Souvenirs are a travel staple – a little token to say, “I thought of you while I was away,” and a way of bringing a slice of another country back home. The tricky part is finding something meaningful without falling into the tourist trap of overpriced knick-knacks. To help with that, the Financial Times recently asked its readers to vote for the world's best souvenir shops in 2025 – and two Japanese stationery stores made the cut.
While the details of the voting process were not revealed, including how many readers took part and what criteria were used, the list is still worth noting for when you need a reliable spot to shop for souvenirs.
Japan has long been known for its top-tier stationery: innovative, beautifully designed and a favourite for anyone who journals, sketches or simply loves a good notebook. First on the list is Kyukyodo in Ginza, famous for its exquisite paper goods and high-quality calligraphy supplies. From 1891 to 1945, Kyukyodo even served as the official stationer of the Imperial House of Japan.
Also featured on the list is Itoya, the stationery chain found across Japan. Its flagship in Ginza is especially worth a visit – it's a towering 12-storey stationery paradise stocked with everything from journals and fountain pens to postcards and desk accessories.
Other standout souvenir shops include London's V&A for contemporary art pieces, Paris's Patrick Roger for indulgent praline bonbons, and The Fife Arms in Scotland, known for unique homeware.
View the full list here.
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