4 Recommended Souvenirs from Chicago, USA!

Chicago is the largest city in the state of Illinois, USA. It has the third-largest population in the country, following New York and Los Angeles. Known as the “Windy City,” it gets its nickname from the seasonal winds blowing off Lake Michigan. Chicago is also a sports-loving city, home to professional teams in baseball, American football, soccer, basketball, and ice hockey. Here are some unique souvenirs from shops and brands born in Chicago that make great gifts!

1. Garrett Popcorn

Garrett Popcorn is a specialty popcorn shop that expanded to Japan in 2013, with locations in Tokyo, Chiba, Nagoya, and the Kansai region. However, it originally started in Chicago. The corn used in Garrett Popcorn is carefully selected from the cultivation stage, and their "Chicago Mix" product is beloved by fans around the world. Garrett is a long-established brand with over 65 years of history.

Its most popular products are CheeseCorn, coated in cheese, and CaramelCrisp, coated in caramel. The combination of these two is what makes the famous Chicago Mix. If you're visiting Chicago, be sure to try Garrett Popcorn in its birthplace.

2. Spices

Chicago is home to "The Spice House," a shop that offers spices from around the world, including many that are not available in Japan. Their selection ranges from everyday cooking spices to curry powders and dessert seasonings.

Some items come in large packages, but most are sold in small pouches or jars, making them ideal souvenirs as they are “small” and “light” — easy to buy in quantity. It's a convenient and fun place to visit!

3. Coffee Beans

When people think of American coffee, Starbucks often comes to mind due to its global presence. While Starbucks is a mainstream coffee chain, a beloved local alternative in Chicago is Intelligentsia Coffee.

Though it doesn’t have a large number of stores, Intelligentsia has expanded to cities like Los Angeles and New York, and is a popular specialty coffee shop. They sell the same beans used in their cafes, making them a great souvenir for coffee lovers.

4. Chicago Bulls

Chicago is home to the professional basketball team, the Chicago Bulls, which is well-known even among people unfamiliar with basketball. This fame is largely due to Michael Jordan, the legendary player often referred to as the "god of basketball," who once played for the Bulls.

While the team hasn’t performed as well in recent years, they were a dominant force in the 1990s. Think of them as the baseball equivalent of the Yomiuri Giants in their prime, or Barcelona in soccer. Shops in Chicago sell Bulls jerseys and merchandise, making these great souvenirs for basketball fans.

◎ Summary

Chicago is home to professional teams in all of America's "big four" sports: baseball, basketball, American football, and hockey, making it a vibrant and sports-centric city bustling with tourists year-round. There are direct flights from Japan to Chicago, taking about 12 hours. Whether you're visiting for travel or work, don’t forget to take home a unique Chicago souvenir to remember your trip.

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4 Recommended Souvenirs from Chicago, USA!