What to Buy in Japan? Your Ultimate Japan Shopping Guide

⏱ 9 min read

Japan has always been on my bucket list, and one of the most exciting aspects of visiting is experiencing its unique shopping culture. From high-quality fashion and skincare to exclusive chocolates and traditional crafts, Japan offers an unmatched retail experience. Here’s my ultimate Japan shopping guide featuring must-buy items across different categories.

Japan Shopping Guide – #1. Fashion & Accessories

• Uniqlo – Known for stylish and functional clothing, Uniqlo offers innovative fabrics and minimalist designs perfect for everyday wear.
• GU – A more affordable sibling brand of Uniqlo, GU is wildly popular in Japan for its trendy, seasonal fashion pieces. Whether you’re after basics or statement outfits, GU is the go-to spot for updating your wardrobe on a budget. Look out for their collaborations and limited collections — they sell out fast!
• Muji – A haven for minimalist fashion and home essentials, Muji’s high-quality, simple aesthetic is a must-explore.
• Handkerchief – Almorie – Japan is famous for its delicate handkerchiefs, and Almorie’s designs stand out with their fine craftsmanship.
• Pandora – Japanese Pandora stores offer exclusive charms and collections you may not find elsewhere.
• New Balance – Japan-exclusive New Balance sneakers are a top choice for sneaker lovers due to their comfort and style.

Japan Shopping Guide – #2. Traditional & Artisanal Goods

• Incense – Japanese incense, especially from Kyoto, is revered for its calming fragrance and quality.
• Ceramics – From delicate tea sets to bold statement pieces, Japan’s ceramic craftsmanship is unmatched.
• Imabari Towels – Luxuriously soft and highly absorbent, Imabari towels are a staple in Japanese households.
• Morihata Yoshii Towels – Another high-end towel brand, known for its lightweight and soft texture.

Japan Shopping Guide – #3. Food Stops & Specialties

• Shake Shack (Tokyo Airport) – I’m excited to try their lettuce-wrapped burger for a unique twist.
• Moz Burger – A Japanese burger chain with fresh ingredients and exclusive flavors.

Japan Shopping Guide – #4. Skin & Hair Care Must-Haves

(Available at Don Quijote (Donki) and Matsumoto Kiyoshi)

1. Hada Labo Premium Lotion – A top-rated Japanese hydrating serum.
2. Shiseido Tsubaki Premium Repair Shampoo & Conditioner – Famous for its nourishing hair repair formula.
3. Honey Shampoo & Conditioner – Natural honey-infused hair care for deep moisture.
4. Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask – A cult-favorite for smooth, shiny hair.
5. Pair Acne Cream – Effective spot treatment for acne-prone skin.
6. Kao Megurhythm Steam Eye Mask – Soothing eye masks for relaxation after a long day.
7. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk – A holy grail Japanese sunscreen with strong UV protection.
8. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence – Another sunscreen holy grail in Japan. Lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs like water — ideal for humid weather and daily wear.

Bonus Tip: Don’t miss the cosme store, Japan’s most trusted beauty ranking hub. Products here are labeled with user-generated rankings based on real reviews across Japan — making it super easy to spot the most loved cleansers, lotions, serums, and more. If you’re confused about what to buy, this store simplifies the decision with its “Top-Rated” tags and bestsellers wall. It’s a great place to discover hidden gems and cult-favorite Japanese skincare products all in one place.

Japan Shopping Guide – #5. Chocolates & Sweets

(Available at Don Quijote (Donki))

1. Royce’ Nama Chocolate – A silky, rich chocolate famous worldwide.
2. Exclusive KitKat Flavors – Japan has unique KitKat flavors like matcha, wasabi, and sake.
3. Meiji The Chocolate – A premium chocolate brand known for its deep flavors.

Japan Shopping Guide – #6. Vending Machine Wonders

• Amazake – A sweet, fermented rice drink known for its health benefits.

Japan Shopping Guide – #7. Drinks to Try in Japan

1. Matcha – Japan’s famous green tea, rich in antioxidants.
2. Ramune – A fun, fizzy soda with a marble-sealed bottle.
3. Sake – Traditional Japanese rice wine.
4. Calpis – A delicious fermented milk-based soft drink.
5. Umeshu – A sweet and tangy plum wine.

Japan Shopping Guide – #8. Electronics & Gadgets

• Bic Camera & Yodobashi Camera – Great places for high-quality electronics, cameras, and kitchen gadgets.

I don’t have a specific gadget in mind, but if I come across something unique and interesting, I will surely buy it. However, I’ll make sure to check the voltage requirements before purchasing, as Japan’s electrical standards may differ from those in my home country, and certain devices might not work without a voltage converter.

Japan Shopping Guide – #9. Anime & Pop Culture Merchandise

• Doraemon Store – As a huge Doraemon fan, visiting a Doraemon-themed store is a must! I can’t wait to buy exclusive Doraemon merchandise and collectibles.
• Akihabara – The go-to place for anime, manga, and pop culture merchandise.
• Shibuya Pokémon Center – A paradise for Pokémon fans with exclusive toys and memorabilia.

Japan Shopping Guide – #10. Japanese Souvenirs & Seasonal Exclusives

• Omamori (Good Luck Charms) – Found at shrines, these charms are perfect souvenirs.
• Furoshiki (Wrapping Cloths) – Traditional eco-friendly cloths used for wrapping gifts and carrying items.
• Wagashi (Traditional Sweets) – Beautifully crafted Japanese sweets, perfect as gifts.
• Limited-Edition Seasonal Products – Japan offers seasonal exclusives, like sakura-themed products in spring and winter-limited KitKats.
• 3COINS – Though not exclusively a fashion store, 3COINS is a trendy ¥300 shop offering a range of cute and affordable lifestyle items, including stylish accessories, socks, bags, and seasonal fashion pieces. It’s the perfect place to pick up everyday essentials, travel accessories, or even gifts — all for just 300 yen (+tax). Think of it as the fashion-forward cousin of a dollar store, with surprisingly good quality.

#11. Japan’s Pre-Loved & Vintage Shopping Scene

If you love the thrill of thrifting, Japan’s second-hand fashion scene is an absolute gem. Japanese thrift stores are renowned for their quality, organization, and wide range of styles — often with items in like-new condition. Shopping vintage in Japan also supports sustainability and helps you find truly unique pieces.

• 2nd Street – A popular thrift chain carrying everything from designer bags and sneakers to streetwear brands like Supreme and A Bathing Ape.
• Kinji – Based in Harajuku, Kinji is known for colorful, quirky, and retro streetwear. A must-visit for fashionistas looking to experiment.
• Chicago – Offers a mix of American vintage, reworked clothing, and traditional Japanese wear like kimonos and yukatas.
• Jumble Store (also known as Mode Off) – Affordable prices, neatly organized racks, and a great mix of men’s and women’s fashion.
• Brand Off – Japan is a treasure chest for pre-loved luxury, and Brand Off is one of the most trusted names in second-hand high-end fashion. You can find authenticated pre-owned designer handbags, wallets, watches, and accessories from top brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Rolex — often at significantly reduced prices. Their stores are clean, organized, and foreigner-friendly, with tax-free options for tourists.

Japan Shopping Guide – #12. Stationery & Kawaii Finds

Whether you’re a student, an artist, a journaler, or just someone who appreciates a smooth pen, Japanese stationery is next-level. The quality, design, and attention to detail are unmatched — even for everyday essentials.

Where to Shop:

• Loft – A stationery paradise with a mix of pens, planners, washi tapes, stickers, and cute office supplies. Great for high-end and casual buyers.
• Tokyu Hands – Another must-visit lifestyle store. The stationery section is packed with innovative and quirky products, including tools for calligraphy and DIY crafts.
• Itoya (Ginza) – A premium, multi-storey stationery store that feels like a stationery museum. Great for fountain pens, leather notebooks, and personalized paper goods.
• Daiso & Seria (100 Yen Shops) – Budget-friendly and surprisingly high quality! Perfect for washi tape, sticky notes, envelopes, and mini planners.

Must-Buy Items:

• Mildliner Highlighters – Popular among students and bullet journalers for their soft, aesthetic shades.
• Uni-ball & Pilot Pens – Smooth ink flow and precision writing. Try the Jetstream or FriXion erasable pens.
• Midori Traveler’s Notebook – A cult favorite among journal lovers. Refillable, customizable, and built for travel stories.
• Cute Sticky Notes & Stickers – Think animals, sushi, anime characters — adorable and great for gifts.
• Kokuyo Campus Notebooks – Lightweight, great quality, and beloved by Japanese students for good reason.

Tip: Some stationery stores also stock limited-edition seasonal designs, especially around cherry blossom season or New Year, so keep an eye out!

Fun Fact: Did you know?
Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, originated in Japan and has evolved over centuries into a fascinating form of artistic expression. The famous paper crane symbolizes peace, and folding paper is often a meditation practice in Japanese culture.
When in Japan, don’t miss the chance to buy unique origami paper you won’t find anywhere else!

Where to Buy Beautiful Origami Paper in Japan:

• 100 Yen Stores (Daiso, Seria): Find fun, trendy designs perfect for casual origami projects.
• Kyoto Yuzen Origami (by Kamiji Kakimoto): Traditional yuzen paper, beautifully hand-dyed with intricate patterns.
• Toyama Origami: Regional designs infused with traditional craftsmanship.
• Haibara: Premium washi from Nihonbashi, offering limited-edition origami sets.
• Mino Washi: UNESCO heritage paper known for its delicate texture.

I’d love to gift Sir Meherzad some beautifully crafted Japanese origami paper, as he has a deep appreciation for the art.

Shopping Tips

Shopping in Japan is an adventure on its own, but knowing a few insider tips can make the experience even more enjoyable and hassle-free. Whether you’re visiting bustling department stores, traditional markets, or quirky specialty shops, keeping these tips in mind will ensure a smooth and rewarding shopping spree.

• Cash vs. Card – While many stores accept credit cards, some smaller shops prefer cash (yen).
• Tax-Free Shopping – Many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists with a valid passport.

Japan is a shopper’s paradise, and I can’t wait to check off this Japan shopping guide from my bucket list. Whether it’s fashion, skincare, gourmet delights, or anime merchandise, these finds will make my trip unforgettable!