Japan is a unique Asian nation known for its rich cultural heritage that’s present even in these modern days. The country is also famous for various reasons, including natural sites (Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms), unique inventions (vending machines, karaoke), top-notch transport technology (bullet trains), anime, manga, sushi, etc.
Japan is also the third-largest economy globally after the US and China, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 4.97 trillion. The nation’s cities perfectly balance the traditional Japanese cultures with modern developments. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are some of the popular cities that tourists flock to every year. One of the most common reasons for the visit? Shopping!
This article highlights some of the coolest things unique to Japan and where to get them to enjoy affordable online shopping.
What to Buy From Japanese Online Stores
Japan is a shopping haven for people looking for unique, practical, and trendy items online. This is also a terrific option when you want to surprise someone with extraordinary artifacts and other precious souvenirs for a special occasion. Below are some of the must-buy items to get from Japanese online stores.
Matcha Products
Matcha is finely ground green tea that has gained popularity worldwide in the past decade. The powder offers a delightful flavor and numerous health benefits and can be enjoyed in various ways. Many Japanese cafes, particularly in Tokyo and Kyoto, serve creative and trendy desserts that locals and tourists enjoy.
Some of the top-selling Matcha products online include the powder itself, green tea, snacks, and even cosmetic products. The more you shop, the more you’ll discover various ways to incorporate Matcha into your life. Amazon is a great online store to buy your Matcha products from Japan.
Fake Food Accessories
Did you know Japan has a fake food industry worth about $90 million? That’s right! Many Japanese restaurants usually display fake food on their windows to act as food samples (sampuru) for passing tourists. Although this industry may have gained popularity when Americans flooded Japan post World War II, it’s still widely loved to date.
Today, this industry has diversified to create various accessories, e.g., egg and bacon headbands, sushi wall clocks, cookie hair ties, Katsu curry smartphone stands, orange slice earrings, red rice necklaces, etc. You can buy these and many more exciting items from Fake Food Japan to spruce up your interior décor or prank a few friends.
Cosmetics
Japanese skincare routines have become wildly popular in the Western world. Their beauty products, which range from makeup, sunscreens, and skincare stuff, are excellent quality but still pretty affordable. Some popular brands include Shiseido, SK-II, KATE, KOSE, and CANMAKE, and are available in Japanese shops and drug stores.
However, the biggest challenge most online shoppers have is how to source authentic products. Kokoro Japan, Amazon, Japanese Taste, and YESSTYLE are some of the trusted online stores you can check out to begin or continue your beauty regime.
Fashion
Japan manufactures simple yet top-quality clothing at very affordable prices. The designs range from minimalistic and zen to trendy and luxurious, qualities that fashionistas seek to widen their wardrobe selection. Simple fashion is adorned as everyday wear by all Japanese age groups, while street fashion is for individuals seeking to express their love for anything artistic.
And if you’re looking to push the boundaries further, the Japanese fashion subcultures will blow your mind! Lolita, kawaii, EGL (elegant gothic lolita), and cosplay are great examples that will ensure you stand out.
Some of the famous shopping districts in Tokyo (Japan’s fashion capital) include Shibuya, Ginza, and Harajuku. You’ll find various wardrobe items here, from the traditional kimono to fluffy knee-high boots, swinging tails attached to outfits, and decora. As for online shopping, WEGO and YESSTYLE will help you stay trendy and look unique too.
Are Japanese Online Stores Safe?
Japanese websites offer great discounts on their domestic items and speedy deliveries. People living in the city can even enjoy same-day delivery while those in rural areas receive theirs in just a few days. As for how to pay, credit cards, mobile payments, and bank transfers should work fine.
However, is it safe to shop online even though you don’t live there? Yes, it is. There are a few online shopping platforms in Japan that ship internationally. Nonetheless, you may still face some challenges, as highlighted below.
- Bias: Some auction sites may favor Japanese citizens, especially where limited edition items are concerned.
- Language barrier: Many websites are in Japanese, which is problematic for non-speaking shoppers.
- Payment methods: Some websites don’t accept foreign payments.
Unfortunately, very few online shops in Japan ship internationally. Some companies even go as far as blocking non-Japanese residents from accessing their websites. And this is where reliable Japan proxies come in handy to help you surf online as if you were residing in the heart of Tokyo. Once you establish the items you like, you can use services like Buyee, which will complete the purchase and ship to you directly.
Happy Shopping!
It’s possible to have a taste of your favorite city in Japan without traveling there. Thanks to Japanese online stores, you can buy unique snacks like KitKat Matcha flavors, fake food accessories to decorate your house, cosmetics, fashion, and kitchenware, among other unique items. And soon enough, you’ll have a version of mini-Japan in your home!
