Buying Affordable Home Goods in Japan

Moving to Japan is exciting—until you realize you need to furnish your apartment, and suddenly, you’re standing in a ¥100,000 store wondering if you can survive with just a futon and a single spoon. Don’t worry—Japan has plenty of budget-friendly options for home goods, whether you’re furnishing a new place or just need a few essentials.

Here’s a breakdown of where to find affordable home goods in Japan as a foreigner.

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🏪 1. 100-Yen Shops (Daiso, Seria, Can Do)

💡 Best for: Small kitchen items, storage solutions, tableware, cleaning supplies

If you’ve never been to a Japanese 100-yen store, prepare to have your mind blown. These places sell everything from ceramic plates to bathroom organizers—often in surprisingly stylish designs. The quality can be hit or miss, but for everyday basics, they’re unbeatable.

Best 100-Yen Stores for Home Goods:

• Daiso – The biggest and most famous, with the widest selection.
• Seria – More aesthetically pleasing, with a focus on design.
• Can Do – Similar to Daiso, but often has different stock.

📍 Where to find them: Everywhere! Almost every train station or shopping area has at least one.

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🛍 2. Nitori – Japan’s IKEA

💡 Best for: Furniture, bedding, kitchenware, home decor

Nitori is the go-to for affordable, quality home goods in Japan. It’s basically IKEA, but with a Japanese twist—think futons instead of big Western-style beds and kotatsu (heated tables) for winter. Their furniture is reasonably priced, and their kitchenware and storage solutions are perfect for small apartments.

🛒 What’s worth buying?

• Affordable and comfy futons
• Space-saving furniture
• Stylish storage solutions

📍 Where to find it: Major shopping areas and online.

🔗 Nitori’s Website (They offer online shopping, but only in Japanese.)

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🏠 3. IKEA Japan – For That Familiar Feeling

💡 Best for: Western-style furniture, kitchenware, rugs, and bedding

If you need a real bed instead of a futon or want some familiar home goods, IKEA Japan is your friend. The prices are similar to Nitori, but they cater more to Western tastes (like bigger beds and larger sofas).

🛒 What’s worth buying?

• Western-style bedding
• Affordable sofas and chairs
• Kitchen gadgets

📍 Where to find it: There are a few IKEA locations in Japan, mostly near major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. They also offer delivery.

🔗 IKEA Japan Website

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♻️ 4. Recycle Shops – Hidden Treasures on a Budget

💡 Best for: Second-hand furniture, appliances, and unique finds

Japan’s recycle shops are goldmines for cheap, quality home goods. Since people in Japan move often (and apartments are tiny), you can find barely-used furniture and appliances at a fraction of the original price.

Best Recycle Shops:

• Hard-Off & Off-House – Furniture, home appliances, and random treasures.
• Treasure Factory – A mix of brand-name and budget finds.
• Second Street – Popular for home goods and furniture.

📍 Where to find them: Search “リサイクルショップ” (Recycle Shop) in Google Maps, and you’ll find one nearby.

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🏢 5. Don Quijote – The Wild Card

💡 Best for: Quirky home goods, kitchen gadgets, bedding, and storage items

Don Quijote (or Donki) is chaotic, loud, and overwhelming—but it’s also a great place to find home goods at a discount. They sell everything from futons to microwaves, often at lower prices than department stores.

🛒 What’s worth buying?

• Budget-friendly bedding sets
• Kitchen appliances and gadgets
• Space-saving organizers

📍 Where to find it: Major shopping districts and tourist areas.

🔗 Don Quijote Website

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🛒 6. Amazon Japan & Rakuten – Online Shopping for Convenience

💡 Best for: Everything, especially if you don’t have time to shop in person

If you prefer shopping from the comfort of your (yet-to-be-furnished) home, Amazon Japan and Rakuten are great options. Both offer a mix of Japanese and international brands, often with next-day delivery.

📍 Where to find them:

• Amazon Japan
• Rakuten

🛒 Tips for Shopping Online:

• Use a translation tool if you don’t read Japanese.
• Check reviews to avoid low-quality items.
• Look for “送料無料” (free shipping).

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🚛 7. Sayonara Sales – The Foreigner’s Secret Weapon

💡 Best for: Free or super cheap furniture and appliances

Foreigners leaving Japan often sell or give away their furniture and home goods for cheap. This is called a sayonara sale, and it’s one of the best ways to get quality items for next to nothing.

📍 Where to find sayonara sales:

• Facebook groups like “Mottainai Japan”
• Craigslist Japan
• Local expat forums

🔑 Pro tip: If you live in a big city like Tokyo or Osaka, you can often get furniture for free just by offering to pick it up.

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💡 Final Tips for Budget-Friendly Home Shopping in Japan

• Compare prices: Sometimes Nitori and IKEA have similar items, but one is cheaper.
• Check second-hand first: You’d be surprised what people sell at recycle shops.
• Use local buy/sell groups: You might score great deals from other foreigners.
• Beware of delivery fees: Some stores charge high fees for large items, so check before you buy.

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🎯 TL;DR: Where Should You Shop?

• Need something quick and cheap? → Daiso or Seria (100-yen shops)
• Looking for affordable furniture? → Nitori or IKEA
• Want second-hand deals? → Recycle shops (Hard-Off, Second Street)
• Prefer shopping online? → Amazon Japan, Rakuten
• On a super tight budget? → Sayonara sales & Facebook groups

Moving to Japan is expensive, but furnishing your home doesn’t have to be. With these budget-friendly stores, you can turn your empty apartment into a cozy home—without emptying your wallet.

Got any specific items you’re looking for? Let me know, and I can recommend the best places to buy them! 🚀