5 Cheapest Stores in Japan for High-Quality Souvenir Shopp

Ah. So your two-week dream trip to Japan is coming to an end, and all the sudden, you remember you had friends and co-workers back home. They're all anxiously waiting for your return, and let's be real, probably secretly hoping you'd bring something back. 

But of course, amid sightseeing, trying out bizarre foods, and frantically posting your every movement on Instagram stories, you forgot all about souvenir shopping. And to make things worse, you're running out of yen. Damn. How did this happen?!

Well, my friend, you have nothing to worry about. Lucky for you, there are many cheap stores around Japan that are just great for souvenir shopping. It's surprising really, how a perfect gift from Japan can only cost you 100 yen ($1USD) without having to sacrifice the quality of the products.

Interested? Keep on reading! 

1. Daiso

(source:https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-tokyo_suburbs/article-a0002379/)

Ok you guys, souvenir shopping or not, you have to stop by at least one Daiso during your stay in Japan. They not only sell all products for 100 yen, they carry one of the highest-quality, "kawaii" products you will ever see at this price. Yes, this is the go-to dollar store in Japan for literally every occasion. 

From kitchen amenities to bathroom essentials, it's harder to find things you cannot purchase here. They even sell absurd items like food-shaped erasers and sushi stickers, which by the way, are great gift choices for kids. 

Food Erasers

(source:https://twitter.com/sachi_0909/status/905374484756021248) 

Daiso Stickers (source:https://limia.jp/idea/72241/) 

Some other gift ideas from Daiso: 

1. Mini Humidifier (yes, they sell a freakin' humidifier here at Daiso) 

(source:https://matome.naver.jp/odai/2149355904901565401?&page=1)

2. Sushi Mold (Planning a sushi party? Daiso's sushi mold works like magic.)

(source:https://cocalab100.com/571.html)

3. *joke gift* Artificial Lawn (an option for your quirky friend) 

(source: https://twitter.com/mansooon/status/494101041198006272/photo/1) 

I mean it, just browse around. You can really stay here for hours! Enjoy getting lost amid rows and rows of shelves filled with quirky Japanese inventions all priced at a mere ¥100. 

2. Can-Do

(source:http://www.clementplaza.com/can%E2%98%85do/) 

Can-Do is another giant dollar-store chain in Japan, much like Daiso described above. I like going to Can-Do as much as I like going to Daiso, because their products differ in design, quality, and practicality. It's a good thing that they are constantly competing to become the "best" dollar-store in Japan, isn't it? ;) 

Although Can-Do is smaller in company size compared to Daiso, you will find myriad of beauty products, stickers, accessories, etc. that work perfectly as gifts. And of course, cheap. Some ideas include: 

1. Animal Zip-loc Bags

(source: https://twitter.com/Sumolin/status/1092360719746588672/photo/1) 

I mean.. how cute is this?! You also get 4 pouches for 100 yen! 

2. Compact Hair Oil

(source:https://twitter.com/XxxDocomo/status/1092404712261865472/photo/1)

These are probably the best hair oil packs you can get from a dollar store. It's apparently one of the "hottest" items from Can-do this year, as they are enriched with Moroccan and jojoba oil.

A little sketched out seeing it's only 100 yen for this pack of 6? It's worth a try though; after all, it's only a dollar, so you really got nothing to lose. Great size for travelling, too. 

3. Game-Controller Phone Stand

(source:https://twitter.com/Nari_chama/status/1076436080960786434/photo/1) 

... and of course, a gift idea that would be appreciated by everyone on your list! It's a game-controller phone stand that you can use to watch YouTube videos, play phone games, and stream movies. This product was raved in literally every Japanese article I've read online, so it must be worth the purchase! 

3. 3COINS

(source: http://fashion-cruise.jp/3coins/)

3COINS is essentially an "upgraded" version of the dollar store, as everything here is sold for 300 yen (equivalent to $3USD). And their products do not disappoint. For example, I get all my accessories shopping done here, because their earrings and necklaces are to die for: 

(source: http://www.3coins.jp/item.php?cg=9) 

They even sell furnitures for 300 yen, such as this one (a mini kitchen shelf): 

(source:http://www.3coins.jp/item.php?cg=6) 

Disclaimer: a lot of the 3COINS are called "3COINS +" nowadays, and at these locations, items are sold at 300 yen, 500 yen, or 1000 yen (approx. $3, $5, $10 USD). Still cheap, but just something to keep in mind. 

For anyone interested, here are some of the 500 yen & 1000 yen items: 

Wall Clock (500 yen)

(source: http://www.3coins.jp/item.php?cg=5)

Umbrella Holder (1000 yen) 

(source: http://www.3coins.jp/item.php?cg=14&pg=1) 

3COINS is the place to go for cute & affordable items. They sell everything from laundry baskets to room fragrances, and the quality of these products far exceed expectations. 

4. DON QUIJOTE

(source: http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/13700729/)

Don Quijote, or DONKI as the Japanese like to call it, is the largest and cheapest discount store in Japan. And boy, you're going to have so much fun here. It's a chaotic mess of items ranging from beauty products to cosplay costumes, all sold at an extremely affordable price. It's my go-to for everything, because I just can't think of anything they wouldn't have.  

Some gift ideas:

(1) Ramen "ICHIRAN" (famous ramen chain in Japan) Premium Set.

These are sooo delish. 

(source: https://matome.naver.jp/odai/2149716963901528301)

(2) Food Socks. Perfect gift idea for kids. 

(source: https://twitter.com/akiko__0303/status/1091936430379548672/photo/1) 

3) Japanese Brown Rice Tea (Genmaicha)

(source: https://matome.naver.jp/odai/2149716963901528301?&page=7) 

Don Quijote is literally a big treasure box awaiting for someone to find its treasures. It's also one of the best places to find quirky Japanese souvenir items, because their selections are just huge and incredible. 100% recommend!

5. MUJI

(source: https://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2018/1/muji-stc)

... And here we are, already at the end of the list. Although MUJI is becoming an International brand (in fact, there are a couple of MUJIs in Toronto where I live), there are many products sold exclusively in Japan, and of course, at a cheaper price! 

MUJI is best known for its minimalistic designs and practicality. There's just something so aesthetically pleasing about MUJI's store ambiance that brings me back to them every time I'm in Japan. 

For gifts, I especially recommend their stationeries and pre-packaged foods. Like these 90 yen pens that come in several different colours: 

(source: https://www.muji.net/store/cmdty/detail/4550002796891?searchno=3&sectionCode=S107010614) 

Or this weekly planner that's only ¥100  (there's a similar monthly type as well) : 

As for the pre-packaged foods, I love MUJI's selection of curries and snacks. Like this green curry for ¥350: 

(source: https://www.muji.net/store/cmdty/section/T30009) 

And these chocolate-covered dried strawberries:

(source: https://www.muji.net/store/cmdty/detail/4549738671220?rank=T30002_3) 

MUJI's simple design, emphasis on natural ingredients, and their affordable pricing make the store one of its kind. It's a must for anyone looking into buying great, high-quality products from Japan. You will find so many unique gift ideas here, and I know you will love them all. 

Lastly...

Yes, fine, you may just resort to buying "I Love Japan" keychains and sweatshirts from a kiosk at the airport, but there are so many products out there that are just uniquely Japanese for you to bring back home to your friends and family. After all, who would want an over-priced ninja magnet from an airport gift shop when they can get five kawaii things from Daiso for the same price?