japanese weddings / non-traditional gift?

[ll7ll]

(i know there have been a few posts about japanese wedding gifts-- sorry to add another one!)
i am going to a very close friend's wedding in two weeks, and have been trying to brainstorm over the past few months about what to give her. i know it is customary to give money (new bills, special envelope, numbers not devisable by 2), but i had wanted to give something different (and meaningful), and being the gaijin i thought it a nice idea to do something different. my first though was a travel gift certificate (for an airlines or for general use at a travel agency), but those have been impossible to find (fyi: aa has one, but only for flights originating in the states). or i thought about getting them a certificate/voucher for a nice ryokan/onsen. (again, no luck without making a specific reservation). does anyone know if any of these things exist? or of any other possible / imaginative gifts of a couple who loves to travel?
all else failing, how much money would people recommend for a close friend (like family)? (it's a big, formal wedding-- and i am giving a speech. not sure if these details change anything.).
any and all ideas would be very much appreciated!!

 

[Davey]

all else failing, how much money would people recommend for a close friend (like family)?

30.000 is the normal price for friends, my wife did not receive more than 30.000 from any of her best friends. From the family members we received a little bit more 40-50.000 (especially mom and dad *that was a BIG envelope*).

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Yes, I second that. For a close friend 30,000 yen would be perfect.

The fact that you are giving a speech means that you have been been given a special honor. Make your speech special; I'm sure they will appreciate it for years to come!

 

[epigene]

I'm pretty sure that cash will be fine, but if you do want to give gift certificates, the most popular and widely used are available from Japan Travel Bureau (JTB). They have coupons for travel, shopping, dining, etc. They can also be used for paying for JTB services overseas.
They are sold at JTB branches and tourism counters around Japan.
JTB Gift Certificates

Major banks such as Tokyo-Mitsubishi also issue gift coupons in 500 yen, 1000 yen or higher. These coupons are accepted at virtually all stores and services in Japan.

These are available in Japan only, though.