Shopping in Japan:
Souvenirs & Skincare
Bring an empty suitcase. From high-tech gadgets to ¥100 snacks, shopping in Japan is an event in itself.
Table of Contents
01. Must-Visit Stores
Don Quijote (Donki)
Chaos incarnate. Everything from snacks to luxury watches. Open late (often 24/7).
Daiso / Seria
¥100 shops. Amazing quality for the price. Great for kitchenware and stationery.
Loft / Tokyu Hands
High-quality lifestyle goods, stationery, and beauty products.
Uniqlo / GU
Cheaper than overseas. Look for the massive flagship store in Ginza.
02. Skincare & Cosmetics
Japanese drugstores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi) are goldmines.
- Sunscreen
Biore UV Aqua Rich. Light, non-greasy, and cheap.
- Cleansers
Perfect Whip. You will see it everywhere.
- Sheet Masks
LuLuLun masks. Buy the bulk packs.
03. Snacks (KitKats)
Japan has over 300 flavors of KitKats. Matcha, Sake, Wasabi, Strawberry Cheesecake. They make the perfect souvenir.
Other picks: Pocky, Royce Chocolate (buy at airport), Tokyo Banana.
04. Anime Merch
Where to buy?
- Akihabara: For figures and general otaku goods.
- Nakano Broadway: For vintage and rare collectibles.
- Ikebukuro (Otome Road): For female-oriented anime/manga.
- Pokemon Center: Located in major cities (Shibuya, Ikebukuro).
- Jump Shop: For Shonen Jump merch (One Piece, JJK, Naruto).
05. Tax-Free Refund Guide
- Look for the "Japan Tax-Free Shop" logo.
- Spend over ¥5,500 (excluding tax) in one day at that store.
- Present your Passport at the cashier (copies not accepted).
- Pay the tax-free price instantly (or get a cash refund at a service counter).
- DO NOT open the sealed bag until you leave Japan (for consumables like food/cosmetics).
Shop 'til You Drop
Just make sure you check your airline's baggage allowance.