As someone living in Japan for a few years now, I do have a small souvenir recommendation: Ukiyoe.
You've probably all seen the Great Wave off Kanagawa, and this is probably the most famous example of an Ukiyoe.
While originals can easily cost several thousands dollars, there are replicas of these, which are hand-made using original techniques. Basically a modern, high-quality copy.
Several stores sell them, such as Hara Shobo or the Art Gallery Toshusai. While these are mainly serious art galleries selling originals, they usually have a small corner with replicas, costing between 3,000 to 20,000 Yen.
I absolutely love these, because they depict a Japan that no longer exists, and I am a big fan of the art style, the depiction of cities, towns and landscape hundreds of years ago and especially the depiction of common people, like fishermen or farmers.
I mean just look at this and tell me this isn't super beautiful.
Ukiyoe is somewhat unique in that it was considered a relatively cheap form of Art, something you would throw away after looking at it once or twice, and thus mostly depict common people, as it was made for them.
Of course, if you're not into art, this might not be for you. But I always found it a bit strange that people would go to Japan for a trip and then bring back as souvenir an "I love 日本" T shirt made in Bangladesh and some random Kit-Kat flavor that no one in Japan has ever heard of before.
So yeah, maybe I've sparked some interest, feel free to Google it a bit and look at a few Ukiyoes, they are super beautiful and in my opinion the most Japanese-looking pieces of art there are.
Have a save and enjoyable trip to Japan regardless:)
by DarkCrusader45
15 comments
Thank you, I’m going to look into those stores the next time – so far I only have regular prints at home, a proper replica would be a nice addition.
Btw if you are interested in those, Taschen has a couple of great collections on sale (not proper replicas though, but compilations).
Yes, ukiyoe shopping in Jinbocho is so fun! I’ll also add that these shops actually sell original Edo-period ukiyoe starting from around 10k too. Smaller, newer pieces can be even cheaper. It’s incredibly cheap for what they are imo. Of course, if you have a particular art work or artist you like, it’s not a bad idea to get a replica, but owning something that was actually printed in Edo-period is definitely special. I feel too many times I see tourists come to these book stores in Jinbocho and only take a look at replicas (I suppose they don’t really know the difference, and they are placed near the entrance so they only look through them), and not originals, when they can actually get an original for the price they are paying. So do look for originals as well.
Went to the Uemura Shoen exhibition at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art (just ended recently), had to restrain myself from buying too much stuff.
You could even buy merchandise or a print instead of a replica, what’s important is that the artform is being appreciated.
Personally I enjoyed the wood postcards at Itoya. They were SO pretty. I have 2 hanging in my room at home
Adding to this topic – “[kokeshi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokeshi)” are also an inexpensive but unique souvenir. While these are still produced (but of a higher quality and more features (I really, *really* like Usaburo’s works and own several)), there are still older kokeshi around. And since the older stuff was quite easy to make (they just spun a block of wood between a lathe and chipped away till it was cylindrical, then painted it) and meant to be a toy for kids, they are very affordable.
If you want the genuine stuff, look around in the more rural areas. Takayama, for example, has a history of being a woodworkers’ town and I’ve found several (tiny) shops selling them.
Technically every Ukiyoe is a replica
I’d also shout out Mokuhankan in Asakusa for a huge variety of prints, including both older originals and contemporary sets.
I am personally a fan of the “shin-hanga” by Kawase Hasui, from the Taisho era forwards.
These were made in traditional techniques but the art is less stylised, more naturalistic, using various techniques such as shading to show the sky or reflectiive light. He was definitely a master artist. Very beautiful.
I actually looked for these in the shop of the national museum but found no quality items. Thanks for this post
Mita Arts Gallery in Jimbocho for originals. I once watched a British guy walk in and buy two original Hokusai pieces for like ¥22,000,000 each. Many stores in the area with cheaper prints too but I think their’s is the nicest from what I’ve seen. I believe you can browse their catalogue online. Go to Bondy Curry while you’re at it (though expect long lines).
For original prints from new artists (eg. From 70s- now) I recommend The Tolman Collection (nearest station Shibakoen).
Thank you so much for sharing this! I love woodblock prints and had no idea how accessible they were. Definitely going to keep an eye out on my trip.
You can buy this on amazon for $1 if you want it. Why get it in Japan?
Do you have any suggestions for that kind of places in Kyoto ?
Might be a dumb question, but what’s the best way to get them back home?
Good chance to plug the best little art museum – [the Kurashiki Ukiyo-e Museum](https://ukiyo-e-kurashiki.jp/?lang=en). If you find yourself in Kurashiki, definitely pay this place a visit. You can see a huge breadth of original work from Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi in a lovely restored machiya, and yes, they have a gift shop where you can buy your own.
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