5 Japanese Gifts To Give Yourself This Valentine’s Day

Single or in a relationship, you're an independent woman who knows how to treat herself.

Are you in the mood to celebrate this February 14th, but you want the focus to be on yourself? Good for you! Never mind the giri and honmei chocolates; here are five fabulous Japanese gifts to give yourself this Valentine’s Day in Japan.

1. Trending Chocolates & Sweet Treats

© Photo by iStock: Expono_shoot

Chocolates, the golden standard of Valentine’s practically the world over, might seem overdone. How can you make them special? By getting something unusual or a bit on the pricier side, all for yourself to enjoy, of course.

According to social media and online news sites, two of the biggest trends in Japanese chocolates this year are natural chocolates (such as chocolate-covered fruits and nuts) and chocolates with a high cacao count and low sweetness (dark chocolates).

Oh, and of course, the viral sensation that is ドバイチョコレート (dobai chokore-to; “Dubai chocolate”) too. Filled with kadayif and pistachio, these chocolate bars are flying off the shelves all across Japan. In fact, if you want to find some in stock anywhere, you’ll need to do some searching. Takashimaya does have a few in stock, but they could be sold out by the time this article is published.

If you aren’t able to find Dubai chocolates, there are thousands of other options to choose from, of course. Take a look at your preferred department store’s website or social media, and you’ll find their annual selection of chocolates prominently displayed.

Or, if you prefer something more homemade, you could try my nutty cheesecake recipe.

• Price range: ¥500 to ¥7,000 (some include delivery.)
• Where: Most sweet-selling shops, but I recommend choosing from Takashimaya, Isetan or SOGO if you feel like splurging.

2. J-Scent Perfumes

© Photo by J-Scent

There are lots of body sprays, eau de toilette, and perfumes to choose from in Japan. Honestly, it’s hard not to end up with a collection of them as the scents are so readily available. If you’re looking for something special but aren’t too keen on department store prices, you should try J-Scent.

J-Scent is a perfume brand made in Japan that draws inspiration from Japanese culture and experiences. With scents like houjicha (roasted green tea), koiame (mandarin, cassis, violets and magnolias) and even ramune (lemon, mint, hints of vanilla), you’re sure to find one perfume in particular that speaks to you.

The perfumes come in 2ml or 50ml bottles, while perfume oils are only available in 10ml roll-on bottles. While they don’t have a specific store location, they’re sold through various other shops.

• Price range: ¥1,200 to ¥5,000 (depending on the scent.)
• Where: Tsutaya Bookstore in Yebisu Garden Place or Shibuya Scramble Square and via their online store too.

3. Wacoal Lingerie

© Photo by Wacoal

I’ve discussed buying bras in Japan before, but if you’re looking for a custom fit or want something made especially for you, check out Wacoal’s size order service.

Wacoal is a Japanese brand that was founded in 1949 that sells internationally and comes in a wide range of sizes, including plus size brands. Their recently launched size order service requires an appointment for an in-person visit to one of their fitting centers, where you’ll be sized, have your needs discussed, and can then choose from cup types and fits based on the options available in their latest lookbook. Plus, if you want to repeat your order, from your second purchase onward, you can do it all online instead.

That being said, you need to make a reservation for this service in advance, and the prices for the bras will vary widely based on your degree of customization.

Psst—if you’re a male buying or someone looking to buy for a special man in your life, Wacoal also makes men’s underwear and lingerie.

• Price range: ¥6,000 to ¥20,000.
• Where: Official Wacoal shops around Japan as well as various department stores like Itoyokado.

4. Customized Jewelry

© Photo by Glanta

Japan has no shortage of jewelry stores to suit every budget. You might love window-shopping at Harry Winston, but if your wallet can’t handle that level, then perhaps going the custom route is more your style.

While there are lots of different make-your-own experiences in Tokyo that work as Japanese gifts to give yourself, some of the ring-making options are available for couples only. Or will charge you the couples rate but you’ll be making two rings for yourself.

If you’d rather have an expert make a ring for you right before your eyes, then take a trip to Glanta. By choosing the My Ring option, you can pick a base ring of various widths in a variety of materials (from brass to 18k gold), have it patterned or shaped, choose its finish and then fit precisely to your finger in no time at all. Most rings are finished within 15 minutes.

• Price range: ¥980 to ¥54,000+ (depending on the material and width you choose.)
• Where: Offical Glanta shops around Japan. The Tokyo locations are in Kichijoji or Shimokitazawa.

5. Spa Services

© Photo by Spa Amustas

Finally, the ultimate way to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day, or whenever you need a bit (or a lot) of pampering. Visiting a spa is a luxurious, indulgent, sometimes all-day affair—but it doesn’t have to leave you eating instant ramen for a month.

There are scores of beauty salons and experiences across all price points within Tokyo, such as Elana Jade in Azabu Juban or Boudoir Day Spa in Harajuku. There are also plenty of unique beauty services to choose from as well.

There’s also Spa Amustas at The Celestine Tokyo Shiba. There, you can enjoy a 30-minute aromatherapy full-body massage for ¥7,150. Whatever you choose is sure to make you feel incredible for days to come.

• Price range: ¥7,150 to ¥40,700 (depending on the course or treatment you choose.)
• Where: The Celestine Tokyo Shiba, 3-23-1 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Have you already organized your Japanese gifts to give yourself this year? Here’s to a lovely and fulfilling solo Valentine’s Day, whatever you choose to do!