Are you a foreign tourist visiting Japan and thinking about purchasing luxury goods?
Of course, buying from official boutiques is the safest option with the widest selection.
But since you’ve come all the way to Japan, wouldn’t you like to find even better deals?
The good news is that there are ways to buy luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermès at lower prices in Japan.
In this article, we’ll introduce three smart shopping methods that could help you snag that designer item you’ve been eyeing at a more reasonable price.
Shop at Duty-Free Stores
Duty-free stores allow international travelers to purchase goods without paying taxes.
You can find these stores at major airports and popular tourist destinations.
Japan’s main international airports, Narita and Haneda, host duty-free shops for numerous luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton.
These airports are well-equipped for tax-free shopping, catering to the many foreign tourists who pass through.
Benefits
- Save money by avoiding consumption tax
- Purchase brand-new, authentic items
- Convenient for last-minute shopping before your flight home
Things to keep in mind
- You’ll need to show your passport
- The selection may be more limited compared to downtown boutiques
Visit Outlet Malls
Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/
Outlet malls are large shopping centers where you can buy brand-name products at discounted prices.
They’re often located in suburban areas.
Most outlet malls now offer tax-free shopping for international tourists.
While official outlets for Louis Vuitton and Hermès don’t exist in Japan, many other luxury brands have stores in these malls.
GUCCI:
- Gotemba Premium Outlets (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu (Chiba Prefecture)
- Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets (Hyogo Prefecture), and others.
PRADA:
- Gotemba Premium Outlets (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets (Hyogo Prefecture), and others.
Note: This information is current as of August 2024.
These popular outlet malls feature numerous high-end brand shops, offering great shopping experiences at discounted prices.
Benefits
- Significant discounts on products
- Many brands in one location for easy comparison
- Potential tax-free shopping
- Some stores may offer additional discount coupons
Things to keep in mind
- Often located far from city centers, which may require extra travel time
- Less likely to have the latest product lines
- Popular items may sell out quickly
Shop at Luxury Pre-loved Goods Stores
These are specialized stores that sell second-hand luxury brand items in good condition.
Most of these stores now offer tax-free shopping for tourists.
While Japanese second-hand goods are known for their high reliability compared to other countries, it’s still crucial to choose trustworthy, well-established shops to ensure quality and authenticity.
For example, Komehyo is Japan’s largest publicly listed resale shop, known for its reliable handling of luxury brand items.
By using such reputable stores, you can purchase pre-loved items with confidence.
Benefits
- Significantly lower prices compared to new items
- Possibility of finding rare vintage pieces or discontinued products
- Potential tax-free shopping
- An environmentally friendly shopping option
Things to keep in mind
- Items are not brand new
- Authenticity checks are important – choose reliable stores
- Warranty and after-sales service may be limited
By shopping at major pre-loved stores, you can minimize concerns about quality and authenticity while getting great deals on luxury brand items.
These stores often have multiple branches, making them easy to find in major tourist areas.
Conclusion
By combining these methods, you can purchase your favorite luxury brand items at great prices during your stay in Japan.
We recommend checking directly with each store about tax-free pricing and the availability of additional discount coupons. Enjoy your wonderful shopping experience!
