What to Buy in Japan with a Weak Yen? 5 Shopping Recommendations
Has the weak yen reignited your urge to shop like crazy in Japan, but you're not sure what's really worth buying? This article has you covered!
Shop smart while the yen is weak
Since mid-2022, the yen's exchange rate has been on a roller coaster, generally declining and even hitting 150 to the US dollar at one point. (Editor’s note: against the New Taiwan dollar, it recently dipped to around 0.22.) For people who regularly use yen, these swings are a mixed bag; but for those earning foreign currency, spending yen has become a bargain. In Japan, many high-priced goods haven't adjusted their prices in response to the yen's weakness, meaning overseas buyers can get what they want for less than expected. If you're thinking of splurging on luxury goods or Japan-exclusive items, now's the time—check out our shopping picks!
Recommendation ① Electronics: Cameras, Audio Gear, Home Appliances
"Made in Japan" has long been a seal of quality, and Japanese consumers also have high standards for products manufactured abroad. In other words, items that sell in Japan are generally reliable, and things like cameras, game consoles, computer peripherals, and even home appliances are hugely popular. Even with phone cameras everywhere, proper photography still requires dedicated gear, and among the world's top camera makers, the big three—Canon, Nikon, and Sony—are all Japanese brands; distinctive names like Fujifilm, Olympus, and Pentax are also very popular. As for gaming, Nintendo's Switch and Sony's PlayStation are hot picks, and when it comes to home appliances, Panasonic goes without saying.
Since electronic items often come with hefty price tags, you'll really notice the difference when you buy while the yen is weak. Of course, that's assuming you're not too fussed about warranties. (lol)
Can't fly to Japan? Shop across borders
・Whether new or used, at Sofmap you'll find every high-tech gadget imaginable: phones, computers, mechanical keyboards, Dyson hair dryers, wide-screen monitors… the list is endless.
・FUJIYA AVIC and AVAC stock high-spec speakers sure to delight any audio buff.
・BONZART specializes in unique cameras, covering both film and digital, from toy cameras to original lenses.
Recommendation ② Luxury Watches
If you're into watches yourself, or simply want to pick up a nice timepiece for yourself or your family while traveling in Japan, taking advantage of the weak yen is a smart move. Japan's luxury watch shops carry an abundance of new and pre-owned treasures. If you're eyeing a Rolex or Patek Philippe at a great price, this could be your chance. Of course, if a luxury label isn't your thing and you just want an ordinary watch, look into customizable Japanese brands like Knot, where you can design a truly one-of-a-kind piece for yourself or a loved one.
Can't fly to Japan? Shop across borders
・JACK ROAD is one of Japan's most famous specialty watch stores, carrying over 200 internationally popular brands.
・TiCTAC's selection is carefully curated and includes limited editions.
・Watch LIFE NEWS is a watch information site; their shop also offers print magazines and watches from the Japanese brand OUTLINE.
・DEDEGUMO is a watch atelier based in Kyoto, crafting exquisite timepieces inspired by traditional Japanese culture.
Recommendation ③ Japanese Brand Apparel and Designer Fashion
Japan has long been a fashion powerhouse in Asia, with the so-called "Japanese style" influencing trends across the region. Just look at street snaps from Tokyo, and you can trace 50 years of fashion evolution in the bustling hubs of Shibuya and Harajuku. High-end designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake have long stood firmly on the international stage; streetwear brands like BAPE have influenced global fashion enormously; casual and select-shop brands such as UNIQLO, URBAN RESEARCH, and niko and... are also popular abroad. At the same time, Japanese consumers' high demands push international labels to bring only their very best products to the local market. So with the yen down, buying fashion in Japan is a great choice.
Can't fly to Japan? Shop across borders
・Laforet Harajuku is a department store in the heart of Harajuku; their online shop also gathers many in-demand brands, and you can even filter by floor!
・BRAND OFF and KOMEHYO specialize in second-hand designer fashion, with items in such pristine condition you'd hardly believe they're not new.
・KICKS LAB and magi are sneaker enthusiasts' best friends, stocking the latest releases and collectors' grails.
・DIVERSE and 1LDK focus on hot labels in Japan's fashion scene, featuring both local and international designers.
Recommendation ④ Kitchen Knives, Cookware, and Housewares
Japan is famed for its dedication to monozukuri (craftsmanship). Whether it's the overseas-renowned works of Sori Yanagi or the knives sold on Asakusa Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, kitchen tools and cutlery are popular buys for many visitors. What's more, due to limited land and compact living spaces, the Japanese have honed the art of storage, leading to countless ingenious products and a wealth of household items designed for solo dwellers—all of which are favorite purchases for people coming to Japan.
Can't fly to Japan? Shop across borders
・IKEHIKO's Japanese-style furniture aims to blend into modern homes, with items like movable tatami mats, kotatsu heated tables, and traditional futons.
・Maruhiro Seisakusho's cups and plates are both beautiful and practical, while e-Hamono kitchen knives can take your cooking to the next level!
・BOTANIZE's planters have such a strong presence they become the focal point wherever you place them.
・USAGI ONLINE carries homeware from gelato pique, a brand beloved in Japan for its soft, comfy fabrics.
・Fujimaki Department Store carefully selects an extensive range of goods, including housewares full of Japanese charm.
Recommendation ⑤ Anime and Manga Merchandise
Do your family or partner often scold you for spending too much on anime figures and models? Let's face it, when it comes to anime and game merch, it's hard for outsiders to really understand the obsession. But regardless, buying while the yen is weak is always easier to justify—your wallet won't feel as much strain. If there's a model you've had your eye on for ages but never bought… well, maybe now's the moment! Bring home that giant Gundam model kit, upgrade your gaming setup to top specs, or hunt down limited-edition anime accessories to spice up your wardrobe—let your anime-loving soul run wild!
And if you're planning to visit Akihabara for Gundam kits, a guide to Akihabara shops by a Japanese Gundam modeling expert with 20 years of experience is well worth checking out.
Can't fly to Japan? Shop across borders
・HOBBY STOCK is a one-stop shop for anime and game merchandise, from Gundam models and half-life-size giant figures to everyday items from famous franchises like Pokémon and Studio Ghibli.
・Akihabara Sofmap sells the latest game releases in physical format, new and old consoles, and both new and used accessories.
・Attasa is an expert in arcade sticks and game center‑style controllers, perfect for gamers who love a personalized experience.
・Hobby Station, CARD RUSH, and Bee Honpo specialize in trading card games—some rare cards may even cost more than your monthly salary!
Already have your shopping list in mind?
The yen has been fluctuating like a roller coaster in recent months—sometimes up, sometimes down—but overall it remains weak. So if you earn in a non-yen currency, buying Japanese goods at a low exchange rate essentially gives you an automatic "discount." This is especially true if you're keen to purchase items like those covered above and you're not too concerned about after-sales service or warranties. Whether you fly to Japan to shop or use an online platform, both are viable options—it all depends on how you decide.
Flying to Japan to shop plus travel is also something well worth planning while the yen is weak! If you're not sure what to do there, why not take a look at this article on Japan travel?
