Japan shopping guides
What to buy in a Japanese drugstore, which sunscreen is actually worth it, and which souvenirs people are glad to receive — written by someone who lives in Japan, with real prices in yen.
The Best Matcha Snacks in Japan, Ranked
Nama chocolate, daifuku, langue de chat and gaufrette — Japan's most-reviewed matcha sweets, with prices in yen and what makes each one good.
Ohta Isan and Japanese Stomach Medicine, Ranked
Japan's century-old stomach remedies — Ohta Isan, Cabagin, Biofermin — what each is for and roughly what it costs. Always read the label.
CANMAKE — The Japanese Makeup That Costs Almost Nothing
The budget Japanese cosmetics brand locals actually use. Mascara, blush, liner and lip scrub, most under ¥1,000, ranked by real review counts.
Tokyo Banana and the Classic Tokyo Souvenirs, Ranked
The famous Tokyo souvenirs led by Tokyo Banana — sponge cakes, langue de chat, pies and Pikachu editions, ranked by how many people reviewed them.
Japanese Souvenirs Under ¥500 You Can Buy by the Handful
Light, useful and cheap enough to bring back a dozen for the office — ten Japanese buys under ¥500, with real prices and what each is for.
Japanese Everyday Items Worth Bringing Home
Japanese household goods that get used every day rather than admired on a shelf — kitchen tools, bath salts, Heattech and more, with yen prices.
Best Japanese Sunscreen 2026 — 10 Picks and Who Each Suits
ANESSA, Bioré UV, Skin Aqua, ALLIE and more compared on price per gram and what each is actually for. Worth it doesn't mean cheapest.
10 Japanese Drugstore Souvenirs Travellers Keep Buying (2026)
The Japanese drugstore items travellers buy again and again — Salonpas, Ryukakusan, Rohto eye drops and more, with real prices in yen and who each one suits.
Take PAIYA to the shop with you
Scan any Japanese product and know what it is, whether it's worth it, and what it costs in your money.
Download free on the App Store