Best Brands to Buy in Japan: Price Comparisons & Must-Buys

Why buy Japanese brands in Japan? It’s a triple win: Lower base prices, no import duties, and a 10% Tax-Free discount for tourists. With the current exchange rates, you can save anywhere from 30% to 60% compared to buying them in your home country.

Here is the definitive list of brands you should wait to buy until you land in Tokyo.

1. Fashion & Footwear

Japanese apparel and sneakers are global icons of quality and minimalism.

Uniqlo / MUJI: The staples of Japanese life. While they exist worldwide, Japan prices are often 30% lower. Plus, Japan-exclusive collections (like special Anime UT shirts) are common.
Onitsuka Tiger: A cult favorite. The “Nippon Made” series, handcrafted in Japan, is significantly cheaper here and often unavailable elsewhere.
Asics / Mizuno: For runners, these are essential. High-end carbon-plated racing shoes or professional baseball gear are roughly 40% cheaper in Tokyo’s sporting districts like Ochanomizu.
Comme des Garçons: The “PLAY” heart logo is a status symbol. In Japan, it’s a standard premium brand price; overseas, it’s marked up as a high-end luxury import.

Brand	Must-Buy Item	Estimated Savings
Uniqlo	Ultra Light Down Jacket	30% OFF
Onitsuka Tiger	Mexico 66 Sneakers	40% OFF
Comme des Garçons	PLAY T-shirt	50% OFF

How to Get Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers Cheaper in Japan

2. Watches & Tech: The Precision Giants

Japan is the heart of the horology and gaming world.

Casio / Seiko: From the rugged G-Shock to the elegant Seiko Prospex, you can find “JDM” (Japanese Domestic Market) models that are never exported. These are often 30-50% cheaper at big retailers like Yodobashi Camera.
Sony / Nintendo: While the hardware prices are globally competitive, the tax-free savings on a new PS5 or Nintendo Switch, combined with the weak Yen, makes Japan the cheapest place to buy them. Note: Check for region-locking on software, though most modern hardware is region-free!
Makita: For the DIY enthusiast, Japan’s favorite power tools are significantly cheaper. Look for the “Made in Japan” professional sets in hardware stores.

3. Beauty, Stationery & Home

Small items that make a big difference in your daily life.

Shiseido: Their “Anessa” sunscreen is a global bestseller. You’ll find it in Japanese drugstores for about half the price of US or European boutiques.
Pilot: The “Frixion” erasable pen is a Japanese marvel. Buy them in bulk at stationery paradises like Itoya or Loft.
Zojirushi / Tiger: The gold standard for rice cookers and vacuum-insulated flasks. A $50 travel mug in the US often costs only $20 in Japan.

Comparison Table: Price Snapshot

Category	Brand	Japan Price (Est.)	Overseas Price (Est.)
Lifestyle	MUJI Storage Box	¥1,200 ($8)	$18 – $22
Timepiece	Casio G-Shock	¥15,000 ($100)	$150 – $180
Beauty	Shiseido Anessa	¥3,000 ($20)	$40+
Home	Zojirushi Mug	¥2,800 ($19)	$45 – $55
Stationery	Pilot Frixion 3-set	¥600 ($4)	$12 – $15

How to Get the Deal

One-Stop Shops: For brands like Casio, Sony, Nintendo, and Tiger, head to Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera. For fashion, hit Ginza or Shibuya.our feet. at a fantastic price—and with a great travel story to go with them. Happy shopping in Japan!

Look for the “Tax-Free” Sign: Stores with the Red Cherry Blossom logo offer 10% off if you spend over ¥5,000.

Keep Your Passport Ready: You need the physical passport (no copies!) at the register to waive the tax instantly.

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