πͺ Don Quijote (γγ³γ»γγγΌγ)
Open late (some 24hrs). Tax-free for tourists (Β₯5,000+ in one receipt).
| Item | Price | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kit Kat (Japanese flavors) | Β₯200β400 | β β β | Matcha, strawberry, sake β best souvenir |
| Tokyo Banana | Β₯500β1,100 | β β β | Classic gift box |
| Face masks (Lululun, etc.) | Β₯400β1,600 | β β β | Much cheaper than abroad |
| Sunscreen (Anessa, Biore UV) | Β₯800β2,500 | β β β | Japanese sunscreen is top-tier |
| Eye drops (Rohto, Sante FX) | Β₯500β1,500 | β β β | Famous "cool" eye drops |
| Japanese snack variety pack | Β₯500β2,000 | β β β | Great for gifting |
| Whisky (Suntory, Nikka) | Β₯2,000β5,000 | β β β | Check duty-free limits |
π‘ Tax-free tip: Bring your passport. Spend Β₯5,000+ (excl. tax) in one receipt.
π Drugstores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, Welcia)
Best prices for skincare and medicine. Most have English signs and tax-free counters.
| Item | Price | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen (Skin Aqua, Biore) | Β₯600β1,500 | β β β | Often cheaper than Don Quijote |
| Sheet masks (10-pack) | Β₯300β800 | β β β | Incredible value |
| Lip balm (DHC) | Β₯300β500 | β β β | DHC Lip Cream is a cult favorite |
| Pain relief patches (Salonpas) | Β₯400β800 | β β β | For sore legs after walking |
| Stomach medicine (Ohta's Isan) | Β₯500β1,000 | β β β | Great for food-heavy trips |
| Hand cream (Yuskin, Atrix) | Β₯300β800 | β β β | Great winter souvenir |
πͺ Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
Not for souvenirs β but essential for daily needs during your trip.
| Item | Price | Why buy here |
|---|---|---|
| Onigiri (rice ball) | Β₯120β200 | Quick breakfast/snack |
| Egg sandwich (tamago sando) | Β₯200β300 | Famously good |
| Bottled green tea | Β₯100β160 | Oi Ocha, Ayataka |
| Wet wipes / tissues | Β₯100β200 | Essential for on-the-go |
| Pocket umbrella | Β₯500β700 | Sudden rain is common |
| ATM cash withdrawal | β | 7-Eleven ATM accepts foreign cards |
π‘ Pro tip: 7-Eleven ATMs work with almost any foreign debit/credit card.
π Tokyu Hands / Loft (Stationery & Lifestyle)
| Item | Price | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pens (Jetstream, Sarasa) | Β₯150β500 | β β β | Best pens in the world |
| Washi tape | Β₯200β500 | β β β | Beautiful Japanese designs |
| Notebooks (Kokuyo, Midori) | Β₯300β1,500 | β β β | Paper quality is incredible |
| Kitchen gadgets | Β₯500β3,000 | β β β | Unique items you won't find abroad |
π Station & Airport Souvenir Shops
| Item | Price | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional sweets (omiyage) | Β₯500β1,500 | β β β | Individually wrapped = perfect for sharing |
| Tokyo Banana | Β₯500β1,100 | β β β | Available at Tokyo Station & airports |
| Royce chocolate | Β₯700β1,500 | β β β | Needs to be kept cool |
| Green tea (Ippodo) | Β₯500β3,000 | β β β | Higher price = better quality |
β οΈ Station/airport prices are 10-30% higher. Buy souvenirs at Don Quijote first.
π‘ 7 Shopping Rules of Thumb
- Don't buy electronics at the airport β prices are higher, selection is worse.
- Drugstore items are almost always cheaper than Don Quijote for skincare/medicine.
- Tax-free threshold is Β₯5,000 per store per day. Plan your shopping to hit this.
- Bring a folding bag β Japanese stores charge Β₯3-5 for plastic bags.
- Check voltage before buying electronics. Japan uses 100V.
- Konbini food is not a souvenir β it's fresh and expires fast.
- Matcha Kit Kat + face masks + Salonpas = the holy trinity of Japan souvenirs.
π± Quick Reference
| Store type | Best for | Tax-free? | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Quijote | Everything, gifts | Yes (Β₯5k+) | Most 24hrs |
| Matsumoto Kiyoshi | Skincare, medicine | Yes (Β₯5k+) | 10amβ9pm |
| 7-Eleven | Daily needs, ATM | No | 24hrs |
| Tokyu Hands / Loft | Stationery, gadgets | Yes (Β₯5k+) | 10amβ9pm |
| Station shops | Last-minute omiyage | Some | Varies |
Made by Tedasuke Lab Β· Free Japan travel tools Β· tedasuke-lab.com