Everywhere in the world has bargain stores. The US has dollar stores, the UK has Poundland, and of course, Japan has ¥100 stores. So what’s the difference between them? And is it worth going to a ¥100 store when there are perfectly good products that cost only a little more at almost any supermarket you can find?
Well, yeah. Let me talk you through it.
The Real Prices
The first thing to know about ¥100 Stores is: things are generally not ¥100. This might sound counterintuitive, but the ¥100 price is typically that given before sales tax, which is at present 10% for most goods. As such, the vast majority of goods at any ¥100 store are going to be priced at ¥110.
This is still deeply inexpensive for a drink, a snack, or a household good. And this is a great place to pick up those little bits and pieces that you need around the house.
It’s a terrific place to get things like cutlery, glassware, bowls, and plates. Chopsticks even make a wonderful yet cheap souvenir: a few years ago, I bought a few pairs for some children of my neighbors back home. They were apparently delighted by this. But chopsticks are also useful tools to have around the house,
Indeed, while there may be a stigma to buying things from cheaper stores, they generally have been of high quality in Japan. I still have glasses and mugs that I got for a pittance at my local ¥100 joint, and they have been faithful companions in my home ever since.
And when my Dad needed a comb, where else to go for something cheap, cheerful, and reliable, but the nearby ¥100 store?
Above ¥100
That being said, there are some products that are on sale that go beyond the standard of the single coin ¥100. And some of these have also been steadfast allies in my household. These include a special tatami mat brush made from bamboo, the most effective way to clean what are often mainstays of Japanese apartments and houses, and I picked up mine for ¥200.
You can also find kitchen knives for the low price of ¥300. These are not going to be as effective or as long-lasting as the typical vision of Japanese kitchenware. You will have to invest more money in a knife that will stand the test of time, usually at least a few thousand yen, if not more. But for a stop-gap after you first move into a place, they’re perfectly adequate.
Even electronics can be purchased here. Nothing too fancy — don’t expect to purchase a PC from a ¥100 shop — but things like extension cords, phone chargers, and other small items to make our lives easier are available for around ¥400 (or sometimes more).
Where to Go
There are many, many different brands of ¥100 stores, ever since they were introduced way back in the 1980s. For my taste, my favorite is Meets, a smaller chain owned by Watts. It’s small, but has a good selection, and friendly staff — they even let me keep a set of drawers I was carrying for a moment while I took them home.
But it’s not the biggest. The biggest and most famous ¥100 store goes to Daiso, and not without reason. It is a place where you can get nearly anything: I walked away with a pillow and a pillowcase for ¥220. This is wildly cheap, even for Japan, a country that is generally very affordable.
Not only this, but stationary, home decor, character-branded items and more are available at these stores, at prices that make your pocket only very slightly lighter.
Can Do stores are another source of affordable, quality products. I’ve purchased slippers from a Can Do (although, they didn’t fit my feet… a problem with some Japanese footwear), and belts, socks, and miso soup and rice bowls — all for a pittance.
But even smaller chains and brands exist all over Japan. No matter where you are, you’ll never be far from one of the best places to get your daily necessities, or even a quick snack.
In Summary
The ¥100 store is not the place to do your weekly shop. Nor is it the best location to pick uo large furniture. But if you need a lifestyle necessity in a hurry and only have a few coins in your pockets, there’s no better place.
