Shopping is one of the best parts of traveling to Japan. You will find endless options as you stroll the streets, from traditional Japanese goods to the latest gadgets.

Watches are a particularly popular item to get in Japan. The CITIZEN brand is a must-have, with a history spanning over 100 years. It offers a wide range of designs and features built on its proven technology.

CITIZEN is one of Japan's biggest and long-established watch manufacturers. Refusing to rest on its laurels, it keeps challenging itself with new technologies, opening up new doors for watchmakers in the process.

CITIZEN stands out as a true manufacture, overseeing a fully integrated in-house production process. From design and parts processing to movement manufacturing and final assembly, it ensures precision and consistent quality.

One of CITIZEN’s best features is Eco-Drive, a light-powered technology that converts any light, from sunlight to faint indoor lamps, into energy to keep each watch running. This technology eliminates the need for regular battery replacements and has been attracting attention for its sustainability.

Another unique CITIZEN technology is Satellite Wave GPS, which receives position data and a time signal from orbiting GPS satellites to automatically update watches to the correct date and time, even when passing through multiple time zones.

The brand is popular around the world for its commitment to tradition, precision, and cutting-edge technology.

Among the ladies’ collection, the xC series has been receiving particularly strong support. The series has been adorning women’s wrists for thirty years, accompanying them as they go through each day with their heads up.

The popular SAKURA Limited Edition, released around spring each year, often sells out quickly. Limited to 2,200 pieces worldwide, the 2026 model features an eye-catching design with cherry blossoms in full bloom on the dial. Compared to previous petal motifs, this new design makes the cherry blossoms stand out even more.

The white mother-of-pearl dial features delicate guilloche-style flowers and buds. When exposed to light, the pearls’ unique luster glistens, revealing pink and blue hues for a design that changes depending on the angle you view it from. Lab-grown diamonds are placed on four points and add a subtle, elegant touch. Their discreet shine complements the cherry blossom design, creating perfect harmony.

The case and band use CITIZEN’s exclusive Sakura Pink® color, which is close to rose gold but with more touches of red. It blends well with the skin and adds a subtle elegance to the design.

Both functional and practical, it is equipped with light-powered Eco-Drive technology, eliminating the need for regular battery replacement. It also receives a time signal from Japan, America, Europe, and China to automatically update watches to the correct date and time. This allows seamless use anywhere in the world without ever having to make manual adjustments.

The lightweight Super Titanium material is gentle on the skin and scratch-resistant. The model can be used in various daily activities, such as housework and childcare. The cherry blossom motif and durability make this watch the perfect souvenir from Japan.

The CITIZEN COLLECTION’s SAKURA Mechanical Limited Edition is a popular collection released every spring. In 2026, sales will be limited to 2,200 pieces worldwide (in total for both models).

This year, the dial is getting a new look. The perimeter is adorned with gradient cherry blossoms in full bloom, like petals fluttering down into water. The mother-of-pearl dial gives the watch a different look depending on where you view it from, which is another unique feature of these two models.

The best feature on these models is the charming open-heart design, which reveals the movement of the balance wheel through a specific part of the dial cut in the shape of a cherry blossom petal.

As mechanical models designed for women are limited in Japan, many customers seek these models in stores. They come in standard and small sizes, so anyone can choose the size that suits their preference. The cherry blossoms swaying to each of your movements and the mechanical design will bring a splash of color to your life.

CITIZEN’s top brand, The CITIZEN, embodies its philosophy, technology, and pursuit of perfection. The eagle emblem on the dial symbolizes the commitment to always look ahead. The brand’s minimalistic design is a timeless statement that will never go out of style. Its light-powered Eco-Drive technology has Annual Accuracy of ±5 Seconds. The model is designed for long-term use.

The recommended Hand-dyed Indigo Washi Paper Dial Model uses traditional Japanese washi paper for the dial, specifically Tosa washi, one of Japan's three major types of washi papers. The result is an indigo hue derived from natural dye and known as Japan Blue. Each sheet of paper is hand-dyed by artisans, making each piece unique.

Not only does this model use washi paper, but it also has another incredible feature: it is equipped with Eco-Drive technology, which captures light through a solar cell beneath the dial. An opaque dial would not be able to generate electricity, while a completely transparent dial would reveal its internal structure. This is why a design that lets light through but conceals the solar cell was necessary.

This model uses Tengu-jo paper, a particularly thin variety of Tosa washi, letting the light through while concealing the solar cell. The unique texture of washi paper is still visible, but it does not compromise power generation efficiency. CITIZEN’s commitment to providing both visual appeal and functionality represents the core of the brand’s technology.

From a distance, the dial looks refined, but up close, you can appreciate the artisans' craftsmanship. This design represents the perfect balance between traditional materials and modern luxury watches.

ATTESA is a titanium watch brand that exemplifies the finest of CITIZEN’s technical prowess. The model uses lightweight, resistant titanium and is suitable for both business and everyday wear.

The ATTESA model is equipped with the world's first automatic lunar age function, called the Luna Program. With a visionary design, each day's moon phase is displayed at the 6 o'clock position.

The typical duration of a moon cycle is 29.5 days, which means that it gradually shifts and requires manual adjustment on a regular basis. To address this issue, the ATTESA Luna Program calculates moon phases using date information received via satellite and corrects each day’s moon phase. Additionally, the watch is equipped with a North-South shift function, which automatically provides corrections depending on the visibility of the moon from the northern and southern hemispheres.

CITIZEN’s signature style shines through the meticulous design. The silver moon combines printing and metal electrodeposition. The 3D effect makes it look like it is floating in the starry sky, and the gradient, clear layer reflects the moon phases.

The watch also receives a time signal from Japan, America, Europe, and China to automatically update watches to the correct date and time. This feature is ideal for those who frequently travel abroad.

Q: Where can I purchase the watches featured in this article?

A: You can purchase these watches at any CITIZEN retailer across Japan. If you would like to view the brand’s extensive collection, visit the CITIZEN FLAGSHIP STORE locations in Tokyo and Osaka, where you will find all the main models from CITIZEN Group.

A special offer is currently available. If you show this page at any CITIZEN FLAGSHIP STORE location, you will receive a complimentary pouch with Japanese patterns, embodying typical Japanese luxury and CITIZEN’s refined design.

Q: Can the staff speak any other language than Japanese?

A: Yes, they have multilingual staff available. At CITIZEN FLAGSHIP STORE TOKYO, some staff members can assist you in English, Chinese, and Spanish. Both flagship stores have expert staff who will explain each product’s features and differences in detail.

Q: Do you offer tax-free shopping?

A: Both the Tokyo and Osaka locations offer tax-free shopping. All you need is to present your passport.

Q: What happens in case of damage after purchase in Japan?

A: Your watch comes with a three-year international warranty from the date of purchase. Check the official website for more details on the eligible regions.

Each of the five models introduced in this article is the epitome of CITIZEN’s cultivated technologies and designs, including a limited edition featuring cherry blossoms, a dial made with artisanal Japanese washi paper, and the Luna Program that automatically displays the day’s moon phase. They are all unique but share the brand’s commitment to combine visual appeal and practicality.

Why not purchase one of these watches infused with Japanese aesthetics and technology on your next visit to Japan? It will make the perfect souvenir from your trip and will surely accompany you for many years.