Notes from Japan: A guide to the style, beauty, and culture worth bringing home

Travelling to the country of mindful living, kawaii, and konbinis? If Japan is not on your boarding pass, it is on your bucket list. Here’s a discovery guide.

Aug 19, 2026

Japan is many things—from ancient history and architectural marvels to gachapons—the vast universe of capsule toys that give you an entryway into the layered pop cultural mindscape of its people. For tourists and travellers, the journey is dotted with chasing KitKat flavours, a perfectly timed photograph at Shibuya Crossing, and navigating labyrinthian train stations.

This writer’s recent visit may have ushered in matcha fatigue (and clocked exactly zero Mt Fuji sightings), but it has also inspired lessons in the art of thrifting in Tokyo, investing in “viral” beauty products that actually work, and skipping Instagram- popular kushi dango for gourmet daifuku. While global brands like Uniqlo and Muji deserve their spotlight in every guide to Japan, it’s the local brands and experiences that will make the trip unforgettable. From the Kyoto-headquartered % Arabica for a wake-me-up cup, to Takeshita Street for those who want to fuel their crepe-loaded, Daiso-bought, Harajuku-fashion-fuelled fantasies. Till then, arigato gozaimasu

Maximalism + minimalism

If there is one accessory that lines the streets of Japanese cities and holiday towns, it is the ubiquitous compact hand fan that doesn’t only keep humidity at bay but also ensures that it’s not the sweat that glazes your dewy makeup look. And, when it comes to fashion, the young working woman in Japan is dominantly rooting for comfort—the Issey Miyake galaxy of pleats, embedded in accordion pleated skirts like an inherited style code. However, the minimalism stands strong by the side of subcultural dressing styles that keep maximalism at its core—either through Rei Kawakubo-sized silhouettes and abstraction, or via charms that hang from backpacks and designer handbags in hordes. Along with an iced lemon tea and fresh onigiri to go, of course.

The electric handheld fan will be your go-to accessory in Japan.

Little Trip to Heaven, a vintage clothing and jewellery store in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. Find everything from Tyroleaninspired sepa

No gender, no border—that’s how Japanese fashion brand Not Conventional defines itself. The silhouettes are anti-structure with

Looking to wear Japan on your sleeve (bag?)—look no further than Pop Mart, including their Robo shops aka vending machines found

With cool collabs and pop culture forward, Graniph is for the no-fuss buyer. Think Harry Potter prints, works of illustrator Bri

Founded by Fumie Kobayashi, Calico merges Indian textiles with Japanese design. With collections crafted in collaboration with m

Care for a Parisian touch to your Uji matcha? Café Kitsuné and its speciality servings are worth the try in Tokyo.

India inspiration

You may leave Japan, but chances are, Japan may stick to your style subconscious. If you are hung up on the wabi-sabi of it all, explore Indian brands and designers that understand handcraftsmanship, minimal detailing, and colours that take a cue from an earthy palette.

Upcycled separates with bandhani (tie-dyed) details courtesy Doodlage.

Kantha stitch patterns X silk and cotton blends by Abraham & Thakore.

Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta’s handspun and handwoven cotton summer dress.

Get behind J-beauty

We have seen Reels that have added to the “viral” value of some of these products. And, the truth is—a lot of them actually work. From the drugstore fix for acne, the Lion Pair Acne Cream (there’s also an anti-acne cleanser on offer), to The Fino Premium Touch hair mask (the trick is to leave it on for at least five minutes)—most of these are available to buy across department and convenience stores in Japan. The prices vary from store to store—so invest in some on-ground research.

One thing India and Japan have in common? Humidity. Pick the Matomage wax stick to tame flyaways.

The legacy Japanborn brand’s Ultimune series is a long-term commitment to healthy skin.

If you are into beauty supplements, Meiji’s made-inJapan Amino Collagen is worth the pick.

The affordable hair mask can declare early retirement for your conditioner.

You can’t ignore the reviews. Bioré Japan’s water-based sunscreen + essence delivers.

While the brand is now available in India, explore SK-II’s range of skincare treatment products across Japan.

The Keana Nadeshiko Rice Pack by Ishizawa Labs is a soothing fix for dehydrated skin.

The Lion Pair Acne Cream is worth the buy for breakouts and long-term acne reduction.

This article originally appeared in Cosmopolitan India's July-August 2026 print issue.

Image credits: Getty Images, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Instagram, and respective brands

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Notes from Japan: A guide to the style, beauty, and culture worth bringing home

Travelling to the country of mindful living, kawaii, and konbinis? If Japan is not on your boarding pass, it is on your bucket list. Here’s a discovery guide.

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