Omiyage and suitcases - getting ready!

So exciting - we leave tomorrow! We've been busy getting ready for the last few days. Tickets & passports? Check. Laundry? Check. Shopping & omiyage? Check! Now we can go.

Japan is a gift-giving culture, so bringing omiyage (souvenirs) is a must. We are staying with some friends, so we got a few things from America for each of them. Also, we are getting a new exchange student and are planning to meet her, so we are bringing some KY things for her and her family too. As an American, I am still a little unsure about omiyage. How do I buy gifts for people I don't know well? What should I bring? Who should I give gifts to? How many do I need? It's hard to know for sure, so I'm just winging it. I do know there's no need to get fancy or expensive, which is good because omiyage can add up.

It's been a long time since I've been back to Japan, so I did a little asking around and Internet research to come up with ideas. So this is what I got to bring: nuts (expensive in Japan), Trader Joe's totes & snacks (very popular), chocolate, some scented soaps & things from Bath & Body Works. I'm also bringing some typical "Kentucky" things - KY stickers & t-shirts, and of course bourbon.