Take Home a Piece of Japan’s Living Tradition
Japan is a fascinating country that offers new discoveries and impressions every time you visit. Traditional culture, handed down from ancient times, and modern urban culture, which continues to evolve, coexist in harmony—attracting many travelers from around the world. In historical cities and sacred sites like Kyoto and Nara, visitors can experience the serene beauty of Japan, while in bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, they can enjoy cutting-edge technology, fashion, and cuisine. A visit to the countryside adds even more depth to the journey, offering encounters with the natural beauty of the four seasons and regional cultures shaped by diverse climates and traditions.
When it comes to what to buy in Japan, one of the most anticipated parts of the journey is choosing the perfect souvenir. Popular options include traditional Japanese crafts, local foods, Japanese tea, and artisanal seasonings. But in recent years, “Made in Japan” clothing has gained global popularity for its high quality, functionality, and timeless design.
Among these fashionable finds, samue is drawing growing attention as a uniquely Japanese gift. Originally worn as workwear by Buddhist monks, samue clothing is now beloved for its comfort, simplicity, and refined aesthetic. It's especially popular as Japanese loungewear in ryokans and hotels across the country. Many travelers, impressed by its relaxed fit and cultural charm, choose to take a samue home as a stylish and meaningful souvenir.
Whether you're looking for a traditional Japanese outfit, a high-quality travel gift, or a one-of-a-kind reminder of your trip, samue is a perfect choice.
The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan, which had temporarily declined due to the pandemic in 2020, has steadily recovered in recent years—reaching a record high in 2024. With this tourism boom, there’s growing interest in meaningful and authentic Japanese souvenirs. While popular choices include traditional crafts, snacks, and green tea, more and more travelers are turning to traditional Japanese clothing as a memorable keepsake.
In this blog, we’ll explore the charm of samue and why it’s a top choice for those wondering what to buy in Japan. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift, a wearable piece of tradition, or a comfortable reminder of your travels, samue might be exactly what you’re looking for.
1. Easy to Wear and Incredibly Versatile
Samue is one of the most practical and versatile types of traditional Japanese clothing, designed to be worn comfortably throughout the year. Unlike yukata or jinbei, which are typically considered summer garments, samue clothing is suitable for all seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—thanks to the variety of fabrics available.
One of the biggest advantages of samue is how easy it is to wear. Unlike kimono or yukata, which often require specific dressing techniques, samue features a simple design. The top ties with an inner and outer string, and the pants have an elastic waistband—allowing for ease of movement and a secure, comfortable fit. There’s no need to worry about adjusting layers or maintaining structure throughout the day.
Another reason samue is ideal for modern lifestyles is its compatibility with everyday clothing. There's no need for special undergarments - just pair it with a T-shirt, turtleneck, or other basics you already own. This makes it a great way to enjoy Japanese-style fashion in a relaxed, accessible way.
Ultimately, samue’s appeal lies in how effortlessly it can be adopted as daily wear, bringing the charm of Japanese traditional attire into your everyday wardrobe.
For more details of WASUIAN's samue, click here.
WASUIAN’s Samue - Crafted with Tradition, Delivered with Care
At WASUIAN, Japanese artisans are dedicated to preserving tradition and craftsmanship while incorporating modern technology in the creation of our products. Discover excellence at every step, from fabric selection to your doorstep.
2. Travel-Friendly and Easy to Carry
Samue is a traditional Japanese garment that has become increasingly popular as a souvenir for travelers—especially among international visitors. Like yukata and jinbei, samue is clothing, which means it can be conveniently carried on board flights without any special restrictions.
Traveling involves many steps—from check-in to boarding—and one important consideration is airline baggage regulations. Depending on the airline and flight route, especially on international trips, there are strict rules about what can be carried on and what must be checked in. Many popular souvenirs like sake, local seasonings, or certain food items often face restrictions or bans, leading to the unfortunate necessity of leaving these carefully chosen gifts behind at the airport.
In contrast, samue is lightweight, not bulky, and easily folds to fit comfortably into your suitcase or carry-on luggage. This makes it hassle-free to transport and an excellent choice for those wanting to bring a meaningful Made in Japan souvenir home or send as a gift.
For those looking to impress with a special present, samue can also be elegantly gift-wrapped in a luxury box for an additional 600 yen. This makes it an ideal gift for friends, family, or business associates abroad who appreciate unique, high-quality Japanese traditional clothing.
3. Comfortable Fit for All
When selecting clothing as a gift, size is often a top concern—especially for something like samue clothing, where many gift-givers don’t know the recipient’s exact measurements. This uncertainty often leads people to choose a slightly larger size to avoid the risk of it being too small.
While some may worry that a larger size might look sloppy, samue is designed with “relaxed comfort” in mind, making even a slightly oversized fit comfortable and stylish. This loose, calming silhouette actually enhances the traditional Japanese aesthetic and atmosphere, making samue a safe and thoughtful gift choice.
Additionally, many of WASUIAN’s samue pants feature adjustable cords at the hem, allowing wearers to customize the length. The waist combines elastic bands with drawstrings, ensuring a comfortable fit for a wide range of body types. This flexibility makes samue a versatile gift that adapts easily to different sizes and shapes.
In addition, WASUIAN offers a wide range of sizes, including options up to size 4L, to accommodate overseas customers and individuals with larger builds. This inclusive sizing has made our samue clothing a popular and well-received gift for both Japanese and international recipients alike.
Samue Available in 4L
Currently, the 4L size samue is available in dark blue except 2060 Cotton-Ramie Shijira Samue. The pants are designed with a particularly generous waistline, offering a noticeably roomier fit compared to the 3L size. This allows individuals with a solid or larger build to wear it comfortably and with confidence. For those seeking plus-size traditional Japanese clothing, the 4L samue is an excellent option—and one we proudly recommend as a thoughtful and practical gift for larger individuals.
(Both of these comparisons are based on different colors of our popular “Tate-Slub Samue”)
At WASUIAN, each samue is a genuine Made in Japan product, carefully crafted by skilled Japanese artisans. Known for their high quality and traditional craftsmanship, our samue garments are highly popular among overseas customers and tourists visiting Japan. Whether you’re commemorating a trip, participating in a homestay, or searching for a unique Japanese souvenir for a friend abroad, samue is a meaningful and practical choice.
We also offer international shipping, so you can rest assured that your gift will be delivered safely—whether within Japan or to loved ones around the world. Each order is packed with care, ensuring that your gesture of appreciation reaches its recipient in perfect condition.
We hope the unique charm and everyday practicality of samue clothing will continue to be shared with the world. Though it is a traditional Japanese garment, samue fits seamlessly into today’s modern lifestyle, making it an excellent keepsake to preserve the memories of your travels.
Looking for a souvenir that truly captures the spirit of Japan? Discover the timeless charm of samue from WASUIAN—beautifully crafted, effortlessly wearable, and perfect as a meaningful gift for yourself or someone special.