When I mention holidaying in Japan, the most common reaction I get is that Japan is an expensive place to shop. Having been to Japan thrice, I would like to assure you that this is not entirely true. It boils down to what you are buying and where you are going. If you know what are the right products to buy and where to go, it is actually cheaper to buy these items in Japan than back home. There are also products which are only available in Japan.
So what are the products worth buying in Japan?
1. Japanese cosmetics
Familiar with brands like Shu Uemura, Shiseido, Kose, Kanebo, Fancl, SKII? These brands are from Japan. If you check the price back home, you will find that the products from these brands are much cheaper in Japan than in other countries. For example, Shu Uemura’s Glow On blush costs 2625yen (S$35.80) in Japan while the price in Singapore is S$39. Shiseido and Kose paper face masks are available in Watson-like stores and pharmacies for around S$1~2 per piece! Apart from department stores, these brands are also readily available in pharmacies and personal stores around Tokyo.
There are also great brands that are not available or no longer available in Singapore. My recommendations would be:
i. Majolica Majorca by Shiseido
This brand is well known for their mascaras. I am currently using their Majolica Majorca My Lashes Extend Elegantly. Great product! It comes with a comb applicator so it is a lot easier to use. This product is meant to make your lashes look longer with its fibre-base formula. This is one that doesn’t give me panda eyes at the end of the day. If you are looking for volumising, try their Lash Enamel Glamour Mascara. This brand can be found in pharmacies, personal stores and even in some 24-hr convenience stores.
ii. Kesalan Patharan
This is a Japanese brand that is famous for its make-up base products. It used to be available at Seiyu in Singapore but the rebranded department store has since stopped bringing in the brand. I have been using their loose powder for quite awhile after reading reviews about its fine texture. It’s true. The loose powder is ultra fine! I will definitely stock this up when I next travel to Japan. You can find Kesalan Patharan in most major department stores like Takashimaya, Isetan, etc.
2. Burberry Blue Label (for ladies) and Burberry Black Label (for men)
For all shopaholics, a shopping trip to Tokyo or Japan will not be complete without a visit to the famous Burberry Blue Label and Black Label stores. Available only in Japan, Burberry Blue Label is a sub-line of the famous Burberry brand from London for ladies while the Black Label is a sub-line for guys. Both feature goods with simple cutting yet with a hint of elegance and youthfulness. With prices set at a lower level than their parent line, Burberry Blue Label and Black Label in Japan are definitely easier on the pocket!
If you are in Tokyo, go to the store in Ginza or Harajuku. These two stores are much bigger than the outlets located within department stores (Takashimaya, Isetan, etc) and carry a more complete range. The outlet in Ginza carries both Burberry Blue and Black labels. Directions: Located adjacent to Hakuhinkan Toy Park at intersection of Chuo dori and Ginza 8-chome.take the Ginza subway and get off by Chuo Dori or take the Yamanote to Yurakucho and walk down Ginza until you find it.
For Harajuku, the Burberry Black label store is nearby the Burberry Blue outlet but might take you awhile to find it.
3. Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull
For diehard LV fans, get your hands on one of the limited edition Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull bag that is currently only available in Japan and Hawaii. The PM size is 72,870yen (S$994), MM is 79380yen (S$1083) and GM is 86310yen (S$1177). The prices are inclusive of taxes so do remember to claim your tax refund!
4. Digital Cameras and Videocams
Buy the latest models from Japan! Prices may not necessarily be cheaper but you can definitely get the latest model from Japan. The range is also much wider as some models are only available in Japan. The only catch is the warranty does not cover outside of Japan. Not really a big issue as most electronics hardly break down during the first year of warranty anyway. Just make sure you try out the camera before you leave Japan so that any defects can be detected upfront.
Where else to get a bargain?
1. 100 Yen shops
Check out the 100 Yen shops. Yes, everything in the shop goes for 100yen which is equivalent to S$1.36 (in Singapore, Daiso sells everything for S$2), which is a real bargain!
Huge range of items are being sold at these shops: stationery, household goods, plastic ware, kitchen ware, tableware and cosmetics/skincare, etc.
There are thousands of 100 Yen Shops across Japan, ranging in size from multi-storey department stores" to small corners in shopping malls. Market leader Daiso operates over two thousand stores nationwide and pursues an aggressive expansion policy.
One of the largest 100 Yen shops in central Tokyo is Daiso Harajuku in Takeshita Dori, just a few steps from Harajuku Station, while Japan's largest 100 Yen shop, Daiso Giga Machida, spans 5 floors in front of Machida Station (30 minutes, 360 Yen from Shinjuku by Odakyu Railways).
Check out the list of 100Yen stores here:
2. Ameyoko Shopping Street at Ueno
Ameyoko is a packed shopping bazaar full of stalls selling almost anything you can imagine. It runs roughly south of Ueno station along the inside of the JR Yamanote line tracks to Okachimachi station. If you are looking for a more typically "Asian" market street in Tokyo, with bargaining expected and friendly vendors trying to out-shout each other, this is it. We find Adidas sport wear and shoes at really cheap prices! Cosmetic prices are also much cheaper here in Ameyoko compare to outlets in Shinjuku and other parts of Tokyo.
How to get there: Take the JR to JR Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit / JR Okachimachi Station North Exit
3. Factory Outlets
Yes, there are factory outlets in Tokyo and other parts of Japan. The one I went to is Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari in Tokyo. You will find international brands such as Coach, Kate Spade, Agnes b, Adidas, Nike, etc.
First floor Second floor
Direction to Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari: From Tokyo station - Take JR Keiyo Line to Kaihin-Makuhari (about 30min.)
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