In Tokyo you’ll find gift giving woven into daily life. Mastering Japanese gift giving etiquette can feel daunting when you’re on the move, but a few simple guidelines go a long way. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn when to give gifts, how to choose thoughtful items, wrap and present them the right way, and even handle business gifting like a pro. Let’s dive in.
Understand gift occasions
Personal celebrations
Gifts mark milestones in Japan much like they do back home. You’ll see presents exchanged for:
- Birthdays and anniversaries
- Weddings and baby showers
- Housewarmings and graduations
- Seasonal events like Valentine’s Day or Christmas (now popular among younger generations)
Even if birthday or Christmas weren’t originally Japanese traditions, people embrace these occasions with small tokens of appreciation (Japan Guide).
Seasonal gift occasions
Twice a year many Japanese send seasonal thanks:
- Ochugen (summer gift): arrive in July or early August, often two weeks before Obon
- Oseibo (year-end gift): sent by December 20th to repay favors from the year
Gifts in both seasons typically cost around 5,000 yen and include food, alcohol, or household goods (Japan Guide).
Omiyage and temiyage
If you travel, you’ll bring back souvenirs called omiyage (local treats for friends and coworkers). Temiyage are thank-you gifts when visiting someone’s home. While not mandatory, presenting a small bite-sized snack or drink (1,000–5,000 yen in value) shows genuine appreciation (Japan Guide).
Select a thoughtful gift
Focus on quality and thought
In Japan the gesture matters more than price. Aim for items that match the recipient’s taste and offer daily enjoyment:
- Local snacks or sweets, beautifully packaged
- High-quality stationery or furoshiki cloths (wrapping fabric)
- Specialty teas or coffee blends from your home region
- Handcrafted ceramics or chopsticks
Utility and the recipient’s pleasure top the list when picking gifts (Nippon).
Avoid unlucky items
Certain presents carry negative symbolism, so steer clear of:
- Combs (kushi), which hint at pain or separation
- Knives or scissors, implying severing ties
- Handkerchiefs, linked to tears
- Footwear, seen as sending someone away
- Watches, symbolizing time running out
- Glassware, fragile relationships
- Heat-producing items (like irons), suggesting conflict
- Potted plants, because roots signify someone settling elsewhere
Numbers matter too—never give four gifts (four sounds like “death”) or nine (suffering); odd numbers feel luckier (Nippon).
Buying gifts in Tokyo
You’ll spot souvenir shops at airports and tourist hubs, but Tokyo’s department stores also shine:
- Isetan (Shinjuku), Mitsukoshi (Ginza), and Takashimaya (Shinjuku) for gourmet hampers
- Tokyo Station’s Gransta and KITTE for regional treats
- Don Quijote for quirky snack bundles
- Convenience stores for last-minute omiyage—grab a packaged sweet or tea on the go (see our japan convenience store guide)
Plan ahead during busy shopping hours, and keep your receipts just in case.
Wrap gifts with care
Traditional wrapping techniques
Presentation is part of the gift. In Japan wrapping feels like an art form:
- Furoshiki cloth: eco-friendly squares you can tie into elegant bundles
- Decorative paper and mizuhiki (twisted paper cords) for formal gifts
- Simple gift bags from the shop, often free with purchase
Invest a few minutes in neat folds or creative knots to show respect.
Color and number symbolism
Choose colors and counts thoughtfully:
- Red and white pair well for happy occasions
- Avoid black or plain white paper, which is linked to mourning
- Use odd numbers of items when possible—sets of three or five feel auspicious
Shop wrapping vs DIY
Many department stores offer complimentary wrapping. It looks polished, but you might wait in line. DIY wrapping with furoshiki lets you add a personal touch and saves time near closing hours.
Offer and receive gifts
Present gifts politely
How you hand over a gift speaks volumes. Follow these steps:
- Hold the package with both hands, bow slightly, and present it at chest level
- Say a phrase like “Tsumaranai mono desu ga” (It’s nothing special, but please accept this)
- Never thrust it forward single-handedly
This modest approach aligns with local manners; opening gifts immediately isn’t expected.
Refuse and accept ritual
Politeness may require you to refuse a gift once or twice before accepting:
- Offer a gentle “Iie, kekkō desu” (No, thank you)
- On the second offer, accept with both hands and say “Arigatō gozaimasu” (Thank you very much)
This back-and-forth isn’t insincere—it signals humility and mutual respect (Bokksu).
Send thank-you gifts
After receiving hospitality, you’ll often send an okaeshi (return gift) worth about half the original value. Typical okaeshi items include sweets, chocolate, or spirits. This practice keeps appreciation flowing (Oishya).
Manage business gifting
Corporate gift norms
In a business context, gift giving conveys respect, not obligation. Common occasions include:
- Welcoming new clients or partners
- Thanking hosts after meetings
- Seasonal exchanges (ochugen/oseibo) between companies
Avoid overtly personal items and choose branded goods or high-end food hampers.
Hierarchy and value
Your gift’s value should reflect the recipient’s status. Senior executives often receive pricier items. Pair gifting with proper business card exchange—see our japanese business card etiquette for smooth introductions.
Business gift follow-up
After presenting a corporate gift:
- Send a brief email or handwritten note expressing thanks
- Reference the meeting or collaboration to reinforce goodwill
- Keep receipts and documentation for company records
This follow-through cements professional trust.
Quick tips for travelers
- Remove price tags and double-check receipts before wrapping gifts
- Carry small furoshiki squares for emergency presentation
- Avoid bulky or perishable gifts if you’re hopping between cities
- Don’t overthink price—thoughtful packaging and timing matter more
- Learn key phrases from our japanese phrases for travelers to accompany your gift
- Pack a few packets of tea or candy as universal backup gifts
- Remember to refuse once and accept on the second or third offer
- Store your gifts flat in your luggage to keep wrapping neat
Frequently asked questions
What occasions require gifts in Japan?
You’ll give gifts for personal celebrations (birthdays, weddings, housewarmings), seasonal seasons (ochugen in summer, oseibo in December), and as omiyage when returning from a trip.
How do I wrap a gift properly?
Use furoshiki cloth or shop-provided paper and tie a neat knot or cord. Aim for clean folds, avoid black paper, and present with both hands.
Why avoid sets of four?
The number four (shi) sounds like “death” in Japanese, so gifts in fours feel unlucky. Stick to odd counts like three or five for better luck.
When should I send Okaeshi?
Within a week or two after receiving a gift or favor, send a present worth about half the original value. Popular okaeshi include sweets, cakes, or bottled drinks.
Can I use gift bags instead of furoshiki?
Absolutely. Store-bought gift bags are perfectly acceptable, especially if they match the occasion. Furoshiki adds a personal twist, but bags work in a pinch.
