Cheap shopping in Japan

For inexpensive shopping in Japan, first, watch out for the expression "puchipura" (プ チ プ ラ), a local expression made up of "small" (puchi) and the first syllables of English "price" (puraisu). Puchipura stores can be found everywhere for those who seek.

• The 100 yen shops

We can never talk about it enough, the 100 yen shop, a store where everything is 100 yen (less than $1/1€) is THE benchmark for low-cost shopping. There is little clothing, of course, but a lot of accessories: socks, hair clips, small jewelry ... a 10% VAT will be added to the bill.

• Shimamura

Shimamura is a brand present throughout the country, offering inexpensive and fairly good quality clothing. You can dress from head to toe: hats, dresses, jackets, and, sandals. You can find everything there, for men and women of all ages. Shimamura also has the feature offering "king/queen size" clothing, perfect for foreign visitors requiring larger sizes.

• Don Quijote

You can also find clothes at Don Quijote, a chain known for its low prices. Depending on the season, you will find anything and everything there...  even light summer kimonos (yukata) and traditional sandals there. The only downside: the brand's theme song playing endlessly in the background... will have you humming the song long after your leave the store.

• Mode Off - Vintage clothes

Have you heard of Book Off, the chain store offering second-hand books, manga, CDs, or DVDs? For clothes, try its little sister store: Mode Off. Vintage wear for men and women, classified by brand, and luxury leather goods at attractive prices! In Tokyo, for example, you will find a large one near JR Tachikawa station, 30 min from Shinjuku by the Chuô line express.

• All-season sales

Many sales (bagen [bargain] or sêru [sales] in Japanese) take place throughout the year in Japan thus look for stores frequently offering discounts and sale items. If you are in the Kansai area, you can even negotiate as the culture dictates. However, do not attempt this in Tokyo or other cities as you can expect a blank stare in return so at your risk! 

In January, the New Year's sales take place. Most brands offer fukubukuro, surprise pouches that contain items with a value much greater than the price of the pouch.

In February, stores begin to offer spring collections and sell off their winter items. Promotions are also offered in May during Golden Week. In July and August, it is the summer sales. In September, the fall collections begin to appear in the windows and the signs sell off the summer collections. Some brands also offer fall sales in November. Finally, in December, take advantage of the discounts on winter clothes.