Everyone likes to save a bit of money when shopping for daily goods. Luckily, Tokyo is filled with an abundance of discount stores that sell high-quality products at an affordable price. Whether you are looking for a new outfit or just some souvenirs to take home, here are just six of the best discount stores in Tokyo that you should pay a visit to.
100 Yen Stores
The ultimate type of discount store in Japan, 100-yen stores stock a whole range of useful everyday products for the cheap price of ¥100 (¥110 with tax). Larger items can cost a bit more, but you will never spend more than ¥1000 on a product here. The four main chains include Daiso, Seria, Can Do, and Watts, but you’ll also find some more local ones tucked away down side streets. Here are the differences between the big names:
Daiso
Currently, there are 4,139 stores in Japan. It is the biggest 100-yen shop chain. As well as its excellent variety of products, with around 70,000 different ones in total, and high quality, Daiso has become the go-to place to buy cheap daily life goods. The Shibuya and Harajuku branches are super popular with tourists looking to buy Japan-themed souvenirs and snacks on a small budget.
Want to learn more about the latest seasonal products? Check out Top Daiso Summer Items For Kids: Affordable Fun In Tokyo
Seria
Seria has just over 1,000 stores across Japan. Aimed more towards women, Seria stocks more cute, colorful, and trendy products. Many people go to Seria for DIY, crafts, and baking goods as they have a strong selection compared to the other big names.
Can Do
With around 800 stores across Japan, Can Do is popular with both adults and children as they sell a mix of household goods, toys, and food. Here, you will also see a selection of Japanese-themed goods, such as sushi-shaped magnets and traditional hand towels, which make memorable souvenirs.
Watts
More commonly found in Osaka than Tokyo, Watts is a 100-yen shop with straightforward branding and a solid range of products. Although it has a smaller range compared to the other 3 chains, there is still a lot to browse through, including household goods, cosmetics, and stationery.
3Coins
3Coins is a variety store which sells items for, you guessed it, 3 coins. Although the name suggests everything in the store costs only 3Coins, some bigger items can go up to ¥1,000. It is the go-to place for young people looking for aesthetic but affordable household goods. At 3Coins, you will find just about anything you can think of such as kitchen goods, home and bathroom accessories, jewelry, and even food. Make sure to also keep an eye out for special collaboration and seasonal goods.
There are many 3Coins scattered around the city, with the flagship store being in Harajuku.
- 3Coins Flagship Store (Harajuku)
- 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 6 Chome−12−22 Akita Building 1st floor
- 9 minute walk from Harajuku Station
- Mon - Sun: 11am - 8pm
- Cash, Card and Electronic Payments
- @3coins_official
- official website
Thank You mart
Thank You Mart’s concept is that everything only costs ¥390 (excluding tax). This shop is especially popular with teenagers and young adults, as they sell a great range of trendy accessories, phone cases, sweets, and character goods. Similar to 3Coins, Thank You Mart often has collaborations with different characters, such as Hello Kitty, Disney, and SpongeBob. It is the perfect place to stop by if you are wanting some cute but cheap souvenirs!
This shop is a little bit hard to come by as there are only a handful in Tokyo. In Harajuku, there are actually two branches.
- Thank You Mart (Harajuku Omotesando Store)
- 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−11−11, Green Fantasia, B1F Building
- 4 minute walk from Harajuku Station
- Mon - Sun: 11:00AM - 8:00PM
- Cash, Card and Electronic Payments
- @thankyoumart
- official website
Don Quijote
Don Quijote, often shortened to Donki, is the most well-known shop in all of Japan—one that is loved by locals and tourists alike. Even those who don’t exactly know what Donki is will most likely recognize the store theme tune as it’s gone viral on social media.
The biggest discount store in Japan, Donki sells everything you could ever think of, from Japanese skincare to second-hand designer bags. Basically, any product that is popular in Japan will be sold here, and often at a slightly cheaper price. Visiting a Donki store is on every tourist’s itinerary because they can buy souvenirs, snacks, and every other product in bulk and at a slightly discounted price. On top of this, tourists can even enjoy tax-free shopping.
Looking for inspiration? Check out the 10 Great Gifts and 10 Best Snacks to buy!
- MEGA Don Quijote
- 〒154-0042, 28-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
- 2 minute walk from Shibuya Station
- Open 24 Hours
- Cash, Card and Electronic Payments
- @donki_jp
- official website
Shimamura
Shimamura is a clothes shop that sells new clothes at a discounted price. Some may say that it is a true hidden gem, given that it’s more known by locals than tourists. As well as trendy high-street style clothes, Shimamura stocks a range of home goods and even some character-themed products. It is a great place for families to shop, as there is a great selection of children’s clothes and baby products as well.
There are quite a few branches of this budget-friendly store across Tokyo, with the nearest one to Sumifuku’s Shin-Okubo apartment being the one in Takadanobaba. Normally, Shimamura stores are located inside bigger shopping complexes and supermarkets, so make sure to keep a lookout.
For more of a detailed overview of the store and products, read A Guide to Shimamura Fashion Hub
- Shimamura (Takadanobaba)
- 〒169-0075 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Takadanobaba, 1 Chome−28−7 Peacock Store Takadanobaba 2F
- 3 minute walk from Takadanobaba Station
- Mon - Sun: 10:00AM - 8:00PM
- Cash, Card and Electronic Payments
- @shimamura.tw
- official website
Takeya
Takeya is another famous discount store in Japan. It has very similar vibes to Don Quijote, but the main store in Okachimachi is much quieter and less crowded than most Donkis, so it is a nice alternative for those who want to have a leisurely browse. At Takeya, you will find just about anything you could think of, including household goods, stationery, cosmetics, and clothing items. That isn’t all; they also offer tax-free shopping.
The Takeya in Okachimachi is rather unique as it is split across three different stores. Takeya 1, which has a purple exterior, is the main building where you can find food products, household goods, and cosmetics. For clothes, bags, and accessories, head to Takeya 3, located opposite Takeya 1. As of summer 2024, Takeya 4 is closed for refurbishment.
- TAKEYA1
- 〒110-0016, 4 Chome-12-1 Taito, Taito City, Tokyo
- 5 minute walk from Okachimachi Station
- Mon - Sun: 9:00AM - 9:00PM
- Cash, Card and Electronic Payments
- NA
- official website
Which of these discount stores will you be heading to first?
