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Loved by locals and the tourist who needs the perfect souvenirs, 100 yen shops have clean stores, organized aisles and a perfect medley of knick knacks you never knew you needed. Sorry to say, it will ruin American dollar stores for you. They were sort of already ruined though, weren’t they..? 100 yen shops have anything from household items, fake plants, cosmetics, beautiful dishes, and skincare all in one store. Fortunately for everyone, they are growing in leaps and bounds with Daiso, a popular 100 yen chain, opening over 2,000 stores nationwide and growing! They also have made their way to some locations in the States.
If you find yourself in Harajuku, you will undoubtedly walk by the three story Daiso on Takeshita street which is the perfect stop for cheap gifts to bring home. Besides the Daiso, there are other 100 yen stores worth visiting as well. Lawson Store 100 (food products), Meets (household goods), Seria and Can Do. With many stores still on my list, I am not sure I can go back to the Dollar Tree after the high quality and quirky products that can be bought at my neighborhood Daiso.
What to buy at 100 yen shops
1/ Face masks
A personal favorite, these sheet masks are perfect for travel, as well as to bring home to friends and family. They have a decent amount of variety such as “Sakura”or “matcha” that are perfect for souvenirs. Make sure to grab some for yourself along with a “kawaii” towel headband.
2/ Wallet saving items
Despite being a very broad category, every time I go to a Daiso (or other 100 yen shops) I am always surprised by what they have. I lost my glasses case once and they even had a replacement for them so I didn’t have to shell out tons of money since Warby Parker took it all. You will find so many little things you just don’t want to splurge on, or slipped your mind when packing.
3/ Travel accessories
Can you really have enough small make up and travel bags? I sure can’t. Whether you need a bag for your liquids, travel bottles for carryons, neck pillows, or shoe bags you can trust these stores to have what you need (or want)!
4/ Souvenirs
If you are only in Japan for a small amount of time and need to take some things back for family and friends this store is perfect! From strange and unique beauty products to sushi key chains there are fun gifts that can easily fit in your suitcase. I am currently rocking a tuna nigiri keychain and I smile every time I see it.
5/ Gift wrapping
100 yen shops carry some inexpensive gift bags ideal if you need to wrap something quickly. You will find great English “slogans” which are always fun as well. Whether you want a more quality material to a pack of small plastic bags (perfect for candy) scoop one up on your way to check out. Purchase some to save for future holidays as well, because they make wrapping SO easy.
6/ Dishes
This may pertain to those living in Japan, but this includes, cute bowls, plates, chopsticks, chopstick holders and more. The dishes are beautiful and people will be surprised that you got it from a Japanese dollar store. There will be other opportunities to buy these items elsewhere, but if you are on a budget, or want to bring some gifts home this will work (and could be better).
7/ Beauty products
Along with face masks, everything you didn’t know you needed can be found at 100 yen shops. Nose peels, foot masks, make up remover – you name it. Makeup applicators, fake eyelashes along with nail decals – they have it all. Seeing as I am not a beauty expert, I am going to hand this portion over to konnichiwa cosmetics, who talks all things cosmetics at 100 yen stores.
8/ Stationary & journals
From small note cards, or a beautiful journal to write about your time in Japan, they have it all. A whole aisle of panda decorated envelops, land of the rising sun note cards and Fuji greeting cards all in one place, while being easy on the wallet.
9/ Stickers & crafts
Get yourself an awesome collection of craft supplies, stickers, pens, holiday decor and beyond. For DIY projects or any other crafty item these stores are a go to (especially if you love washi tape, like me).
10/ Snacks & Candy
Self explanatory, you can buy all sorts of dried fruit, candy and chocolate here. It is a guarantee you will stumble upon a flavor or item you never thought was possible – and happens to be strangely delicious. Whether you are hungry and need a snack, or want to find some Japanese goodies to bring your friends and family – 100 yen shops have your back!
Have you been to a 100 yen shop before? Did you buy anything that you absolutely love? Let me know in the comments!
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