Food Gifts to Get in Japan
June 16, 2015 Omiyage, or Japanese food gift-giving, is something that takes considerable thought and energy. I already knew it's a mega-serious business but I didn't realize just how insane it could be. You could be spending $75 USD on the most perfect-looking cantaloupe!
It literally makes you dizzy when you try to decide what to buy for your friends and family. I could spend hours admiring the beautiful packaging and elaborate presentation. Be sure to check the expiration dates as some confections last for only 6-10 days. Rice crackers will last about 6 weeks to 2 months.
Gouymet Japanese crackers from Akebono and Bankaku.
Given the pedigree of each company listed below, the following gift suggestions are relatively inexpensive and are small and light enough to pack into your luggage or carry-on:
Senbei (Rice Crackers): I won't even get into the hundreds, if not thousands, of varieties available in Japan. You can go with mass-retailer brands or splurge on the artisanal brands. I will say the ingredient list is much shorter and higher quality than the stuff you usually get at the Asian markets within the U.S.
Credit: Akebono
Ginza-based Akebono offers a vast array of fresh mochi (hello, ichigo daifuku!) and baked confections, but I really adore their senbei selection. You get to choose from the quintessential baked crackers glazed in soy sauce to fried senbei flavored with shrimp or sea urchin. Yes, sea urchin. The limited edition seasonal flavors are definitely worth a taste. Available at most major department stores (depachika) and Narita Terminal 1. www.ginza-akebono.co.jp
Akebono summer edition rice crackers. If you're passing through Tokyo Station be sure to drop by Fujimido. Located inside Gransta Mall, they offer several basic flavors as well as a lovely shichimi togarashi (seven spice) option. Their packaging is very elegant and modern. www.fujimidou.com
Limited edition Fujimido crackers. (Credit: Fujimido)
Matsuzaki, also from Ginza, has been making a unique kawara senbei for over 200 years. Made with wheat, sugar and eggs, these simple decorated tile-shaped cookies are quite addictive and aren't too sweet. They're sold individually and in packages of five (around $1 each), as well as in assorted boxed gift sets. They even have Hello Kitty tile cookies! matsuzaki-senbei.com
Matsuzaki Tile Senbei. (Credit: Matsuzaki)
Shrimp Crackers: Bankaku has been making premium baked shrimp crackers for 125 years. They're a fun indulgence for all shellfish lovers and they even offer a scallop flavor. And, they're not as caloric as potato chips, making it a wise snack option. Available at most department stores (Takashimaya, Isetan, Tokyu Toyoko) and Narita Terminal 1. www.bankaku.co.jp
Credit: Bankaku
Wagashi: Toraya, a venerable wagashi house that has served the imperial family, offers traditional Japanese confections that are packaged to impress anyone. I've never seen anyone wrap omiyage boxes with such precision and speed as the salesladies inside the Isetan Shinjuku outlet. We love the yokan (azuki bean jelly) and Zangetsu, a half moon-shaped ginger pancake filled with azuki paste. Also, their tea rooms serve an excellent iced matcha. www.toraya-group.co.jp
Credit: Toraya GroupDo you have a favorite food gift that you love from Japan? Do share!
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