from trips to co-workers and families is a social obligation and can be considered a form of apology for the traveller's absence. sales are big business at Japanese tourist sites. Unlike souvenirs, however, are frequently special food products, packaged into several small portions to be easily distributed to all the members of a family or a workplace.

Travelers may buy souvenirs as gifts for those who did not make the trip. A common tradition is to bring a thank-you gift