called Edo Kiriko. Prices ranges from 5,000 Yen to 12,000 Yen or higher.

11. Kabuto - These are war helmets that originated way back to the Middle Ages. Kabuto is a popular decoration for Children's day (May 5), which was originally celebrated as Boys' Day. Prices range form 10,000 Yen or higher.

12. Pots and Ceramics - Seto in Aichi Prefecture is the best place to see and buy ceramics and pottery in Japan, You can also buy in different flea markets. Prices depend on the design and the potter or ceramist, that it can cost 300,000 Yen or up.

13. Ryukyuu glass - These glasses originated from Okinawa. It was first made as a recycled glass from a cola brand and beer cans from the American army base. Its irregular shape and bulky appearance gives a handmade feeling.

14. Kanzashi - These are ornamental pins worn with a traditional kimono. The materials define the price, from 1000 Yen or higher.

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15. Sensu - These are the traditional kinds of folding fan. Although this item seem not worthy of thousands of Yen, and made for practical usage, its artistic value will define its price. High-end sensus are then painted with silver and gold, and crafted with utmost care. Definitely one of the collectors' items, with price ranging from 10,000 Yen or higher.

Photo by Tomomarusan. Licensed under Creative Commons.