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Muslim-friendly Souvenirs

24 Muslim-Friendly Souvenirs To Buy In Tokyo (And Where To Find Them!)

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Faruq Senin •  Dec 11, 2023

It's hard not to talk about Tokyo without including shopping. From high-end department stores to ¥100 shops, supermarkets, drugstores, speciality stores and souvenir shops, there's just a wealth of things you can buy in Tokyo! That's why we've created this list of halal and Muslim-friendly snacks and souvenirs that you can buy in Tokyo, so you can conveniently use this list for your shopping spree. To make it even easier for you, we've divided the items to buy into different categories and also included the places where you can find various items! Now, are you ready to start shopping?

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Food & Snacks

1. Okaki (rice crackers)

Okaki rice crackers

Made from glutinous rice that’s polished, steamed, left to dry and baked/fried to delicious goodness, Okaki is a signature Japanese rice cracker that comes in various flavours.

It might look like a simple snack but the process of producing Okaki can take up to 1 week to complete! And what's great is that these crackers have been certified halal by the Nippon Asia Halal Association.

One of the popular places to get Okaki is at Hyobando, located behind Asakusa Kaminari-mon Gate. Here's where you can stock up on okaki with yummy flavours including seaweed, red pepper, wasabi and matcha. Wasabi is hands down the best seller – no surprises there!

Where to find them:

  • Hyobando Asakusa Kaminarimon
  • Laox Akihabara
  • Narita Airport Terminal 2 - ANA FESTA
  • Narita Airport Terminal 1 - OMOTASE-DOKORO
  • Haneda Airport International Terminal - EDO
  • Haneda Airport - ANA FESTA (after immigration)

P.S. Find out what other Muslim-friendly Japanese snacks you can get in Japan with this guide!

2. Kaminariokoshi

Kaminariokoshi is a traditional type of rice puff that can come in various flavours. One store in Asakusa – Tokiwado Kaminari-okoshi Honpo – is actually famous for making these small snacks in a range of sweet and even savoury flavours.

There’s a huge variety of puffs in varying sizes, shapes, and flavours, and yes, there are samples available to try too. As an added bonus, the store is right next to the famous Kaminarimon gate that leads to Sensoji-shrine, making this the perfect spot to drop by for some souvenir shopping after catching one of Tokyo’s most famous attractions!

Individual products that are halal have JHF’s logo displayed next to them, so you’ll be reassured that the one you’re buying is good to go. If you’re still unsure, you can ask the friendly staff.

Where to find them:

Tokiwado Kaminari-okoshi Honpo

Address: 1-chōme-3-2 Asakusa, Taito City, Tōkyō-to 111-0032, Japan

Opening hours: 10am to 6:30pm daily

P.S. Planning a family trip to Tokyo? Check out our 7D6N Muslim-friendly family itinerary!

3. Higashi (dry confectionery)

Higashi are pieces of gorgeous individually decorated sugar and rice-flour sweets! They are usually consumed with traditional matcha tea during a Japanese tea ceremony to offset its bitterness.

Higashi

Credit: Just Love Japan on Facebook 

What's great about higashi is that it's dry and has very little moisture so it can last longer than many other sweets. This means it'll make a great souvenir to give your loved ones! Not to mention that they come in stunning designs too.

Different higashi designs

Credit: KYOTO DESIGN HOUSE on Facebook 

The ingredients used to make higashi are finely ground Japanese sugar and rice flour or other flours like azuki (red bean), soybean or green pea. It doesn't contain any alcohol or animal derivatives too. The snack can mostly be found in matcha stores and many souvenir shops but different brands have different quality. If you’re seeking for a higher quality higashi made purely from Wasanbon (Chinese sugarcane, with a different taste and umami compared to others that are made of ordinary sugarcane), we would recommend Baiko-do. You can find Baiko-do at the Setouchi Shunsaikan store in Tokyo, and in some malls.

Where to find them: Matcha stores, souvenir shops

Setouchi Shunsaikan (for Wasanbon higher quality higashi)

Address: 2-19-10 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Opening hours: 10am-8pm daily

P.S. In Tokyo and searching for halal food? Don't worry, our ultimate halal food guide to Tokyo would help you out!

4. Samurai Ramen

Afraid you'll miss the taste of authentic Japanese ramen once you're back home? Then make sure you stock up on Samurai Ramen!

What's great about Samurai Ramen is that it's made without using any animal derivatives, fish, MSG or alcohol. So, other than being halal, it's also vegan and healthy too. Plus, you can expect to get the same umami flavour you'd expect in any ramen stall, so rest assured the taste and authenticity isn't compromised!

Where to find them: Don Quijote stores, Japanese supermarkets

P.S. Want a taste of ramen in Tokyo? We've rounded up 12 Muslim-friendly eateries to get your halal ramen fix!

5. Green tea

Synonymous with Japanese culture and a highlight of the Japanese tea ceremony, green tea is a great souvenir that's easy to bring back.

Whether you're interested in getting loose tea leaves, tea bags or even tea in the powdered form (matcha), it's not hard to find green tea to bring home as gifts for your loved ones or even for your own consumption.

One of the more popular shops in Tokyo is the Ippodo tea store in Marunouchi where you can savour tea with snacks, experience a tea ceremony and there are all sorts of various green tea products you can buy. Otherwise, you can also get green tea items from various Japanese supermarkets and souvenir shops too.

Where to find them: Japanese supermarkets, souvenir shops

Ippodo Tea Store Tokyo Marunouchi (for high-quality green tea)

Address:3-1-1 Marunouchi, 1F Kokusai Bldg., Chiyoda 100-0005, Tokyo Prefecture

Opening hours: 11am - 7pm

6. Bourbon Alfort Chocolates

These chocolates consist of chocolate on one side and biscuit on the other, which makes it a really yummy treat. Not to mention that they are really cheap (from JPY100) and easy to bring back home too.

One thing to note is that while they don't have halal certification, the ingredients used in Bourbon Alfort Chocolates are Muslim-friendly as they are not from any animal derivatives or alcohol. Even the shortening used is plant-based.

Alfort chocolates come in different flavours like milk, cookies and cream and even matcha. Trust us, these bite-sized morsels are too good to resist and highly addictive.

Where to find them: Drugstores, convenience stores, souvenir shops, supermarkets

P.S. Here are 11 Muslim-friendly Japanese convenience store snacks you need to buy!

7. Muso Castella Cake

A specialty snack from Nagasaki, castella cake is a popular Japanese sponge cake made from flour, sugar, syrup and egg. It sounds simple but this simple combination makes it rich, sweet and buttery.

Muso Castella Cake

Credit: Tasuku Iwano on Facebook

One of the brands that make a halal version of this yummy castella cake is MUSO and their products have been halal-certified by the Nippon Asia Halal Association. Get the cake in 3 flavours - matcha, honey and brown sugar. The matcha is very popular so be sure to get your hands on them! It seems that the matcha flavoured cake is only sold at Haneda Airport.

Halal Muso Castella Cake

Credit: MUSO Halal on Facebook

Where to find them: 

  • Narita Airport - ANA FESTA
  • Haneda Airport - Air Lawson

P.S. Travelling around Japan? Make sure you check out our 7D6N Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka Muslim-friendly itinerary!

8. Meiji Almond and Macadamia

Love chocolates and almond/macadamia nuts? It's time to have the best of both worlds with Meiji's Almond and Macadamia!

For the uninitiated, almond or macadamia nuts are covered in a rich coat of chocolate and every bite through this crunchy snack is a tasty treat. What's even better is that both of these Meiji products are alcohol-free and use only plant-based emulsifiers. So, time to buy more of these and give it to your loved ones back home.

Where to find them: Drugstores, convenience stores, souvenir shops, supermarkets

9. Kibi-dango

A traditional Japanese rice cake made with millet flour, sticky rice flour and sugar, Kibi-dango is an iconic Japanese snack and has been mentioned in ancient Japanese legends too.

Dango

Credit: Nhật Bản Irasshai on Facebook 

One of the brands that sell halal-certified kibi-dango is Koeido and each snack is nicely packaged with cute designs so you can easily give the souvenirs away to friends and family. Take your pick from 3 flavours - plain, white peach and matcha and munch away to your heart's content!

Where to find them: 

Tottori-Okayama Shimbashi-kan (Tokyo branch)

Address: 1 Chome-11-7 Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0004

Opening hours: 10am to 9pm daily

10. Tokyo Banana (selected Muslim-friendly products)

One of the most popular snacks to buy back from Japan is none other than the Tokyo Banana. While the original flavour of Tokyo Banana isn't halal, there are other Muslim-friendly variants of Tokyo Banana which does not contain alcohol or animal derivatives.

One such item is the Tokyo Banana Castella Cake. Shaped like a banana and topped with sugar, the Tokyo Banana Castella Cake is a soft and fluffy sponge cake that has subtle hints of banana flavour.

Tokyo Banana Castella Cake

Credit: Umi Chan on Facebook

The maple-flavoured castella cake is another Muslim-friendly option and it's only exclusive to Haneda Airport, so if you're flying via the airport, it's a must-buy! Not only will you taste the banana flavour, but the maple flavour will enhance the taste of the castella cake

Where to find them: Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, JR Tokyo Station, Daimaru Tokyo Shop. Find more locations here.

Want to know what other Tokyo Banana products are Muslim-friendly? Check out our in-depth article on Tokyo Banana here!

11. Royce Chocolate (selected Muslim-friendly products)

Similar to the Tokyo Banana, not all Royce Chocolate products are Muslim-friendly as some of their chocolates contain alcohol. But some of their signature Nama Chocolates don't contain alcohol and are made only using plant-based ingredients like the Mild Cacao, Ghana Bitter and Ecuador Sweet.

Royce Chocolate

Credit: Muop’s House on Facebook

Royce' also has other products such as its Potatochip Chocolates and Pure Chocolates which don't contain alcohol and only consist of plant-based ingredients too. These items are really popular and their packaging is suitable for you to give as souvenirs to friends and family too.

If you'd like to know which Royce' products are Muslim-friendly, check out our comprehensive guide on the halal status of Royce' Chocolates here!

Where to find them: Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza (near JR Yurakucho Line)

Check out the new Royce Chocolate Town with exciting activities here!

Household/decorative items:

12. Tenugui (Japanese towel)

Tenugui is a type of traditional Japanese towel that comes in a variety of patterns. ? Unlike the typical terrycloth towels, tenugui has a smooth texture that can be used in various ways other than just drying your hands or body.

Tenugui

Credit: Tania & Artur on Flickr

Due to its stylistic variations, tenugui make perfect souvenirs for travellers to bring home. Available throughout Tokyo, it is inexpensive and you'll most likely find it at any ¥100 store.

Where to find them: ¥100 shops, department stores, Kamawanu Daikanyama store, Koiki Shinjuku store, Asakusa Kururi

P.S. Find more Japanese souvenirs you can get from Tokyo here!

13. Japanese Chopsticks

Japanese chopsticks

Credit: Lee LeFever on Flickr

Chopsticks are a necessity in Japanese cuisine, but did you know that they are also great as souvenirs? Not only are chopsticks practical, but they also help you immerse yourself in Japanese culture better.

Highly decorated Japanese chopsticks

Credit: Lee LeFever on Flickr

Many Japanese chopsticks are handcrafted with elements that would remind you of Japanese history and culture. We say it's a great idea to begin a chopstick collection!?

Where to find them: ¥100 shops, department stores, Shikisaido, Nihonbo Chopstick store

14. Japanese tea cups

Japanese tea cups

In Japanese culture, tea plays an important role, as serving a cup of tea is a matter of politeness and a symbol of togetherness and respect to visitors. Because of that, the Japanese people do pottery with style. Not only do these tea cups teach us a thing or two about the tea ceremony etiquette in Tokyo, but they make for good souvenirs as well.

Where to find them: Kappabashi Kitchen Street, department stores, ¥100 shops, tea shops

P.S. Planning your Tokyo trip? Check out our 7D7N Muslim-friendly Tokyo itinerary!

15. Sensu (Japanese fans)

sensu, or Japanese fan is one of the most authentic souvenirs you can get from Tokyo. Invented between the 6th and 9th centuries, a sensu is traditionally made of washi paper and wooden narrow strips.

It is not only budget-friendly, but it is also handy and can be carried in your bag at all times. Not to mention that it'll help keep you cool in the heat as well ? A practical souvenir if you ask us!

Where to find them: ¥100 shops, gift shops near tourist attractions, Tokyu Hands, Loft

Fashion accessories/Beauty:

16. Gamaguchi (clasped purse)

In Tokyo, gamaguchi, or purses with clasps are a huge deal. Focusing on its beauty and usability, clasped purses come in a wide variety of designs ranging from traditional Japanese patterns to dots and animals! The demand for gamaguchi is very high amongst young people as it’s convenient for their everyday needs. Seems like a good enough reason to hop on the bandwagon and get one too.

Fun fact about the gamaguchi: when it’s open, it resembles a toad. Hence, the name gamaguchi which loosely translates to “toad mouth”.

Where to find them: ¥100 shops, souvenir shops, department stores

17. Drugstore beauty products

Step into any drugstore in Tokyo and you'll be greeted with a sea of beauty products! Whether you're looking for moisturisers, skincare products or makeup, rest assured you'll find them in drugstores. And they make perfect souvenirs for your friends back home too.

Drugstore beauty oroducts

Pamper yourself with some facial masks such as those from the popular LuLuLun brand or Hada Labo brand to refresh your skin or get some Kabuki face masks as souvenirs for loved ones back home.

Hada Labo products

Or stock up on this lightweight sunscreen by Biore! With a non-greasy and water-like texture and moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid and citrus essence, your skin will feel hydrated throughout the day!

These 2 products are just the tip of the iceberg as there are so many items from drugstores that are worth getting. With so many items on offer, you might be overwhelmed but fret not, our list of 19 items you must get from Japanese drugstores will help you figure out what you need!

Where to find them: Drugstores

Miscellaneous:

18. Fake food merchandise

In case you weren't aware, Japan is big on plastic food merchandise which looks like the real thing and we recommend getting a few food souvenirs to keep as memories. Expect to find keychains or magnets in the form of sushi, onigiri, gyoza and more! Trust us, these food merchandise make for a great souvenir for your friends as they are more unique than the usual magnets/keychains of tourist attractions.

P.S. If you're looking for even more authentic looking fake food samples, head over to Kappabashi!

Where to find them: ¥100 shops, Don Quijote, souvenir shops, Kappabashi

19. Character-themed and anime merchandise

Anime merchandises

Credit: Jpellgen on Flickr

When you’re in Japan, it’s only natural to find a massive amount of character goods there. Tokyo, as we know it, takes pride in producing character-themed merchandise or products and you shouldn’t hesitate to get one yourself! Head down to the usual Akihabara neighbourhood where the streets are closed every Sunday.

Head down to some of the largest anime stores such as Animate or if you're into figurines, look at Ami Ami! There are a ton of second-hand stores too where you can get merchandise for a cheaper price. If you want bigger franchises, the Pokemon stores, Studio Ghibli and Nintendo stores are all in Tokyo AND have exclusive merchandise that you can only find in Japan!

Rilakuma

Credit: Rilakuma on Facebook

Think of the likes of Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Rilakumma, Studio Ghibli and more! It’s the perfect souvenir for pop culture enthusiasts.

Where to find them: ¥100 shops, Akihabara, Nakano Broadway (Anime), Tokyo Character Street (under Tokyo Station)

20. Stationery

Japan takes its stationery very very seriously and it's a dream come true for stationery lovers! It's not uncommon to see many floors dedicated to just stationery. You can find more than just pens in big stores like Tokyu Hands, Itoya and Loft. There are hundreds of varieties of notebooks, diaries, planners, sticky notes and more. There are even services to let you personalise your planners and shops selling varieties of paper material.

If you're looking for more cutesy designs for your stationery or buying for kids, you can find them at character-themed shops like Disney, Hello Kitty, Pokemon too.

Where to find them: Loft, Tokyu Hands, Itoya, Muji, ¥100 shops

21. Cute stickers

If you're looking for cute character-themed stickers, Tokyo is the best place to get them. Thanks to the popularity of Japanese anime, you'll find many stationery stores in Tokyo.

Stickers

On our recent trip to Tokyo, we made a stop at Tokyu Hands and found these adorable Pokemon stickers! You can also find other characters like Shin Chan, Pompompurin and more.

Where to find them: Tokyu Hands, Shibuya Loft, Asoko, character-themed stores, 100,200,300 yen shops

22. Umbrella

Japanese umbrellas

With a variety of cute and unique designs, umbrellas are one of the most practical things you can buy in Japan. Besides stocking up on umbrellas for yourself, they also make really good gifts for your loved ones. Perhaps the best place to get umbrellas is Cool Magic SHU's in Jiyugaoka which is one of the biggest umbrella stores in the world. Large chain stores like Tokyu Hands, Isetan and Takashimaya also sell a variety of umbrellas.

Where to find them: Cool Magic SHU's, Tokyu Hands, major departmental stores

23. Nail clipper

Nail clippers

Nail clippers are another practical item you can bring home from Tokyo and they are usually of good quality! Not to mention that they come in various designs, some even with patterns on them. There are also specific nail clippers for toes or even curled nails, with prices ranging from JPY500-JPY10000!

Where to find them: Tokyu Hands, Konan Home Center, Daiso, 100,200,300 yen shops, MUJI

24. Smartphone cases

Smartphone case

Credit: Colin and Sarah Northway on Flickr

Tokyo is a haven for smartphone cases! You can find all sorts of designs and shapes for various models and even if you don’t have any case on, it will make you want to buy one (at least). They even sell cases with food designs on them!

Speaking of phone cases, guess what - they have cute designs for screen protectors too! The best part is these cases and screen protectors are usually very affordable too.

Where to find them: ¥100 shops, Loft, various shops at train stations

With so many Muslim-friendly snacks, unique souvenirs and even awesome beauty products, it looks like you need to free up A LOT of luggage space for your trip to Tokyo! Happy shopping and don't forget to SHARE this list with your buddies who love Japan as much as you do!