How to ship authentic crafts & unique souvenirs internationally from Japan

The true treasure of a trip to Japan lies in its unique, often delicate, cultural items. From meticulously crafted ceramics to specialized knives and one-of-a-kind pop culture artifacts, these souvenirs embody the essence of your journey.

However, the excitement of collecting often collides with the dilemma tourists face, which is how to safely and affordably ship souvenirs internationally. This is because valuable or heavy and bulky items, such as hand-forged knives, high-quality ceramics, and rare collectibles, cannot be crammed into a suitcase without risking damage or incurring massive airline baggage fees.

If you are looking to ship your cherished purchases home, DHL Express is here to help. This guide will tour key Japanese shopping spots, share the cool things to buy, discuss how to ship souvenirs internationally, and highlight how DHL Express is the perfect logistics partner for sending valuable parcels overseas with confidence.

Your Japanese souvenir map: where culture meets commerce

Whether you're looking for traditional arts or modern collectibles, Japan's specialized districts offer a focused shopping experience. Here is a brief overview of famous shopping spots in Tokyo:

Asakusa

Located in Tokyo's Taito City, Asakusa maintains a charming atmosphere focused on traditional Japanese culture and commerce, drawing visitors primarily to the magnificent Senso-ji Temple. The area is renowned for its vibrant markets lining Nakamise-dori, which serve as a living link to the city's Edo-period past.

What is Asakusa famous for?

• Traditional Textiles and Folk Crafts: The district is the premier destination for items like kimonos, yukatas (summer robes), and high-quality traditional fabric arts. These textiles vary in weight, but are often bulky, making it difficult to fit them into a standard suitcase.
• Iconic Temple Souvenirs: The area surrounding the temple is famous for handcrafted items, delicate stationery items, and various trinkets that capture the spirit of old Japan. When shipping these items, it is important to ensure they are protected from crushing and moisture that could cause damage.

Kappabashi

Kappabashi shopping street, located near Ueno Park in Tokyo, is often called "Kitchen Town." This unique district appeals to professional chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts seeking authentic and professional-grade culinary tools. It offers a wide and diverse range of specialized equipment not easily found elsewhere.

What is Kappabashi famous for?

• Specialized, Fragile, and Heavy Items: This includes hand-forged knives (Hōchō), high-quality ceramics, and lacquerware. These goods require careful international shipping from Japan due to their fragility and significant value.
• Realistic Food Samples (Sampuru): The street is famous for these highly detailed models. While not heavy, their detailed and delicate nature means they require extensive protective packaging when shipping.

Akihabara

Akihabara, located in the central Chiyoda ward of Tokyo, is known globally as the undisputed center for modern Japanese otaku culture. It offers a dazzling array of electronics, games, and collectibles, attracting fans from around the world.

What is Akihabara famous for? 

• High-Value Pop Culture Collectibles: This includes limited-edition anime figures, vintage electronics, and original production art. Due to their rarity and high replacement cost, these purchases often require secure overseas shipping for safe transit. Figurines, in particular, tend to come in specialty boxes – unboxing may devalue the item and risk breakage for delicate figurine parts in transit. Better to ship with a responsible service provider, than leave their fate in the hands of airlines, which sometimes handle luggages roughly.
• Electronics and Rare Manga: Akihabara is also a hub for video games, electronic devices and parts, and rare manga volumes in Tokyo. These items are often bulky or delicate and need robust packaging for international delivery. Protection from moisture is essential for these items, and secure cushioning is necessary to guard against physical damage.

Protecting your cultural treasures: packaging tips

The unique fragility and specialized nature of souvenirs from Japan mean that specialized packaging is needed to ensure their integrity and compliance throughout the overseas shipping process. Here are a few essential tips for safely packing items for international shipping:

• Double Box: Delicate items like ceramics and lacquerware need internal padding (like bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or crumpled paper) and a second, stronger outer box. This absorbs shock and protects against crushing forces during international shipping.
• Internally Immobilize: Secure fragile items to prevent any movement within the package, as shifting contents is the leading cause of damage during transit. This can be done by filling all empty spaces tightly with cushioning materials.
• Ensure Safety: For sharp objects like Hōchō knives, specific practices are necessary to comply with safety regulations. For example, blades must be tightly sheathed, wrapped in cardboard, and clearly marked to protect handlers and ensure they comply with regulations when shipping anything sharp.
• Use Cushioning Materials: Use high-quality bubble wrap and custom-cut foam, especially for protecting the intricate details of high-value collectibles. However, do ensure that the cushioning material you use will not scratch or chemically react with the item's surface.
• Protect from Moisture: Add a layer of plastic wrap or use a sealed plastic bag around textiles, paper crafts, or electronics before placing them in the box to guard against potential water damage or humidity changes during transit.

Learn more about how to pack for international shipping and how to ship personal items overseas in our guide to personal international shipping.

Shipping simplified: DHL Express Easy for tourists

Whether you're shipping souvenirs home for yourself or sending a gift for friends, the best way to bring your cultural finds and unique purchases home is by shipping them. Tourists can easily ship their purchases home without the hassle of opening a formal business account by using DHL Express Easy.

The freedom to buy more

DHL Express Easy eliminates the stress of airline baggage weight limits and excess baggage fees, providing more flexibility for your purchases, regardless of your shipping destination. This allows you to truly enjoy your shopping and focus on collecting unforgettable memories, not worrying about luggage weight.

The tourist's 3-step shipping solution

Shipping globally with DHL Express Easy is designed for maximum simplicity, ensuring a stress-free and seamless experience. Here's how to ship your personal items internationally:

1. Prepare Online: Create the shipping label and necessary documents using your smartphone or computer before heading to the service point.
2. Pack Securely: Use the free, dedicated DHL Express Easy boxes available at the service point, which are designed for secure travel and simplify your packaging.
3. Drop Off & Relax: Drop the package at a convenient DHL Service Point for fast, expert international delivery. You can then track your shipment directly on the app.

Bring Japan's culture to your door with DHL Express

Securing your authentic Japanese purchases is simple when partnered with a global expert. DHL Express provides the essential link between the unique cultural treasures found in Japan's vibrant shopping districts and your final destination. Our global shipping network is built for speed and security, making international shipping from Japan effortless. 

Don't leave your favorite Japanese crafts behind! Find the nearest DHL Service Point and use DHL Express Easy today to ship your cultural souvenirs home with speed, security, and peace of mind.

And if you are a business looking to export Japanese crafts globally, open a DHL Express business account today to access specialized international shipping services and competitive rates for worldwide shipping of souvenirs from Japan.