Best Japanese Gifts

From matcha to ceramics, we've rounded up the most authentic Japanese gifts for a taste of Japan year round.

Best Japanese Gifts
Best Japanese Gifts

From matcha to ceramics, we've rounded up the most authentic Japanese gifts for a taste of Japan year round. Some high level ideas include a set of traditional Japanese tea cups or a teapot, a beautiful kimono or other traditional Japanese clothing, a set of Japanese incense or incense holders, a collection of Japanese art or calligraphy, a set of Japanese cooking utensils or a cookbook, or a traditional Japanese instrument such as a koto or shamisen. Other ideas could include a set of Japanese anime or manga, a collection of Japanese music or movies, a Japanese garden statue or lantern, a set of Japanese calligraphy supplies, or a Japanese board game or puzzle. Ultimately, the best gift will depend on the recipient's interests and preferences, as well as their personal connection to Japanese culture.


Higonokami Folding Knife

Since their inauguration in 1894, these folding knives have been casted and handcrafted in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture. The blade is laminated with Aogami blue, the highest grade of steel, resulting in an exceedingly sharp and durable knife. Moreover, the brass casing and the double-edged Aogami blue steel blade complement each other perfectly, resulting in a very elegant and exquisite knife.

Buy at Jinen - $55

Konteki “Tears of Dawn”

Brewed in the same way with the same ingredients as Pearls of Simplicity but with a touch of distilled alcohol to open up aromatics and lighten the overall impact. Konteki means “dew drops of the earth” while Higashiyama (the brewery name) translates to “eastern hill.“ Brewery workers have been known to start their days watching the sun rise over the mountains until the dew drops glisten as if they were the Tears of Dawn.

Buy at Tippsy - $53

Donabe Kamadosan

Cook white or brown rice to fluffy perfection over an open gas flame with this wonderful Iga-ware clay pot.

Buy at Jinen - $135

Hinoki Wood Bath Mat

Create a zen-like retreat with our modern take on the bath mat, handcrafted from beautiful Japanese Hinoki wood.

Buy at The Citizenry - $155

Japanese Hot Spring Minerals Bath Salts

Recreate a traditional Japanese Onsen within the comforts of your home. Enjoy the feeling of natural Japanese Onsen Minerals working on your skin while the Hinoki Essential Oil will stimulate your sense of smell that helps you envision as if you are relaxing in a Japanese Hinoki Bath.

Buy at Jinen - $35

Oedo-Koh Incense

A series created by master artisans in Tokyo, inspired by the fragrant culture of old Edo (1600-1800). With many people bringing their own cultures to Edo, Oedo-Koh shares 6 different stories of the people during that time period.

Buy at Jinen - $22

Planter Set

Simple and unadorned, the pure, clean lines of these Hasami Porcelain pieces evoke Japan’s traditional forms, emphasizing beauty and innovation.

Buy at Jinen - $68

Rice Wax Japanese Candles

Add some color in your home with these environmentally friendly candles, that have a perfect burn time for a short meditation break. These candles may look short and sweet, however, there was a lot of thought put into the process of producing this product. As the base is produced from rice wax and the wick with rush weed, the natural ingredients produce little to no smoke and wax drippage, making them perfect for indoor use. As they have a 15-minute burn interval, we recommend using it for meditation or to use it as a timer to sit back and relax during your day.

Buy at Jinen - $22

Mug

Simple and unadorned, the pure, clean lines of these Hasami Porcelain Mug pieces evoke Japan’s traditional forms, emphasizing beauty and innovation.

Buy at Jinen - $27

Cleaning Brush

A standby in Japanese homes since 1907, the natural coconut fibers in the tawashi cleaning brushes can tackle all of your heavy-duty scrubbing needs.

Buy at Jinen - $9