Whether you’re hunting for affordable souvenirs, high-quality skincare, limited-edition collectibles, or simply want to explore Japan’s famous consumer culture, this is your essential guide. Japan’s stores are clean, safe, and incredibly diverse—making shopping a true part of the travel experience, not just a side activity.
This guide covers popular stores and chains that tourists can enjoy all over Japan, complete with examples of what to buy, cultural tips, and how to save money while you shop.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
1. 🐧 Don Quijote (Donki)
Known as “Donki,” this megastore is the most famous stop for tourists thanks to its chaotic, fun, and overstocked atmosphere.
- Open Late: Many stores are 24 hours—perfect if you arrive late or want to shop after dinner.
- Tax-Free Counters: Just show your passport when you spend over ¥5,000 in one visit.
- Foreign Languages: Most tourist branches (e.g. Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Namba) have English/Chinese/Korean signage.
Popular Purchases:
- Snacks (matcha KitKats, dried seafood, local instant noodles)
- Cosmetics (Lululun masks, eye drops, foot patches)
- Travel-friendly gifts (compression socks, USB humidifiers)
- Electronics (hair dryers, beauty gadgets)
- Gag gifts (funny T-shirts, quirky souvenirs)
📍 Found in: Every major city (with flagship stores in Shibuya and Dotonbori)
2. ✨ Loft & Tokyu Hands
These are creative, lifestyle-oriented department stores perfect for thoughtful gift hunting or browsing beautiful design items.
🟨 Loft
- Modern, colorful, and youthful
- Best for: Stationery, face masks, interior goods, and pop-culture items
- Great for: Small, design-focused souvenirs
🛠 Tokyu Hands
- More practical and DIY-oriented
- Best for: Japanese craft tools, cleaning gadgets, travel gear, model kits, DIY skincare tools
- Their “Beauty Floor” includes foot rollers, scalp massagers, and more
📍 Found in: Major cities, especially Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Kyoto, Sapporo, Nagoya
🛍 Tip: Tax-free shopping available—ask staff for help if you spend over ¥5,000.
3. 💄 @cosme Store
Japan’s most popular cosmetics review site (@cosme) opened its own retail chain—and it’s a goldmine for high-ranking beauty items.
- Best for: Tourists who don’t know where to start with J-beauty
- Staff picks, top-ranked lists, and real-time best-seller updates
- Great for: Skincare, makeup, sunblocks, anti-aging items
What to look for:
- Hada Labo Gokujyun lotion (moisturizer for all skin types)
- Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip face wash
- Canmake & Integrate makeup (compact, colorful, and affordable)
- Rohto Lycee Eye Drops, Saborino face masks, Kao steam eye masks
📍 Flagship in Harajuku (Omotesando), plus branches in Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo
4. 📚 Book Off & Other Secondhand Chains
Secondhand stores in Japan are clean, well-organized, and often packed with hidden treasures. You don’t need to be a budget traveler to enjoy them.
📘 Book Off
- Used manga, Japanese novels, photo books, games, and DVDs
- Many stores have a “plus” floor for fashion and luxury goods
- Manga in English available in larger branches
👚 Mode Off
- Stylish used clothes and accessories (some designer pieces)
🎧 Hard Off
- Used audio equipment, cameras, computers, even guitar pedals
👜 Komehyo
- Specializes in certified secondhand luxury goods: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Rolex
🛍 Tip: Luxury bags in Japan are often in very good condition and priced well below retail.
📍 Most major cities
5. 💴 100 Yen Shops: Daiso, Seria, Can★Do
These aren’t just “dollar stores”—they’re incredible.
- Expect high design quality and usefulness
- Items include stationery, socks, chopsticks, tableware, kitchen tools, and crafts
- Travel-sized products like folding umbrellas, toiletry kits, etc.
🟪 Daiso
- Largest and most famous; often 7–9 floors in urban areas (Shibuya, Harajuku)
🟩 Seria
- Slightly more stylish/curated aesthetic
🟦 Can★Do
- Strong on daily-use tools and practicality
🛍 Tip: Buy souvenirs here! Traditional fans, origami paper, and bento boxes all cost ~¥110.
6. 🔌 Electronics Stores: Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Yamada Denki
Japan’s electronics stores are next-level. Multistory, well-stocked, and often offering foreign-language support.
- Best buys for tourists: Japanese hair dryers, travel rice cookers, earphones, beauty electronics
- Tourist discounts: 5–10% off in addition to tax-free shopping with your passport
- SIM card counters, travel adaptors, and international warranties available
🧾 Tip: Ask for English-speaking staff and look for “Tourist Counter” signs.
7. 👕 Fashion: From Basic to Boutique
Japan’s fashion scene is broad, stylish, and budget-friendly for visitors.
🧢 Uniqlo & GU
- Lightweight, packable, and often heattech-lined
- GU is more youth-oriented and cheaper than Uniqlo
- Uniqlo’s airport branches are great for last-minute buys
👠 Shibuya 109 & Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
- Trendy, street-style, and gender-neutral fashion
👘 Department Stores (Takashimaya, Daimaru, Isetan)
- Kimono accessories, upscale souvenirs, and Japan-made clothing brands
- Often include entire floors of tax-free shopping and gift wrapping
🧳 Tourist Tips for Shopping in Japan
✅ Tax-Free Shopping
- Available in most chain stores if you spend over ¥5,000
- Bring your passport—copies or photos won’t be accepted
💳 Cards vs Cash
- Credit cards accepted almost everywhere in big cities
- Some small shops, markets, or food stalls may prefer cash
🗣 Language
- Tourist areas often have multilingual staff. If not, you can use translation apps
- Pointing and a smile go a long way!
✨ Final Thoughts
Shopping in Japan isn’t just practical—it’s an experience. From high-end beauty counters to chaotic Donki aisles and elegant secondhand fashion, Japan blends quality, culture, and convenience like nowhere else.
Plan space in your suitcase—and maybe even bring a foldable bag. Because once you start shopping in Japan… it’s hard to stop.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
