Buying Guides

Best Ikebana Books for Beginners

The best ikebana books in English: for beginners, school-specific study, philosophical depth, and contemporary inspiration.

How to buy authentic Japanese art: woodblock prints, contemporary ceramics, hanging scrolls — avoiding fakes and buying safely.

The best Japanese stationery: pens (Pilot, Uni-ball), notebooks (Hobonichi, Midori), washi tape, and where to buy internationally.

How to find authentic Japanese souvenirs: what to avoid, the best craft categories, and where to buy the real thing.

The best Japanese tea sets: matcha sets, kyusu teapots, and cast-iron tetsubin — how to choose the right set for your tea.

The best Japanese lacquerware to buy online: authentic urushi vs synthetic, regional traditions (Wajima, Tsugaru), and where to shop.

The best Japanese kitchen knives to buy: what separates Japanese knives from Western knives, and curated recommendations by type.

Best yukata and kimono robes to buy: what to look for in authenticity and quality, with curated recommendations at every price point.

The best books about samurai and Japanese swords in English: history, technique, and cultural analysis, reviewed and ranked.

The best Japanese ceramics to buy online: how to find authentic pieces, which regional traditions to explore, and buying safely.

The best tea ceremony books in English: from beginner introductions to scholarly histories, reviewed and ranked.

The best matcha sets for beginners: what to look for in a chawan, chasen, and chashaku, with curated recommendations.