The holiday season is here—yay! But wait. Are you stuck wondering what to buy for your loved ones? Don’t worry! Finding the right gift can feel tricky, but we’ve got your back. If you know someone who loves Japan, you’re in luck. This gift guide has 20 Japanese Christmas present ideas. These gifts are perfect for family, friends, or even yourself (because you deserve it too!).
The best part? These gifts aren’t just thoughtful—they show your personality too. Whether your loved one loves cooking, beauty, or cute stuff, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect gift!
Gifts for Someone who Loves Japan
From traditional gifts to fun Japanese items, there’s something for everyone! Here are 15 gifts for someone who loves Japan that will make your loved ones happy this holiday season.
1. Yukata
A yukata is like a simpler version of a kimono—light, easy, and perfect for everyday use. While kimonos are fancy and sometimes need help to wear, yukatas are made of cotton and are super comfy. You can wear them at home or even to a summer festival.
Women usually wear bright, colorful yukatas with pretty patterns like flowers or butterflies. Men’s yukatas are darker and have simple or no designs.
If you want to find the perfect one, check out Kimono Yukata Market Sakura. They have so many designs—over a thousand! You’re sure to find one you (or your loved one) will love.
2. Japanese Kit Kats
Did you know Japan has over 300 Kit Kat flavors? It’s true! Some are super cute, like Rilakkuma hotcake or Halloween-themed Kit Kats. Others are… a little strange—like cough drop or vegetable juice flavors.
Japanese Kit Kats are also limited-edition, so you won’t find most of them anywhere else. That makes them perfect for gifts!
If you want to try them, check out Japan Candy Store. They have so many flavors to choose from—just be careful not to add too many to your cart!
3. Tea and Tea Ware
Do you know someone who loves tea? Then tea or tea ware is the perfect gift!
Ippodo Tea is a well-known Japanese teahouse. They have been making tea since 1717. That is over 300 years! They are famous for their high-quality teas. You can try matcha, hojicha, sencha, and many other kinds.
They also sell tea utensils like teapots, canisters, and matcha whisks. Everything is carefully made and looks so pretty.
Check out their website and pick your favorite gift. It’s a thoughtful and relaxing present!
4. Japanese Imabari Towels
Imabari towels are super soft and absorbent. They feel fancy and luxurious. Some, like the Japarcana towel, are made from Supima cotton. This makes them extra special.
They come in many sizes and colors. So, it is easy to find one for anyone. These towels make your home feel elegant. Plus, they are also comfy to use every day.
Imabari towel gift set is a thoughtful and unique gift for Christmas. They show you care!
5. Japanese Skincare Products
Japanese skincare products are famous all over the world. Some are so popular that people call them “must-haves.”
For example, Hada Labo has a Hydrating Lotion with hyaluronic acid. It has been sold over 100 million times in Japan! Another favorite is SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence. It uses a special formula to fight aging and shrink pores.
Most Japanese skincare focuses on brightening and hydrating your skin. This gives you mochi-hada—skin that looks smooth and feels soft like mochi.
The Hydrating Lotion and Facial Treatment Essence are perfect gifts for anyone who loves skincare!
6. Japanese Stationery
Japan is famous for making some of the best stationery. You can easily find high-quality pens and pencils made in Japan.
If you like drawing or making sketches, Japanese stationery is perfect for you. It’s also great for school or work if you need good paper.
In Japan, you can find cute stationery too, with cartoons, Pokémon, and other kawaii designs.
7. Manga and Anime Items
Japan is the home of manga and anime, so it’s a dream place for fans. You can find all kinds of cool stuff like manga books, anime DVDs, small toys, clothes, and more.
If you’re in Tokyo, check out Akihabara and Nakano Broadway. These places have tons of manga, anime, and video games. You can also visit Pokémon Centers, Nintendo stores, and JUMP shops in Japan to find awesome items.
8. Sake and Sake Set
Sake, also called nihonshu in Japan, is a clean, slightly sweet drink made from fermented rice. If you know someone who loves sake, a gift of sake or a beautiful sake set would make them very happy.
A great choice is Dassai 23, a top-quality sake known for its fruity flavor. You can buy Dassai 23 and other Dassai sakes from their online store.
If you want to buy a sake set, check out Musubi Kiln. They have beautiful Japanese tableware, including sake sets with lovely flower designs.
9. Ichiran Ramen
Ichiran Ramen is famous for its creamy tonkotsu ramen. They have restaurants all around the world. With Ichiran’s take-home ramen kit, you can now make their famous ramen at home!
This is a great gift for anyone who hasn’t tried Ichiran yet or for those who want to enjoy it again after tasting it abroad.
10. Uchiwa/Sensu
The Uchiwa (a traditional Japanese fan) and Sensu (a folding fan) make great souvenirs, especially in the hot summer. They are light and easy to carry in your luggage.
You can find many different designs, from traditional artwork to anime-themed prints. You’re sure to find one you like.
If you want a handcrafted, detailed fan, it might cost more. But if you’re looking for something cheaper, you can find plenty of affordable fans in 100-yen shops or souvenir stores in tourist areas.
11. Kokeshi Dolls
Kokeshi dolls are wooden toys made by special artists. They come from the Tohoku region in Japan. Many places in Tohoku, like Tsuchiyu, make these dolls as a unique local item.
The dolls are handcrafted from dogwood and pear trees (called mizuki and nashi in Japan).
What’s interesting is how the dolls age. As time passes, the wood naturally matures, giving older kokeshi dolls a richer, more special look.
12. Omamori Charms
Omamori charms are small cloth bags you can buy at Japanese temples and shrines. You should never open them. These charms are meant to bring good luck. They come in many colors and types of cloth.
Each omamori is said to protect the owner from harm, keep them safe while traveling, or bring luck in business, love, or school. Many people collect them and keep them safe in their bag or pocket.
Image Source: https://omamorijapan.com/
13. Fukubukuro
Fukubukuro is a lucky bag filled with items chosen by the store. The items are not shown until after you buy and open the bag. The best part is that everything inside is discounted.
The purpose of the bag is to help stores get rid of old inventory before the new year. This makes it a great gift for friends who love surprises.
Here are some stores that sell fukubukuro:
- Uniqlo
- MUJI
- Kaldi
14. Humidifier/Aroma Diffuser
A great Christmas gift for your girlfriend or wife could be a humidifier or an aroma diffuser.
A diffuser is also a humidifier, but you can add essential oils to make the room smell nice. If you want to make the gift extra special, you could include some essential oils too. You can find some diffusers within a 3,000 yen (about $20 USD) budget, but we’ve also recommended a few slightly more expensive options for a high-quality gift.
15. Chopsticks from Japan
Chopsticks from Japan are a famous souvenir. They’re not just pretty to look at—they’re also useful! Chopsticks are made from different materials like metal, plastic, bamboo, and wood.
You can find them in almost every tourist shop in Japan. They make great gifts or something nice to buy for yourself.
Final Words
Christmas is a time for giving and receiving. It’s a great chance to show your loved ones how much you care. If you’re looking for a gift for a Japanese person or something with a Japanese theme, we hope this list helps you find the perfect present for their holiday season.
Looking for a thoughtful Japanese Christmas gift? Our wholesale Imabari towels are perfect for businesses or gift shops this holiday season. Contact us to learn more and place your order!