Online Stores Based in Japan

📦 Shipping costs from Japan

Japan Post EMS: approx JPY 2,500-4,500 for 500g. DHL/FedEx/UPS: approx USD 30-60 for small parcels. Sea mail: JPY 1,500-3,000 but takes 1-3 months. Consolidating multiple orders saves 30-50% on shipping.

⏱ Delivery times

EMS: 2-4 days. DHL/FedEx/UPS: 1-5 days. Standard airmail: 5-8 days. Economy air (SAL): 6-13 days. Sea mail: 1-3 months.

🧾 Tax included in the price?

Japanese consumption tax (10%) is already included in all Japanese store prices. Japanese stores do not deduct this for international orders shipped overseas. The in-store tourist tax refund scheme applies ONLY to goods purchased in person in Japan and taken out in your luggage — it does NOT apply to online orders shipped internationally. You cannot reclaim Japanese consumption tax on international online purchases.

🔁 Do you need a forwarding service?

Many Japanese stores (Yahoo Auctions Japan, Mercari Japan, ZOZOTOWN, Rakuma, most smaller retailers) only ship domestically. A Japanese proxy or forwarding service such as Buyee, ZenMarket, or OneMall gives you access to the full range of stores. Compare forwarding services →

🚫 Export & import restrictions

Japan restricts export of: certain swords and blades (export permit required for antique swords), ivory and CITES-protected wildlife products, certain food items. Many destination countries restrict import of: fresh food and meat products, plants, certain medicines and supplements. Always check your own country's import rules before ordering food or health products from Japan.

💰 Best things to buy from Japan

Electronics (Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic — often 15-20% cheaper than abroad, Japan-exclusive models available). Japanese whisky (Suntory, Nikka, Yamazaki — significantly cheaper locally, some releases exclusive to Japan). Skincare and cosmetics (Shiseido, SK-II, Hada Labo, Canmake — typically 15-30% lower than imported versions). Anime and manga merchandise (figures, collectibles, official goods — widest selection and lowest prices at source). Kitchen knives (handmade knives from Kappabashi district). Uniqlo and MUJI (lower prices than international stores). Trading cards (Pokemon, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh — often 30-60% cheaper on Japanese platforms than on eBay or Amazon US).

🌟 Rare & exclusive to Japan

Japan-only Nintendo and Sony game releases. Limited edition anime merchandise sold only in Japan. Regional Kit Kat flavours. Domestic whisky releases not exported. Japan-market camera and electronics models. Studio Ghibli official merchandise.