Ever wandered into a 100 yen shop in Japan? It’s like stepping into a treasure trove where everything costs just 100 yen (around $1). These spots are the local version of dollar stores abroad, offering a plethora of goodies. Despite the low prices, the goods, mostly crafted in Japan, boast top-notch quality and durability.
So, what’s on offer at these 100 yen shops? From handy gadgets to adorable souvenirs and fancy décor pieces, there’s something for everyone.
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Best Items to Snag at Japan’s 100 Yen Shops
Beauty and Skin Products
When considering what to buy at a 100 yen shop, Japan’s equivalent of a dollar store, beauty products might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Beauty supplies can add up quickly, so if you’re watching your budget or just dipping your toes into cosmetics, 100 yen shops offer a fantastic solution.
Similar to higher-end makeup stores, you can test out various shades of eyeshadows, blushes, and lipsticks at these stores, all packaged attractively and cutely, just like their pricier counterparts. At just 100 yen each, the quality of these products might not match up to those found in upscale makeup boutiques, but they certainly offer excellent value for money.
In addition to makeup, you’ll discover a range of complementary products such as beauty blenders, containers, and makeup removers.
Japan’s winters can be quite dry, and spring allergies can lead to skin irritation. If you’re in need of skincare items, fear not—100 yen shops have got you covered there too. They stock hand lotion, face wash, exfoliators, cleansers, and more. While they may not be of the highest quality, they’re a steal at just 100 yen each. So, if you ever find yourself without your regular skincare products, 100 yen shop items make for a handy temporary substitute!
Accessories
100 yen shops typically boast a vast array of jewellery and accessories, from bracelets and bangles to scarves, earrings, necklaces, and rings. They’ve got it all. Whether you’re treating yourself or picking up souvenirs for friends and family back home, these stores are a treasure trove of stylish finds at wallet-friendly prices.
Household Products
For those residing in Japan or planning to do so, these Japanese dollar stores are your go-to for furnishing your home. You’ll find soft, fluffy 100% cotton towels, floor mats, and bathroom scrubs to add comfort to your daily routine. Plus, there’s neat and tidy stationery and desk shelves for your workspace, along with simple yet sturdy plates, bowls, and cups for your kitchen.
But that’s not all—100 yen shops also stock ingenious cooking utensils designed to streamline your time in the kitchen. Given Japan’s long working hours, these tools are a godsend for those with little time for cooking. Think fruit and vegetable dicers, dumpling molds or cutters, and sushi makers. So, if you’re looking to speed up your culinary adventures or simply want a hassle-free cooking experience, look no further than your local 100 yen shop for some innovative kitchenware.
Souvenirs
Ahead of your Japan trip, no doubt you’ve been bombarded with requests from friends and family for souvenirs. If you’re keen to save a bit of cash on those mementoes, look no further than the local 100 yen shop!
Sure, you won’t find the typical spiritual Japanese souvenirs like temple or shrine protection amulets, nor the iconic green tea-flavoured Kit-Kats. But fear not, these stores are packed with a plethora of other goodies such as keychains, stickers, magnets, coin purses, mugs, wall scrolls, and much more!
While other tourist spots might peddle their own branded souvenirs adorned with logos like “Tokyo Skytree” or “Sensoji Shrine,” if you’re after something distinctly Japanese or Tokyo-esque, 100 yen shops are your best bet. So, load up on those uniquely Japanese trinkets without breaking the bank!
Stationery and DIY Goods
Stationery is undeniably essential in our everyday routines, whether you’re a student, office worker, or just a keen arts and crafts enthusiast. Japanese dollar stores offer a plethora of options, from multi-coloured and patterned paper to smooth pens and markers, vibrant and beautifully designed notebooks and scrapbooks, knitting wool, sewing kits, and much more. The best part? Most of these products are made right here in Japan, and they all come in at just 100 yen each.
If you’re dipping your toes into the world of arts and crafts for the first time, fear not—100 yen shops also stock DIY craft packages complete with instruction manuals and guides to help you navigate your new hobby. So why not give it a whirl?
Food and Drinks
100 yen shops offer a diverse range of Japanese and international food and products, including an array of seasonings to spice up your culinary creations and snacks to satisfy those hunger pangs. One must-have item is furikake, a delightful blend of seaweed, bonito flakes, sesame seeds, and seasonings. Sprinkle it over rice, vegetables, or fish for an authentic Japanese flavour experience. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a taste of Japan home with you, or get adventurous and incorporate furikake into your own country’s cuisines.
With various flavours available, you’ll find most of them stocked at your local 100 yen shop. So, whether you’re craving a taste of Japan or seeking inspiration for your next kitchen experiment, these stores have got you covered!
Space-Saving Bags
Packing your luggage for a trip can be a bit of a headache; squeezing all your clothes, toiletries, and other bits and bobs into the limited space your bag offers is no small feat. Especially in winter, those bulky jackets and sweaters leave precious little room to spare. And let’s not forget about the return trip—there’s always extra space needed for souvenirs and new purchases.
Enter space-saving bags! The solution to your packing woes. 100 yen shops stock them in various sizes, so you can grab exactly what you need to compress your belongings and free up some valuable space in your bags.
Storage Items
They say a tidy space equals a tidy mind, but let’s face it, organising everything can be a bit of a mission. That’s where Japanese dollar stores come in handy. You’ll find all manner of shelves and boxes to help tackle that Herculean task of storage. It’s a quick fix to stash away heaps of stuff and keep things shipshape. Chuck everything into a box and worry about sorting it out later—it’ll at least help clear the clutter from your main living area for now.
Leading 100 Yen Shop Chains to Explore
Listed above are just a few examples of the countless products you can score at 100 yen shops. They’re practically mini department stores in their own right, boasting an impressive array of goodies on their shelves. So why not take a wander down their aisles and discover all the creative, innovative, and downright random products they have to offer? With 100 yen shops dotted all over Japan, you’re bound to stumble upon one without any hassle.
Here are some of the well-known 100 yen shops you should keep an eye out for! These chains have established themselves in the realm of budget shopping, offering a wide range of products at unbeatable prices. So, whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or new to the world of 100 yen shopping, these stores are worth adding to your must-visit list.
DAISO
You may have come across DAISO, especially as they’ve expanded overseas to places like South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore. But let’s be clear—they’re a Japanese brand with products made right here in Japan! The branches in Japan offer a wider selection than those abroad, so if you’re planning to hit up a DAISO, Japan’s where it’s at.
When you’re thinking about what to snag at a 100 yen shop, you’ve gotta check out the beauty and skincare goodies. And when it comes to that, DAISO’s your go-to. They’ve got the biggest range of beauty and skincare products among all the other 100 yen shops.
You can find a DAISO pretty much anywhere in Tokyo, but the one in Harajuku takes it to another level—it’s got three whole floors packed with everything under the sun.
Can☆Do
Now, onto Can☆Do .They’re all about life’s essentials, groceries, and stationery, and they even team up with big-name brands to bring out limited edition products. And here’s the kicker—if you’re not totally satisfied with your purchases, fear not! Can☆Do will give you a full refund if you return the goods within a year.
Sure, Can☆Do might not have as vast a selection of makeup goodies as DAISO, or as wide a range of products in general. But they make up for it with sheer accessibility, boasting over 100 branches in Tokyo alone!
Seria
Last but not least, we’ve got Seria. It’s one of Japan’s largest chains of 100 yen shops, stocking everything from tableware to decorations to storage items—all in that sleek minimalist style. What sets Seria apart? Every single one of their products is made right here in Japan. So, if you’re after top-notch quality, Seria might just be the 100 yen shop for you.
Discover the Delights of 100 Yen Shops!
100 yen shops are fantastic places that will more often than not have whatever it is you’re looking for, so definitely check one or two out when you’re here! When it comes to what to buy at these Japanese dollar stores, explore all the different options you can find there.
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