5 Tips for Economical Shopping in Japan
How to save money when shopping in Japan
Saving money is a top priority for those studying or working in Japan, especially if you have a family or need to send money back home. While cutting down on significant expenses like travel may be the quickest way, paying attention to everyday shopping habits can also lead to significant savings.
Avoid Convenience Stores and Vending Machines
Convenience stores (kombini) and vending machines may be iconic symbols of Japan. But for the sake of your wallet, stay away from them as much as possible! Forget all foreign videos singing praises of these places. One step aside, and you’ll lose a fortune.
The reason is the prices in kombini and vending machines are much higher, around 1.5 to 2 times more than those at supermarkets. While they may be a quick solution in a rush, they aren’t ideal for regular shopping.
Explore Alternative Shopping Spots
If kombini and vending machines aren’t your go-to options, consider exploring other places for more budget-friendly shopping. While chain supermarkets like AEON pose a convenient choice to buy everything at once, I have other suggestions to reduce grocery costs even more.
For Foods
My first recommendation is local markets (市場, ichiba). Ichiba refers to open-air shopping streets containing vendors of fish, fruits, meat, rice, and vegetables. You can also find coffee shops, izakayas, and shops for ready-made foods in these markets.
Moreover, since the shops there often specialize in seasonal goods, the prices will be much cheaper. One unfortunate news about local markets is they are rare in commercial areas or city centers. You have better chances of finding them in residential areas.
Another shopping option is wholesale supermarkets, like Gyōmu, Hanamasa, or Donkihote. These places often sell larger quantities at lower costs. I recommend these places if you need food for an entire family. But for those who live alone and are light eaters, you should learn some ways to store your food.
For Clothes and Other Essentials
For clothing and other essentials, second-hand stores like BOOK-OFF provide nearly new clothes at significantly lower prices, like 50–70% discounts. Aside from clothes, second-hand stores have a good deal of other appliances, like cooking equipment and household appliances.
Additionally, open-air and flea markets for used items, held once or twice a month in a public park or university campus, can be treasure troves for discounted goods. Be sure to arrive early, as the best deals go quickly.
Check Discounted Foods
Before shopping, always check for discounted items close to their use-by date. Every supermarket has a discount rack for fruits and vegetables, with discounts ranging from 20% to 50%. Several huge supermarkets can have this rack in every category: fruits, vegetables, meat, and sweets.
Moreover, since the locals have a high standard for the goods, they are willing to sell products with little fault at a cheaper price. So, yes, my primary target when shopping is always discounted food racks.
Stay Around Until Sale Times
Besides discount racks, the sale times are another opportunity to buy cheaper goods. This period usually varies depending on the day and the supermarket, but it typically starts at around 6 PM to 9 PM. The later the hour, the more the price goes down.
Some may say you should go shopping at this hour, but my advice is to come earlier, even just a bit. That will increase your chances of securing discounted products before others snatch them up. And when the supermarket employees go around with the price gun, they’ll approach the employee to get the stamp on their products.
One drawback of this advice is you have to hang around at the supermarket for a long time. I once had to wait for nearly 3 hours to get the highest discount (but it was 50% for the meat, so it’s worth it).
Opt for Seafood and Chicken Instead
I admit beef is delicious. However, since Japan is a small country without much farmland, beef or pork’s price is much higher. That makes seafood and chicken a more economical choice. Frozen seafood products can further reduce your monthly food costs.
These tips helped me save on my shopping expenses during my time in Japan. If you have additional money-saving tips, feel free to share them in the comments for me and other readers!
