Context
This guide is your ultimate resource for discovering Japan’s premium specialty items, perfect for those who value exclusive, Japan-only treasures. From historical significance and cultural relevance to curated shop recommendations, this guide provides everything you need to find and purchase truly exceptional goods.
If you’re passionate about shopping for top-quality tea, alcohol, local crafts, skincare, regional produce, pottery, and unique keepsakes, you’ll find detailed insights and must-visit locations here.
Note:
This guide is tailored for serious collectors and discerning shoppers who appreciate the value and craftsmanship behind these premium items, which is reflected in their price. Explore the guide below to start your journey!
🛍️Shopping in Kyushu
👜 Leather Goods
Hakata-ori
Hakata-ori is a traditional Japanese textile from Fukuoka with a history of over 770 years, originally brought from China and refined locally. Known for its durability and intricate patterns, it is primarily used to craft obi sashes for kimono. The textile's tight weave ensures firmness, making it easy to tie and maintain shape. Hakata-ori comes in two main styles:
Kenjo Hakata-ori: Features traditional patterns related to Buddhist beliefs, influenced by fabrics from the Sui Dynasty
Mon Ori Hakata-ori: Incorporates multi-colored designs, offering a more vibrant aesthetic.
サヌイ織物 HAKATAORI SANUI
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Hakata-ori museum
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Porco Rosso
The leather in Fukuoka is renowned for its exceptional designs and outstanding quality. Among the artisans in the region, a notable group at Porco Rosso has developed a unique type of leather that shares their name, "Porco Rosso." This leather, however, should not be confused with the beloved Studio Ghibli character of the same name.
Porco Rosso leather is crafted from premium cowhide using full vegetable tanning, a process that preserves the leather's natural texture and integrity. This method not only highlights the authenticity of the material but also ensures that it ages gracefully, becoming more beautiful and character-rich with time.
This exclusive material is a defining feature that sets Porco Rosso apart from the mass-produced leather commonly found in the market. Their commitment to craftsmanship and quality has elevated their products to a league of their own, making them a standout in the world of leather goods.
PORCO ROSSO Main Store
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Porco Rosso is a distinguished leather goods store based in Fukuoka, celebrated for its dedication to high-quality craftsmanship and timeless designs. Specializing in products made from their signature "Porco Rosso" leather, the store offers an exclusive range of handmade items, including bags, wallets, and accessories. Each piece reflects the brand's commitment to using full vegetable-tanned cowhide, ensuring durability and a unique aging process that enhances the leather's beauty over time. With its blend of traditional artistry and modern appeal, Porco Rosso has become a go-to destination for leather enthusiasts seeking authentic, long-lasting, and elegantly crafted goods.
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Other than Porco Rosso, leather crafted in Fukuoka is known to only use the best leather. Any of the stores below, will give you high quality genuine leather for you to bring home or to use.
Free-Spirits Hakata(Fukuoka) store
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Very highly rated leather goods store
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(有)いづみ恒商店(レザークラフト·生地染色材料)
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This is a leather goods supplier store
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Sake & Alcohol
Kyushu's sake styles vary by their respective regions due to the climate, water and rice available locally. If you are in the area, and want to try Shochu, Kyushu is actually more well known for their Shochu. Shochu = a distilled spirit.
Fukuoka
Famous for light, smooth sake, benefiting from high-quality local rice like Yamada Nishiki and soft water from the Chikugo River basin.
Beniotome sake brewery
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Beniotome Shuzo, established in 1978 in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is renowned for pioneering sesame shochu, a unique spirit crafted from roasted sesame seeds, barley, and rice koji. Their innovative approach has earned them numerous awards, including the Gold Award at the Kura Master 2022 competition
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Kawaguchiya Liquor Store
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well-regarded establishment offering a diverse selection of alcoholic beverages. While specific specialties are not detailed in the available information, the store has received positive feedback, including a 4-star rating from customers
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Yamadayoshitaro Liquor Store
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Liquor store that sells Kitaya
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Saga
Known for rich, full-bodied sake, leveraging pristine water sources and advanced brewing techniques.
Hizen Hamashuku
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Known for historic breweries that house the world's best sake
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大和酒造(株) ぎゃらりー大和
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located in Kumamoto Prefecture, is celebrated for its dedication to traditional sake brewing techniques combined with modern innovation. Using locally sourced rice and pristine water, the brewery crafts high-quality sake that reflects the rich history and culture of the region.
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天山酒造
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A renowned sake brewery in Saga Prefecture, established in 1875, known for crafting high-quality sake using pristine local spring water and carefully selected rice. Dedicated to tradition and innovation, it has earned numerous accolades for its well-balanced and flavorful brews.
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Kumamoto
The birthplace of the famous Kumamoto Yeast (KA-1), which imparts floral and fruity aromas to sake.
千代の園酒造(株)
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Specialty: Known for their rich and flavorful sake.
Visitor Information: Offers tours and tastings; it's advisable to contact them in advance for reservations.
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Bishonen co. ltd.,
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Located in Kikuchi, Kumamoto, our sake brewery repurposes the historic Suwon Elementary School building, using Kikuchi’s famed Higo rice, pure air, and water to craft premium sake. Rooted in tradition, we aim to honor the cultural significance of sake in sacred and celebratory moments.
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Zuiyo Sake Brewery
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Zuiyo Brewery, established in 1867, is a pioneer in Kumamoto sake, known for introducing the innovative Kumamoto yeast, later adopted as "Kyokai No. 9 yeast" by the Brewing Society of Japan. Dedicated to crafting sake that represents Kumamoto, Zuiyo continues to honor its legacy with high-quality brews using this unique yeast.
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Nagasaki
Unique sake offerings, often incorporating innovative brewing styles.
Umegae Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
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Founded in 1787 during the Edo period, Omoya Shuzo Sake Brewery, named "Umegae" by the Omura domain lord, has crafted sake for over 200 years using pure underground water and locally sourced rice. Renowned for its quality, the brewery has earned prestigious accolades, including the Gold Award at the National New Sake Appraisal and consecutive Honor Awards from the Fukuoka National Taxation Bureau.
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Ikinokura Distillery Co., Ltd.
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（株）五島列島酒造
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Sake and Shochu brewery
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Tea
Fukuoka
Yame
Yame is Known for producing some of Japan’s finest gyokuro (shade-grown green tea) and sencha. Yame tea is celebrated for its deep umami, sweetness, and smooth flavor.
Yame Gyokuro accounts for over 40% of Japan's gyokuro production, earning awards for its superior quality
お茶村
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a specialty store for tea and health foods located in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is highly rated.
You can purchase yame tea, mulberry matcha, award winning matcha, delicious dashi.
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星野茶ミュージアム
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located in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture, showcases the rich history and culture of Yame tea, famous for its premium gyokuro. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, tea tastings, and workshops, offering a deeper appreciation of traditional tea-making.
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The main store of Konomi Honke Tea store, specializes in traditional Japanese teas alongside its renowned soy sauce products. Established in Fukuoka, the store offers a curated selection of high-quality teas that pair perfectly with Japanese cuisine, emphasizing artisanal craftsmanship and regional flavors.
Saga
きたの茶園
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This is a family-run tea farm in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture, specializing in organic teas like tamaryokucha and kamairicha. Known for its sustainable practices, it offers tea tours, tastings, and high-quality handcrafted teas.
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Nagasaki Ikedoki
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Nagasaki's rich tea heritage through immersive tours and an online shop, offering a diverse selection of locally produced teas. Their mission is to share the peaceful essence of Japanese tea culture with the world
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Kumamoto
Tateyama Shoten
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Tateyama Machiya & Gallery, established in 1877, offers an authentic Japanese experience in a traditional machiya setting.
Visitors can enjoy green tea and matcha served by tea masters, wear traditional silk kimonos, and learn about Japanese culture through activities like ikebana.
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☕Coffee
Fukuoka's coffee culture took off when Naoki Goto from "Tokado Coffee" won the World Coffee Roasting Championships in 2013, and in 2014 Hidenori Izaki of "Honey Coffee" won the world barista championship. If you like coffee and you are in Fukuoka. These are some cafes you want to check out; all known to have quality coffee
カフェ ブラジレイロ
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Fukuoka’s oldest coffee shop, established in 1934 in Hakata-ku, Tenya-machi, was originally opened by Brazil’s São Paulo State Coffee Bureau to promote Brazilian coffee. It became a cultural hub for local intellectuals, thanks to its then-unique offerings and ambiance. Today, it continues to thrive, blending its rich history with a legacy of exceptional coffee.
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Cafe Bimi
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Founded in 1977 by Muneo Morimitsu in a modest 8-tsubo space (approximately 26m²) in Imaizumi, it quickly became a haven for coffee enthusiasts. Its reputation was built on a dedication to in-house roasting, expertly executed deep roasting techniques, and the artful precision of Nel drip brewing.
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REC COFFEE Fukuoka Prefecture East Shop
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REC Coffee: Founded in 2010 by two-time Japan Barista Champion Yoshikazu Iwase, REC Coffee emphasizes excellence from bean selection to cup. With multiple locations in Fukuoka and Tokyo, it offers a variety of home-roasted beans and expertly crafted beverages.
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Tokado Coffee - Hakata Riverain Mall
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Naoki Goto of “Tokado Coffee” won the World Coffee Roasting Championship in 2013.
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HONEY COFFEE 志免店
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Hidenori Izaki of “Honey Coffee” clinched the World Barista Championship, further showcasing Fukuoka’s standing in the global coffee arena
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Fuk Coffee
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FUK COFFEE in Fukuoka is known for its stylish, travel-themed concept and high-quality coffee offerings. The café stands out for its minimalistic and modern design, often incorporating aviation-inspired decor that reflects its playful branding.
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🏺Porcelain & Pottery
The towns of Arita, Imari, and Karatsu in Saga Prefecture are well-known for their centuries-old ceramic traditions and are popular stops on the tourist trail. These villages, just a few hours from Fukuoka, offer visitors the chance to explore workshops, museums, and kilns where pottery has been crafted for generations. The area is also home to some of Japan's finest potters, many of whom have inherited their craft through families spanning hundreds of years. Visitors can learn about the history of pottery production and enjoy the picturesque setting of these historic villages.
Arita
Arita Pottery (有田焼) from Saga Prefecture is one of Japan's most renowned ceramics, celebrated for its fine white porcelain and intricate hand-painted designs. With roots in the 17th century, it remains a global symbol of Japanese craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation.
Arita Pottery are most well known: Blue and white pottery
Where to shop for Arita Pottery In Kyushu
Arita Sera Porcelain Shops
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Shopping plaza dedicated to Arita Pottery
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ARITA PORCELAIN LAB(アリタポーセリンラボ)本社工場
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They have stores everywhere in Japan and an online store
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marukei shosha company
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Easily find all your Arita Yaki's and organized by all the specific artists.
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Imari
Imari Pottery (伊万里焼) refers to vibrant, high-quality ceramics originally made in Arita and exported via Imari Port in the 17th century. Renowned for its colorful overglaze designs and fine porcelain, it remains a symbol of luxury and Japanese craftsmanship.
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Karatsu
Karatsu Pottery (唐津焼, Karatsu-yaki) is a traditional Japanese ceramic style from Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, known for its rustic and natural aesthetics. Favored for tea ceremonies, it features earthy glazes and simple, functional designs that reflect wabi-sabi philosophy.
Authentic Karatsu Pottery is really only purchasable in Karatsu, even in Tokyo (I've hunted everywhere ) it is not available. There are karatsu-style pottery, but it is not true Karatsu Pottery.
Ichibankan
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Ichibankan refers to diverse establishments across Japan, including a bespoke tailoring company in Tokyo, a postmodern architectural landmark in Shinjuku, and a specialty gift shop in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture. Each is renowned for quality, craftsmanship, or cultural significance.
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Highly recommend visiting Nakazato Taroemon kiln, their specific technique on creating pottery has been passed down exclusively in their family for 14 generations. So their work is very unique, high quality and worth every penny.
Nakazato Taroemon Kiln
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The Nakazato Taroemon Kiln is a distinguished pottery studio in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Japan, with a legacy spanning over 420 years. Founded by Nakazato Matashichi, the kiln has been passed down through 14 generations, currently led by Nakazato Taroemon XIV. Renowned for producing traditional Karatsu ware, the studio emphasizes handcrafted techniques and natural aesthetics. In 1734, the kiln was relocated to Tojin-machi, Karatsu City, and named Ochawangama.
The Nakazato family has played a pivotal role in preserving and advancing Karatsu pottery traditions, contributing significantly to Japan's ceramic heritage.
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You can also purchase tickets to the museum
Pottery Shopping Tokyo
A lot of the stores that sell Arita Yaki, will also have Imari. I will add a store I visited. You can purchase both Arita, Imari and other different type of pottery. (Just not Karatsu) This is located in Tokyo.
Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
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If you're seeking high-quality Japanese pottery, this store in Tokyo's Aoyama district is a must-visit. The staff speaks English, ensuring a smooth shopping experience, and they expertly wrap your purchases for safe transport, making it convenient to bring your treasures home by flight without worry.
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有田焼やきもの市場
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They sell only Arita Yaki, there is no Karatsu Yaki here. I have only found 1 karatsu style pottery(yaki) at this store.
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THE COVER NIPPON
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Small boutique near the street with pottery, you can find arita yaki but no Karatsu Yaki
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