Japan Shopping Category Guide: Strategies for Drugstores, Department Stores, Convenience Stores, and Electronics Retailers

Shopping is one of the highlights of a trip to Japan! However, wandering aimlessly can quickly drain your energy and lead you to miss the items you actually need. In Japan, products and discount benefits are clearly defined by the type of store. This guide reveals shopping strategies by category to keep your wallet smart, covering everything from drugstores to department stores and even convenience stores.

Key information available in this guide:

[Important] Shopping tips following the November 2026 tax-free system revision (Post-purchase refund system)
Tips for smart shopping at drugstores like Don Quijote and Matsumoto Kiyoshi
How to get an extra 5% discount with a guest card at major department stores like Isetan and Hankyu
Precautions regarding voltage and warranties when purchasing from electronics retailers like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera
Recommended high-quality private brand (PB) items found only in convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)

Don Quijote & Drugstore Shopping Tips (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sugi Pharmacy)

If you want to take care of medicines, cosmetics, and daily necessities all at once, drugstores are the answer.

Don Quijote: It's a place that has 'everything except what doesn't exist.' Open late into the night, they offer a wide variety of items from groceries to costumes. If you spend over 10,000 yen, you can use a dedicated digital coupon to get an additional 5% discount on top of the 10% tax exemption.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi / Sugi Pharmacy: These specialize more in medicines and beauty products than Don Quijote. Prices vary slightly by location, so it's a good idea to compare prices with nearby stores before buying in bulk.
Tip: In many stores, medicines must be paid for at a dedicated counter. According to regulations implemented in April 2025, 'separate shipments' (items sent by mail) are excluded from tax exemption, so ensure you only claim tax-free benefits for items you will carry with you when leaving the country.

How to Get a 5% Discount with Department Store Guest Cards (Isetan, Hankyu, etc.)

Japanese department stores are optimized for brand shopping. In particular, there is a powerful weapon for tourists.

Guest Card Issuance: At major department stores like Mitsukoshi, Isetan, and Daimaru, you can get a '5% OFF Guest Card' by showing your passport, which provides an immediate 5% discount.
Combined Benefits: This 5% discount can be combined with the 10% tax refund (approximately 8% after service fees), allowing you to buy luxury or fashion goods at a very low price. (Excludes some brands like Chanel.)
Handkerchief Shopping: Handkerchiefs from famous brands like Vivienne Westwood and Polo are popular gifts, priced between 1,000 and 2,000 yen.

Precautions When Purchasing Electronics at Bic Camera & Yodobashi Camera

If you are looking for cameras, game consoles, or home appliances, go to specialized retailers.

Additional Discount Codes: You can often receive an extra 3–7% discount coupon beyond tax exemption by adding official store accounts on Facebook or LINE.
Voltage Warning: Japanese appliances are often 110V only. You must verify if the product is 'Free Voltage' to use it in Korea without a step-up transformer.
Warranty: Unless the product includes an 'International Warranty' card, you may not be able to get free A/S in Korea, so decide carefully.

Recommended Convenience Store (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) PB Items

Japanese convenience stores are shopping destinations in their own right. Don't miss the Private Brand (PB) products of each chain.

7-Eleven: The 'Seven Premium' line is famous for high-quality desserts and snacks.
Lawson: Known for the signature Mochi Roll and desserts from the 'Uchi Cafe' line.
FamilyMart: Famous for 'Famichiki' (fried chicken) and limited-edition collaboration goods.

FAQ

Q. Is there a way for foreigners to get discounts at Japanese department stores?
Yes, present your passport at the information desk to receive a 'Guest Card.' You will receive a 5% discount, and you can get a tax refund at the tax-free counter after payment.

Q. Can I use electronics purchased in Japan immediately in Korea?

[!IMPORTANT]
Notice of Major Change to Tax-Free System on November 1, 2026
From November 2026, the Japanese tax-free system is scheduled to change to a 'post-purchase refund system.' After the change, you will need to pay the full price including tax at the store first, so please prepare a budget 10% larger than usual. Travelers until October 2026 can continue to use the current 'immediate tax-free deduction' method.

Conclusion: Final Shopping Strategy Linked to Tax Refunds

Once you have mastered the strategies by category, it's time to check the actual payment and refund scenarios. Learn how to get immediate refunds at stores and how to use department store tax-free counters through our Tax Refund Guide. Also, if you expect a large expenditure, it is recommended to check the limits of your Travelog or Travel Wallet cards by referring to our Japanese Yen Exchange and Payment Guide. Don't forget the smart move of scheduling late-night drugstore visits at the end of your day by checking our Operating Hours Guide. Check out the follow-up information in the guide list to increase your shopping success rate. We hope you have a happy shopping trip that starts with an empty suitcase and returns full!