What are favorite items to buy in Japan ?<BR><BR>(We are not interestsed in cameras or any electrical items ... but are interested in fans and china pieces such a small tea set.)<BR><BR>We will be staying in Kyoto and Asakusa<BR><BR>Thanks to all those who are so helpful in answering questions !!!!

A couple of ideas.<BR>Somebody mentioned on another thread "hana-fuda". Literally means flower cards. Its like playing cards of traditional Japanese version with different flowers, animals, etc of the seasons. You should be able to find them especially in Asakusa area. Also in Asakusa, I visited a few times, a ukiyoe-print master of about 75 y.o.in his small Gallery-Atlier. He always wore traditional men's kimono and demonstrated me how he prints in traditional way. Each time I bought his works, not the typical Japanese women in Kimono(not the kind i like) but different sorts such as buddah<BR>drawn in fine gold lines with dark-blue background or a black big bird in the rain(somehow ominous). If you are interested, I will send the address here. I think I can find it.

Thank you for the ideas! We are staying in Asakusa and would love to visit the shop you mention.<BR>

Bonsoir Patti,<BR><BR>In Tokyo and Kyoto, check the fleamarkets: <BR><BR>http://www.jnto.go.jp/interests/culture/b2n/b2n3b.html (Schedule of monthly flea markets around Tokyo)<BR> http://www.kyotoguide.com/index/index.html see "Kyoto month by month"<BR><BR>Go ask the TIC for specialised shops. They hold lists and give them for free, and they will look up the phone directory for you to help find anything specific you require.<BR><BR>If you're interested in dolls, go to Asakusa-bashi, all the main dollmakers and retailers are located there.<BR><BR>Shop for traditional fabrics in the small streets and covered arcades around Asakusa Kannon temple (there's a famous shop selling only tenugui - hand towels - in a street parallel to the main shopping arcate leading to the temple. You'll find it from its signs depicting a wisteria flower). I've bought treasures in kimono belts, yukata, fabric, traditional jackets, etc. <BR><BR>The avenue leading from Ueno station to Asakusa is lined with antique and religious artifacts (from small home shrines to giant festival drums).<BR><BR>In Kyoto, shop for china along Kiyomizu-zaka, (leading to Kiyomizu-dera temple, a must) and down Sannenzaka, among other places (the TIC will help you).<BR><BR>The problem in Japan is not to find something, rather to limit yourself ... ;.)

Thanks Flo! I really appreciate your suggestions!