It all revolves around...

coffee?

Why don't you leave

the "showing around" of this town

to a REAL local! Okay?

A lot of tourists end up

buying stupid things like a fan

But how often do you use these

in your home country?

Join our boys

while they tackle everyday life

as an expat in Japan

in the quintessential coffee houses of Tokyo.

Hi! I'm Stan Jedermann.

Those of us who visit Japan

often find ourselves marvelling

at the "oriental" souvenirs

we pretty much find anywhere.

But how do we distinguish one from another?

What are we even looking at?

In Japanese,

"omiyage" is something that you

give someone

who didn't join you

on your excursion.

In other words, a souvenir.

But the practice of "omiyage"

is so ingrained in the Japanese culture

that these touristy areas even develop

their own snacks and presents

to give someone as omiyage.

This is even where the

concept of "yuru-kyara" or,

local mascots comes from.

Today our excursion takes us to

the heart of the Japanese tourist area.

Asakusa...

in the shadow of the Senso-ji.

Welcome to Asakusa.

This area has been a tourist attraction

since the Edo Period.

It attracts crowds mostly interested in history.

You can find multiple eras

portrayed in establishments

here in the shops, theatres,

and restaurants.

This coffee house, only a

one minute's walk from

the Ginza Line Asakusa Station,

is meticulous in preserving

the Taisho-Showa period.

Let me present to you

some of the most popular "omiyage"

available in Asakusa.

These are fans.

These are "ougi,"

for dancing.

These are "sensu,"

for everyday use.

These are "uchiwa,"

for use in summer.

These are keychains.

A little flashy,

but a cheap and popular gift.

This is "okou."

It's used for shrines

and for the room.

Omamori are amulets

meant to bring good luck

or protection.

They are unique to each and every temple.

These "shokki" are available here.

This is for sake.

This is for beer.

This is for tea.

And this is for rice.

Plates like these are available too.

Tenugui are available

in many colors,

and can be used in many ways.

These are "geta,"

for girls,

for guys...

for yukata and kimono.

"Kanzashi" are hair ornaments

used in the following way.

Older toys are available in wood

and other natural materials.

And of course, kimono!

There are tourist trap ones

which are just made for foreigners' bathrooms

and are not used in Japan.

And, there are real ones

which can be bought second hand

for low prices.

To recap,

Asakusa Coffee-ya in Asakusa

is the coffee house we went to today.

Our boys toured around Asakusa

and reviewed popular souvenirs, too.

I hope you learned something today.

However,

everyone's experience in Japan is different.

Which yaro seemed most like you?

All information can be found on our website here

and be sure to join us next time

as we discuss television in Japan.

No, the yaro and I are just hanging out!

There are no girls here whatsoever!

No, no! Nothing!