Japan is famous for its wide variety of snacks, from Black Thunder chocolate bars and gummies to Pocky and KitKat. These often come in seasonal or limited flavors, and during holidays like Halloween or Christmas, you’ll even find special packaging. Since these versions may not be available on your next trip, they’re worth picking up. Snacks are light and compact, making it easy to bring home several flavors at once, and larger packs usually contain individually wrapped portions—perfect for sharing.

Japan’s instant foods come in an incredible variety, from classics like tonkotsu, soy sauce, and miso ramen to curry, seafood, and spicy flavors. Supermarkets are filled with limited-edition releases and collaborations with famous restaurants, making it easy to discover something new. Beyond fried noodles, you’ll also find instant udon and soba topped with tempura or sweet fried tofu, surprisingly tasty even when just rehydrated with hot water.

In recent years, instant rice meals have also appeared, offering a unique option not yet common abroad. According to our interviewed guide, he always picks up new flavors whenever he brings a tour to Japan—yet no matter how many years he’s done this, there are always new instant meals waiting on the shelves.

Japanese supermarkets are filled with convenient cooking products that have become popular among visitors. Fried chicken coating mix, for example, has become a hit in recent years, making it easy to prepare authentic karaage at home. Japanese mayonnaise also has a distinct savory flavor compared to the sweeter versions found elsewhere, making it a must-buy for fans.

Other staples like miso, furikake (rice seasoning), and salad dressings are also favorites thanks to their trusted quality and unmistakable Japanese taste. According to our guide, these cooking items are lightweight, compact, and practical as souvenirs. A few small packets of seasoning or mix won’t take up much space, and they let your friends and family enjoy the flavors of everyday Japanese home cooking.

In recent years, many travelers—especially young parents—have made it a point to visit specialty baby stores like Akachan Honpo and BABYDOLL while in Japan. These shops offer everything from pacifiers, bottles, and tableware to clothing, shoes, and toys, with high-quality designs that are popular among international visitors. Some even stock matching parent-child outfits, making them a favorite stop.

Even if you’re not shopping for your own children, these stores are perfect for picking up thoughtful gifts for friends or relatives with little ones. And if you don’t have time for a dedicated visit, large electronics retailers like BicCamera also have toy sections where you can find affordable, high-value options to bring home.

Some of the best souvenirs are items you can only get in Japan. Popular sports brands often release Japan-exclusive sneakers that fetch much higher prices abroad, making it smarter to buy directly at official shops while traveling. Starbucks is another favorite, with city-themed mugs available only at specific branches, plus seasonal series like sakura cups in spring and Christmas designs each winter.

According to our guide, friends frequently request these limited items whenever they travel, and since they’re not too bulky, it’s easy to pack a few extras. Many visitors also find themselves giving in to temptation and bringing home some for their own collection.

Because many travelers end up struggling with bulky appliances that won’t fit into their luggage—or worse, paying overweight baggage fees—the guide recommends focusing on compact, lightweight items instead. After all, if you’ve come all the way to Japan, it’s a bit of a waste to fill your suitcase with things you could easily buy at home for only a small price difference.

So before your trip, try making a shopping list from these categories and bring back uniquely Japanese items that are worth the space and weight in your bag.