Japan was an incredible experience, and I knew I wanted to bring home a few special items that would always remind me of our trip. I wasn’t just looking for souvenirs—I wanted things that had meaning, craftsmanship, and a connection to Japan.

In my video, I shared some of my favorite purchases, but here I’ll go a bit deeper into why each item means so much to me.

1. My Seiko 5 Watch

I already own a Seiko 5, but when I was searching for something to bring home from Japan, getting another one just felt right. This one felt special. It’s not just about the watch itself—it’s about what it represents.

One of the details that made this piece stand out was the day-date function in Kanji. Having that as an option was something that felt meaningful, a small but perfect reminder of my time in Japan. I searched through different stores, making sure I found the one that had everything I wanted. And now, every time I check the time, it’s like a little connection back to the journey that led me to it.

2. Momotaro Jeans – The Journey to Find Them

These jeans weren’t just something I picked up randomly—I had to work for them.

I visited multiple stores in Tokyo, stopping in Ueno and checking out different markets in Kyoto, hoping to find the perfect pair of Japanese denim. Finally, at the last store I visited, a salesperson suggested I check out Momotaro, mentioning they had a storefront in Kyoto.

Thankfully, it was only a 15-minute walk away. When I arrived, I was greeted with kind faces and genuine enthusiasm. The staff took the time to help me find the perfect fit, guiding me toward a tapered pair that I immediately fell in love with.

The quality is everything I wanted in a pair of jeans. They feel incredible, and the craftsmanship is top-notch. I’m honestly so grateful I was able to find them—it was one of those moments where everything just lined up perfectly.

3. Gashapon – The Hunt and The Surprises

Gashapon machines are everywhere in Japan. Whether we were walking through shopping districts, train stations, or side streets, we always stopped to check them out.

It became part of the adventure—not just finding the machines with the designs we liked, but also experiencing the thrill of the unknown. Since gashapon is blind-box style, you never know what you’re going to get. And, as luck would have it, I somehow managed to pull the same exact toy twice from one machine. Twice.

There’s probably a lesson in that somewhere.

One of my favorites from the trip came from the Nintendo Store in Kyoto. The nostalgia of visiting the store combined with the randomness of gashapon made for such a fun experience.

4. Traveler’s Company Notebook

This was one of the purchases I was most excited about. Traveler’s Company has stores all over Japan, but we only made it to the one in Kyoto.

Walking in and seeing all the options in person was a game-changer. If I had ordered online, I probably would have just gone with black, but seeing the colors side by side helped me realize how much I loved the deep blue. It’s everything I hoped for—high-quality, beautifully made, and something I know I’ll get a lot of use out of. I had recently bought a dot grid insert and started writing it and it really helped with my decision to go to the full size. While I like daily carrying a passport size notebook, the full size really let’s you open up and dive in without feeling crammed.

5. Custom Jewelry from Kyoto

One of the most special moments of our trip was when my wife and I picked out custom jewelry in Kyoto’s Gion district. She designed a ring, and I got a cuff that I really love. We both added engravings that made it special for us.

Beyond the actual pieces, the experience of choosing and designing them together made it even more meaningful. It’s a reminder of our time in Japan, but also of the time we spent exploring Kyoto together.

A Common Thread – The Color of Memory

Looking back, I realized something unexpected—most of my favorite purchases ended up being a deep blue. My watch, my Traveler’s notebook, even the denim I worked so hard to find.

I don’t know if that means anything, but it’s interesting to notice. Maybe blue is just a color I naturally gravitate toward, or maybe it reflects something about this trip—calm, thoughtful, meaningful. Either way, I love that these items, in their own way, tell the story of my time in Japan.

Wrapping It Up

Each of these items is more than just something I bought—they’re reminders of an unforgettable trip. They reflect Japan’s craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the pride that goes into everything they make.

But more than that, they remind me to always give 100% in whatever I do. Whether it’s work, hobbies, or personal projects, that sense of dedication is something I want to carry with me.

Thanks for reading and being part of the journey. If you’ve ever picked up something special from a trip, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Check out my video here: