Tokyo’s top food souvenirs make it easy to bring home a taste of the city's incredible food scene. While it might seem like an experience you can only enjoy in person, Japan’s omiyage (souvenir-giving) culture ensures that delicious edible gifts are always within reach. In fact, some of the best food souvenirs can be found right in the heart of Tokyo.
Tokyo’s Top 5 Food Souvenirs to Buy
While the variety of food souvenirs may be overwhelming, we’ve put together a list of Tokyo’s top food souvenirs to pick up for your friends and family at home.
When in Doubt, Go for Matcha
Matcha has soared in popularity globally over the past few years, with many people swapping their daily dose of coffee for a matcha latte. First cultivated in Uji City, Kyoto, in the early 13th century, matcha has long been central to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Unlike standard green tea, matcha is made from dried tea leaves that are finely ground into a vibrant powder with a flavor that ranges from pleasantly bitter to mellow and earthy, depending on the producer.
If you didn’t grab any in Kyoto for the matcha lover in your life—don’t despair!
Tokyo has plenty of spots to pick up top-quality matcha. Here are two of our favorites:
You can find this hidden gem of a tea shop tucked away inside Shinjuku Station. Ikedaya is well known for offering a variety of teas sold at very reasonable prices, including authentic Uji Matcha. While shopping for matcha souvenirs, don’t forget to treat yourself to a cone of matcha soft serve ice cream made in-house by the owners.
With multiple locations throughout Tokyo, IPPODO is our go-to for high-end, ceremonial-grade matcha. Our personal favorite location is the Ginza shop located in the famed Mitsukoshi department store. There you can choose from beautifully wrapped matcha sets as well as various matcha utensils like bamboo whisks, spoons, and strainers. The staff speak English and even provide flavor guides, making it easy to choose the perfect souvenir.
Crunch Down on Senbei
Senbei—crispy Japanese rice crackers typically roasted over charcoal—may be Tokyo’s best-kept souvenir secret. Thanks to their flat shape, senbei are easy to pack and full of flavor. Here are our top picks:
We’re going to let you in on a little secret—these shrimp rice crackers from the maker Yukari have been a top-selling souvenir item in Japan for decades. Thinner than typical senbei and made only with the freshest shrimp, the rice crackers are twice baked, first using a traditional griddle and then using infrared rays to accentuate the deep, charcoal roasted flavor. Talk about innovation!
You can usually find them in the basement level of major department stores or train stations. Our favorite spot is the Daimaru Department Store in Tokyo Station—just look for the giant shrimp sign, and you’ll know you’re in the right place!
If you’re staying near Ueno or Asakusa, head to the Nezu neighborhood for freshly roasted rice crackers from this family-run shop. You’ll see a variety of senbei sizzling over charcoal on-site. Our favorites are the classic soy sauce version and zarame senbei, salted rice crackers topped with crunchy sugar crystals.
Make Room for Miso
Authentic Japanese miso is a great souvenir for the chef (or miso soup lover) in your life. Miso is a fermented soybean paste with a creamy texture and is a key ingredient in Japanese cooking. Because it comes in so many varieties, it can be challenging to choose just one. The three main types you’ll see in most Japanese recipes are shiro (white) miso, aka (red) miso, and mugi (barley) miso. Here are our picks for the top places to score miso souvenirs in Tokyo:
Sano Miso is the place in Tokyo to buy and sample over 70 types of miso from throughout Japan. As you enter, prepare to be greeted by huge wooden barrels filled with miso, which you can taste-test before making your choice. At the back of the shop you’ll find a small dining area serving, you guessed it, different varieties of miso soup as well as small side dishes like onigiri rice balls and tsukemono Japanese pickles. They open at 10 a.m. so you can combine your breakfast with your shopping.
Head to your Local Supermarket
Don’t overlook the local supermarket near your accommodation! It’s not only the most convenient option but also the most cost-effective way to pick up food souvenirs on your Tokyo trip. Most Japanese supermarkets devote an entire aisle to all types of miso—keep Google Lens handy if you want to translate the labels. In Tokyo, chains like LIFE, Maruetsu, Aeon, and Akafudado offer everyday essentials at moderate prices, while Seijo Ishii is an upscale option, similar to Whole Foods.
Say Yes to Yuzu
Yuzu is a small citrus fruit native to Japan often compared to a cross between a lemon and an orange.
Don’t let its size fool you—it packs a powerful punch and is used in both sweet and savory dishes. With so many types of yuzu souvenirs to pick up on your Tokyo trip, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our favorites:
Yuzu Syrup
Made by combining sugar, water, and whole yuzu, this syrup is perfect mixed into hot water for a soothing, caffeine-free drink before bed.. It also works well in baking—yuzu cookies, anyone?
Yuzu Candies
Yuzu candies come in many shapes and sizes and serve a double purpose. While they are not only delicious, they are also great for soothing a sore throat when you have a cold.
Yuzu Kosho
Did you know yuzu can also be savory? Yuzu Kosho is a fermented paste made from togarashi chili peppers, yuzu peel, and salt. You may have seen Yuzu Kosho as a slightly spicy topping at Yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) restaurants. Think of it as a type of Japanese hot sauce.
Where to Find Yuzu Souvenirs
Chain stores like Kaldi Coffee Farm specialize in a variety of snacks, often carrying multiple yuzu-flavored products. You can also find yuzu products in supermarkets throughout Tokyo—just keep your eyes peeled!
Confectionery to Satisfy your Sweet Tooth
Tokyo is filled with irresistible sweet treats—cookies, cakes, and more—all designed to be the perfect omiyage.
You’ll find them in any depachika (department store basement food courts) or large train stations like Tokyo Station. Here are a few of our favorites:
The name says it all—this tin of artfully arranged butter cookies really is the best choice for your food souvenir shopping. Each tin features an assortment of handmade cookies in a variety of shapes, textures, and flavors. From personal experience, it was hard giving this one away as a gift! We think you’ll be tempted to eat them all by yourself (no judgment!).
A classic Tokyo food souvenir that can stand toe-to-toe with the famous Tokyo Banana—if not surpass it. These sweet shortbread cookies are filled with fresh, whipped Hokkaido butter and caramel.
Conclusion
In short, Tokyo offers a wide variety of souvenirs from traditional to modern to everything in between. We hope you found this list of food souvenir spots helpful and visit them on your Tokyo trip!
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