Japanese-inspired presents

[LondonMummer]

We are on a very special family trip to Japan at Easter and I'd like to buy my 13 and 14 year old boys some cool Japanese inspired stocking fillers. Other than the ubiquitous snacks and sweets are there any ideas for things i could get get them - best of all things that they could 'use' there.

For example my dad came across notebooks for Eki Stamps which are amazing although I'm slightly worried about finding the stampers in hectic stations when we are travelling with luggage.

Japan is
a) expensive
b) full of incredible stuff with way more choice than you can buy here
c) absolutely amazing and I am sick as a pig with jealousy ! Hanami is such a wonderful time to visit

an electric takoyaki maker would be fun especially as lidl have frozen octopus in their Christmas range as I discovered today. The goshuin book is a nice idea too. Other than that I think I'd give them yen to spend as oh boy can one shift some money 😂

This is AMAZING. My son is obsessed with tube maps and I've even made puzzles of them before. Thank you!!

As if I wasn't excited enough already!!! Thank you xx. Can't wait.

Haha, that was a lucky suggestion then, @LondonMummer! Glad it might be helpful.

If you want to try out your chopstick technique, Ocado have got Japanese frozen octopus balls and steamed dumplings available. With some sushi, they'd be a fun lunch! 🍱 🍱. 🍱

Anyhooo @LondonMummer what's your itinerary ? Just to rub salt in the wound 🤣

Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka (with a day trip to Nagoya to see friends), Tokyo

I'm an obsessive travel planner but unusually for me have been working with Inside Japan to plan this trip as we want to pack so much in.

I'm sure it will be overwhelming to do so much in just over two weeks but who knows if/when we'll go back and everyone I know who has been has said it was their best trip ever.

That's pretty much the same as our trip in 2005. Make sure you try okonomiyaki in Hiroshima !

Not something you can use there but...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modular-Building-Japanese-Construction-Compatible/dp/B0B4CB5QYB/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=buildiverse&qid=1701215229&sr=8-8&th=1

By all accounts, it is quite tiny "Lego" and a bit fiddly so depends on their patience and dexterity but maybe a fun thing to do at Christmas. I think there are a few different sets to choose from.

That’s a great trip, @LondonMummer. So much to see and do. Don’t miss the Open Air Museum in Hakone, it’s brilliant. You can stop off on the way if you’re doing the mad (but highly enjoyable) train-train-cable-car tour thing.

Just found this thread! We are going to Japan next March, me, DH and the kids (who are 25 & 23😂)
Hoping to get tickets for USJ for DS’s birthday.
We are doing a similar route, Tokyo for 5 nights, Hakone, Hiroshima 2, Kyoto 5 and Osaka 2.
Can’t wait!

At their ages what about something studio Ghibli based?