Do you need to bring a gift when visiting?
In short
Good to knowIt is not required, but many people bring a small gift such as sweets when visiting someone’s home.
When does this apply?
In Japan it is common to bring a "temiyage" (visiting gift) when invited to someone’s home. It does not need to be expensive; local sweets or food the whole family can share are popular choices.
Why?
It is a way of showing thanks for the invitation. For visitors from abroad, small sweets from your own country or region are often especially appreciated.
What to do
- Choose something modest that will not burden the host
- Take it out of the paper bag and hand it over with both hands
- Think about the size and tastes of the family
Better to avoid
- Give something very expensive that makes your host feel obliged
Exceptions and differences
Some people avoid sets of 4 or 9 because the numbers can sound like "death" and "suffering", but such views are changing. At close friends’ homes, coming without a gift is often fine.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
When invited to a Japanese home, what about a gift?
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Sources
- Gift-Giving Etiquette in Japan(opens in a new tab)
- "Shūgi" and "Kōden": Money Gifts Expressing Congratulations or Condolences(opens in a new tab)
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