maryann

We will be in Japan in October and will be escorted by a volunteer guide for a day. I would like to bring a gift, that is easy to pack.

I do not know the person's gender nor age group and under $50 would be good. I had even thought of buying a Gift Card but do not know if Japan has such a thing.

Any hep is appreciated

lcuy

Chocolates or candies from your area always go over well in japan. Wrap them nicely!

WillJame

A gift representing the area where you live is a good idea. It doesn't need to be expensive--perhaps something in the souvenir line, such as a small book of photos showing local sites or even a tee-shirt.

shandy

For our forthcoming trip to Japan I went down to one of our local markets and bought some lovely handsketched cards which are blank inside. All the sketches are of local historic buildings or scenes from my home town. I intend to package them up in groups of five or six and will wrap them up in nice paper (presentation is very important in Japan). They will take up virtually no space or weight in my luggage.

Grumbo

Please note that Japanese will usually not open gifts in front of you, so don't be disappointed if they accept the gift but then set it down without opening.

jkgourmet

Is there some cultural reason that you don't want to give them cash?

hawaiiantraveler

Money is too personal.....although I would never mind receiving money

See here for information on what an omiyage is to the Japanese people

http://tinyurl.com/6jvnrs

Aloha!