So in Japan “Omiage” is a custom that almost every Japanese person observes. Directly translated this word means souvenir. Of course when we think of souvenirs we usually think of the things we bought to cherish memories of a trip or a time we had fun. Although the Japanese do this, they also are in the practice of gift giving. This is the true idea of “Omiage.” It is bestowing a gift to someone else from your travels to other places.

In the US it isn’t so uncommon for us to engage in the practice of gift giving. Even when we return from trips we may have gifts for friends or family. In Japan they take it one step further and also do it at the work place. Now here is where things really differ…. it’s usually food! Each region in Japan takes pride in the products they produce and provide you a way to take them home and share them with friends, family and co-workers.

Due to the sheer cost of this custom, I usually stray away from it. A common single package of omiage can run you between 10 to 20 dollars. If you are buying for all the people who know you are traveling, it can easily become much more than 40 dollars. That aside, price is not so much an object for Japanese people. They seem to legitimately enjoy sharing their travel experience with co-workers and friends. I myself received some grapes from a co-worker! It is incredibly interesting being able to experience these simple cultural differences firsthand.