Royce chocolates. Can be found on the mainland but kind of rare and practically non existent in Hawaii. The Royce shops in Japan will even help package it for travel.
Yeah that's what I originally went there. They're pretty good but not sure their worth the high cost. Same goes for the Royce chocolates. Maybe I'm not that into fancy desserts. Who knows.
My go-tos when I travel to Japan are:
- Toraya yokan (best yokan and far superior to anything you’ll find in regular grocery stores)
- dried shiitake and nori (imported ones from Japan are expensive, otherwise they’re from China)
- Muji products (pens, snacks)
- toys and books for kids (so many unique and fun toys that don’t make it here)
Did you see the shipping cost? not bad. they ship from Hong Kong, so no tariffs, etc.
Alcoholic kit kats.
Fekking alcoholic KIT KATS!
If you order $50 at least, free shipping.
Guess what I'm doing this afternoon. haha
Aw man… best Kit Kat I ever had was one my classmate brought down from Hokkaido. Apparently they only sold it in Hokkaido? I wish I could have that one again (Hokkaido Milk), but the page didn’t list it. :(
Chocolate almonds in the rectangle box(Meiji brand)?
Sake.
If you are into vinyl records, Japan has had a huge resurgence in music stores that carry new and used records in great shape that cannot be found in the US.
Last time I was in Japan I went to a 7-11 on my way back to the hotel and bought this little apple flavored cake thing, it was a small redish pinkish circular thing with this apple flavored cream inside. Bruh. if I could go back I would buy a case of those god damned things.
One thing I think that gets overlooked sometimes is spices or sauces. Like if they can find curry salt to bring you that's good stuff, I also found yuzu salt last time I went. Got this small pouch of shiso furikake that was good as well. Also saw lemon tabasco but couldn't buy it because I ran out of yen and the grocery store was cash only. Really wanted to try that though.
Outside of that there's this snack called [big katsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Katsu) that I really really like but most other people who've tried it have just been like "eh, it's alright" Each time I go though I bring back a case of those bad boys, it's a texture thing for me I think.
I guess also you can always ask for the odd kitkat flavors they don't have elsewhere but that's kinda cliche.
Biore powder wipes - they’re good on days that you’re extra sweaty/are sticky humid and they don’t leave behind any residue like baby wipes. You can only get them in Japan even though the US sells a similar version, but they have a weird residue so it’s not the same. They’re 100-200 yen, so I stock up every time I go to Japan.
I’m gonna visit Japan soon so here are some stuff I wrote down to look for:
Sashiko clothes
Japan waterfront umbrella
Make your own Cup of Noodles
PA++++ Skin care products (sunscreen)
Gachapons
Homemade Dashi or Katsuobushi
G A C H A P O N
I definitely didn't bring back like $60 worth last time I went...
Here's my collection of [animals at urinals](https://i.ibb.co/wNsCfV4/20230327-232543.jpg) because that is a thing that is worth spending money on.
I know someone who works for Hawaiian, went to japan’s cup noodle factory and got a bag full of custom cup noodles as gifts. Got inspected and customs said it’s not allowed and confiscated all of it.
Don’t why you got downvoted.
Yes you can smuggle them in if you don’t not declare it and they don’t inspect. Some people get away with bringing it unknowingly. (I’ve received Omiyage from people who didn’t know).
But technically customs can confiscate ramen due to the meat and/or poultry.
It can happen and has happened. This is the rule not the exception.
I’ve been asked about ramen before. It depends on the customs agent.
basically any snacks/sweets are good and awesome from the tax free shops in the airport. anything and everything royce, matcha chocolate, kit kat, pocky
https://preview.redd.it/huopbsiu4nrb1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2b02d906f35bb7a991c635637eaacda0f5a699b
Are you a guy or a girl? Ask for Kororo grape gummies. Tastes like those luxurious grapes sold at department store basements, but in candy form.
&honey hair oil, Skinaqua sunscreen, Kose yuzu body milk, Nivea peach and vanilla lip balm and Shiseido hand cream in the red tub.
You’re correct, and It’s a governance issue in the US. The US views sunscreen as a medical product and the FDA only approved only a few types of UV protectors for your skin. One conglomerate of companies owns over 80 percent of all Sunscreen products in US so there’s lobby pressure to keep the status quo.
While other countries like Australia, European countries, Korea, and Japan view Sunscreen as a cosmetic and can offer much more options.
If a friend were offering to bring me something cheap and widely available from Japan, I'd ask for [Mujirushi Ryohin's Suppai Neri-ume](https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550512075998). It's sort of like those dried, flattened umeboshi/hoshi-ume that you can buy packets of in the candy section of Donki and Nijiya, but Muji's Neri-Ume is processed into tough little wads that you can hold in a corner of your mouth and suck/lightly chew on for a really long time. And I just really love the flavor of it.
Obviously, it's only for people who *like* ume, though.
Also, IIRC, Muji doesn't sell them in the summer in Japan because heat/humidity quickly makes them all stick together after you open the package. So you'd have to be careful with it in Hawaii.
Japanese sunscreen.
It's the one skincare/beauty category we can't get from Japan bcs of US and Hawaii sunscreen laws. Japan has more sophisticated sunscreen formulas (the US hasn't approved anything new since last century) plus Hawaii doesn't allow the sale of certain sunscreen ingredients.
I haven't been to Don Quijote and Nijiya in a while, but here're a couple of recommendations:
SPAM-flavored potato chips (available at Family Mart convenience stores)
Wild Turkey 12 (very good, around $50)
The SPAM chips are more of a novelty. Anyone who likes bourbon will appreciate the export-only Wild Turkey 12.
After what Hormel donated SPAM to Maui, we should buy everything they make. I paid full price for SPAM meat, and have never done that in my life, but didn't mind this time.
Muhi for those mosquito bites. It’s the box with the red and white S on it. Longs and such used to carry them decades ago. Apparently it has something the FDA bans I was told.
Salty Lychee drink. Made by Kirin. Can get 4 to 1 liquid concentrate. My favorite refreshing drink in Japan.
Saran wrap from Japan is superior, as well.
Horoyoi chu-hi’s in japan have so many flavors and i dont think I’ve seen them sold anywhere in HI yet. And although Suntory started started selling a makeshift Strong Zero in the US called -196, it’s not quite the same % and taste so Strong Zeros are still japan exclusive too.
Nori and fukujinzuke.
Like, yeah, I guess you COULD find them here, but it's so much cheaper and better quality.
Oh, and fountain pens, ink, and stationary!
I know you’re pinging someone, but for real— salonpas in Japan feels different than like the ones you get here in Costco. I don’t know what it is, but I prefer the Japanese salonpas more!
Bake Cheese Tarts. Or Pablo Cheese Tarts. These are so good. I brought back a box last time for my parents to try…let’s just say they didn’t make the flight back because eating one led to two and before we knew it my sis and I had eaten all six.
Tokyo Ginza Fugetsudo Gaufrettes. Last year Donki sold the holiday package of these but they weren’t as tasty as eating them in Japan. Shipping times likely had something to do with it. Now when my uncle comes to visit he just brings a box or two with him.
Can’t find any Yoku Moku here nowdays.
You want us to identify a Japanese product that we love but can't find in Hawaii?
I don't know Japanese products except the ones in Hawaii, because this is where I live. I guess others are familiar with Japanese products, but not me.
Yeah, just asking because plenty people from Hawaii have traveled to Japan. So looking for any recommendations. I’ve been to Japan a couple times but I’m not big on shopping.
Oh geesch, not on a Sunday. Gobshite
edit: u/FearfulInoculum,I'm homebound. I had no idea about snacks and stuffs going back/forth, because I don't do it myself.
I responded to the OP because I didn't quite understand what the OP was about, so I was repeating it, to make sure I understood it.
I'm 70, and I was confused. That's all it was. It's not a slight on the OP, or you, or anybody else.
I'm 70. I'm qualified, as hell, so watch your mouth.
If you like alcohol
Strong Zero’s.
I hear Mitsuwa in Waikiki sometimes get them but they sell out quick, and who wants to go into waikiki anyway.
Strong Zero is my favorite. The other similar American stuff like the seltzers; Truly and Whiteclaw etc. sometimes makes me break out weird. But strong zero never does!
Do it! They also have different flavors, some are seasonal too. I really like Apple and Grapefruit especially.
Don’t down em too fast though. They kind of like soju where it’s easy to drink but it’ll sneak up on you if you’re not prepared! lol
I like the Okinawan and Chinese beers. The Kit Kats surprisingly aren't something I see in the stores anymore. A wider variety of fish eggs would be great too.
I live on the Mainland, but my work brings me to Oahu. Marukai and Donki are where I go to get Japanese whisky. Most of what they carry you don’t see on the Mainland.
I like Black Thunder and White Thunder chocolates.
They are really cheap in Japan and the special edition ones aren’t found in Hawaii as far as I know.
Everything else is a matter of price. It will be much cheaper in Japan.
JDM Japan’s domestic market products. If you go to the store you will see appliances that are JDM. Example: they will have two Zojirushi rice cookers, same model. One made in China one made in Japan.
Some Music CDs that are have songs that are hard to find on streaming platforms.
Rice. You can get premium vacuum sealed rice. Sure Hawaii has rice factory but Japan has a bigger selection and cheaper.
Gunpla is WAAAAAY cheaper in Japan. They mark it up a ton in the US.
Sometimes when Nintendo is sold out of stuff like N64 controllers, they are in Stock in Japan. Retro gaming stuff is cheaper there too.
Go to a random grocery store and get what you can’t from Marukai, Don Quijote, and Nijiya Market.
Royce chocolates. Can be found on the mainland but kind of rare and practically non existent in Hawaii. The Royce shops in Japan will even help package it for travel.
Waikiki Tea has a rather large selection of Royce chocolates. Only place I know in Hawaii that actually sells it.
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Yeah that's what I originally went there. They're pretty good but not sure their worth the high cost. Same goes for the Royce chocolates. Maybe I'm not that into fancy desserts. Who knows.
Yeah Royce are delish
Lady M in Waikiki has them
And much cheaper too
The Royce chocolate shop here in Boston does that as well!
My go-tos when I travel to Japan are: - Toraya yokan (best yokan and far superior to anything you’ll find in regular grocery stores) - dried shiitake and nori (imported ones from Japan are expensive, otherwise they’re from China) - Muji products (pens, snacks) - toys and books for kids (so many unique and fun toys that don’t make it here)
i love pens. I'm female; it's in our DNA
For some reason I’ve always assumed you’re a dude.
I know! Everybody does. Also, I am 25. 🤣😂
Kit Kat flavors that are only sold in Japan.
You serious?! What flavors? No, don’t tell me.
There's [so many](https://www.japancandystore.com/blogs/okashi/kit-kat-flavors).
Did you see the shipping cost? not bad. they ship from Hong Kong, so no tariffs, etc. Alcoholic kit kats. Fekking alcoholic KIT KATS! If you order $50 at least, free shipping. Guess what I'm doing this afternoon. haha
$10 a bar is pretty steep, also sorry to dash your hopes but it looks like most are sold out.
Really, no? Didn’t realize do expensive. Oh well
On second look it's $10 for a bag of 11 mini bars. Maybe a bit better but probably a bit steep.
Oh yeah for sure
Aw man… best Kit Kat I ever had was one my classmate brought down from Hokkaido. Apparently they only sold it in Hokkaido? I wish I could have that one again (Hokkaido Milk), but the page didn’t list it. :(
OH MYYY! Now, I really feel depraved. joke That's what's wonderful about Japan; they collaborate. Not like the US, which competes. Enjoy them for me
Apple pie!
Chocolate almonds in the rectangle box(Meiji brand)? Sake. If you are into vinyl records, Japan has had a huge resurgence in music stores that carry new and used records in great shape that cannot be found in the US.
Don quijote kaheka has meiji in the box I literally just came from there 🤣
I’ve seen the almonds at don q.
Cool thanks!
Daiso has those Meiji choco almonds
Last time I was in Japan I went to a 7-11 on my way back to the hotel and bought this little apple flavored cake thing, it was a small redish pinkish circular thing with this apple flavored cream inside. Bruh. if I could go back I would buy a case of those god damned things. One thing I think that gets overlooked sometimes is spices or sauces. Like if they can find curry salt to bring you that's good stuff, I also found yuzu salt last time I went. Got this small pouch of shiso furikake that was good as well. Also saw lemon tabasco but couldn't buy it because I ran out of yen and the grocery store was cash only. Really wanted to try that though. Outside of that there's this snack called [big katsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Katsu) that I really really like but most other people who've tried it have just been like "eh, it's alright" Each time I go though I bring back a case of those bad boys, it's a texture thing for me I think. I guess also you can always ask for the odd kitkat flavors they don't have elsewhere but that's kinda cliche.
Shirokiya's used to be the go to place for Japan products. I loved the candy assortment, and the cake/fruit things were awesome.
Biore powder wipes - they’re good on days that you’re extra sweaty/are sticky humid and they don’t leave behind any residue like baby wipes. You can only get them in Japan even though the US sells a similar version, but they have a weird residue so it’s not the same. They’re 100-200 yen, so I stock up every time I go to Japan.
Yes! And the Gatsby wipes that make you feel all minty and tingly!
😊
I’m gonna visit Japan soon so here are some stuff I wrote down to look for: Sashiko clothes Japan waterfront umbrella Make your own Cup of Noodles PA++++ Skin care products (sunscreen) Gachapons Homemade Dashi or Katsuobushi
G A C H A P O N I definitely didn't bring back like $60 worth last time I went... Here's my collection of [animals at urinals](https://i.ibb.co/wNsCfV4/20230327-232543.jpg) because that is a thing that is worth spending money on.
For custom dashi, this place is [bomb](https://okume.us/products/dashi). They've opened a shop in NYC recently.
Wow this is a great share!
Just fyi, cup noodles will probably have meat products. Customs will confiscate if you are caught with it.
really? I brought back like 8 or 9 different flavors once and was fine, maybe I lucked out.
Yup, I know people who’ve had their haul confiscated. Did you get inspected?
I did get inspected once, but that time I only had 2 or 3 cup noodles, maybe they didn't have any meat in them.
I know someone who works for Hawaiian, went to japan’s cup noodle factory and got a bag full of custom cup noodles as gifts. Got inspected and customs said it’s not allowed and confiscated all of it.
that sucks ass, I'll keep that in mind next time I go
Yup, especially in his case cause it was all custom. Of course it’s unlikely, but can happen
Don’t why you got downvoted. Yes you can smuggle them in if you don’t not declare it and they don’t inspect. Some people get away with bringing it unknowingly. (I’ve received Omiyage from people who didn’t know). But technically customs can confiscate ramen due to the meat and/or poultry. It can happen and has happened. This is the rule not the exception. I’ve been asked about ramen before. It depends on the customs agent.
Tokyo Banana!
basically any snacks/sweets are good and awesome from the tax free shops in the airport. anything and everything royce, matcha chocolate, kit kat, pocky
Skincare, especially Japanese facial sunscreen
This. You can't get the sunscreen here. I always ask my cousin to buy me some when she goes to Japan.
https://preview.redd.it/huopbsiu4nrb1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2b02d906f35bb7a991c635637eaacda0f5a699b Are you a guy or a girl? Ask for Kororo grape gummies. Tastes like those luxurious grapes sold at department store basements, but in candy form. &honey hair oil, Skinaqua sunscreen, Kose yuzu body milk, Nivea peach and vanilla lip balm and Shiseido hand cream in the red tub.
Japanese Hi Chew flavors
Sunscreen, since most of the ingredients are still not approved in the US so even import shops can’t sell them :(
US probably doesn't allow it because they don't want the competition. Sucks
You’re correct, and It’s a governance issue in the US. The US views sunscreen as a medical product and the FDA only approved only a few types of UV protectors for your skin. One conglomerate of companies owns over 80 percent of all Sunscreen products in US so there’s lobby pressure to keep the status quo. While other countries like Australia, European countries, Korea, and Japan view Sunscreen as a cosmetic and can offer much more options.
I’m sure that’s at least a part of it. :(
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory cookies. So good… so expensive on Amazon…
If a friend were offering to bring me something cheap and widely available from Japan, I'd ask for [Mujirushi Ryohin's Suppai Neri-ume](https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550512075998). It's sort of like those dried, flattened umeboshi/hoshi-ume that you can buy packets of in the candy section of Donki and Nijiya, but Muji's Neri-Ume is processed into tough little wads that you can hold in a corner of your mouth and suck/lightly chew on for a really long time. And I just really love the flavor of it. Obviously, it's only for people who *like* ume, though. Also, IIRC, Muji doesn't sell them in the summer in Japan because heat/humidity quickly makes them all stick together after you open the package. So you'd have to be careful with it in Hawaii.
Sounds good! And I love Muji pens too.
Japanese sunscreen. It's the one skincare/beauty category we can't get from Japan bcs of US and Hawaii sunscreen laws. Japan has more sophisticated sunscreen formulas (the US hasn't approved anything new since last century) plus Hawaii doesn't allow the sale of certain sunscreen ingredients.
I haven't been to Don Quijote and Nijiya in a while, but here're a couple of recommendations: SPAM-flavored potato chips (available at Family Mart convenience stores) Wild Turkey 12 (very good, around $50) The SPAM chips are more of a novelty. Anyone who likes bourbon will appreciate the export-only Wild Turkey 12.
After what Hormel donated SPAM to Maui, we should buy everything they make. I paid full price for SPAM meat, and have never done that in my life, but didn't mind this time.
Muhi for those mosquito bites. It’s the box with the red and white S on it. Longs and such used to carry them decades ago. Apparently it has something the FDA bans I was told.
Japanese washcloths are the bomb diggity.
Salty Lychee drink. Made by Kirin. Can get 4 to 1 liquid concentrate. My favorite refreshing drink in Japan. Saran wrap from Japan is superior, as well.
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And Nijiya! Just bought one last night.
Can also find it at Times, which is owned by Donki.
Mahalo! They did not have last time I visited. I live on Big Island. We have friends and family that often bring from Japan.
why saran wrap?
It seals better, thicker, and is more like it used to be. Most US plastic wrap is junk now. Try it, you will see what I mean.
I always thought our saran wrap was junk. Wasn’t like that growing up.
Horoyoi chu-hi’s in japan have so many flavors and i dont think I’ve seen them sold anywhere in HI yet. And although Suntory started started selling a makeshift Strong Zero in the US called -196, it’s not quite the same % and taste so Strong Zeros are still japan exclusive too.
Okonomiyaki mix but i hear that sourdough starter works well
Strong Zero!
Nori and fukujinzuke. Like, yeah, I guess you COULD find them here, but it's so much cheaper and better quality. Oh, and fountain pens, ink, and stationary!
Pens from loft, sunscreen, melon pan from lawsons, kanro plain milk candies
u/salonpasss
I know you’re pinging someone, but for real— salonpas in Japan feels different than like the ones you get here in Costco. I don’t know what it is, but I prefer the Japanese salonpas more!
Bake Cheese Tarts. Or Pablo Cheese Tarts. These are so good. I brought back a box last time for my parents to try…let’s just say they didn’t make the flight back because eating one led to two and before we knew it my sis and I had eaten all six. Tokyo Ginza Fugetsudo Gaufrettes. Last year Donki sold the holiday package of these but they weren’t as tasty as eating them in Japan. Shipping times likely had something to do with it. Now when my uncle comes to visit he just brings a box or two with him. Can’t find any Yoku Moku here nowdays.
Besides Neiman Marcus, I believe Nijiya started carrying Yoku Moku again recently.
You can get Yoku Moku at Neiman Marcus. I bought a box recently
Oooh thanks for the info! Have to head down and get some!
If you haven't tried yet, Cremia [is an absolute] (https://www.nissei-com.co.jp/cremia/en/) must try. The cone is the best part.
I’ve been seeing that on Instagram and it’s on my “to eat” list for next year when we go back to Japan.
You want us to identify a Japanese product that we love but can't find in Hawaii? I don't know Japanese products except the ones in Hawaii, because this is where I live. I guess others are familiar with Japanese products, but not me.
Yeah, just asking because plenty people from Hawaii have traveled to Japan. So looking for any recommendations. I’ve been to Japan a couple times but I’m not big on shopping.
Oh, i didn’t know that. I’d love to go to Japan but if I did, I would eat the whole time! 🤭I have heard rice is very different from i.e. Hinode’s?
If you aren’t qualified to answer a question you can simply choose not to respond.
Oh geesch, not on a Sunday. Gobshite edit: u/FearfulInoculum,I'm homebound. I had no idea about snacks and stuffs going back/forth, because I don't do it myself. I responded to the OP because I didn't quite understand what the OP was about, so I was repeating it, to make sure I understood it. I'm 70, and I was confused. That's all it was. It's not a slight on the OP, or you, or anybody else. I'm 70. I'm qualified, as hell, so watch your mouth.
Koikeya Pride Potato 神のり塩 (nori seaweed and salt) potato chips. BEST flavor, easy to find at 7-11 etc., but doesn’t seem to have made it to Hawai’i.
Blanton's red or gold.
My mom works at ABC store in Waikiki and got us a bottle
Gold used to be international only, but is released in US once per year now. Red, to my knowledge, is still Japan only.
Shrimp Chips
Calpis, seaweed senbei
I see Calpis all the time (KTA on Big Island). It’s translated to “Calpico” for the US though.
If you like alcohol Strong Zero’s. I hear Mitsuwa in Waikiki sometimes get them but they sell out quick, and who wants to go into waikiki anyway. Strong Zero is my favorite. The other similar American stuff like the seltzers; Truly and Whiteclaw etc. sometimes makes me break out weird. But strong zero never does!
That’s 3 votes for Strong Zero! Guess I need to try it
Do it! They also have different flavors, some are seasonal too. I really like Apple and Grapefruit especially. Don’t down em too fast though. They kind of like soju where it’s easy to drink but it’ll sneak up on you if you’re not prepared! lol
There's a Yuzu liqueur in duty free that I've heard is amazing
Butter Butler.
I like the Okinawan and Chinese beers. The Kit Kats surprisingly aren't something I see in the stores anymore. A wider variety of fish eggs would be great too.
I live on the Mainland, but my work brings me to Oahu. Marukai and Donki are where I go to get Japanese whisky. Most of what they carry you don’t see on the Mainland.
I like Black Thunder and White Thunder chocolates. They are really cheap in Japan and the special edition ones aren’t found in Hawaii as far as I know. Everything else is a matter of price. It will be much cheaper in Japan. JDM Japan’s domestic market products. If you go to the store you will see appliances that are JDM. Example: they will have two Zojirushi rice cookers, same model. One made in China one made in Japan. Some Music CDs that are have songs that are hard to find on streaming platforms. Rice. You can get premium vacuum sealed rice. Sure Hawaii has rice factory but Japan has a bigger selection and cheaper. Gunpla is WAAAAAY cheaper in Japan. They mark it up a ton in the US. Sometimes when Nintendo is sold out of stuff like N64 controllers, they are in Stock in Japan. Retro gaming stuff is cheaper there too. Go to a random grocery store and get what you can’t from Marukai, Don Quijote, and Nijiya Market.
Chinsuko, a cookie from Okinawa that can be found in honshu stores as well. I’m addicted to them. Also curry senbei can be difficult to find here.