Soup Curry Garaku
Soup Curry Garaku has so many fans that when there is a waiting line, they give you a numbered ticket. This soup curry restaurant is very famous among locals.
Hokkaido soup curry has a rich aroma, with a broth that blends a variety of spices without feeling heavy. Paired with tender chicken leg and sweet vegetables, every bite is warming and satisfying. It’s a must-try local specialty when visiting Hokkaido.
Pabron
The “Pabron” brand of medicine, produced by Taisho Pharmaceuticals, is one of Japan’s most common cold medicines.
Taisho Pabron is a common cold medicine in Japan. The individual packets are really convenient to carry, making it handy when early cold symptoms start to appear. After taking it, it helps ease symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, and fever. Following the directions makes it feel more reassuring. It’s a medicine many people like to keep on hand when traveling.
Sugar Butter Sand Tree
Milky white chocolate is sandwiched between cookies made from a blend of whole wheat, rye and wild oats. With its adorable appearance, your clients or friends and family will be delighted to receive this box of cookies as a gift.
The first time I tried Sugar Butter Sand Tree, it really left a strong impression. The cookies are crisp, fragrant, and light, with the buttery aroma and white chocolate blending perfectly. They’re sweet but not overly rich, and every bite feels like a little happiness. Highly recommended as a Japanese souvenir.
Miyakojima’s Yukishio “Yukishio Sand“
Yukishio Sand is a popular Okinawan souvenir made with Yukishio-a fine powder salt crystallized from seawater drawn 22 meters underground in Miyakojima. This unique salt retains the natural minerals of the sea, giving it a distinctive mellow flavor.
Miyakojima’s Yukishio Sand cookies have a crisp texture and a rich milky flavor. The filling has a subtle Yukishio salt note, making it sweet without being too heavy, with a nice balance of salty and sweet layers. They taste even better with coffee or tea. A highly recommended Okinawan souvenir.
Kitakaro "Hokkaido Pioneer Okaki"
Kitakaro’s long-selling product, "Hokkaido Pioneer Okaki," is known for its dedication to using locally sourced ingredients from Hokkaido. Focusing on the treasures of the sea, this premium rice cracker lineup includes 10 varieties featuring top-quality ingredients such as squid from Hakodate, sweet shrimp from Mashike, autumn salmon from Shibetsu, scallops from Esashi, kelp from Erimo, octopus from Shiranuka, and cod roe from Tomakomai’s Kojohama, along with three popular seasonal offerings.
Kitakaro’s Hokkaido Pioneer Okaki has a crisp, hearty texture. The more you chew, the more you can taste the aroma of Hokkaido rice and the savory flavor of seafood. The seasoning is just right and not too salty. Every bite is full of fragrance. It’s a popular must-buy souvenir from Hokkaido and leaves you wanting more.
Itoen Powdered Green Tea with Matcha
Powdered green tea made by famous Japanese tea company ITO EN gives you the taste of authentic Japanese tea. Its special characteristic is that it quickly dissolves not only in hot water but even in cold water.
Itoen green tea has a natural, fresh tea aroma. It tastes smooth and mellow, without being overly sweet, and it’s even more refreshing and thirst-quenching when chilled. It pairs well with sushi, rice balls, or fried foods. It’s a popular drink worth buying when traveling in Japan, and also a great choice for staying hydrated every day.
Fukutaro "Mentaiko-flavored Senbei 'Menbei'"
Produced and sold by "Fukutaro," known for its signature Hakata Mentaiko, the "Mentaiko-flavored Senbei 'Menbei'" incorporates their specialty cod roe to create a mildly spicy cracker that's hard to put down. Over 20 years since its inception, it has become a staple souvenir from Fukuoka, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Mentaiko as one of Fukutaro's most popular products.
Fukutaro's Hokkaido-exclusive mentaiko senbei is crispy and tasty. It combines the savory, slightly spicy flavor of mentaiko with a special Hokkaido twist, giving it a rich, layered texture that makes it hard to stop eating. The packaging also has a nice Hokkaido feel, so it's highly recommended whether you're enjoying it yourself or giving it as a gift.
Lake Chuzenji
It has been said that the valley was dammed by lava from the eruption of Mt. Nantai about 20,000 years ago, and the original shape was created. Located at an altitude of 1,269 meters above sea level, it is at one of the highest heights in Japan.
Lake Chuzenji has clear water and is surrounded by mountains, creating a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere that feels truly relaxing. Strolling along the lakeshore and taking in the view of Mount Nantai reflected on the water, with a gentle breeze blowing, is incredibly pleasant.
Each season has its own charm: lush greenery in spring and summer, brilliant red maples in fall, and snowy scenery in winter. It’s a must-see natural spot in Nikko, well worth taking your time to enjoy and photograph.
Calbee Jaga Pokkuru Okhotsk Sea Salt taste
Calbee Jaga Pokkuru is a popular snack produced by Calbee, one of Japan’s leading snack manufacturers. Manufactured at their Chitose factory in Hokkaido and primarily sold locally, it's become a beloved souvenir from Hokkaido. The name "Jaga Pokkuru" combines "jagaimo" (potato) with "Korpokkur," legendary fairy-like beings from Ainu folklore.
Calbee+ is a popular snack specialty shop in Japan. The freshly fried fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, and they come in a variety of well-loved flavors.
They also sell limited-edition potato chips, Jaga Pokkuru, and other items. The sakura shrimp–flavored fries are super tasty. It’s a must-visit spot for snacks and souvenirs when traveling in Japan.
Jishu Jinja (Kyoto, Kiyomizu)
Kyoto’s famous tourist spot in Kiyomizu Temple near the Stage of Kiyomizu. It is said to have been built before the country of Japan was established while Kyoto Valley was still a lake. The shrine was worshipped as the place for longevity. The halls and the ground are designated as national important cultural properties and the world cultural heritage site.
Jishu Jinja is located next to Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto and is famous for prayers for good matches and luck in love. It is one of Japan’s well-known matchmaking shrines. The love fortune-telling stones on the grounds are especially famous. The setting feels historic and peaceful, with a romantic and sacred atmosphere that draws many visitors to pray for blessings.