Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido is the country's best-known source of edible souvenirs: butter and cheese sweets, chocolate, potato snacks, melons and seafood such as salmon, crab and scallops. Most items here are sold at New Chitose Airport, Sapporo Station and the roadside stations (michi-no-eki) along the main driving routes.

Tokyo is Japan's souvenir capital, famous for refined sweets such as Tokyo Banana, Hiyoko cakes, monaka and traditional wagashi from long-established shops. Visitors usually buy gifts at Tokyo Station, Haneda and Narita airports, and department stores in Ginza, Nihonbashi and Shinjuku. Asakusa and Ueno are popular for traditional snacks and crafts.

Kyoto is Japan's old imperial capital and a treasure house of traditional sweets, matcha from nearby Uji, pickles, yuba and fans. Classic souvenirs include Yatsuhashi cinnamon confections, Ajari-mochi and matcha treats. Travelers usually buy them at Kyoto Station, shops around Gion and Kiyomizu, department stores, and Kansai and Itami airports.

Osaka, Japan's food capital, is known for sweets and snacks such as takoyaki-flavored treats, pork buns, rolled cakes, and traditional wagashi. Travelers usually buy souvenirs at Shin-Osaka and Osaka (Umeda) stations, Kansai International and Itami airports, and department stores and arcades in Umeda, Namba, and Shinsaibashi.

Fukuoka is Kyushu's main gateway city and is famous for Hakata ramen, spicy cod roe (mentaiko) and sweets such as Hakata Torimon, Hiyoko and Menbei. Nearby Dazaifu and Yanagawa add regional treats like umegae mochi. Travelers usually buy souvenirs at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, Tenjin department stores and shopping areas such as Canal City.

Okinawa is known for sweets and foods made from local ingredients such as brown sugar, purple sweet potato, pineapple and sea salt, as well as awamori spirits and Orion Beer. Chinsuko cookies and beni-imo tarts are the classic gifts. Most travelers buy souvenirs at Naha Airport, Kokusai Street shops and department stores.

1. Pick a region.
2. Check the rating and what the item is.
3. See which airport, station or shop sells it.
4. Check storage and shelf life before you fly.