Recommended popular Japanese items—perfect for your next shopping spree on this trip!

September is the season of harvest, and after a busy half-year, everyone is looking forward to its arrival. With the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays in September offering great opportunities to relax, there's no better time for a laid-back getaway.

Where to go? How about Japan? Experience a different culture, shop in Tokyo—the shopping paradise, enjoy the romance of Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, take in the sea breeze in Okinawa, or explore Kyoto, known as the ancient capital. All are must-visit destinations!

As autumn deepens, it’s the perfect time to admire the fall foliage. Japan’s autumn is like a vibrantly painted canvas, with red maple leaves, golden ginkgo leaves, and green pines, as if a divine paint palette has been spilled. Amid bustling streets filled with city energy and technology, or in narrow, winding alleys rich in history and tranquility, every sight becomes a precious memory of your journey.

When in Japan, tasting local cuisine is a must. Delicious kaiseki meals, traditional dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura, sashimi, Kyoto’s famous Uji matcha, and Japan’s premium wagyu beef are just the beginning. There are also numerous Michelin-starred restaurants that leave a lasting impression on visitors—who could miss out as a food lover?

Another essential part of visiting Japan is shopping, of course. There are so many great items worth buying in Japan, and this time we’re recommending some of the latest popular Japanese goods!

KIP PYROL―Hi Ointment

Price:

15g ¥600

40g ¥1250

KIP PYROL has been available in Japan for over 70 years. It’s a convenient, jar-packed ointment effective for cuts, cracks, chapped skin, mild burns, and skin issues caused by sun exposure. The milky-white ointment uses an excellent base blend of natural herbal essential oils, animal oils, and mineral oils, along with three effective antibacterial ingredients, giving it antiseptic properties. It also helps protect wounds, promote healing, and relieve itching locally. In Japan, it’s classified as a Type II over-the-counter medicine.

This small tube of KIP PYROL is beloved by many Japanese households and is a common staple in Japanese medicine cabinets. Though launched over 70 years ago, its retro packaging has recently gained popularity again among younger consumers. When traveling in Japan, bringing a few tubes of KIP PYROL―Hi Ointment makes a great gift for family and friends—or keep some for personal use at home.

Mysterious Red Raw Soap

Price: ¥2480

The “Mysterious Red Raw Soap” is a raw soap with an unusual red hue. This intriguing color comes from two natural plant ingredients: “cyanocobalamin” and “Chess Plant Complex,” which are highly effective against hormonal acne and other skin issues unique to women. Neither a solid soap nor a facial cleanser, this “raw soap” emphasizes a “raw feel” and excels in lather production. It softly adheres to the skin, offering an unprecedented user experience paired with a soothing natural grapefruit fragrance. Additionally, it’s skin-friendly, as it contains no mineral oil, silicon, synthetic colorants, or synthetic fragrances. The “Mysterious Red Raw Soap” follows three acne-prevention principles: “prevent adult acne,” “prevent period-related breakouts,” and “prevent acne scars,” helping women tackle various skin concerns.

Reika Horse Oil Cream (Sakura Fragrance) 200g

Price: ¥800

Horse oil has been one of Japan’s hottest cosmetic products in recent years. Since ancient times, it has been used to treat various skin problems. Because horse oil has a composition similar to human subcutaneous fat, it absorbs easily into the skin, making it highly moisturizing. As autumn arrives and skin begins to dry out, horse oil cream is just what you need for effective hydration.

Reika Horse Oil Cream (Sakura Fragrance) is a large 200g moisturizing cream suitable for full-body use. It’s affordable and offers great value, making it a product you can use generously without worry. Containing horse placenta extract derived from purebred horses in Hokkaido, it is rich in nano-level amino acids, allowing it to penetrate and absorb more easily than other brands’ horse oil products. It has also passed allergy testing, making it safe even for sensitive skin. Its subtle sakura fragrance is another unique feature. Reika Horse Oil Cream (Sakura Fragrance) was an award-winning product at the 2019 Monde Selection. With autumn here, how can you visit Japan without picking up some Reika Horse Oil Cream (Sakura Fragrance)?

Have you prepared for your upcoming holiday trip? When you’re in Japan, enjoying the sights, savoring the food, and going on a shopping spree, don’t forget the great items we’ve recommended. Wishing you a wonderful trip ahead.