Japan is full of modern delights but I also made sure to bring home some more traditional goodies
They're not all technically "traditional", they're more like souvenirs from certain locations
but I thought they suited being in a post all together ♪
Custom keyring from Osaka Castle
This was so cute, you bought the pieces at random from a capsule machine
This was so cute, you bought the pieces at random from a capsule machine
and then you placed your coin into a machine to stamp in the date and your name
As we left the castle we were like"why didn't we put both our names on these?!" oh derp
Zodiac Rat and Snake from Nara
My Zodiac sign is the Snake but I bought the rat too because he was too cute
and he looked a little like my pet hamster Buzz (who sadly passed away last month)
These actually contain omikuji fortunes but I don't want to open the paper seal to retrieve them!
These were purchased from the same shop as the Zodiac animals
The turtle is a magnet and I guess the goldfish is a chopstick rest? There wasn't any signs
I just love the way he looks so I wanted him to display heh
This deer is of course from Nara too!
I really wanted a deer related memento from our day in the Park
I really wanted a deer related memento from our day in the Park
I got this from a cute little store with in the park too where a deer wandered inside haha
These are Furoshiki, a traditional cloth that's most commonly used for wrapping bento
but it can also be used as a cute way to wrap gifts too, I think many people wrap Sake in these
A better look at the Daruma print, the one with arms and legs really freaks me out haha
The maneki neko print... one of these is not like the other
Food Sample from Kappabashi, Asakusa
I was so determined to buy some authentic fake food (is that a paradox?)
I didn't really have any particular food in mind but I thought the noodles looked good
I didn't really have any particular food in mind but I thought the noodles looked good
and that they really showed off the skills needed to make these look so realistic
I also thought the ice cream was really funny, so I chose my favourite flavour, matcha!
These are some little pieces I got from Koyosan
The post card was in a little shop and I thought it was funny to see frogs using an umbrella
The character is Koyo-kun! The mascot for Koyosan, and he is a magnet
The others are amulets that we bought from Monks on the temple grounds
The others are amulets that we bought from Monks on the temple grounds
I believe the Omamori we got are just for general good luck
I have mine placed on the door handle inside my new apartment
Going outside can still be a struggle for me, so it's there to remind me to be brave
"You can do this! This charm is proof of your strengths!"
Zodiac animal display from Koyasan
When I bought this the shop lady showed me how to set it up, she was so sweet
I always wanted one of these for the super nerdy reason of loving Fruits Basket when I was a teen
and I always thought they were something people didn't use anymore
So I never thought I would be able to own one, but here it is! ♥
A closer look at some of the animals
I was so worried about getting these home as they are all so tiny and fragile
But thankfully they survived their journey!
What traditional or souvenir items from Japan are your favourites?
What traditional or souvenir items from Japan are your favourites?