Have you ever heard of Japanese “fukubukuro”?
Fukubukuro, also known as “lucky bags,” are a New Year’s tradition in Japan and are similar to mystery bags.
In this article, we’ll introduce tourists to the contents of fukubukuro, how to buy them, and what to keep in mind when purchasing.
What are fukubukuro?
Image from photo-ac.com
Fukubukuro is one of Japan’s New Year traditions.
These lucky bags have a set price, but their contents are hidden from view.
The excitement of not knowing what’s inside and the chance to get a great deal make fukubukuro one of the joys of the New Year for Japanese people.
While fukubukuro remain popular today, they are actually a traditional custom dating back to the Edo period.
The term refers to assorted goods sold during the first sales of the year, and fukubukuro are available in various categories, including clothing, cosmetics, and food.
There are even unique fukubukuro focused on specific themes like character merchandise or travel.
Where can you buy fukubukuro?
Today, fukubukuro can be purchased in various places. Here are some typical locations.
Department Stores
Fukubukuro are so strongly associated with department stores that they’ve become a New Year’s tradition.
Stores like Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi Isetan, and Daimaru Matsuzakaya offer a wide range of fukubukuro, from luxury brands to popular labels.
They’re especially known for their cosmetics and fashion lucky bags, which make great treats for yourself or gifts for others.
Prices range from a few thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen, depending on the brand and contents.
Shopping Malls
Large shopping centers like AEON Mall and Lazona Kawasaki Plaza have multiple stores offering fukubukuro.
The appeal here is the ability to compare various types of lucky bags – from fashion to household goods to food – all in one place.
Prices tend to be relatively reasonable, but popular items may sell out quickly.
Specialty Stores
Besides fashion retailers, fukubukuro are also available at electronics stores, bookshops, drugstores, and other specialty shops.
The unique appeal of these fukubukuro is the opportunity to get advice from knowledgeable staff.
Prices vary greatly depending on the store.
Online Stores
Image by Preis_King from Pixabay
Recently, fukubukuro have become available for online purchase.
Platforms like Rakuten, Amazon, and Yahoo! Shopping offer rare fukubukuro that might not be found in physical stores, and allow you to compare options from shops nationwide.
The convenience of shopping from home is another advantage.
Prices are usually similar to or slightly better than those in physical stores.
Unique Fukubukuro
The price and concept of fukubukuro vary greatly depending on the store.
Let’s look at some unique fukubukuro that have actually been sold in the past.
203 Million Yen Ultra-Luxury Fukubukuro
Image from prtimes.jp
FRANCK MULLER GENEVE (GINZA SIX) is famous for selling high-end fukubukuro. In 2023, they offered a fukubukuro priced at a staggering 203 million yen (about $1.8 million).
The contents included a wristwatch, jewelry, and a Frank Muller Future Form.
Apple Fukubukuro
Image from unsplash.com
Given the Japanese love for Apple products, some electronics stores sell “”Apple product fukubukuro”” during New Year’s.
These are must-buy items for Apple fans.
Travel Package with Fireworks
Image from pixabay.com
The Matsuzakaya department store in Nagoya is known for releasing unique fukubukuro each year.
In 2023, they sold a fukubukuro that included a travel plan featuring a custom fireworks show.
Things to keep in mind when buying fukubukuro
While fukubukuro can be an exciting event, there are several points to consider to ensure you get a good deal.
Check the sale period and purchase method
Fukubukuro are typically sold during a short period around New Year’s.
Make sure to confirm the sale period and purchase method (online or in-store) in advance.
Popular items can sell out quickly, so it’s important to act early.
Try to predict the contents
Since you can’t see inside fukubukuro, it’s impossible to know exactly what’s inside beforehand.
However, you may be able to make educated guesses based on the sales page or store information.
It’s a good idea to check if the potential contents, such as sizes or colors, suit your needs.
Understand the return and exchange policy
Due to the mystery nature of fukubukuro, returns and exchanges are often not allowed.
It’s particularly difficult to return items for reasons like wrong size or not meeting expectations, so be cautious.
Set a budget
Because the contents are unknown, fukubukuro can end up being more expensive than anticipated.
Set a budget in advance and choose fukubukuro that fit within it.
Avoid crowds
The initial fukubukuro sales can be extremely crowded.
Plan ahead to allow plenty of time and try to shop when it’s less busy.
Conclusion
Fukubukuro can be a way to test your luck for the New Year, so if you’re planning to visit Japan during the New Year period, why not give it a try?
However, due to the mystery nature of these lucky bags, returns and exchanges are often not possible, so caution is advised.
We hope this article helps you find the perfect fukubukuro for you.
