What We Always Buy in Japan (And the Things We Didn’t Plan to Buy)
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If you’ve ever been to Japan, you already know. You don’t just shop there. You somehow end up buying things you didn’t even know you needed.
We just got back from Japan during cherry blossom season, which is one of the best times to visit. Like every trip, we came home with a mix of things we always restock, things we cannot find in the U.S., and a few things we definitely did not plan on buying.
If you are planning your own trip, we have put together Japan guides including what to wear, where to stay in Tokyo, and how to stay connected:
If you are wondering what to buy in Japan or what is actually worth bringing home, these are the items we personally restock every time we visit. This is not your typical Japan haul.
Food Items We Always Bring Back from Japan
Light Soy Sauce (Usukuchi)
Yes, you can buy soy sauce in the U.S., but this is completely different.
Usukuchi soy sauce is lighter in color but still has that salty depth. It gives a cleaner, more delicate flavor that we have never been able to replicate with regular soy sauce in the U.S.
Usukuchi Soy Sauce
Also, this is not the same as low sodium soy sauce. That is a completely different product. Usukuchi still has plenty of salt, it just has a more refined flavor.
For the longest time, this was one of those items we could only get in Japan, so we would always stock up and bring bottles home with us.
But recently, we discovered it’s now available on Amazon, which honestly surprised us. Just before our trip it definitely wasn’t being sold there. If you want to cook Japanese meals packed with rich umami flavors, usukuchi soy sauce will give you a noticeable boost in the kitchen.
Pickling Base (Asazuke or Dashi-Based)
This is one of the easiest ways to recreate Japanese flavors at home. All you do is chop veggies like cucumbers or cabbage, pour this over, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. It creates a clean, bright saltiness that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It’s tastes very different from Western-style pickling where it’s salty rather than sour.
Asazuke No Moto
We actually found the same brand available on Amazon, which is great if you want to try it without going to Japan. The version available on Amazon is the regular flavor, which is still really good. Even the regular version is an easy way to make quick Japanese-style pickles at home.
My personal favorite is the konbu flavor, which has a deeper umami taste from seaweed, and that is the one I have not been able to find in the U.S. near me.
Japanese White Chocolate
Japanese white chocolate is on another level.
Creamier, less sweet, and perfectly balanced. Unlike American white chocolate, the Japanese version focuses on high-quality dairy rather than sugar. Our go-to is DARS, which comes in a great resealable tray that’s already perfectly portioned.
White chocolate
You can sometimes find imported versions of Japanese white chocolate on Amazon or Weee!. Weee! is an online Asian grocery store we use regularly and is where we buy a lot of our fresh Asian produce and groceries.
For white chocolate and snacks, however, there is sometimes a minimum purchase required to qualify for free shipping because those items are coming directly from Japan, so just be aware of that before you check out.
My Weee! Grocery order
Grocery shopping in Japan
Other Grocery Staples We Always Grab
We usually spend about $100 at the grocery store because the value is so good.
Some of our regulars include:
White miso
Rice crackers
Mugicha (barley tea)
Ponzu sauce
Sesame and wasabi dressing
Gomasio
Japanese chicken stock
These are the kinds of items that instantly bring us back to Japan when we are home.
our favorite sesame salt rice seasoning
variety of rice crackers
Japanese Beauty Products That Are Always Worth It
Japan does beauty products extremely well, especially for the price.
Eyelash Glue (Under $3)
We have been using this for years.
It holds all day, is not messy, and does not damage lashes, which is why we always stock up when we are in Japan.
For the longest time, this was one of those products we could only get while traveling, so we would buy several at once to bring home.
Shiseido Lash Glue
There is a site that sells this exact same glue online, but it is significantly more expensive than buying it in Japan, which is why we personally prefer to wait and purchase it in bulk during our trips.
If you really want to try it, you can get it from EveryMarket: It is currently around $15.59 plus tax and shipping, which is definitely higher than Japan pricing, but still an option if you do not want to wait. They also have a discount code you can use: EM10INS for 10% off.
Softymo Face Wash
This is one of the best budget skincare products we have found.
It is under $5 in Japan, foams really well, and removes makeup easily. It honestly performs better than a lot of products we have tried in the U.S. that cost three times as much.
Similar to the eyelash glue, this is another item we usually stock up on in Japan because it is so affordable there.
Softymo face Wash
You can find it online, but it does cost quite a bit more compared to buying it in Japan.
If you want to try it without waiting for your next trip, we have seen it available through iHerb and Weee!, which are both sites we trust. A little goes a long way, so one bottle lasts longer than you would expect.
Unexpected Find: Hairline Powder
This was a completely random purchase and now we wish we found it sooner.
It blends naturally, looks great in photos, and is super compact. It is one of those small items that makes a bigger difference than you expect, especially in pictures.
For me personally, I like to use it along my hairline where my hair is really thin. When I put my hair up in a bun or ponytail, those areas can sometimes look almost bald in photos. This completely fixes that and makes everything look fuller and more even.
Hair Makeup Powder
cute little powder puff
We have not been able to find this exact one in the U.S., but there is a similar version on Amazon that works the same way.
The packaging is not quite as cute, but it gets the job done and is a great option if you want to try it without waiting for a trip to Japan. This is something we did not know we needed until we tried it.
Why We Always Stop at MUJI
Even though MUJI exists in the U.S., it is just not the same.
In Japan, the stores are much bigger, the product selection is better, and with the strong exchange rate right now, prices are amazing.
MUJI Travel Products
MUJI Travel and Organization Items We Love
We picked up two because we could not decide. They have built-in brush compartments, protective flaps, and really thoughtful organization that makes packing so much easier.
I also have a larger version of their makeup case that I have been using for over 10 years, and it is still in great shape. It has traveled everywhere with me, from Singapore to Hong Kong, and has held up incredibly well.
We have tried cheaper versions and they leak, are hard to squeeze, or break. MUJI’s versions do not leak, dispense easily, and last a long time.
Where to Buy These Items in Japan
If you are wondering where to actually find all of these items, these are the places we go to when we are in Japan. These are the places we always find ourselves going back to every trip.
Convenience Stores - Some have a mini MUJI section
MUJI Store
Japan-Only Finds That Got Us
This is where Japan gets you.
You walk in not planning to buy anything and then suddenly you leave with things you did not expect.
Sakura Starbucks Tumbler + Splash Stopper
Japan does seasonal items extremely well, especially during cherry blossom season.
We picked up a sakura-themed Starbucks tumbler with a bear-shaped splash stopper. Completely unnecessary, but impossible to pass up.
Limited Edition Sakura reusable Coffee Cup
Harry Potter Sakura Tin
We randomly walked into a Harry Potter store and found a sakura-themed tin filled with individually wrapped cookies. Now we get snacks and a reusable keepsake container.
This is exactly why we always recommend leaving extra room in your suitcase when you come to Japan.
Exclusive Harry Potter Merch
Harry Potter Cookies
Is It Cheaper to Buy These in Japan?
Beauty products in Japan are often more affordable (depending on the brand), but what really stands out is the variety. Stores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi carry a huge selection of skincare, makeup, and everyday essentials, which is why we always make it a point to stop there.
We have noticed that some everyday items can still vary in price depending on where you shop. For example, we were about to buy a travel bottle at Matsumoto Kiyoshi, but ended up finding a similar one at MUJI for about half the price.
MUJI items are generally more affordable and much better stocked compared to what you will find in the U.S.
Food items tend to be higher quality for the price, especially pantry staples and snacks.
And with the strong exchange rate right now, everything is noticeably more affordable than in the US, so your money goes a lot further.
It is definitely worth comparing prices between stores because you can sometimes find the exact same type of item for less.
Aeon Shopping Center in Narita Japan
What You Can and Can’t Bring Back from Japan
A quick tip if you are planning to shop:
Packaged food is generally allowed
Liquids should go in checked luggage
Fresh items are not allowed
Always double-check current regulations before traveling.
How We Pack Our Food Purchases
One thing we always plan for when going to Japan is leaving extra space in our suitcase. We have been using our Quince suitcases for several trips now and have really loved them. They are lightweight, durable, and have held up really well with everything we pack into them. We also love that they are expandable, which is especially helpful on the way back when we are bringing home more than we packed.
We usually keep at least half of our suitcase open so we have room for all the packaged foods we know we are going to bring back.
For liquids, we make sure to only buy bottles that are plastic and avoid anything in glass. It is just not worth the risk of something breaking in your luggage.
When it comes to packing, we wrap all of our liquid items in our clothes and use rubber bands to keep everything secure so the bottles do not shift around.
This has worked really well for us, and we have never had anything leak or break.
variety of packaged grocery items
Final Thoughts
What makes shopping in Japan so addictive is not just the products.
It is the attention to detail, the quality at lower price points, the thoughtful design, and the constant feeling of discovering something new.
We go in thinking we will grab a few essentials and somehow leave with a full suitcase.
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