Best High-End Items in Japan You Didn’t Know You Needed
When exploring Japan, it is almost impossible not to notice the craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail in high-end things.
This is due to the Japanese culture of “mastering one thing.” Dedicating one’s life to perfecting and mastering one specific thing is considered to be one of the most respectable things in Japan.
When you visit or move to Japan, celebrating and enjoying people’s lifetime dedication is a meaningful way to connect with the culture and appreciate the beauty of mastery in everyday life.
This article will show you the best high-end things to buy in Japan by category.
1. Exquisite Japanese sweet treats
When you step foot in Japan, it is impossible to avoid beautifully wrapped Japanese sweets. From traditional sweets like sweet red bean paste-filled mochi to rice crackers, they are everywhere.
Many people might know about "Tokyo Banana," which is a soft sponge cake that has banana and cream inside. Since it's popular, you can buy it in major train stations such as Tokyo Station.
However, for people who are looking for more high-end and more local, here are some of the most popular high-end Japanese sweets among Japanese people.
Wagashi for the Japanese imperial family: Toraya
Toraya is a popular and prestigious Japanese sweets brand with over 500 years of history.
They are famous for their "羊かん Yokan," which is essentially a block of red bean jelly made from azuki red bean paste, a plant-based gelatin, and sugar.
Toraya was founded in Kyoto in the late Muromachi period, and they have served the Imperial Palace since the reign of Emperor Goyozei (1585-1611). When the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1869, Toraya accompanied the Emperor and expanded to Tokyo, keeping its Kyoto location intact.
Wagashi is usually paired with high-quality Matcha green tea at a tea ceremony.
Where to buy:
Totaya flagship stores
Department stores (such as Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, Seibu, Isetan, etc.)
Haneda airport and Narita airport
For more information about the location, check their website
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The most prestigious fruits: Senbikiya
Many people might have heard of Japan’s over-the-top expensive fresh fruits.
It might be costly, but it will be the best fruit you will ever try in your entire life. The gift wrapping is so elegant that it feels like a cultural experience in itself.
Senbikiya is Japan’s most prestigious and historic luxury fruit shop, known for selling the best hand-selected, perfect fruits in the whole nation.
Founded in 1934, Senbikiya has elevated fruit into a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship in Japan.
Where to try or buy:
Senbikiya Nihonbashi main store (Tokyo)
Senbikiya Nihonbashi main store fruits parlor
Department stores (Mitsukoshi, Isetan, etc.)
For more information about the location, check their website .
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2. Japanese stationery
Japan is the right place to be if you are a stationery enthusiast.
Many Japanese people still love to write with a pen and paper, because writing is an important part of Japanese culture. People think that handwriting shows one’s upbringing and personality.
A pen made by the nation-level artisans: Pilot Namiki
Pilot Namiki is the luxury fountain pen line of Japan’s Pilot Corporation.
Established in 1925, Namiki pens are known for their exquisite designs using the ancient maki-e lacquer technique, where they use gold and silver powders onto lacquer.
Each pen is made and designed by artisans who have spent decades perfecting their craft, and it can take months to complete one pen.
And there are only a few master artisans who can perform such intricate work in Japan.
Where to buy:
Speciality stores (such as Ginza Itoya, Maruzen Nihonbashi)
Department stores
For more information about the location, check their website .
3. Japan exclusive electronic gadgets
Akihabara in Tokyo, Japan, is known to be one of the leading retail markets for high-quality electronic goods with cutting-edge technology.
Akihabara has one of the biggest consumer electronics stores in the world such as Yodobashi Camera and Big Camera. From Nintendo Switch to rice cookers, every electronic gadget Japan has to offer is here.
If you are looking for a specific high-end tech gadget, this should be the first place you start your search.
Here are some of the recommended things you should buy in Japan.
Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones
Sony WH-1000X series is one of the best-rated commercial noise-cancelling headphones available.
Both Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 have a Japan limited edition.
Although most of Japan's exclusive models are popular and time-limited, you will need to plan ahead of time.
For the new model, WH-1000XM6, they might come out with a limited edition in the future.
Where to buy:
Sony stores
Major electronics retailers (Yodobashi Camera, Big Camera, Yamada Denki, etc.)
TOTO washlet
New models of TOTO washlets have advanced hygiene and comfort features like a self-cleaning system, instant warm water, heated seats, warm air-dryers, automatic lids, and even app-controlled functionality.
You can purchase the lid part and bring it back home on the plane.
Where to buy:
TOTO showrooms
Major electronics retailers (Yodobashi Camera, Big Camera, etc.)
4. Japanese premium beauty products
Japanese people care a lot about their appearance, and they have an abundance of beauty products.
Here is the best and most popular premium skin care product among Japanese women.
SK-II facial treatment essence (“Miracle Water”)
SK-II facial treatment essence is called a “miracle water” as many users report it to be highly effective and start to see results within constant use after 2-4 weeks.
Because this skin care essence is so famous, it has gotten a legendary status in the cosmetic ranking, and is the best seller at department stores all over Japan.
The product is made with over 90% Pietra, which is a proprietary yeast-derived ingredient packed with vitamins, amino acids, and minerals.
Even if you forget to buy it, most tax-free shops at major airports carry SK-II products.
Where to buy:
Department stores
Duty-free (tax-free) shops at major airports
If you want to explore options other than SK-II, check out Shiseido, Clé de Peau Beauté, POLA, Albion, and Sekkisei by KOSÉ.
5. Japanese traditional crafts
Even for traditional Japanese souvenirs, you can find high-quality ones.
Japan has high-end versions of everything you can possibly think of, even maneki neko (lucky cat figurines) and folding fans.
Traditional Japanese souvenirs can be found near Japanese temples, souvenir shops, but if you are looking for a special, high-quality souvenir, it is better to search in advance.
For a special souvenir, I would recommend a traditional Japanese incense.
Incense sticks that smell like a historical Japanese temple grounds: Shoyeido
Shoyeido was established in 1705 in Kyoto and is one of the oldest and most respected incense makers in Japan.
They use 100% natural ingredients, and also sell premium lines like Horin and Misho.
With high-quality and historical incense, you can make your house smell like a Japanese temple.
Where to buy:
Shoyeido official stores
For more information about the location, check their webiste .
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6. Culinary treasures
Japanese food is popular worldwide, and so are its culinary tools. Especially for chefs, many might have heard of Japanese knives for cooking.
For cooking, Japan offers high-quality ingredients such as gourmet soy sauce or premium Japanese whiskey.
The finest Japanese knives: Aritsugu
Aritsugu was founded in 1560 in Kyoto and is one of Japan’s most prestigious and historical knife brands.
Aritsugu knives are known to be some of the finest traditional Japanese knives and are widely used by top-tier restaurants like Michelin Sushi chefs, Kaiseki chefs, and traditional Japanese cuisine professionals.
Many chefs of Japanese fine dining restaurants rely on Aritsugu’s ultra-sharp knife for precision and perfection.
Where to buy:
Aritsugu Kyoto main store in Nishiki Market (custom sharpening and name engraving service)
Tokyo store in Toyosu Market
8. Fashion and watches
Luxury fashion is alive and well in Japan.
Brands like Louis Vuitton and other global brands have flagship stores in major department stores, but don’t overlook Japanese fashion brands and Japanese watches like Grand Seiko.
400 years of tradition meet timeless style: Inden-ya
Inden-ya is a prestigious and historical Japanese brand specializing in leathercraft decorated with lacquer patterns (urushi).
Inden-ya was founded in 1582 in Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mt.Fuji is, and it is one of Japan’s oldest artisans of traditional leather goods.
Even with over 400 years of heritage, their design is timeless as they cherish a natural aesthetic. They still use the same traditional materials and processes while modernizing designs for contemporary usage. This brand is not so known among non-Japanese people, but has a lot of loyal Japanese fans.
Where to buy:
Main store in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture
Flagship stores in Ginza, Shinjuku Isetan, Kyoto Takashimaya
Japanese excellent watches: Grand Seiko, Credor, Citizen, Casio
If you love watches, visiting Japan’s iconic watch brands is a must.
From Grand Seiko to Casio , you should visit each brand’s flagship store and enjoy the world’s most innovative and beautifully crafted timepieces.
Where to buy:
Flagship stores
Department stores (Takashimaya, Isetan, Mitsukoshi, etc.)
How to shop tax-free in Japan
Most shops, especially department stores and larger Japanese stores like Don Quijote, Loft, Big Camera, and Yodobashi Camera, offer tax-free shopping for foreign visitors.
Simply bring your passport when you are shopping, and look for the "Tax-Free" sign at the store.
This way, you can save 10% instantly on certain products such as cosmetics, electronics, and fashion.
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Japan is a wonderland of everything high-end
Japan has a wide range of quality products. There are plenty of affordable things, but they also have high-end things for almost everything.
For fans of Japanese culture, there are also high-end versions of anime figurines, Hello Kitty goods, and anime merchandise.
Many brands collaborate with popular anime as well.
There is even high-end toilet paper (Amazon Japan) if you thought that didn’t exist.
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For high-end things, go to department stores
Usually, all the best products are at department stores.
If you want to enjoy checking everything at once, it is better to visit luxury department stores (such as Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, Seibu, Isetan, etc) in Ginza, Tokyo.
FAQ
Q: What are the best high-end things to buy in Japan?
A: Japan is full of luxurious yet culturally rooted items worth taking home. Some of the best high-end things to buy in Japan include wagashi sweets from Toraya, perfectly cultivated fruits from Senbikiya, artisan fountain pens like Pilot Namiki, premium skincare like SK-II, high-tech gadgets from Akihabara, and handcrafted knives from Aritsugu. These items combine craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation, making them meaningful purchases or gifts.
Q: Where is the best place to buy high-end products in Japan?
A: The best place to buy high-end items in Japan is at luxury department stores such as Mitsukoshi, Isetan, Takashimaya, and Seibu, especially in areas like Ginza, Shinjuku, and Nihonbashi. These stores offer everything from designer fashion and traditional crafts to gourmet food and exclusive cosmetics, often with tax-free options for tourists. For specialty goods, visit brand flagship stores, traditional shops in Kyoto, or electronics hubs like Akihabara for the latest Japan-exclusive gadgets.
Q: How does tax-free shopping in Japan work?
A: Tax-free shopping in Japan allows foreign visitors to save 10% on purchases made at participating stores. Most department stores, electronics retailers (like Yodobashi Camera and Big Camera), and popular Japanese stores like Don Quijote and Loft offer tax-free options. Bring your passport, and look for “Tax-Free” signs. Cosmetics, fashion, electronics, and souvenirs often qualify. There’s typically a minimum purchase amount, so plan ahead to maximize savings.
Final thoughts: High-end things to buy in Japan
Whether you're looking for practical souvenirs, rare finds, or just want to indulge in the best high-end things to buy in Japan, your options are endless.
You can find a lot of high-quality things for a reasonable price in Japan. Even the convenience stores such as Family Mart and Seven-Eleven sell premium Japanese snacks and traditional Japanese sweets as last-minute souvenirs. This "value-for-money" is the many reasons why Japan is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the world.
From Japanese products you won’t find in your home country to unique items cheap in Japan but costly in other Asian countries, Japan is a shopper’s paradise, blending innovation with deep cultural roots.
So next time you find yourself wandering the aisles of a glittering Tokyo department store or meandering through a Kyoto market, remember — in Japan, every product tells a story.
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