11 Cheap Things to Buy in Japan

If you ‘re planning to visit Japan then you might use reading our list of 11 cheap things to buy in Japan.

Traveling is the one thing we should never regret spending our money on. Whether it is a two-day trip to the nearest state or a long journey including beaches, hiking, and exploring, there is just something about traveling that makes us feel refreshed and ready to face the challenges of life. It is a special experience which enables us to detach from the everyday duties and all the problems and to feel free.

Some people enjoy going to beaches and believe that this is the only true way to relax and energize. Others prefer adventures such as visiting small, distant countries and discovering all about them in a few days. Tasting the most popular local food, visiting the landmarks, meeting some locals and inquire about their culture…It is all so interesting when coming from a different culture and this experience is priceless because you have created your own story about a certain place, and that story is not a shallow media representation but it is based on facts that you saw for yourself.  You wish to take in as much as possible, to remember the details you will tell all about once you go back home. Something that helps us remember the small things from our trip and tell the story are souvenirs. And by souvenirs, I do not only mean small objects like fridge magnets. Some people like to buy things that are typical of the place they are visiting and represent some essential feature of the country. Those things range from books, clothes to cups and food. Others simply want a small memento to give to their friends or family but that which is not expensive.

If you are one of those who enjoy experiencing a new culture, or you’re thinking about studying and living somewhere far away from your home, Japan should definitely be on your list. Apart from its long and wonderful history and tradition, Japan is a country of literate people with a literacy rate of almost 100%. If you are thinking of visiting this lovely country and taste their food, you may find rice at every meal, and if you are brave enough, you can taste raw horse meat which is popular in this country. Earlier, we wrote about Cool Stuff To Buy In Japan, but many of us have a tight budget that doesn’t allow us to spend money as we like it, regardless of whether you’re visiting Japan or living there. That is why our aim was to find very affordable items that you can buy without endangering your budget. We took a look at this YouTube video as well as several websites dealing with similar topics such as  Tokyo Cheapo and Japan Info, in order to find out what is cheap in Japan. We compiled a list of 11 cheap things to buy in Japan and we also included prices where possible.

11. Tissues

Tissues are very cheap in Japan and this is great considering how often we use them. Usually, tissues are sold in large packets, for example, boxes of two hundred tissues sold in packets of 5 which only costs around 300 yen. This is pretty cheap and you probably won’t have to buy them again anytime soon.

10. Books

I was beautifully surprised to discover that books are actually cheap in Japan, compared to some other states. Usually, books can be found between 1000-2000 yen, although there are more expensive ones, too.

9. Umbrellas

It is not uncommon to hear about people buying umbrellas as souvenirs when visiting Japan. This is because umbrellas are fairly cheap in this country and they can be found everywhere. Usually, the price of an umbrella is about 1000 yen or about $9 but you can find them in 100 yen stores, too.

8. Chopsticks

Another cheap thing to buy when in Japan are chopsticks. This practical everyday item can be found everywhere. You can buy them in 100-yen store if you are looking for something cheap. For those with a fancier taste, you buy a more expensive pair of chopsticks at souvenir shops.

7. Origami Paper

In Japan, origami paper is not expensive at all, and it can be bought for about 100 yen which is approximately 0.90 US dollars. It can be a great gift for your friends or a kid. Origami paper is colorful and there are packs that are the perfect size for traveling.

6. Tea

One of the first things that come to your mind when you think of this country simply had to be on our list of 11 cheap things to buy in Japan. Green tea is very popular in Japan and it is very affordable. There are cheap varieties along with more expensive ones, so you can choose according to your budget.

5. Kit Kat

We are continuing our list of cheap things to buy in Japan with Kit Kat that comes in various flavors in Japan, including green tea, rum raisin, and strawberry, which is not something you may see elsewhere. Due to its many flavors, Kit Kat is very popular in this country and you can buy a pack of Kit Kat for less than 300 yen in supermarkets. The price is probably another reason why it is so popular in Japan.

4. Ceramic

Everyone is aware that Japan is known for its ceramics. There are beautiful bowls, plates, and glasses that can be bought very cheaply sometimes. If you visit antique stores or 100-yen stores, you may be able to buy it for as low as 100 yen. This is a perfect gift which is also quite practical.

3. Seafood

Considering that Japan is a land of seafood, it is only natural that fish and other seafood are very cheap in this country. If staying in Japan and on a budget, then the fish for lunch might be the best option because you can find it at bargain prices. Since eating out in Japan is not pricey (usually around 100 yen), you can eat your fish in a restaurant and not even bother preparing it. Now, let’s see the top two on our list of cheap things to buy in Japan.

2. Paper Fans

During the warm months, paper fans can be found anywhere in the streets and for very little money, they are practically giving them away, just like tissues. They come in various colors and shapes, and if you want a fancier, quality version of a paper fan, then you will pay slightly more.

1. Second-Hand Goods

Last but not the least on our list of 11 cheap things to buy in Japan are second-hand goods. Second-hand clothes and goods, in general, are very inexpensive in Japan. This goes for luxury second-hand clothes, too, so you can get a shirt for under 100 yen. Luxury bags and purses are sold in second-hand shops for very reasonable prices, and if you’re into vintage clothes then take a look at this post from All About Japan where you can find more information on vintage second-hand shops.