Japan’s 100-yen shops are packed with stationery, kitchenware, household items, and handy little things for your trip.
Part of the fun is finding clever products that make you think, “This only costs 100 yen?” or picking out inexpensive souvenirs.
Even if you don’t have anything in mind to buy, browsing the aisles gives you a glimpse of everyday shopping in Japan.
Japan’s 100-yen shops are great for picking up things you need during your trip and finding affordable souvenirs.
Despite the name, though, not everything costs 100 yen.
Let’s look at what you can buy and which stores to visit.
It’s also fun to discover stationery and small items with Japanese designs.
I’ll explain what makes Daiso, Seria, and Can Do different, and how to shop at 100-yen stores.
| Product Category | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Stationery & Small Goods | Stickers, notepads, mini envelopes, magnets |
| Kitchenware | Chopsticks, small plates, handy cooking tools |
| Handy Travel Items | Storage bags, mesh laundry bags, pouches, resealable bags |
| Hobby & Seasonal Goods | Character merchandise, craft supplies, seasonal decorations |
| Snacks & Drinks | Small packs of snacks, plus drinks (at stores that carry them) |
What Can You Buy at 100-Yen Shops in Japan?
One of the best things about 100-yen shops is the sheer variety. You’ll find everything from practical everyday items to little things that are hard to resist picking up.
You can browse for souvenirs or look for something you need during your trip.
Japanese-Style Stationery and Small Souvenirs
There’s plenty to explore in the stationery section alone: stickers, sticky notes, notepads, masking tape, envelopes, erasers, and more.
You may also find accessories with traditional Japanese patterns or cute little items inspired by food.
Little magnets and mini envelopes hardly take up any suitcase space, making them easy, casual gifts for friends and family.
Instead of hunting for expensive keepsakes, enjoy the small discoveries you can make in Japan. That’s what makes shopping at a 100-yen store so enjoyable.
Kitchenware, Tableware, and Handy Gadgets
You’ll find plenty of everyday kitchen items, including chopsticks, small plates, food storage containers, measuring spoons, and cooking accessories.
Some Japanese kitchen products have clever designs that help you make better use of limited space.
Look for things you could use at home, and you might discover an unexpected bargain.
Chopsticks or dishes with a Japanese-style design you like can also make nice souvenirs.
If you want something made in Japan, check the country-of-origin label on the packaging.
Storage and Laundry Items for Your Trip
You can also find mesh laundry bags, small pouches, resealable bags, and organizers for separating clothes.
Maybe you need a mesh laundry bag when washing clothes at your hotel, or a way to organize all the souvenirs you’ve collected in your suitcase.
It’s handy to be able to pick up just the one item you need.
Character Goods, Craft Supplies, and Seasonal Items
Depending on the store, you may find character stickers and accessories, craft supplies, and seasonal decorations.
Even within the same chain, the displays change around occasions like Halloween and Christmas. Looking for items that are only around at certain times of year can be fun, too.
Just remember that character and seasonal merchandise isn’t the same at every location. If something catches your eye, enjoy seeing what that particular store has in stock.
Snacks and Drinks
At 100-yen shops that carry food, such as some Daiso stores, you may find small packs of snacks as well as drinks.
Trying a snack you’ve never seen before can be another little pleasure of traveling in Japan.
That said, food isn’t the main focus of a 100-yen shop.
For meals or a larger grocery run, head to a supermarket. For a quick drink or snack, stop by a convenience store.
What’s the Difference Between Daiso, Seria, and Can Do?
Three of Japan’s best-known 100-yen shop chains are Daiso (DAISO), Seria, and Can★Do.
All three sell a wide range of everyday essentials, but their product selections and prices differ.
Not sure which one to visit? Use this table to decide.
| Chain | What Makes It Worth Visiting |
|---|---|
| Daiso | Great for browsing many different kinds of products. Some items cost more than ¥100. |
| Seria | Great for design-focused accessories and stationery. Specializes in items priced at ¥100 before tax. |
| Can★Do | Worth a look for character goods and seasonal items alongside everyday essentials. Some items cost more than ¥100. |
Daiso: Start Here for a Wide Variety of Products
Daiso carries a broad range of products, including stationery, kitchenware, storage items, and cleaning supplies.
If you’re visiting a 100-yen shop in Japan for the first time, we recommend starting with Daiso.
At a larger store, you can pick up what you need and browse for clever little gadgets you weren’t expecting to find.
Alongside ¥100 items, Daiso also sells products priced at ¥200, ¥300, ¥500, and more, so check the price tags as you shop.
Seria: Enjoy Stationery and Design-Focused Goods
Seria is a good choice if you like browsing stationery, home decor accessories, and craft supplies.
From simple styles to cute designs, it’s fun to look for little things that suit your taste.
Seria specializes in items priced at ¥100 before tax. The usual price including tax is ¥110.
It’s also a good place to pick out small items without worrying much about the price.
Can Do: Look for Character Goods and Seasonal Finds
Can Do also sells stationery, kitchenware, storage products, and other everyday items.
The chain features character merchandise and new seasonal products, so take a look at those sections if you stop by.
Can Do also carries items priced above ¥100. Product selections vary depending on the size and location of the store.
Does Everything at a 100-Yen Shop Cost ¥100?
The ¥100 price generally means before tax. For a ¥100 everyday item, you’ll pay ¥110 including tax.
Daiso and Can Do also sell items at other price points. For everyday products, here are some typical examples.
| Price Before Tax | Price Including Tax (10%) |
|---|---|
| ¥100 | ¥110 |
| ¥200 | ¥220 |
| ¥300 | ¥330 |
| ¥500 | ¥550 |
For food items such as snacks that qualify for the reduced 8% consumption tax rate, a ¥100 item costs ¥108 including tax.
Look for prices on product tags or shelf labels such as “税込110円” (¥110 including tax) or “税込330円” (¥330 including tax).
How to Find a 100-Yen Shop Near You
If you’d like to stop by while sightseeing, the easiest way is to search Google Maps for “100 yen shop” or “100円ショップ.”
If you already have a chain in mind, search for “DAISO,” “Seria,” or “Can Do” instead. Check the location and opening hours, and choose a store that fits your sightseeing route.
You can also use each chain’s official store locator.
- DAISO Official Store Locator: Search by place name or prefecture. You can also filter by accepted payment methods, including credit cards and electronic money.
- Seria Official Store Locator: Search by address or store name, or filter for larger stores.
- Can★Do Official Store Locator: Check store locations, opening hours, and accepted payment methods.
How to Shop and Pay at 100-Yen Shops
Shopping is straightforward.
Just choose what you want and pay at the register, as you would at any other store.
No Membership Required: Pick Your Items and Check Out
Travelers can shop without signing up for a membership.
Put your items in a shopping basket, then head to the register when you’re ready.
If the store has self-checkout machines, follow the instructions on the screen to pay.
Shopping bags may cost extra, so bringing a reusable bag is handy.
Can You Pay with Cash, Credit Cards, or Digital Payments?
Accepted payment methods vary by chain and store.
Some locations accept credit cards and electronic payments, but not every 100-yen shop does.
For a regular purchase, simply head to the register.
If you want to pay by card, check the accepted card logos near the register or look up the store’s payment methods using the official store locator.
Keep a little cash with you in case your card isn’t accepted.
Enjoy Shopping at Japan’s 100-Yen Stores
Japan’s 100-yen shops aren’t just places to replace something you forgot to pack.
You might find Japanese-style stationery or discover a handy gadget you’d love to try. And with small souvenirs, you can pick out several things even on a limited budget.
If it’s your first visit, head to Daiso for its wide range of products.
If you love stationery and design-focused accessories, try Seria.
For character goods and seasonal finds, take a look at Can Do.
Of course, you can simply wander into a store you happen to pass while sightseeing. Enjoy those little moments of surprise when you think, “They sell that here, too?”
When I find useful gadgets and cute little things, I end up wanting more than one. Woof!
If you’re running out of luggage space, you can buy an extra bag or suitcase. You can also order one from Amazon Japan and have it delivered to the hotel where you’re staying.
