Page 346 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

344  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS

What to Buy in Japan

The abundance of specialty shops and craft outlets in Japan
makes shopping a pleasure. Items available range from
beautiful handmade crafts to useful everyday objects and
kitsch toys. As a result, there should be something for every
budget, and many of the most interesting souvenirs are also
compact and light to carry home. Tokyo and Kyoto have the
widest choice of shops that are used to dealing with foreign
visitors, and many towns around the country have specialty
craft centers or workshops. If time is limited, visit a large Origami paper
department store or a crafts emporium.

Ceramics Paper and
Calligraphy
Ordinary pottery shops sell a wide selection
of attractive bowls, dishes, cups, and sake Traditional Japan ese
bottles for everyday use. For a more unique – paper (washi) is
and expensive – souvenir, visit regions that handmade and often
specialize in pottery (see p42), or a large craft dyed in bright colors or
shop, which should stock a good selection embedded with petals
of the main regional styles. or colored flecks. It is
available as stationery, Mobile made of paper
or made into boxes and
various origami shapes.

Leaf-shaped dish Calligraphy Set
An inkstone, water pot, brush,
and ink make up a calligraphy
Vase from set. The components can be
Okinawa bought separately or boxed.

Wood and Bamboo
A huge range of wood and bamboo souvenirs
is available. Lacquerware trays, bowls, and boxes
can be expensive but make original souvenirs.
They need to be kept in humid conditions to last.
Wooden combs, boxes, and dolls are also good
buys. Large wooden chests, new and antique,
are well designed but costly to ship.

Echizen-ware vase

Bizen-ware Vase
A form of unglazed
earthenware pottery, Bizen-
ware has been produced in
Inbe (see p214) for almost Lacquer bowl
1,000 years. Firing at a
high temperature produces Umbrella
different surface finishes. Made of bamboo and paper, this
Sake bottles, vases, and umbrella is typical of those seen at
other storage vessels onsen resorts. These traditional umbrellas
are popular. are also available from craft shops. Woven basket

344-345_EW_Japan.indd 344 08/08/16 3:09 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm