What to Buy in Japan: 15 Great Things You'll Regret Not Getting

It wouldn't be wrong to call Japan a shopper's paradise, since it's home to all kinds of brands, from cosmetics and electronics to hugely popular snacks. So what's worth buying when you go to Japan? Let's find out.

▌1. Strawberries

When you think of Japan's famous fruits, strawberries are sure to be one of the top choices for many people. Japan grows many local strawberry varieties, each with its own flavor. The Saga Honoka variety may not be bright red, but it's sweet and juicy with no sourness at all. The Tochiotome variety is slender in shape but very sweet, with just a touch of tartness. The Benihoppe variety has large, round, bright red berries that are sweet, fragrant, and only slightly tart. Prices start from around ¥400–500 per pack, depending on the grade, and some varieties are sold only in Japan. They're available from November through May each year.

Where to buy: Supermarkets and general markets

▌2. Figures and Models

Japan has countless character models, such as Gundam figures — prices don't vary much, but there's a huge range to choose from. Small, cute figures are also popular, and some shops sell them at great prices, with so much variety it can be overwhelming. Whatever model is hard to find elsewhere, you're sure to find it here.

Whereto buy : Akihabara (Tokyo), Nakano Broadway shopping mall (Tokyo), and Nipponbashi Den Den Town (Osaka)

▌3. Made in Japan Sneakers

Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are often discounted at almost every store in Japan. Made in Japan models can also be found at great prices.

Whereto buy : Official stores, found at major shopping spots across the country, as well as shoe stores like ABC-Mart

▌4. ROYCE' Chocolate

The name alone guarantees delicious chocolate. If you love chocolate that melts in your mouth, try the Nama Chocolate, priced at just ¥660 a box. If you love potato chips but can't give up chocolate, try the Potato Chip Chocolate for only ¥720. It's well worth bringing home.

Where to buy : Takeya, the purple buildings in Okachimachi near Ueno (Tokyo), and souvenir shops at every airport in Japan

▌5. Cosmetics

Japan is a leader in cosmetics in Asia, and many of its brands rank among the best in the world. You can also get newly launched collections fresh off the shelves. Take Canmake, for example — the packaging is cute, the prices are low, and the quality is good enough to recommend to everyone. Don't underestimate DAISO just because items cost only ¥100 — they work so well you'll want to stock up. CEZANNE stands out for its light, flawless finishing powder, and Visée has won numerous awards on the cosme.net website, which speaks to its popularity.

Where to buy : Drug stores across Japan, and 100 yen shops across Japan

▌6. DHC Vitamins

DHC vitamins have been a long-time favorite because they really work well. There's a huge range, from cold prevention to glowing, beautiful skin. We recommend the DHC Mixed Vegetable extract supplement, a must-have for anyone dealing with constipation — it really works. There's also DHC Melilot, made with bean extract, a must-buy for anyone who walks a lot, since it's known for reducing swelling and pain.

Where to buy : Drug stores across Japan

▌7. Second-hand Goods

If you don't mind buying second-hand, Japan is a great place to find good-quality items at good prices. Flea markets where owners sell their own used goods are very popular in Japan, offering everything from clothes and bags to perfume, from branded items to everyday ones. If you'd rather buy from a shop, well-known stores like Book Off have everything you need, with guaranteed authenticity.

Where to buy : Flea markets across Japan, and Book Off stores nationwide

▌8. Uniqlo Clothing

Uniqlo's range in Japan is similar to what's available elsewhere, at slightly lower prices, but its winter clothing comes in a huge range, and discounted items are even cheaper. Many people bring only a token amount of winter clothing from home and do the rest of their shopping in Japan — no need to carry the extra weight on the way there (just watch your luggage on the way back if you get carried away shopping). Japan is also home to Uniqlo's sister brand GU, which is even cheaper than Uniqlo and has a more youthful style.

Where to buy : Uniqlo or GU stores, found across Japan

▌9. Hair Styling Tools

Japan has hair styling tools for everything. Whatever curler size or type you need, you'll find it, and the tools are easy to use, affordable, and work great, plus they're compact and easy to carry.

Where to buy : 100 yen shops across Japan

▌10. Tsubaki Oil

This multi-purpose oil is truly unmatched for hair care. No matter how damaged your hair is, using it for a while brings back its shine easily. You can also use it as a facial moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and help delay early signs of aging. The most popular brand is Oshima Tsubaki, with a 40ml bottle priced at around ¥1,000.

Where to buy : Drug stores across Japan

▌11. Yojiya Oil-blotting Paper (Abura Tori Gami Yojiya)

If you have oily skin, grab this fast — it's incredibly effective at absorbing oil. This brand is considered the best oil-blotting paper, a must-have for anyone with oily skin. It keeps your face free of shine and stops your makeup from smudging throughout the day.

Where to buy : Yojiya shops in Gion and near Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto)

▌12. Instant Ramen Noodles

Visiting the birthplace of instant ramen, you can't skip trying some — there are countless flavors to choose from, and they taste just as good as what you'd get at a restaurant. We recommend Nissin's Nakiryu Dandan, a cup noodle with Michelin-star-level flavor, packed with ingredients and a well-balanced spicy soup that tastes almost like the real restaurant dish.

Where to buy : Supermarkets and convenience stores

▌13. Starbucks Drinkware Collection

Collectors shouldn't miss this — Starbucks releases city-specific tumbler designs, and one notable release was the Geography Series, launched in 2016 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Starbucks Japan, featuring 13 designs representing 13 major cities.

Where to buy : Starbucks stores in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto

▌14. Pocky

It may look like an ordinary snack that's easy to find, but what makes Japanese Pocky special is the variety of seasonal flavors. In winter, for example, there's Rosé Champagne flavor. There are also many sizes and types — in Osaka, there's Glico Bâton D'or, a super-premium Pocky with outstanding packaging and flavor. It's also hard to find, since it's sold only at a few department stores, such as Takashimaya and Hankyu Umeda in Osaka.

Where to buy : Supermarkets and convenience stores

▌15. WatchesCasio

If you're looking for a reliable, affordable watch, Casio is the brand to go for. Prices start from just ¥900. Budget-friendly models we recommend include the CASIO F-91W-1JF, CASIO MQ-24-7B, and CASIO MQ-24-7B2LLJF, as well as the G-Shock line. Made in Japan models in particular tend to be noticeably cheaper.

Where to buy : Bic Camera Shinjuku (Tokyo)