Over at the MOSHI MOSHI BOX—the iconic tourist information center in Harajuku—we often get a lot of foreigners coming in saying they want to do some shopping at 100 yen stores. We’ve compiled a list of some of the popular items you can find at 100 yen stores.
Shuriken Magnets
Ninja memorabilia is very popular among overseas visitors to Japan. This shuriken is a magnet and has a unique design because if you attach it something magnetic it will look like it’s stuck right in there. They’re a cool little item to have and can even be used as decoration.
Mt. Fuji Merchandise
100 yen stores stock a lot of goods associated with Mt. Fuji. From labels to hand towels, paper napkins, chopsticks, coasters, glasses, socks and even iPhone cases! You can find just about anything with Mt. Fuji printed on it.
Hand Towels
“Tenugui” are Japanese hand towels. They’re one of the standard items bought by foreigners in Japan. They come in countless designs such as traditional Japanese patterns, like cherry blossoms, as well as sushi and more. They have many functions: you can use them for decoration such as hanging them up or putting them in the center of a table, but there are even ones you can use in place of a bandanna!
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Traditional Japanese Toys
100 yen shops are also packed with traditional Japanese arts and craft and toys such as origami, taketonbo or bamboo-copter (very nostalgia-inducing for Japanese people!), kaleidoscopes which show gorgeous patterns when held up to the light, and more. You can also buy your own kaleidoscope kit which comes with beads so you can make your own original patterns.
Learn About Japan
You can get your hands on kanji drill sets aimed at children that have questions written in Japanese and English waiting to be solved. There’s also puzzles that map out Japan so you can learn all of the prefectures in Japan. There are even mini calligraphy sets. For just 100 yen you can learn lots about Japanese culture.
Japanese Sweets & Snacks
We saved the best for last. 100 yen shops are filled with Japanese sweets and snacks, from rice cookies to goodies made using ume (Japanese apricot). There’s a great matcha section in a shop called Daiso along Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Find your favourite Japanese sweets for just 100 yen!
Did you enjoy our list? We have only scratched the surface of what lies along the shelves of 100 yen stores around Japan. There is so much to find, so be sure to drop by one if you see it. And make sure to get a basket because you’ll want to buy everything.
■Information
100 Yen Shops
Daiso: https://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp
Seria: http://www.seria-group.com
Can Do: https://www.cando-web.co.jp
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In Japan, the rabbit is known for bringing good fortune, and has been a beloved symbol since ancient times. The white rabbit in particular, featured in the local Izumo myth ‘The White Rabbit of Inaba,’ plays a major role in connecting the characters Onamuchi-no-kami and Princess Yakami. In 1968, the famous confectionery ‘White Rabbit of Inaba’ was created in the hopes of bringing good luck to those visiting the area. Much like how an indie music group has a small group of hardcore fans but may not be well-known outside of small circles, these indie souvenirs are popular with locals, but may not be known to those outside the community. On the official website, fans can see their favorite treats displayed on what looks like album covers as an homage to this fitting comparison. On social media, there was incredible support for the project from all kinds of people: those who made the souvenirs in the first place, those who love their local area, and those who were seeing these treats for the first time and dying to try them. Which of the 47 souvenirs would you be most happy to receive? Information
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Disney SWEETS COLLECTION by Tokyo Banana, a joint confectionery shop between GRAPESTONE and Tokyo Banana, released its new Mickey & Friends collection on Thursday.
Tokyo Banana Mickey & Friends Collection | ¥1,300 (Tax Included)
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto join hands in a heart-warming new collection of Tokyo Banana, a cream-filled sponge cake and the official souvenir sweet of Tokyo's official souvenir sweet: Tokyo Banana.Mickey & Friends arrive in all the colours of the rainbow
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There are six super cute Mickey & Friends designs you could get in your Tokyo Banana, and each one is random. They are filled with chocolate banana-flavoured custard cream. Collect all the postcards
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The Pokémon Tokyo Banana confection series launched its first two products that it ever released at Yume Town, Yume City, LEC, and Yume Mart branches in the South-west most part of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu on May 14.
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Released: May 14, 2021 (Available while supplies last)
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