Many travelers to Japan include shopping among their top priorities—especially what can only be called a “haul of daily-use items.” It’s not about luxury brands, but about discovering how truly excellent ordinary products from drugstores and lifestyle shops can be. Visitors often arrive with empty suitcases—and come home with them stuffed to the brim. For many, the trip becomes less about sightseeing and more about shopping. After experiencing this, a lot of people decide: “Next time, I’ll buy even more in Japan.”
Among repeat visitors, the first recommendation is often eyedrops. They’re praised for their refreshing sensation and instant relief from dry or tired eyes. With so many varieties available, finding the perfect one becomes a fun quest—and people often buy extras as souvenirs. Small and lightweight, they’re easy to pack in any quantity.
Another popular staple is toothpaste. Whether it’s whitening, gum-care, or sensitivity protection, products are clearly labeled and easy to understand even without reading Japanese. Many appreciate the reassurance that comes from “using what Japanese people use every day,” and want to continue using it at home after their trip.
Sanitary goods like pads and cooling sheets are also must-buys. Visitors are often moved by their softness and absorbency—some even say, “I can’t go back to foreign brands anymore.” Cooling sheets, useful not just for fever but also during hot summers, are hailed as versatile lifesavers. Travelers often carry them as a precaution against feeling unwell while abroad.
Beauty products are another highlight, with facial masks ranking especially high in popularity. From individually wrapped sheets to bulk packs, there are options for every skin concern. With a wide variety of scents and ingredients, even choosing one becomes an enjoyable part of the experience. Japanese skincare also features items like booster serums, beauty oils, and eyelash treatments—each designed to meet even the most specific needs, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail in Japanese product design.
Household items such as kitchenware and cleaning tools are also in demand. Think collapsible silicone bowls, oil-splash guards, portable chopsticks, nail clippers, and even shoe insoles. Many are surprised by their clever functionality after trying them out, often choosing to repurchase the same items during their next visit. Some even say that a tool they picked up at a 100-yen shop became “the most useful item in their life.”
Adding to the appeal are bulk packs and limited-edition packaging, often designed with travelers in mind. Tax-free stores offer discounts and special perks based on purchase amounts, making the “buy in bulk” style not only convenient but highly encouraged. These stores also increasingly offer multilingual guides and signage in English and Chinese, helping international visitors shop with confidence.
Many travelers recount a familiar story: what started as a small trial purchase during their first trip to Japan turned out to be unexpectedly satisfying—so much so that the same store becomes their first stop on their next visit. It’s become a common tale among inbound tourists. Japanese drugstores and lifestyle shops are not just places to buy things—they are places where the essentials of daily life are thoughtfully curated. Not flashy luxuries, but reliable everyday items—these unsung heroes quietly shape how people remember their travels.
Coming with an empty suitcase isn’t just about packing light—it’s about preparing to bring back treasures found only in Japan. We invite you to make Japanese “everyday items” one of your travel destinations. They’ll continue to enrich your life, long after your journey ends.