Me and one of my friend are getting ready to go on a trip to japan

We have someone we know in japan she have invited us to stay at her place, she does live with her family.

We do know her but not to the extend to say we have known her since years. I?m just wondering if it?s out of politeness she is offering us to stay. I do not intended to follow fully on the offer, wouldn?t feel right.

Although it?s probable we will visit her as she will give us a hand during the trip. I?m just wondering if gift are welcome or it might make her family or her uncomfortable.

If so unless I?m wrong the Japanese are usually fan of alcohol and sweet right?
I still need to check the custom regulation but I might bring a maple Porto.


Thanks for your help

Japan is very much into gifts, if you have watched the 'Japan - how to #34 Gifts or #71' you would know.

And I think your japanese friend is just being polite, don't go to Japan with the idea of 'more'.

Perhaps you could bring some food that is famous in your own country, but not in Japan. But I would only do that if she and/or her parents are intrested in foreign food, I think you should know her enough to decide that on your own .

Have fun while your there!

EDIT: You can read the 'Etiquette when visiting Japan' topic on the Modern Japanese forum as well, it has some information about gifts too. I suggest you read it