Thrift Japan › Thrift shopping guide
Japan is one of the best places in the world for second-hand shopping. Things tend to be well looked after, shops check and clean items before selling them, and prices are clearly marked. Whether you're after manga, vintage cameras, designer bags or retro games, here's what to know before you go.
Most second-hand shopping happens in large chain stores such as BOOKOFF, HARD OFF and 2nd STREET. Each chain specialises in different things, so it's worth reading what each chain sells before you set out. In big cities you'll also find independent vintage clothing shops, collectors' shops and regular flea markets.
The biggest stores are often in the suburbs, where rent is cheaper. Central branches are smaller, but easier to reach by train.
Price tags often include a condition note, written in Japanese. These are the ones you'll see most:
| Label | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 未使用 | mishiyō | Unused, often still in its packaging |
| 新品 | shinpin | New |
| 美品 | bihin | Used, in excellent condition |
| 中古 | chūko | Used |
| 訳あり | wake-ari | Has a flaw, explained on the tag |
| ジャンク | janku | Junk: sold as-is, untested or faulty, no returns |
Many chains also grade items with letters, such as S, A, B and C, from best to worst. Each chain uses its own scale, and the grade is usually explained on a sign near the till.
Prices are fixed in chain stores, so don't try to haggle. Prices on tags may be shown with or without the 10% consumption tax. 税込 (zeikomi) means tax is included, and 税抜 (zeinuki) means it will be added at the till. Flea markets are different: polite bargaining is normal there.
Most large chains accept major credit cards and IC transport cards such as Suica. Small independent shops and flea market stalls may only take cash, so carry some yen.
Many larger second-hand stores are registered tax-free shops. Look for the "Japan. Tax-free Shop" sign and bring your passport, as photos or copies aren't accepted.
From 1 November 2026, Japan's tax-free system works as a refund. You pay the full price, including the 10% consumption tax, and the shop records the purchase against your passport. Customs then checks the goods when you leave Japan, and the tax is refunded after that. Purchases must add up to at least ¥5,000 (before tax) at one shop on one day. Keep tax-free items with you, ideally in your hand luggage, so you can show them at departure.
Japan uses 100-volt electricity and two-pin type A plugs, the same shape as in the United States. Many chargers and laptop power supplies accept anything from 100 to 240 volts, which is printed on the label. Equipment made only for 100 volts needs a step-down transformer in countries that use 220 to 240 volts.
Ask staff if you can test an item before buying. Most chains will let you, except for items in the junk section. Instruction manuals and menus will usually be in Japanese, though many cameras and some audio equipment can be switched to English.
Nintendo Switch games are region-free, so Japanese copies work on consoles from anywhere. So do most PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games. Older Nintendo systems, such as the 3DS, Wii and Super Famicom, are region-locked or use differently shaped cartridges, so Japanese games may not work on a console from home.
Japanese DVDs are region 2, the same as Europe, but use the NTSC video standard. Japanese Blu-rays are region A, the same as North America and much of East Asia.
Japanese clothing sizes run smaller than US and European sizes, and shoes are sized in centimetres. Most chains have fitting rooms. Look for 試着室 (shichakushitsu), and ask before trying items on.
How much is this?
これはいくらですか？
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
May I try this on?
試着してもいいですか？
Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?
Can I check that it works?
動作確認できますか？
Dōsa kakunin dekimasu ka?
Can I buy this tax-free?
免税できますか？
Menzei dekimasu ka?
Can I pay by card?
カードで払えますか？
Kādo de haraemasu ka?
There are more in our shopping phrases guide, with audio in the Tabi Phrasebook app.
For heavy or bulky finds, Japan Post's international services, including EMS, can ship parcels from any large post office. Check your own country's customs rules before buying, particularly for items made from animal products, plants or wood, and for anything with a battery.