A Small Souvenir at Kyoto Station

Souvenir at Shinkansen platform

This photo was taken at the Shinkansen platform area in Kyoto Station.

After temples, gardens, and quiet old streets, there is also another pleasure of traveling in Japan: looking for small souvenirs.

These phone straps caught my eye because of their beautiful design. They feel traditional, but also modern — a kind of wa-modern （和モダン）style that is colorful, elegant, and easy to enjoy.

A small object can carry a memory of a place: a pattern, a color, a seasonal feeling, or simply the joy of finding something charming before getting on the train to Tokyo.

For visitors, shopping at stations can also be part of the travel experience in Japan. Even on a Shinkansen platform, you may find small things that reflect Japanese design, craftsmanship, and a sense of playfulness.

Travel is not only about going to famous sights. It is also about these little discoveries along the way.