Beyond the glitz of Tokyo’s skyscrapers and neon lights, venerable Mount Fuji on the horizon sets the tone for this city of marked contrasts, where ancient and modern cultures coexist side by side. High-speed but unhurried, with high-rises beside centuries-old temples, and both high-end dining and quality convenience stores—the spirit, craft, and cuisine of Tokyo have always mesmerized me. It seems like everyone is traveling to Japan this year, and if you, too, are enchanted by thoughtfully designed Japanese keepsakes, these gifts let you bring that artful approach to daily life home.
Kozan-ji Temple Matcha Tea Whisk Stand by Tosen Kiln
This handcrafted whisk stand and bowl for mixing matcha elevates a morning routine to a ceremonial tea ritual with these whimsical tools.
$81, omakase-forest.com
Pewter and Amethyst Teapot by Seikado
This handcrafted kettle embodies kirei-sabi, a balance of beauty and imperfection that is practiced in tea ceremonies—a setting where this exquisite teapot would be the crown jewel.
$2,230, abask.com
Kamado-san Donabe Rice Cooker by Nagatani-en
Perfectly fluffy rice can be hard to achieve at home. Cozy up with restaurant-quality dishes made in this double-layer donabe clay pot and never order takeout again.
$220, jinenstore.com
100 Colors Japanese Watercolor Set by Choosing Keeping
One hundred shades of gansai (Japanese gouache) made by a 100-year-old Japanese paintmaker and kept in gradient order in a petite fabric-bound chest of drawers make this 100% the gift I’d most like to receive.
$458, choosingkeeping.com
Pea Pod Pewter Chopstick Rests by Seikado
Stylish in silver and sweet as a pea, these finely detailed, handcrafted chopstick rests grace the table with a delightful yet understated wink.
$295 for a set of 5, abask.com
Matcha Flight by Sorate
If you ever have the opportunity to visit the serene Sorate teahouse in Soho, you should. But until then, a sachet of their house-made matcha will transport you to Japan. Better yet, try three different flavors with this flight of teas.
$59, sorate.co
The Furoshiki Wrap by Crown Affair
Your wrapping will be as beautiful as your gift when you use a furoshiki fabric wrap—a lasting, sustainable alternative to paper. Customary etiquette is to return a furoshiki to the gift-giver when it is used as wrapping, so you may get to see it again!
$48, crownaffair.com
GlamSalt Set by Gem Home
These finishing salts in flavors of matcha, espelette pepper, and ume (plum vinegar) add unexpected zing to homemade dishes and adventurous pairings. (Try the ume on a flaky white fish.) Plus, they’re colorful!
The Studio Set by Nickey Kehoe
Leatherbound and equipped with thoughtfully designed tools from Japanese scissors to a guided sketchbook, this set makes the perfect gift for your artistic friend.
$238, nickeykehoe.com
SOU•SOU Tenugui by Karsuji Wakisaka
This tenugui cloth can be used as a dish towel, displayed as a decorative accessory, or bundled to wrap a bento box. Designed by artist Karsuji Wakisaka, this cat on the run is delightful for any purpose.
$25, rikumo.com
Light & Sound Lamp by MoriMori
For the outdoorsy adventurer on your list, this retro-style LED lamp is outfitted with modern accoutrements: A dimmer and a bluetooth speaker set the soundtrack and the mood.
$150, aplacetopicnic.com
ST-350 Tool Box by Toyo
Stash your supplies in this cantilevered Japanese toolbox designed in 1969. The metallic periwinkle color makes hardworking utility fun.
$145, store.moma.org
Paper Incense by HA KO
If these delicate leaf-shaped papers are too beautiful to burn, their subtle scents of elegant citrus and spiced jasmine can also cleanse your space as an artful potpourri.
$40, rikumo.com
Hori-Hori Garden Tool
The handy hori-hori garden knife is designed to simplify the accessories in your toolkit. Pair with paperwhite bulbs for a thoughtful gift for the gardener.
$48, canoe.design
Japanese Tales by Yuko Shimizu
This book of translated folktales and medieval stories will transport you to a long-vanished culture, in a volume embellished with silver gilt and brought to life with exquisite illustrations.
$145, foliosociety.com
Aoyama Incense by Astier de Villatte
The best incense, like this one, is made on Awaji Island in Japan. This scent evokes the smoky wood of a Japanese house from the Aoyama neighborhood in Tokyo. Visit Astier de Villatte’s flagship Japan shop opening in the Omotesando area in Tokyo on December 12th.
$60, jaysonhome.com
Silver Rabbit Incense Stand
This clever bunny embraces a torch of calming incense aglow for a cozy winter’s night.
$180, teadealers.com
Embroidered Handkerchief Cloth by Mariko Okumura for Mitsou
Let’s bring back the polite custom of carrying a handkerchief in your pocket to lend to a friend or loved one. This one is especially sweet and handmade in Japan.
$18, nalatanalata.com
Mitsuro Ripple Hoops by Emily Nixon
These sterling silver earrings appear modern in their simplicity, however, they’re sculpted using the ancient Mitsuro Hikime technique of slow wax casting.
$195, us.toa.st
Chef’s Knife by Katto
The easiest way to improve in the kitchen may be by upgrading your knife. This award-winning blade is equally sharp in appearance.
$197, maisonflaneur.com
Merino Wool Flight Knit Cap by Yohji Yamamoto
The unique silhouette of this wool hat, with its ear flaps and string ties, will keep you cozy and chic in the designer’s signature all-black.
$180, theshopyohjiyamamoto.com
Handmade Japanese Archival Box No. 31
A worthy vessel for stowing keepsakes and treasures. Save Christmas cards or mementos from your travels in this beautiful box made of Japanese paper.
£47, choosingkeeping.com
Everything on our website was hand-picked by a FREDERIC editor. We may earn commission on items you purchase.
