Japan Shopping Guide
From 100-yen stores to luxury boutiques. What to buy, where to shop, and how to save.
I always pack an empty bag. Japan does that to you.
What to Shop For
Japan excels in quality. Here's what's worth bringing home.
Fashion & Streetwear
Japanese fashion is globally influential. From high fashion to street style.
Popular Items:
Best in: Tokyo (Harajuku, Shibuya, Omotesando), Osaka (Amerikamura)
Vintage shops in Shimokitazawa and Koenji have amazing finds. Japanese sizing runs smaller.
Electronics & Tech
Japan is still a tech haven. Latest gadgets, often cheaper than home.
Popular Items:
Best in: Tokyo (Akihabara, Shinjuku), Osaka (Den Den Town)
Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera offer tax-free. Check voltage compatibility (Japan uses 100V).
Anime & Gaming
Otaku paradise. Merchandise, figures, vintage games, manga.
Popular Items:
Best in: Tokyo (Akihabara, Nakano Broadway), Osaka (Den Den Town)
Mandarake and Book Off for second-hand. Animate for new releases. Nakano Broadway is less touristy than Akiba.
Beauty & Skincare
Japanese beauty products are world-renowned. Skincare, cosmetics, tools.
Popular Items:
Best in: Everywhere - drugstores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi), department stores
Drugstores often cheaper than airports. Don Quijote has good selection. @cosme stores curate top-rated products.
Food & Snacks
Bring Japan home. Snacks, sake, specialty foods make great gifts.
Popular Items:
Best in: Department store basements (depachika), specialty food shops, airports
Check customs limits for alcohol and food. Depachika in Isetan and Takashimaya are incredible.
Traditional Crafts
Centuries of craftsmanship. From ceramics to textiles to knives.
Popular Items:
Best in: Kyoto (everywhere), Tokyo (Asakusa, Kappabashi), Regional specialties
Kappabashi in Tokyo for kitchen items. Kyoto for textiles. Each region has specialties.
Shopping Districts
Each neighborhood has its personality. Match your shopping style.
Tokyo
Ginza
Luxury brands, department stores, flagship shops. Tokyo's Fifth Avenue.
Best for: High-end fashion, watches, jewelry
Shibuya
Youth fashion, trends, department stores. 109 building is iconic.
Best for: Streetwear, young fashion, music
Harajuku/Omotesando
Takeshita Street for wild fashion, Omotesando for luxury brands.
Best for: Fashion (all levels), sneakers, vintage
Shinjuku
Electronics megastores, department stores, underground malls.
Best for: Electronics, everything, convenience
Akihabara
Electric Town. Anime, gaming, electronics paradise.
Best for: Anime merchandise, electronics, gaming
Asakusa
Traditional shopping street (Nakamise). Touristy but fun.
Best for: Traditional crafts, souvenirs, snacks
Shimokitazawa
Bohemian, vintage shops, indie boutiques.
Best for: Vintage clothing, records, unique finds
Osaka
Shinsaibashi/Amerikamura
Main shopping street + America Village for streetwear.
Best for: Fashion, streetwear, trendy items
Umeda
Department stores, underground malls. Business district shopping.
Best for: Department stores, luxury, convenience
Den Den Town
Osaka's Akihabara. Anime, gaming, electronics.
Best for: Anime merchandise, electronics, games
Kuromon Market
Kitchen of Osaka. Food shopping and eating.
Best for: Fresh food, kitchen supplies, snacks
Kyoto
Shijo-Kawaramachi
Main shopping area. Mix of modern and traditional.
Best for: General shopping, department stores
Nishiki Market
Kitchen of Kyoto. 400+ years of food history.
Best for: Food, cooking supplies, local specialties
Gion/Higashiyama
Traditional shops along old streets.
Best for: Traditional crafts, sweets, ceramics
Teramachi/Shinkyogoku
Covered arcades. Mix of old and new shops.
Best for: Souvenirs, antiques, general shopping
Types of Stores
Know your options from discount to luxury.
Don Quijote (Donki)
Discount mega-store. Everything from snacks to luggage to costumes. Open late, chaotic, fun.
Budget to Mid100-Yen Stores
Daiso, Seria, Can Do. Amazing value for small items, stationery, snacks.
BudgetConvenience Stores
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson. ATMs, snacks, basic supplies. 24/7.
BudgetDepartment Stores
Isetan, Takashimaya, Daimaru. High-end, excellent service, food halls.
Mid to LuxuryElectronics Stores
Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera. Tax-free, huge selection, points cards.
MidDrugstores
Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug. Skincare, medicine, snacks. Tax-free available.
Budget to MidTax-Free Shopping
Save 10% consumption tax on purchases. Here's how.
Eligibility
Foreign tourists staying less than 6 months. Passport required.
Minimum Purchase
Usually ¥5,000+ per store per day. Some stores have different thresholds.
Consumables vs General
Consumables (food, cosmetics) sealed in bag, leave Japan within 30 days. General goods no restriction.
At the Store
Look for 'Tax Free' signs. Show passport at checkout or service counter.
At Airport
May need to show items at customs. Keep receipts and sealed bags intact.
Credit Cards
Widely accepted in stores. Some small shops still cash-only.
Best Buys
Items that are better or cheaper in Japan.
Japanese Whisky
Hard to find abroad, better prices. Suntory, Nikka. Check airline liquid limits.
Uniqlo Heat Tech
Japan-exclusive colors and styles. Lighter and warmer than Western versions.
Kitchen Knives
World-class quality. Kappabashi in Tokyo, Sakai in Osaka.
Skincare
Sunscreens, cleansers, masks. Often cheaper and higher quality.
Stationery
Pens, notebooks, organizers. Japan takes stationery seriously.
Regional Kit Kats
Airport has all flavors but regional ones are special souvenirs.
Vintage Fashion
Japanese take care of clothes. Amazing second-hand finds.
Anime Merchandise
Figures, exclusive items not available overseas. Check for bootlegs.
Plan Your Shopping Trip
Get neighborhood guides, store locations, and build your perfect Japan itinerary.