Travelling to Japan reserves its share of surprises and unexpected needs. What if your suitcase breaks? Where to buy glasses? Is it easy to get tobacco? What do you expect from a Japanese hairdresser? And most importantly, where to find useful or fun memories without blowing up your budget? This guide gives you the concrete answers to these questions, to enjoy serenely your stay in Japan.
Buy souvenirs in Japan: between authenticity and good deals
Japan is a paradise for souvenir hunters. In addition to the traditional lucky charms, baguettes or fans, you will find more modern items in stores such as the100 yen shopsOr the temple shops. Think also of the nicely packed regional snacks (omiyage), Japanese cosmetics, washi paper objects, or artisanal dishes. If you are looking for originality, search the antique markets or the small independent shops of less touristy areas.
Buy in a supermarket
For many reasons, supermarkets in Japan can be useful on a trip. There are affordable prepared dishes, local products, and even gourmet souvenirs. They are often open late. For those who have to prepare their own meals because of allergies, specific diets or religious beliefs, it is a valuable resource.
The 100 yen shops: paradise for small purchases
The100 yen shops, asDaiso,Can DoorSeria, are real caves of Ali Baba. There are everything: dishes, stationery, Japanese snacks, home accessories, beauty products, gadgets, souvenirs, etc. Everything costs 100 yen (+ taxes), about 0.70 €. It’s the perfect place to shop without ruining yourself, or find typical Japanese gifts. These stores are everywhere: in large cities, shopping centres, railway stations and even in the countryside.
Buying a suitcase in Japan: easy and often smart
If your suitcase breaks or you’ve been shopping too much, don’t panic. Japan is full of stores where to buy a suitcase, sometimes even at a good price. Large railway stations such as Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto often house signs such asDon Quijote,Tokyu Hands,Loft, or specialized luggage shops. The 100 yen shops also sell useful accessories to organize your luggage. The service is impeccable and the sizes are varied. Some shops even offer ultra-light suitcases or with original “made in Japan” prints.
Buying tobacco in Japan: the rules to know
In Japan, tobacco can still be purchased fairly easily, but consumption is highly regulated. Cigarettes are on sale inkombini (convenience blinds)vending machines (with a Taspo age card) and tobacco offices. The price is generally lower than in France, but there are fewer choices of international brands. Smoking is prohibited on the street, except in designated areas, and in many indoor public places. Plan a lighter or matches, they are not always provided with packages.
Buy medicines
Drugs and injuries
Buy medicines for allergies
Anti-moss repellent
Buy glasses in Japan: fast, affordable and efficient
Whether for a broken pair or a convenient purchase, buying glasses in Japan is simple. Chains likeJINS,Zoff, orMegane Ichibaoffer fashionable frames, free visual testing and express manufacturing (often in 30 to 60 minutes). Staff are used to foreigners, and experience is fluid even without speaking Japanese. Prices start around 5,000 yen (30 €), including frames and glasses. It is also possible to buy only corrective lenses if you bring your mount.
Going to the hairdresser in Japan: a full experience
Being haircut in Japan is an experience as cultural as aesthetic. Even without speaking Japanese, many fairs welcome foreigners. Chains likeQB Houseoffer fast cuts at fixed price (about 1,200 yen) without appointment. Other higher-end salons offer shampoo, scalp massage, and custom cut, all with great detail care. Show a photo to avoid misunderstandings. Hygiene standards are very high, and the service is courteous.
Buy a Katana in Japan
Japanese katana, a symbol of Japanese history and culture, attracts many enthusiasts. The legal purchase of a katana requires preparation, including certifications and authorisations. Several shops, such as Aoi-Art and Tozando, offer authentic katanas. Export procedures are essential for a successful purchase.
Buy utensils
Kanto – Tokyo
Kappabashi : The paradise of kitchen utensils in Tokyo
Tsukiji’s Tokyo External Market – Jogai Shijo: a comprehensive travel guide
Kansai – Osaka, Kyoto…
Doguyasuji in Osaka: paradise for artisans and kitchen utensils
Shinsaibashi-suji: iconic shopping artery of Osaka
Aritsugu in Kyoto: Japanese knife art at the heart of the Nishiki Market
This guide covers most of the practical purchases and favourites to make during a trip to Japan. Whether out of necessity or pleasure, you will have all the keys to do your shopping with confidence.
If this article has brought you useful information and can help other travellers prepare for their stay, a Google review will always be appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions on Procurement in Japan
Can we buy non-prescription drugs in Japan?
Yes, many medicines are available without a prescription in Japanese pharmacies (yakkyoku) and drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Sun Drug. There are painkillers, antipyretics, allergy medications, throat pellets or light injury treatments. However, certain active ingredients common in Europe (such as pseudoephedrine or certain coded syrups) are banned or strictly restricted in Japan. If you are undergoing treatment, take your translated prescription and check the Japanese customs regulations before departure. For seasonal allergies, local brands likeAllegraorClaritinare effective and widely available.
Are foreign bank cards accepted throughout Japan?
Not everywhere, but the situation has improved significantly. The major brands (Don Quijote, Tokyu Hands, Loft, drugstore chains), international hotels and urban restaurants now accept Visa and Mastercard. On the other hand, many small shops, traditional markets, temples and family restaurants remain faithful to thecash. Always plan cash yen for these situations. MapsUnionPayandJCBare also widely accepted. To remove, choose the ATMs from7-Eleven,Japan PostorLawson, which accept foreign cards 24 hours a day. Avoid ATMs from conventional banks, often closed to international cards.
Can we buy a katana in Japan and bring it back to France?
It’s possible but strictly framed. An authentic katana (scanning) is considered in Japan as awhite weaponsubject to the Arms Control Act. Only katanas registered with a certificate (torokusho) can be purchased legally, and export requires authorisation from theOffice of Cultural Affairs(Bunkacho). Count several weeks of steps. In France, imports are also regulated: a sharp katana falls under theCategory Dand must be declared in customs. Theiaito(non-edged katanas) and decorative replicas escape these restrictions and are simpler to report, but remain subject to air rules in hold. Check with the Japanese Embassy before any purchase.
Do you need to speak Japanese to get your hair cut in Japan?
No, it’s not necessary, but it helps. Large chains likeQB House(fast cut, ~1 200 yen) work without an appointment and with a ticket system: you choose your cut on an illustrated panel, which limits the exchanges. In higher-end lounges, staff are often used to foreigners and sometimes speak a little English.Universal tip: bring a photo of the desired result to your phone. This is the most reliable way to avoid a misunderstanding. Avoid very traditional lounges or neighborhood hairdressers without price display, where English is rare. If you have textured or curly hair, ask yourself in advance: few Japanese salons are formed for this type of hair.
Where to find a cheap suitcase in Tokyo?
Several options are available depending on your budget and location.Don Quijote(Donki) is the most reliable address: there are suitcases from 3,000–5,000 yen, in all neighbourhoods (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, etc.), open late.Tokyu HandsandLoftoffer more qualitative models, between 8,000 and 20,000 yen. The100 yen shops(Daiso, Seria) sell accessories (angles, organizers) but no suitcases. For high-end luggage, directionGinzaor department stores (Isetan, Mitsukoshi). Finally, second hand shops likeBook OfforHard Offcan book excellent surprises at a low price if you accept the occasion.
If this article has brought you useful information and can help other travellers prepare for their stay, a Google review will always be appreciated. |
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