Souvenir (Omiyage お土産)
Souvenirs are a huge part of Japanese culture especially when you travel to a different area. Certain places in Japan have specialty products like Kyoto for matcha (powdered green tea) and Hokkaido for seafood. When giving a souvenir or omiyage (お土産) it is better to give something that can be consumed. Usually you give a souvenir to friends, family and coworkers. If you are entering your friend’s or relatives’ home then it is customary to bring a gift as thanks for the hospitality. Otherwise it would be seen as rude or looked down upon. You don’t have to do it every time just when you haven’t seen them in a while or traveled somewhere. That is why no matter where you go there will be a souvenir shop with a variety of products. Like the one in the picture is from Nikko. I like buying some of the souvenirs for myself as snacks, but I’ll share it with those around me.