No Ticket Required: Traditional Japanese Souvenirs

Tourism in Japan has grown exponentially this past year, meaning there are plenty of people whose suitcases were packed to the brim with souvenirs of their journey. But whether you’re unable to make it to Japan, still planning your trip, or one of the travelers who couldn’t bring home everything you wanted to (been there!), fret not. The charm of MUSUBI KILN is providing unique handcrafted Japanese goods, delivered directly to your door.

Below, a few ideas on truly traditional pieces to send your loved ones on a trip to Japan without leaving the house.

An absolute classic, the kokeshi doll has a history going back as far as the Edo period (1603 CE–1867 CE) when they were first crafted in the northeastern region of Japan called Tohoku. Traditionally, these were toys meant for children, but their timeless and simple style has made them something cherished by people of any age. This one is particularly elegant due to its large size and handcrafted design, made by celebrated artisan Okazaki Yasuo. It’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves timeless Japanese artistry.

Perhaps one of the most iconic works of Japanese art, The Great Wave is carefully replicated on the bottom of this glass sake cup. When sake is added to the vessel, the wave truly comes alive against the golden base. The cup itself is a work of art, too, coated in transparent lacquer applied with uneven brush strokes that adds a dynamic texture to the surface. The result is a beautiful blend of modern techniques with historically significant Japanese culture.

Another sake cup option, this time in a pair for sharing. Aizu lacquerware is believed to go back as far as the Muromachi period (1336 CE–1573 CE) when lacquer trees were planted in Aizu, now known as Fukushima Prefecture, making it a long-standing traditional Japanese craft. The glossy finish enhances the gold leaf and hand-painted designs of leaves and cherry blossoms, timeless symbols of Japanese fall and spring, respectively. If you missed sakura (cherry blossoms) season, or leaf-peeping season in Japan, why not pick up a pair of cups that will transport you to the scenery from the comfort of your home?

Riding the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya, people do their best to reserve a seat that will grant them a coveted view of Mount Fuji. (A pro tip from a seasoned Shinkansen traveler: reserve seat E in the regular cars, or seat D in the Green Car.) But sometimes it’s too cloudy to spot the majestic mountain, topped with its signature snowy peak. If you caught the train on a poor visibility day, make up for your missed vista with these lacquerware chopsticks that feature a handpainted Mt. Fuji at the top. The chopsticks include a crystalline sparkle that adds shimmer to the red and blue depictions, accented by gold and silver sakura petals in the center. Whatever the weather, you can see Mt. Fuji at your table.

When we asked around the MUSUBI KILN office, more than one person said that lacquerware, both Aizu and Yamanaka, comes to mind when they think about traditional Japanese tableware. Not only that, many people come to Japan to experience an authentic tea ceremony, known as chado, complete with a heartwarming and energizing bowl of matcha. This tea set takes two of the most iconic Japanese traditions and combines them into one beautiful gift for yourself or your loved ones, allowing you to recreate the chado experience anytime, anywhere. It includes all the utensils needed for matcha preparation—all you need to bring is the matcha.

We’ll always recommend a visit to Japan so you can experience firsthand the beauty, the art, the culture, and everything we love about it. But if a trip isn’t possible right now, or if you miss Japan dearly and want to share it with your friends and family, we hope these suggestions will help you satisfy those desires to bring Japanese tradition into your everyday life.