Kyoto Omiyage: 6 Creative, Travel-Friendly Souvenirs for Loved Ones

The following blog was written by a student intern on a 2026 CIEE high school summer abroad program. 

In Japan, it’s very common to buy small gifts for friends and family while traveling. In Japanese, these are called “omiyage,” or souvenirs! This is why, you might notice while traveling through Japan, that there are plenty of little trinkets and bobbles to collect at an affordable price point. This article highlights some of the most memorable Kyoto specialty gifts to bring home. 

This article contains links and specific recommendations, but in case you’re looking for a quick summary, I recommend: 

• Handmade Pottery
• Custom Chopsticks
• Fans and Wind Chimes 
• Uji Matcha
• Don Quijote Snacks 
• Yojima Beauty 

Throw Your Own Pottery 

Nothing says “thinking of you” like a handmade craft!

Kyoto, being a cultural hub for traditional Japanese art, has plenty of workshops worth taking. If you ever wanted to learn how to throw pottery, Kyoto is the place to do it. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, a bowl or vase made by you is a special gift to send home. Many locations even offer shipping, so you can receive it in the mail a few weeks after your trip.

Check out this location in the Higashiyama District, near Kyomizu-dera Temple and the Gion Shopping District– the perfect addition to a shopping day! 

Kyoto also has plenty of shops that offer pre-made and affordable options. Interestingly enough, if you’re really on a budget, Daiso carries some good looking bowls and serving dishes as well, for as low as 300 yen apiece. But if you have the time, the money, and somebody in your life who is passionate about home decor— you can’t go wrong with a handmade piece.

Custom Chopsticks

Another great gift– custom chopsticks. Wander around Nishiki Market and Teramachi Mall long enough, and you will find several stores that sell ohashi at every price point. Some of these places also offer custom engraving (for free at some places), so you can get your loved one’s initials engraved as a memorable keepsake. If you buy a set for a friend, like I did, they will also gift-wrap the box for you! 

I encourage you to go wander around the market and happen upon one of these shops yourself (it makes it even more special,) but if you’re in a rush, here’s one location that carries chopsticks, cute chopstick rests, and even the aforementioned pottery and kitchenware. 

Check it out here: Kitchen Yuzen

Fans and Windchimes

The sounds of summer– windchimes and someone yelling “it’s too hot!” as they fan themselves furiously with a sheet of paper. No matter the time of year you are visiting Kyoto, these two things make good, affordable gifts for your loved ones to use during the hotter months. Kyoto also has many shops that make oriental fans: for display only. Though these are a bit on the pricier side. I’ll refer to Daiso again for this one: when in doubt (and on a budget), visit the Daiso first! 

Uji Matcha

If you or one of your friends is a matcha lover, Uji is a must. A short 30 minute trip from Kyoto Station, Uji is considered the “Matcha Capital of Japan”. Uji Matcha can also be found within Kyoto shopping districts as well. Packets of green tea leaves and satchels of matcha powder make fantastic gifts. There is also a large selection of Matcha-themed sweets to choose from, and you can find those anywhere, from convenience stores to upscale souvenir shops. I recommend buying matcha powder or green tea at the tail end of your trip, for maximum freshness when you gift it to your matcha-loving friend! 

There are plenty of places to buy high-quality matcha, but Nakamura Tokichi is a reliably popular brand with its main branch located in Uji. Also check out the Kyoto Station Location if you are pressed for time. 

Don Quijote Snacks and Souvenirs 

Don Quijote is THE place to find Japan’s most unique snacks! While Don Quijote carries endless souvenirs to peruse, this is an especially good spot to find some Japan-exclusive snacks. From matcha and peanut butter kitkats to more traditional souvenirs like mochi, the selection offers something for everyone. Many of the packages are beautiful to look at, and often contain individually wrapped sweets, so they make perfect gifts for friends, coworkers and family. Food is a great, unique cultural experience to bring back home! 

Don Quijote Kawaramachi Location 

Yojiya Beauty Brand

Yojiya was founded in Kyoto in 1904. It was originally for Geisha and Stage Performers, but is now a popular brand in Kyoto and beyond. Their compact speciality offerings, such as oil-blotting paper and hand cream, make perfect omiyage for skincare enthusiasts. 

Specially picked souvenirs for your family and friends are great ways to show you were thinking of them while abroad. What’s more, collecting everything is an adventure in itself. Hopefully this list gave you an idea of what to keep an eye out for– whether you’re studying abroad or just traveling for a few days, bring a piece of the journey home with you to share. Happy shopping! 

Interested in learning more? Browse CIEE's generous selection of high school summer abroad programs in Japan.