Not Your Usual Souvenirs
A visit to Tokyo would not be complete without picking up some souvenirs for yourself and for your friends and family back home. Contrary to what many people think these souvenirs don’t have to break the bank, as a matter of fact, you can pick up some amazing memories of your time in Japan without spending a lot of money.
The Tokyo Conventions and Visitors Bureau has put together a great list of shopping areas in Tokyo that offer a selection of items ranging from trinkets, to vintage Kimono, antiques and amazing pottery.
A great souvenir is one that evokes memories from a specific time and place and shouldn’t be relegated to a closet, bookshelf or scrapbook. Think outside the box when you are looking for that special something from Tokyo. Pass by the trinkets and consider some of these options:
Visit a department store and head for the house wares section. You will find an amazing array of beautiful pottery, dishes and household items in a variety of price ranges. Pick up some sake cups, a traditional Japanese iron teapot or a lovely furoshiki (wrapping cloth). Use the items so that you will be reminded of your trip every time you use them or display them as art pieces in your home. I have a traditionally styled Japanese vase that visitors to my home think is an expensive pieces of pottery when in fact I only paid about USD $20 for it at a Japanese department store!
Visit a flea market and purchase a vintage kimono or obi (kimono belt). Hang the kimono on the wall or use the obi as an amazing table runner. Japanese fabrics feature intricate designs that often portray beautiful scenery, animals or simply an abstract design that is a feast for the eyes. Stretch a great piece of fabric over a frame and you have a contemporary art piece that your friends will envy.
Stop and look at the variety of washi (handmade paper) that is sold by the sheet in Japan. Use it in your scrapbook or simply frame a spectacular example and use it as artwork in your home.
Keep these ideas in mind when you are shopping in Tokyo and you may just go home with a $20 piece of “fine art” like I did!