The “Dollar Store” Miracle: Why You Need to Visit a Japanese 100 Yen Shop (Daiso & Seria)
In your country, a “Dollar Store” might be a place you go only when you are broke. The quality is low, and the store is messy.
In Japan, it is the opposite. 100 Yen Shops are national treasures. They are clean, well-designed, and filled with products that are shockingly high quality.
As your friend, I’m giving you a strict order: Do not buy simple souvenirs (like chopsticks or fans) at tourist traps. Go to a 100 Yen Shop first. You will save hundreds of dollars.
Here is your guide to the “Big Three” shops and what you must buy.
1. Know Your Shop (The Big Three)
Not all 100 Yen shops are the same.
- DAISO (The King): The biggest chain. They have everything. Food, hardware, toys, cleaning supplies. If you want variety, go here.
- Flagship: The massive Daiso in Harajuku (Takeshita Street) is famous.
- Seria (The Stylish One): This is the favorite of Japanese women. The products are “chic” and “cute.” Great for ceramics, craft supplies, and stationery. It feels like a boutique.
- Can Do (The Convenient One): Often found near stations. Reliable and practical.
2. The Best Souvenirs (For only $0.70!)
Why pay 1,000 JPY for chopsticks when you can get beautiful ones here?
- Ceramics: Sake cups, rice bowls, small plates with cherry blossom patterns. They are made in Japan and look expensive. Wrap them in your clothes to pack!
- Chopsticks: Rows and rows of designs. Cats, traditional patterns, modern art. Buy 10 pairs for your friends back home.
- Stationery: Washi Tape (paper tape), stickers, and high-quality Japanese pens.
- Folding Fans (Sensu): Perfect for summer. The designs are authentically Japanese.
3. The “Travel Hacks” Section (Life Savers)
Did you buy too much stuff? Is your suitcase overflowing? Run to the “Travel” section.
- Compression Bags: Plastic bags that you put clothes in, zip up, and roll to push the air out. It shrinks your clothes by 50%. Essential for the trip home.
- Laundry Nets: Essential for washing machines, but also great for organizing your suitcase packing.
- Cables & Adapters: Forgot your charging cable? Get a good one here for pennies.
4. The “Kitchen Gadgets” You Didn’t Know You Needed
Japanese people love efficient cooking gadgets.
- “Egg Timer”: A cute chicken you boil with your eggs that changes color to tell you when they are soft/medium/hard.
- “Apple Slicer”: Cuts an apple into perfect wedges in one second.
- “Sushi Makers”: Plastic molds to help you make perfect sushi rolls or Nigiri at home.
5. The “Price Tag” Trap
Warning: While most things are 100 JPY (plus 10% tax = 110 JPY), Daiso has started selling “Premium” items. Check the price tag!
- No Tag: It is 100 JPY.
- Price Tag: It might say 300 JPY or 500 JPY. (Still cheap, but be careful!).
Summary: Bring an Empty Suitcase
You will walk in intending to buy one pen. You will walk out one hour later with a basket full of ceramics, snacks, and a hat for your cat.
It happens to all of us. Don’t fight it. The quality is worth it.
Want to find the biggest Daiso in Tokyo (it’s huge), or need help reading the Japanese instructions on a weird kitchen gadget? Our guides are shopping experts. We can help you find the best bargains in the city!
