Our picks: Five essential souvenirs from Tokyo
Maru Kyusu (丸急須)
Drinking tea is an essential part of Japanese culture, and there is a huge variety of teapot designs to choose from, whether they’re traditional type or more innovative ones. Trending now is the Maru Kyusu style teapot, which is made from glass and ball-shaped with a large stainless-steel strainer in the middle. The best place to get one of your own? Visit Higashiaoyama and pick beautiful Japanese kitchenware to take home.
Shop: Higashi Aoyama (東青山)
Address: 1F Aoyama Palace, 6-1-6, Minami-Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo 107-0062
Opening hours: 12pm-7pm; closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Tel: +81 3-3400-5525
Website
Mamegui (まめぐい)
Mamegui is a palm-sized mini Tenugui (traditional cotton towel) that is super-stylish and beautifully expresses Japan’s appreciation for art. There’s a wide range of patterns, from more traditional Japanese-art themed to quirky ones with cute pandas. If you forget to grab them in Tokyo, there’s a Higashiaoyama at Narita Airport for last-minute gift shopping.
Shop: Mamegui Narita Airport Terminal 1 (まめぐい成田空港 第１ターミナル店)
Address: 4F Chuo Main Building, terminal 1, Narita Airport, Narita-shi, Chiba, Japan
Opening hours: 8am-8pm daily
Tel: +81 47632-7889
Website
Amezaiku (飴細工)
Amezaiku refers to Japanese candy craft, which is still made using traditional techniques. The number of candy artists in Japan is dwindling, but you can still see exquisite examples at Ame-Shin, which showcases the work of candy masters who are passionate about the art form. A variety of amezaiku are on display – from a cute goldfish to a beautiful flower – and you can pick one to take home with you. Although these delicious and beautiful candies are edible, many people choose to keep them as special decorations on their desks.
Shop: Ame-Shin (アメシン)
Address: 4F, Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-8139
Opening hours: 10am-9pm daily
Website
Sweet potato balls (芋羊羹)
When talking about sweet potato bars known as imo yokan in Japanese, the name Funawa immediately comes to mind. Azuki (or red bean) yokan is a must-try for any visitor. Traditionally yokan is just a long and thick bar, but Funawa forms the sweet potato into colourful balls. These delicious little treats can’t be missed. 16 pcs at 1,382 yen.
Shop: Funawa (Asakusa flagship shop) (舟和浅草本店売店)
Address: 1-22-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo111-0032
Opening hours:10am – 7pm, weekdays; 9.30am –8pm, Saturday; 9.30am –7.30pm, Sunday and public holidays
Tel: +81 3-3842-2781
Website
Washi(和紙)
Shop: Ozu Washi (小津和紙)
Address: 3-6-2 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo103-0023
Opening hours: 10am-6pm; closed on Sundays
Tel: +81 3-3662-1184
Website