A Japanese Souvenir to Leave Behind: an O-mikuji Fortune
On my first trip to Japan, I really wanted to get a fortune (called o-mikuji (御御籤, 御神籤) at one of the many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples offering them. But …
Japan
My Favorite Good Luck Souvenir: Japan’s Maneki-Neko “Lucky” Cat
As I’ve said many times here before, I can’t resist any souvenir that brings good luck. I’ve collected many lucky souvenirs over my travels, but my favorite symbol of good …
Shopping for Kawaii Souvenirs, the Japanese Culture of Cute
In Japan, there is a culture of cute known as “kawaii” (critical note: the “i” is pronounced like “Hawaii” not “Kauai”–which means the opposite of cute– dreadful. Trust me once you …
What to Buy at a Japanese 7-Eleven Convenience Store
When thinking back on favorite experiences in a country, sometimes it’s not the big attractions that stand out in your memory so much as the unusual quirks. Which bring me …
Best Japanese Souvenirs to Buy at Asakusa Market in Tokyo
If you are visiting Tokyo on a short trip and need one-stop shopping for Japanese souvenirs, Asakusa market is the place to go. For one, Asakusa is not just a …
Crazy Shopping and Cosplay in Tokyo’s Harajuku District
Before I visited Japan, I imagined the entire country to be filled with crazy fashions and cosplay, maid cafes and trendsetters. On arrival in Tokyo I quickly learned this was …