Should I give my Japanese host omiyage/gift when meeting them first or when I'm leaving?

Should I give my Japanese host omiyage/gift when meeting them first or when I'm leaving? - Black couple in sweaters congratulating each other on Christmas

I'll be visiting Japan soon and I'll be meeting a friend there.

I was wondering if the etiquette there was to give a gift when you first arrive or when you'll be leaving.

When should I give the omiyage?



Best Answer

Definitely arrive with a gift from your home country. Edibles and tea or coffee are common gifts and widely appreciated.




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Should I give my Japanese host omiyage/gift when meeting them first or when I'm leaving? - Side view of crop anonymous female friends sitting at table with various colorful gift bags bought for occasion
Should I give my Japanese host omiyage/gift when meeting them first or when I'm leaving? - Black woman receiving present from man
Should I give my Japanese host omiyage/gift when meeting them first or when I'm leaving? - Cheerful woman getting present from girlfriend



What should you not gift a Japanese person?

Gifts to avoid
  • It all comes down to superstition. Lilies, lotus blossoms, and camellias are associated with funerals. ...
  • Giving 4 or 9 of anything is considered unlucky. ...
  • Red Christmas cards should be avoided, since funeral notices are customarily printed in this colour.


How do you give Omiyage in Japan?

How to Japanese Omiyage
  • Step 1: Make an omiyage list for everyone you are shopping for. One common mistake people make is not having enough omiyage to give around. ...
  • Step 2: What to buy. ...
  • Step 3: Plan the whole experience. ...
  • Step 4: Budget well so no one is left out. ...
  • Step 5: Present your gift.


  • What do you say when giving a gift in Japanese?

    If you are offering a gift of high value, you will want to practice saying, \u201cit isn't much, but please accept this gift\u201d or in Japanese: \u201cd\u014dzo osame kudasai\u201d (\u3069\u3046\u305e\u304a\u7d0d\u3081\u4e0b\u3055\u3044); but if it's a more casual setting with a coworker, you can say, \u201cI thought you might like this,\u201d which is a rough translation of the Japanese: \u201c ...

    How do you give someone a gift in Japan?

    Japanese Gift Etiquette
  • Avoid sets of 4 or 9. ...
  • Present gifts with both hands. ...
  • Avoid giving gifts in front of others. ...
  • Always present your gift at the end of a meeting. ...
  • Politely refuse the gift at least twice. ...
  • Accept gifts with both hands. ...
  • Avoid opening your gift in front of others. ...
  • Always reciprocate with a gift of your own.




  • Japanese 'Omiyage' Gift Giving Culture - Appropriate Gifts and how to Give them.




    More answers regarding should I give my Japanese host omiyage/gift when meeting them first or when I'm leaving?

    Answer 2

    You give it as soon as things have settled down and you're at their home. They WILL give you something back when you leave, and the value of their gift to you will depend on the value of the gift you give them. Thus, while it is important to not get something too cheap, it is likewise important to not overdo it either.

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Any Lane, Tim Douglas, Any Lane, Tim Douglas