What are the popular gifts that remind you of Japan?

Hello, this is Payke writer Reina.
This time, I want to introduce you to items that would remind you of Japan. Tourists should definitely check these out!

Noren ～Discover Wonderland, Japan.～

“Ancient traditions, colorful subcultures, innovative technology and everything in-between, there’s just so much to discover in the wonderland of Japan.”
Having their flagship store in Gion, Kyoto, “Noren” focuses on connecting visitors and Japan by showcasing Japan’s charm and the unknown with their unique products.
From the thought of wanting to create a space where travelers can walk through the “entrance of Japan,” the name “Noren (curtain dividers hung at a store’s entrance)” was chosen.
There are several shops nationwide, but I went to the one in Kagurazaka. Located right next to the B3 exit of Iidabashi station, the Kagurazaka store stands at the site that used to be a stationary shop loved by Japanese culture fanatics. It now incorporates the designs of the Ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock print) “Figure of Ushigome Kagurazaka” in their store.

Inside the shop, there are lots of clip-on earrings/earrings made from origami. Because they are handmade, every single one of them has slightly different shapes and patterns. From paper cranes to folding fans, hidden hand blades (shuriken), and kimonos, they are all really adorable.
Among those, my favorite is the paper cranes.

Origami Earrings: Paper Cranes

〔Price〕1500 yen
This is a pair of paper crane earrings made from red and white decorative paper. These earrings with this pattern were the only ones left.
When I tried them on, it looked as if the cranes were flying; swaying side to side beside my ears.
This Japanese-style design would be a perfect gift.
Size-wise, they are 2 x 4 cm.

I also found acrylic cherry blossom earrings like the ones you see here. With a wide range of color variations (red, pink, light blue, black, etc), these earrings have kimono textile sealed in the acrylic piece.
I grabbed this one.

Acrylic Earrings: Graceful Cherry Blossom

〔Price〕1400 yen
These double-layered cherry blossoms are very cute, especially when you try them on. It’s also cute how the cherry blossoms are slightly different from each other. Not only can you pair these with a Japanese themed scene, such as with a yukata or at a tea party, but you can also pair these with your everyday looks!

If you go further inside the store, you’ll see all kinds of hair accessories as well. The bright colored ones are cute, but the black and purple ones that give off a mature feeling are beautiful too.
There are many other Japanese-style items, like towels, wrapping cloth, kokeshi dolls (Japanese wooden dolls), and small interior goods.
Lastly, I want to recommend you this item.

Imabari Handkerchief

〔Price〕500 yen
This is the adorable Imabari handkerchief with a ‘cherry blossom and pig’ pattern. Imabari city of Ehime Prefecture has been known as the sacred land for the towel industry for over 100 years. You will know the difference when you feel them, but these towels are incredibly soft; incomparable to other towels.

Also, the best feature of this handkerchief is its “absorbency,” so I would definitely like for you to try them yourself.
What do you think?
I hope you find the perfect gift for your friends back home♡
（Source：Noren Official Homepage http://www.noren-net.jp/fs/noren/c/about）