You don't say where you are going, but for shopping, I'll assume it's Tokyo. You might get more out of it by focusing on where to shop rather than what to buy.

You don't say where you are going, but for shopping, I'll assume it's Tokyo. You might get more out of it by focusing on where to shop rather than what to buy. Tokyo used to have many interesting small shops, the way other major cities did before online shopping. Going around to brick & mortar shops now is time consuming and mostly not worth it if you know what you want, because the selection is so much better online. For many things, there will be importers operating in your country. For example, www.jetpens.com does a great job bringing less expensive stationery items into the USA. I would focus on the unique shopping experiences to be had in Tokyo. If you are into fountain pens, Shosaikan[1] should be near the top of your list. This thread covers more locations.[2] For housewares and small tools, the best browsing is Hands (formerly Tokyu Hands). I love the aesthetics of Japanese home and office goods, but the more interesting things are generally not exported. I have many things that were inexpensive but unique and very nice to have. Just one example, the Japanese "pipe pillow".[3] [1] https://tokyostationpens.com/2020/04/21/shosaikan-a-virtual-tour/ https://tokyostationpens.com/2020/04/21/shosaikan-a-virtual-... [2] https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/368781-fountain-pens-stores-in-tokyo/ https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/368781-founta... [3] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Japanese_Pipe_Pillow.jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Japanese_Pipe_Pillow...