In case you’re a shopaholic, allow us to assist you higher perceive how to buy duty-free objects in Japan, from know-how items to conventional souvenirs.
Japan is a procuring paradise for a lot of tax-free objects. First, let’s distinguish between duty-free items and value-added tax (VAT) free items. Obligation-free items are items that aren’t topic to import tax and are sometimes offered at specialised shops. Tax-free items are items that aren’t charged gross sales tax (often 10% in Japan). To save lots of time when procuring at shops, take note of objects with the Tax-free image (VAT exemption).
High know-how merchandise
Japan is a well-known nation for high-quality digital units, from leisure units similar to recreation consoles to dwelling home equipment, usually rice cookers. Don’t neglect to verify the voltage earlier than shopping for! Vietnam’s voltage is 220V 50 Hz, nevertheless Japan often makes use of 100V 60 Hz, so you will have an adapter later. You possibly can ask the gross sales employees for recommendation on appropriate merchandise that can be utilized in Vietnam.
Tokyo’s Akihabara and Osaka’s Den Den City are full of shops specializing in electronics and pc video games. Browse the Bic Digicam, Yodobashi Digicam and Yamada Denki Labi shops to seek out the newest in know-how in addition to souvenirs, alcohol and cosmetics. Many shops provide handy VAT-free procuring, coupons and overseas language help.
Health and beauty care merchandise
Well-known Japanese beauty manufacturers similar to Shiseido, Pola, Kose and Shu Uemura all have beautiful flagship shops (giant shops, all the time absolutely up to date with the newest items) in high-end procuring areas similar to Ginza in Tokyo. Pharmacies like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and low cost malls like Don Quijote will provide you with a wide range of choices at extra inexpensive costs, particularly common cosmetics, skincare, and sheet masks. onion. These shops additionally carry a wide range of well being care merchandise and medicines, from nutritional vitamins and dietary dietary supplements to chilly and flu medicines. Most shops on this group have VAT-free items, so take note of search for the Tax-free image.
Conventional merchandise needs to be bought
Essentially the most value shopping for souvenirs are these made in Japan, together with pearls, lacquerware, leather-based items and ceramics. In case you love sushi particularly and Japanese delicacies usually, an attention-grabbing selection for you is a high-quality stainless-steel cooking knife set from International – a well-known knife model from Niigata province. Department shops acquainted to Japanese individuals similar to Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya promote all kinds of high quality crafts and home items.
Japanese pearls are revered for his or her magnificence. Mikimoto – Essentially the most well-known pearl model on this planet has many flagship shops in Ginza, Tokyo and Shinsaibashi, Osaka. Another well-known Japanese manufacturers similar to Noritake porcelain and Seiko watches are additionally very acquainted to classy customers.
Obligation-free and VAT-free retailers
In Tokyo, duty-free retailers Lotte Obligation-Free occupies the complete 2-floor area at Ginza Tokyu Plaza with a multilingual employees, a cushty lounge for patrons and about 200 stalls of worldwide and Japanese manufacturers. Right here you may select from luxurious watches and equipment, common cosmetics, cigarettes and alcohol, electronics and souvenirs. In case you’re departing from Narita or Haneda airport, you may have your purchases delivered to the airport and simply gather them earlier than boarding your flight.
Opening hours: 11:00 – 17:00
The Bic Digicam chain of shops sells each digital units and wonder merchandise. In Tokyo, Bicqlo Shinjuku East Exit is a retailer combining the Bic Digicam model and the Uniqlo trend model. You should buy VAT-free items right here or at different Bic Digicam branches, select the supply technique to the airport departure foyer after which freely stroll round sightseeing with out having to hold heavy baggage. Some staff can converse English or different overseas languages, and the shop additionally offers small multilingual handbooks for patrons.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
In Osaka, situated close to the well-known, central Shinsaibashi procuring space Doton Plaza Three flooring excessive is the world of well-known model procuring. The mall has a ready space, info desk, baggage check-in service, and a espresso store. You could find all the pieces right here, from cosmetics and jewellery to spirits, cigarettes and family home equipment. Most shops are open late to accommodate clients.
Opening hours: 9:00 – 20:30
Hankyu Umeda Major Retailer in Osaka is certainly one of Japan’s largest malls. You possibly can request a tax refund on the Abroad Buyer Service Counter. Simply present your passport, you will get a 5% low cost coupon. Multilingual employees (English, Chinese language or others) will assist you shortly discover what you want. With a whole bunch of home and worldwide manufacturers and two flooring dedicated to meals, you may take pleasure in a full day of procuring at Hankyu Umeda Major Retailer.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00
If you’re a fan of distinctive handicraft merchandise, come right here Kyoto Handicrafts Middle within the historical capital Kyoto. VAT-free conventional crafts together with kimonos, ceramics and even Japanese swords await you. You can too ask the shop to ship your objects to your lodging. The shop additionally has English-speaking employees, a vacationer info desk, a restaurant and a foreign money alternate.
Opening hours: 11:00 – 16:00
Issues to know
You can too store VAT-free at malls, boutiques and outlet shops. Search for crimson and white Tax-Free stickers in store home windows or at counters.
In the course of the day, make the most of sightseeing first and procuring later. Department shops are often open from 10:00 to twenty:00. Some pharmacies similar to Matsumoto Kiyoshi Open from 9:00 to 23:00 often situated close to main prepare stations. Come Don QuixoteJapan’s largest low cost retailer for a 24-hour procuring expertise in areas similar to Shinjuku and Shibuya in Tokyo or Umeda in Osaka.
At most shops, it is advisable spend a minimal of 5,000 Yen a day to qualify for tax exemption. At some shops you’ll obtain a tax refund instantly, or you may go to the tax refund counter on the airport earlier than returning dwelling. Bear in mind to deliver your passport for VAT-free procuring and watch out to not open the packaging of any shopper merchandise similar to meals, fragrance, or alcohol earlier than boarding the aircraft. In some instances, you might have to current your purchases at customs when leaving Japan. If in case you have any bother procuring in Japan, you may name Client help hotline for vacationers (Client Hotline for Vacationers).