Japanese Culture - Gifts When Visiting A Japanese Family

Answer :

Yes, yes and thrice yes! This is not an option but a requirement if you don't want to be thought of as inconsiderate and rude. Even if you're told that it's not necessary by your hosts do not neglect to bring something. An inherent part of Japanese culture, it heralds from a time when travel was very infrequent and some kind of gift from the lands afar were always brought back and appreciated.

Generally food is the preferred gift and if you can get something unique i.e. not obtainable in Japan that's even better. Also don't forget to wrap your gift as nicely as possible. Bunging it in a plastic bag will not do (unless the plastic bag is a posh one from a top-notch store and even then the present enclosed should be wrapped). The presentation of the gift is as important as the gift itself. More so if your gift is really naff I suppose……..