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

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. 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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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