Supermarkets the top spot for Japan souvenir shoppers

One of my favorite things about traveling to different prefectures here is picking up fun regional souvenirs, so I was especially interested in a new survey I saw online about how people shop for gifts. Conducted by Navit Co., it found that nearly 90 percent of travelers enjoy buying souvenirs, but the real hidden gems aren't in the flashy airport shops but tucked away in local supermarkets!

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I thought this was a nice reminder (especially if you buy omiyage for co-workers, or stuff to send to fam/friends back home) that souvenir shopping doesn't have to be stressful. Everyday items like regional miso, soy sauce, unusual flavors of instant ramen, or local sweets make for both thoughtful and practical souvenirs. They're easy to pack, typically pretty reasonably priced, and often impossible to find outside the region.

The survey also revealed that most people budget between 1,000 and 3,000 yen for souvenirs, with the taste and quality of items valued above cost. Interestingly, the most common recipient for the goodies purchased wasn't coworkers or friends, but the buyers themselves, so it's a good reminder to treat yourself when you're visiting somewhere new!

Do you have any go-to food items you like to grab as omiyage when you travel in Japan?

Info source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001953.000080271.html