For foreigners starting life in Japan, online shopping becomes an essential tool for everyday living. This article introduces a range of online stores, from popular general shopping sites to those specialising in specific areas, to help you enjoy a comfortable shopping experience in Japan.
Features of Japanese Online Shopping Sites
Japanese online shopping sites have some distinctive features compared to those in other countries, particularly known for their fast delivery and high-quality customer service.
- Quick and Reliable Delivery Service: Fast delivery is the norm, especially in urban areas where next-day or even same-day delivery is often possible. Additionally, services like specifying delivery times or requesting redelivery are unique and convenient features in Japan.
- Prompt and Courteous Customer Service: The quality of customer service is remarkable. Even if you encounter issues like defective products or delayed deliveries, you can expect a swift and polite response. Some sites also offer 24/7 chat support and support in multiple languages.
- Generous Points Reward Systems: A notable feature of Japanese online shopping sites is the extensive points reward systems. Many sites offer points based on your purchase amount, which you can use for future shopping.
- Various Payment Options: Besides credit and debit cards, Japanese online shopping sites offer a range of payment methods, including convenience store payments, bank transfers, and cash on delivery. Convenience store payment is particularly unique to Japan, allowing those without credit cards to easily make purchases.
General Shopping Sites
Amazon Japan
Amazon Japan, run by the global giant Amazon, is the most widely used online shopping site in Japan. In addition to its global product lineup, it offers original products for the Japanese market and a marketplace for individual sellers. It’s likely to be many people’s first choice for online shopping in Japan.
- Product Range: Electronics, appliances, books, food, daily necessities, fashion items—almost every category.
- Highlights:
- English language support, making it user-friendly for foreigners.
- Free shipping based on membership level or purchase amount.
- Fast delivery, usually within a day or a few days if in stock.
- Access to video and music streaming services.
- Shipping Cost:
- Standard: 410 yen and up (free for purchases over 2,000 yen).
- Prime members: Free.
- Website: https://www.amazon.co.jp/
Rakuten Ichiba
Rakuten Ichiba is one of Japan’s largest online shopping malls, operated by Rakuten Group, which also engages in telecommunications and travel. The platform hosts numerous shops, with a rich selection of items, especially in categories like home goods, fashion, and interior decor. If you collect Rakuten points, this site is a top choice.
- Product Range: Fashion items, electronics, food, home goods, interior decor, and more.
- Highlights:
- Easy to earn Rakuten points, usable across various Rakuten services.
- Large-scale sales and points campaigns held regularly.
- Shipping Cost:
- Typically between 300-700 yen.
- Some shops offer free shipping for purchases over a certain amount.
- Website: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/
Yahoo! Shopping
Yahoo! Shopping, operated by SoftBank Group, is another major online shopping mall in Japan. Like Rakuten, it hosts a variety of stores and offers a wide range of products. It’s easy to earn T-points and PayPay points, with additional benefits for SoftBank or Y! Mobile users.
- Product Range: Electronics, fashion items, food, books, and more.
- Highlights:
- High return rates for T-points and PayPay points.
- Frequent time-limited sales and coupon distributions.
- Shipping Cost:
- Typically between 300-700 yen.
- Each shop sets its own free shipping conditions.
- Website: https://shopping.yahoo.co.jp/
Specialised Online Stores
Yodobashi.com
Yodobashi.com, operated by the major electronics retailer Yodobashi Camera, offers not only an impressive range of electronics and appliances but also daily goods and foods. Their super-fast delivery, often within hours in Tokyo, is highly praised. Free shipping across Japan, including remote islands, is a significant advantage.
- Product Range: Electronics, appliances, daily necessities, food, stationery, etc.
- Highlights:
- Free nationwide shipping with extremely fast delivery.
- High point reward rates.
- Shipping Cost: Free for all items across Japan.
- Website: https://www.yodobashi.com/
Nitori Net
Nitori Net is the online store of Nitori, a major Japanese furniture and home goods chain known for its simple and affordable items. The online store offers a wide range of products with various colour and size options. Room-by-room coordination suggestions and delivery/assembly services are also available online.
- Product Range: Furniture, bedding, home decor, kitchenware, lighting, etc.
- Highlights:
- Extensive product range at reasonable prices.
- Room-by-room coordination suggestions.
- Delivery and assembly services available.
- Shipping Cost:
- Small items: From 700 yen; large items: From 1,500 to 3,000 yen.
- Some items and campaigns offer free shipping.
- Website: https://www.nitori-net.jp/
ZozoTown
ZozoTown is Japan’s largest online fashion retailer, offering an extensive selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories from both domestic and international brands. Whether you’re looking for trendy streetwear or high-end fashion, ZozoTown has something for everyone.
- Product Range: Clothing, shoes, accessories, etc
- Highlights:
- offers a precise body measurements service called “ZOZOSUIT. “
- Regular sales and exclusive discounts for registered members.
- International shipping is available
- Shipping Cost:
- Flat rate of 210 yen nationwide.
- Free shipping for purchases over 3,000 yen.
- Website: https://zozo.jp/
UNIQLO
UNIQLO, a Japanese fashion brand known for its simple, high-quality casual wear, offers an online store where you can purchase from anywhere in Japan. The site also offers online-exclusive items and allows you to check out new collections and sales easily.
- Product Range: Clothing.
- Highlights:
- Availability of online-exclusive products.
- Wide range of sizes.
- Option to order online and pick up at the nearest store.
- Shipping Cost:
- Flat rate of 500 yen nationwide.
- Free shipping for purchases over 4,990 yen.
- Website: https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/ja/
MUJI (Muji)
MUJI, known globally as Muji, offers a range of simple and functional products, from home goods to food items. The online store lets you shop for their vast selection, including online-exclusive and bundle items, from anywhere in Japan.
- Product Range: Furniture, daily necessities, food, clothing, cosmetics, etc.
- Highlights:
- Availability of online-exclusive products.
- Convenience of purchasing a wide range of products in one go.
- Option to order online and pick up at the nearest store.
- Shipping Cost:
- Flat rate of 500 yen nationwide.
- Free shipping for purchases over 5,000 yen.
- Website: https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/
LOHACO
LOHACO is an online shopping site that specialises in daily necessities and household goods, making it perfect for stocking up on essentials from the comfort of your home. It’s particularly popular for its reasonable prices and quick delivery.
- Product Range: Food, household goods, toiletries, cosmetics, office supplies, and more.
- Highlights:
- Fast delivery, with most orders arriving within one or two days.
- T-Points can be earned and used.
- Regular sales, discounts, and limited-time offers.
- Shipping Cost:
- Flat rate of 220 yen nationwide.
- Free shipping for purchases over 3,300 yen.
- Website: https://lohaco.yahoo.co.jp/
Rakuten Books
Rakuten Books, operated by Rakuten, is an online bookstore offering books, e-books, and other media products. It’s particularly well-stocked with resources for Japanese language learners and English books. Like Rakuten Ichiba, you can earn and use Rakuten points here.
- Product Range: Books, e-books, DVDs, Games, etc.
- Highlights:
- Extensive lineup of Japanese language learning materials and English books.
- Earn Rakuten points usable across other Rakuten services.
- Free nationwide shipping.
- Shipping Cost: Free shipping across Japan.
- Website: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/
Mercari
Mercari is Japan’s largest flea market app, where individuals can easily buy and sell secondhand items. With an extensive user base and now offering international shipping, it’s a great platform to sell unwanted items or find bargains.
- Product Range: Clothing, electronics, books, furniture, home goods, etc.
- Highlights:
- Affordable prices for a variety of items.
- Easy way to sell unwanted items.
- The thrill of finding hidden gems at great prices.
- Shipping Cost: Free to about 700 yen (set by the seller).
- Website: https://jp.mercari.com/
Japanese online shopping sites offer a wide variety of products and are relatively easy to use, even for foreigners. Make the most of these platforms to enhance your life in Japan!
