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Omiyage from California for Yokohama students

Sirenity

Sirenity

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I asked my former exchange students from Yokohama what they might want me to bring them from San Diego, CA and they both asked for delicious snacks. After doing a search in the TAG forums, I understand that the Japanese palate is different than American. I’d be grateful if anyone has suggestions for good omiyage to bring. Thank you!
 
Sirenity said:
I asked my former exchange students from Yokohama what they might want me to bring them from San Diego, CA and they both asked for delicious snacks. After doing a search in the TAG forums, I understand that the Japanese palate is different than American. I’d be grateful if anyone has suggestions for good omiyage to bring. Thank you!
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Many Japanese like the haribo gummi candy. It is a little expensive here. You can also bring some USA candy, but nothing too sweet.
 
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I would say beef jerky is an option. Definitely an American snack. The good kind though, not the mystery meat pressed into beef jerky shapes.

My wife's family (who are Japanese) like Ghirardelli chocolates because it's a recognized American brand. Godiva works too.
 
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Lukes said:
I would say beef jerky is an option. Definitely an American snack. The good kind though, not the mystery meat pressed into beef jerky shapes.

My wife's family (who are Japanese) like Ghirardelli chocolates because it's a recognized American brand. Godiva works too.
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I don't think you can bring beef jerky into Japan. I remember trying to bring some jerky from Australia and they took it away from me. I was a random search so not usually searched.

Info here:
http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/product/import.html
 
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You can bring anything in Japan. As long as you don't get caught.

But meat products are amongst those that get confiscated at the border if they notice them. An American friend just got his post package from back home opened by the customs guys and his jerky was then missing on arrival.
 
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San Diego? Bring anything that even remotely resembles a cookie and you're in luck! For shock value, bring some mexican candy for your more brave students :D
 
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oLUXo said:
Many Japanese like the haribo gummi candy. It is a little expensive here. You can also bring some USA candy, but nothing too sweet.
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Thanks, Lux! I guess they’re looking for sugar, too!
 
US visitors tend to come with See's chocolate. think it's still the West coast mainland iconic chocolate? That's very kind thought of you. They'll be happy.
 
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Anything chocolate covered from Trader Joe's. Definitely not available in Japan so it will be a rare treat and certainly delicious!
 
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MikeH said:
You can bring anything in Japan. As long as you don't get caught.

But meat products are amongst those that get confiscated at the border if they notice them. An American friend just got his post package from back home opened by the customs guys and his jerky was then missing on arrival.
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A few months ago I was on my way home from Hong Kong and a friend handed me a whole roasted Peking Duck as a gift for the office. It was in a plastic bag inside a box that was in a shopping bag with a big picture of a Peking Duck on the bag. It smelled great even through the plastic bag. I carried it on the plane. Then I waltzed right through the Narita checkpoint humming to myself under my breath. Coming into Los Angeleez, bringing in a coupla Keeeez, don’t check my bags if you pleeeez, Mr. customs man.
 
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The ethos of omiyage is to bring interesting gifts from your home town. Some of the items being recommended in this thread are produced in Europe and / or are widely available all over Japan. Advising the OP to buy such items is worse than useless.

Bring some locally produced Californian cookies or snacks. Or something at least made in America. Bring something decent not cheap - it will be appreciated.
 
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