Kabuki-themed merchandise in Ginza

As I entered the Ginza station from the Kabukiza Ginza Theater exit, I saw many stalls selling Kabuki-themed merchandise.

I was really happy that I found this place. Because I was a single act ticket holder, I wasn't able to access the Kabukiza Ginza shops where people could buy original merchandise.

As a compulsive hoarder of pasalubong (travel gifts) for my family and friends, I wanted to take home some memorabilia of my visit to the Kabuki theater. I made sure to take a stroll around this place, before hopping on the train bound for Shinjuku.

Here are some of the cute and unique things I found during my short trip there:

1. Kabuki-themed ChipStar

One stall sells a pack of three for 500 Yen (~5 USD).

ChipStar is kind of like the Pringles of Japan. Judging from the price itself, I agree that it is quite expensive; that's why I tell my family to keep the containers afterwards. I was expecting some weird and bizarre taste, but it was just seaweed.

Still, it was a very IG-worthy and rare as you can only find this ChipStar product near the Kabukiza Ginza theater. You can't find this in any convenience store or grocery store.

2. Snoopy Folders

Snoopy and Peanuts gang are actually very popular in Japan. That's why I was so excited to *hoard* some Snoppy items for my dad. My father has been a big fan of Charles M. Schultz's loveable characters like Charlie Brown, Snoppy and Woodstock, so I decided to get him a limited edition folder. The folder prices were about 350 Yen (~3 USD) each.

I had to choose from this wide variety of limited edition folders. I ended up choosing the one at the bottom left (the white folder with Snoppy and Woodstock in traditional Japanese attire)

3. Kabuki Postcards

I bought three more Kabuki postcards for my family. This one's mine, and I keep it to remind myself of my wonderful experience at the Kabukiza Ginza theater. Each one is 100 Yen (1 USD).

This postcard features a selection of masks worn in a Kabuki play.

4. Snoppy pens and magnets

As functional as they are, these Snoopy-themed pens could range from 400-500 Yen (~4-5 USD). This was quite expensive already as a standard ballpen from Itoya (Narita Airport branch) is about 100 Yen (1 USD).

I was torn between the pens and the folders, but I chose the latter because they were cheaper and they would prove to be more useful for my dad in the long run.

5. Kabuki cakes

When I saw a stall selling Kabuki face shaped cakes, I knew I had to immediately buy them! A pack of four costs 400 Yen (~4 USD). My family was very surprised to see this when I came home, because it was truly a one-of-a-kind gift that you couldn't just buy anywhere.

I wasn't able to get a picture so let me just describe them for you: the cakes are circular, golden yellow, vanilla-flavored and they taste quite sweet when you bite into them.

---

Photo gallery