8 Regional Crafts and Souvenirs to Buy During Your RV Trip Across Japan

If you’re about to embark on a campervan journey across Japan, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pick up beautiful keepsakes and souvenirs along the way. From Tokyo’s intricate Edo Kiriko glassware to Kyoto’s refined Kyo-yaki ceramics, this country boasts a wealth of high-quality, culturally significant crafts and wares that make for perfect souvenirs. Each region offers distinctive items that embody local artistry and cultural heritage, making them perfect keepsakes or gifts. In this article, we’ll map out a route that showcases Japan’s diverse crafts while also supporting local artisans, preserving traditional techniques and enriching your travel experience.

One of the best things about embarking on a road trip is the local souvenirs you can pick up along the way. When touring across Japan in an RV, there are seemingly endless opportunities to grab some beautiful, locally made crafts to commemorate your time there. Whether you’re looking to source gifts for loved ones in Tokyo or snatch up souvenirs from more far-flung regions of Japan,

1. Urban Crafts and Edo Artistry in Tokyo

When planning out your road trip by motorhome, Tokyo is the perfect place to start. Travellers Autobarn is located nearby in Chiba, making it easy to start your journey here. Japan’s vibrant capital effortlessly brings together traditional and contemporary cultures to create something entirely unique. In the historic Asakusa district, discover the age-old craft of Edo Kiriko, cut glass featuring intricate patterns. This delicate keepsake makes for a perfect luxurious souvenir. Shops like Asakusa Ojima offer hands-on experiences where you can create your own exquisite Edo Kiriko glass.

A short drive from Tokyo, Chiba is both a gateway to the coast and also a place to explore the art of Boshu Uchiwa, traditional Japanese fans. These fans are made from bamboo and washi paper, often painted with natural scenery or floral designs. If you’re looking for a lightweight souvenir that oozes traditional Japanese culture, these fans are perfect.

2. Discovering Rich Craftsmanship in Nagano

Heading northwest to the heart of Japan’s mountainous region, Nagano offers more than just breathtaking landscapes. It’s also home to Shinshu Soba noodles, a perfect edible souvenir that is renowned in the region. In addition to soba, explore the Kiso Lacquerware shops in the Kiso Valley to browse some of their wooden tableware finished with a beautiful, durable lacquer.

3. A Gold Leaf Experience in Kanazawa

Renowned as a city where streets are literally gilded, Kanazawa specialises in gold leaf production. At Kanazawa Katani, you can not only buy gold-leaf products but also participate in workshops where you can apply gold leaf to create your own shimmering souvenirs. It’s a wonderful day out and at the end, you can keep a bespoke souvenir that will stay with you forever.

4. The Heart of Traditional Japan in Kyoto

No tour of Japan would be complete without a stop in the historic city of Kyoto. Famous for its Kyo-yaki ceramics, which reflect the refined aesthetics of Japan’s ancient capital, visiting the Kiyomizu Pottery area in the Gojo district is a wonderful experience. Here, you can find beautiful ceramics for practical use or decoration. You can also take a bit of time to explore the Nishijin Textile Centre, where you can see how traditional Japanese textiles are woven into stunning kimonos.

5. Woodcrafts and Deer in Nara

As you continue south, stop off in Nara to soak up some gorgeous nature. This region is well known for its free-roaming deer, beautiful landscapes and rich history. While here, you should look for Nara Fude, traditional Japanese brushes. These are traditionally used for calligraphy but can also be used as unique, artistic makeup brushes.

6. Urban Souvenirs with a Creative Twist in Osaka

A bustling metropolis with a flair for the flamboyant, Osaka offers quirky souvenirs that embody the fun spirit of the city. Check out Billiken, a charm doll known as the God of Things as They Ought to Be. Found in the Shinsekai district, these make for humorous and optimistic gifts that may bring you good fortune! Although originally from the USA, these charm dolls have found a new home in Osaka, with residents hailing this keepsake as a local cultural icon.

7. The Ceramics and Indigo of Shikoku

Drive to the island of Shikoku, where Ehime prefecture offers a peek into Tobe-yaki ceramics. Characterised by their blue and white colour scheme, these ceramics make for elegant additions to any home. Nearby, also explore the traditional Aizome (indigo dyeing) workshops to get a hand-dyed scarf or shirt as a unique textile souvenir.

8. Porcelain Paradise in Kyushu

Finally, your trip will reach the southernmost of the Japanese islands, Kyushu. The Saga prefecture is famous for Arita-yaki and Imari-yaki porcelains – beautifully designed wares with diverse themes ranging from nature to historical figures. If you get a chance, it’s well worth visiting the Arita Porcelain Park and the old kilns, which offer a deep dive into the craftsmanship that has been refined over centuries.

Concluding Your RV Journey

Each region of Japan offers a unique glimpse into the local artistry and traditions through its regional crafts and souvenirs. Whether it’s the cut glass of Tokyo, the lacquerware of Nagano, or the porcelains of Kyushu, each item carries with it a story and a piece of Japan’s cultural heritage. These souvenirs serve as beautiful reminders of your journey, but they also support the local artisans and keep traditional crafts alive. So, as you travel from the cosmopolitan Tokyo to the historical depths of Kyushu in your campervan, remember to take a piece of each place with you, wrapped in the spirit and skill of the local craftsmen.