Hi. I rarely go to the other forums but I'm sure there is a more appropriate place for me to pose this question. I'll post here anyway as I know we have a few Japan residents here.

I'm going to Japan for a vacation in a few weeks. I'm looking for really cool Japanese souvenirs to bring back for my State-side family. Have you any recommendations? I don't want anything silly that will just end up in a drawer somewhere, but something that they can be proud to use/display as having come from Japan. I'm not thinking kimonos either as I gather they're quite expensive and I'm certain will never be used.

Any Japanese items that friends and family back home really appreciated?

Thanks.

You can get some cool sake cup sets/
colorful chopsticks/japanese dresses yukata's for summer(like a bath rope)some cool looking sake bottles made of wood(with sake of course inside it. You might run to the 100 yen shop and get some cheap looking china stuff(dishes and what not and thats were the cheap prices chop sticks are too)Some paper fans or for paper lamps are cool too..
hope it helps...

I agree with k. I had the most fun shopping in the grocery store and the 100 yen shop!

I got people some yukatas... they're basically the equivalent of a japanese robe... very nice...