9 Best High-End Things To Buy In Japan: Luxury items to Have
Japan is home to thousands, if not millions, of beautifully crafted and high-quality items.
Especially, any luxury items in Japan.
We have the list for you to find that special item to keep for yourself or to give to a loved one.
Meticulous craftsmanship on Japanese traditional goods
1. Handcrafted ceramics
Japan has a long history when it comes to its ceramics. Even today, it's easy to find a ceramic shop when walking through a shopping street arcade. You'll see plates, chopstick rests, teapots, and more being sold.
If you are looking for the best and most unique ceramics, then Arita and Imari in Kyushu are the places to be. They are especially known for their ceramics and porcelain works with distinct designs and patterns, with different glazing techniques as a finish.
Arita Ceramic Fair
Depending on what you are looking for, you can display them at home or functionally use them.
2. Toraya’s wagashi for the Japanese imperial family
Toraya is a renowned wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) maker that has been serving the Japanese imperial family for generations.
Toraya’s wagashi
With the finest azuki red beans and natural ingredients, they are dedicated to crafting the best-tasting and most beautiful wagashi that reflects the current season.
And you can get a box of Toraya wagashi for yourself, too! They also sell other traditional Japanese sweets, so it's definitely a must-have luxury item to eat.
3. Yukata and Kimonos
There is no other visually and culturally significant clothing than the Japanese yukata and kimono.
Yukatas are light, made from cotton, and are more casual, while kimonos are more formal, silk attires with more intricate designs and are reserved for more formal and special events.
High-end kimonos are seen as works of art, feature more gold-thread embroidery, hand-painted designs, and beautifully dyed fabric.
Designer fashion and luxury finds
From the traditional crafts, we are now heading towards the modern and high-end luxury you can find in Japan.
4. Luxury brands in Japan: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and more
Many luxury brands found abroad can be easily spotted in most Japanese department stores such as Daimaru, Mitsukoshi, Parco, KITTE (0101/Marui).
From Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Tiffany and Co., Gucci, and so much more. If one department store doesn’t have the brand you are looking for, you can check out the department store next door.
Can’t travel, but still want Japanese luxury handbags? WeeklyLuxDrop has your back.
WeeklyLuxDrop has tons of pre-loved luxury bags and jewelry from your favorite brands to browse. They are affordable, and free shipping is available worldwide. What’s unique is that they have live video sales for you to see items up-close and get amazing deals.
5. Japan-exclusive collaborations and colorways
Many luxury brands will have Japan-exclusive products, making them an instant collector’s item.
The most famous Japanese collaboration in the luxury world is the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collection.
LV x TM 2003 Cherry Blossom Pochette (left) and LV x TM 2003 White Pochette (right)
That collection includes the reimaged LV Monogram vibrant multicolor palette with a white or black canvas. Another item in this collection is the Louis Vuitton pochette with sakuras. If you look really closely, the centers of the sakuras have Murakami’s signature smiling flower on them.
Another famous collab is Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama. Known as the “Princess of Polka Dots,” her collab with LV is bright with her iconic dots throughout the design.
LV x Yayoi: Neverfull MM Pumpkin Design (left) and LV x Yayoi Rouge Neverfull Canvas (right)
Luxury Watches
6. Seiko watches
Seiko watches are THE watches to have when it comes to innovation and craftsmanship.
All their watches are produced in Japan, from the process to the design, and even the production.
Their inventory included the first quartz watch and the first automatic chronograph. But the most luxurious watch is their Grand Seiko watches.
Grand Seiko Shunbun The Vernal Equinox
These watches are instantly recognizable and very elegant. With a watch brand like Seiko, you know this watch will be a functional beauty.
Japanese Beauty & Skincare Must-Haves
There are so many Japanese luxury beauty brands to list off. So here, we highlight 2 brands that are worth their cost.
7. Clé de Peau Beauté
Clé de Peau Beauté is one of Shiseido’s prestigious subsidiaries and is a pinnacle of Japanese luxury beauty.
Some of their famous products include Correcting Cream Veil, which hydrates, smooths, and blurs imperfections on your skin, and the Voile Lumineux Makeup Base that will protect against UV while feeling lightweight.
8. SK-II
Another luxury skincare beauty product in Japan. They have a siganature product called Pitera that is a liquid with vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids to restore skin radiance and reduce signs of aging.
Their most famous product is the Facial Treatment Essence, which is often called “Miracle Water” that contains 90% Pitera. It till hydrate your skin, minimizes dark spots, refines skin texture, and promotes a youthful glow
A definite high-end thing to buy in Japan if you are into skin care.
Professional kitchen knives
9. Japanese Santoku chef knife
The Japanese Santoku chef knife is a great all-purpose knife for cutting fruits, chopping vegetables, and slicing through meats and fish with ease.
If you are just browsing, look for knives that are high-carbon steel or premium stainless steel. And opt for wooden handles for comfort and balance.
For the best Japanese kitchen knife craftsmanship, find knives from Satoshi Nakagawa. He is one of four blacksmiths who can forge Mizu-Honyaki knives from Shirogami #1 steel.
Tips when shopping for luxury items in Japan
a) Tax free
Japan is one of the many countries that offer tax-free shopping for foreign tourists.
Eligible goods at participating stores allow you to get a tax return from the 10% consumption tax that you would normally pay for. You usually have to spend about 5,000 yen in one day, at the same store. After purchasing, head to the store’s tax-free counter with your passport for them to process the refund.
b) Second hand
Shopping for pre-owned luxury items in Japan is very eco-friendly, and they also have the best quality.
Japan’s second-hand market is known as being the best in terms of quality and standards.
Many pre-loved luxury items are in new-like conditions, letting you shop around with ease.
Shop with luxury in mind in Japan
It can be quite easy to buy high-end things in Japan if you know what you are looking for. From traditional crafts to modern fashion, there’s something for everybody.
Hopefully, this list has sparked your own list of must-have luxury Japanese items.