If you were too busy playing UFO Catchers, eating sushi, and getting lost in Ameyoko to do your souvenir shopping, don’t worry, Narita airport has you covered! Here is your Narita Airport Shopping Guide!
Japanese Souvenirs to buy at Narita Airport (Terminal 2)
1. Sanrio Merchandise
Who doesn’t love Sanrio? If you didn’t get your Sanrio fix in Tokyo, there are plenty of Hello Kitty and other character items available at Narita Airport for purchase.
2. Studio Ghibli Merchandise
You can find official Studio Ghibli licensed merchandise at Narita Airport in various stores. Totoro is by far the most popular character at Narita Airport, so you’ll find Totoro in various colors – key chains, plush toys, cups, and magnets. You’ll also find some Kiki’s Delivery Service items.
3. Tokyo Banana
Tokyo Banana is one of the most popular souvenirs to get from Japan. You can buy this at Tokyo Station, some Japanese rest stops, and Narita airport! It’s so soft and delicious. If you buy it before getting on the plane, it’s less likely to get squished or tossed around.
4. BaoBao by Issey Miyake bag
This is a pricier item, but I love my BaoBao bag because it’s so lightweight and comfortable. it’s also a little different and stands out from the crowd.
5. Suitcase stickers
I love it when people decorate their hard suitcases with stickers from their travels. There is a really cute shop in Narita airport that sells kawaii stickers, so if you have one of those well-traveled suitcases, be sure to pick up a couple to remember your trip to Tokyo!
6. Pokemon Merchandise
There is a miniature Pokemon store in Narita Airport for all you Pokemon fans. This store carries official merchandise from the Pokemon stores, including stuff that is only available in Japan! It’s located outside of check in on the 4th floor of Terminal 2, so be sure to shop here before going through airport security.
7. Special Kit Kat
Japan is known for having special Kit Kat flavors that are both seasonal and only available in certain geographic locations. Narita airport is the exception however, and you can find a ton of special kitkat flavors here.
8. Special Pocky
Pocky is another Japanese snack that comes in special flavors. For instance the Kyoho grape flavor is only available in a certain region of Japan (Nagano), but you can also find a giant box at Narita airport. If you want to get a good mix, try the giant box of rainbow pocky!
9. Royce Chocolate
Royce chocolate is the most popular chocolate brand in Japan, and it comes from Hokkaido. You can purchase Royce chocolates as a gift at Narita airport. I find the chocolate a little too sweet and milky (I prefer dark chocolate) but I know a lot of people who really enjoy Royce. My favorite Royce item is the chocolate covered potato chips.
10. Shiroi Koibito
Shiroi Kobito is a special cookie from Hokkaido that resembles a Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie, except it contains white chocolate. This is a really popular souvenir from Hokkaido, but you can also buy it at Narita airport to bring back for friends.
What to do at Narita Airport
Kids Parks
Japan in general I feel is a really kid friendly place and Narita airport is no exception. Throughout the airport you’ll find kids parks or indoor kids play areas. They are not super fancy but they are really great because they provide a safe space for kids to run around and release some of their energy before a long flight. Whenever I travel with my kids I always make sure to let them walk or run around the airport before we board because I know that we’re going to be in an enclosed space for quite a while, so I like them to burn off as much energy as possible before boarding. These playgrounds are free to use but you have to make sure to remove your shoes before entering the play space.
Toilet Art Gallery
Gallery Toto is an exhibition in Narita airport that showcases all the best things about Japanese toilets, which if you haven’t noticed are state of the art. It sounds strange but it’s really such a sleek and modern space. If you have to go #2, wait until you reach this toilet gallery for the ultimate bathroom experience. The room I like best is a room designed for moms of young kids. It comes with a changing table and baby chair which is pretty much standard in Japanese public restrooms. Of course the toilet has all the features of a bidet toilet, and I also like how there’s a little sanitizing spray that you can use to clean the toilet seat before sitting down instead of a paper cover.
Capsule Hotel
Narita Airport also boasts its own 9 hour capsule hotel. I didn’t have the chance to check this place out, but it seems like something worth trying if you have an early flight or late evening flight.
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Did I miss anything? What are the best souvenirs to buy in Japan? Leave a comment and let me know!
Narita Airport Shops Directory: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/map