100 Yen Shop: Top 10 Must-Buy Souvenirs and Popular Items in Japan

100 Yen Stores in Japan - Top 10 Items

A 100 yen shop is a store where the goods inside are sold for 100 yen (110 yen with tax). The most famous Japanese dollar store chains are DAISO, Seria, and Can Do, and are located throughout the country, from big cities like Tokyo, to small suburbs in Kyoto.

100 yen shops in Japan are lined with shelves full of kitchen and bathroom goods, cleaning products, cosmetics, food, small home decor items, and more. 100 yen shops are great places to go if you need to fix something or have lost an item, are looking for items to help with household chores, or need to buy many different souvenirs.

Here is our roundup of 10 popular Japanese items and gifts to look for.

1. Sensu - Traditional Japanese Fans

A sensu fan that could cost over 1,000 yen at a specialty shop can be bought here for 100 yen. In the summer there are many designs to choose from, like traditional Japanese prints, cute characters, floral prints, and more.

2. Tenugui -Japanese Towels

Tenugui is a type of Japanese towel. It is made from a thin, cloth-like handkerchief material, but is as big as a towel when unfolded. 100 yen stores often have a wide variety of tenugui to choose from; Daiso, in particular, has a large selection that will appeal to a variety of customers. Tenugui are great for everyday use and also make thoughtful gifts.

3. Ninja-Themed Goods

Ninja goods can also be bought at a 100 yen store. We recommend Can Do’s shuriken magnets, which are available in either black or silver. If you are lucky you may also find ninja design tenugui and stickers sold there too.

4. Kawaii Character Items - Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, and other Japanese Designs

Character goods make excellent souvenirs for people who like kawaii, or cute things. 100 yen stores have a wide range of Hello Kitty, Disney, Rilakkuma, and Kumamon (Kumamoto prefecture's mascot), merchandise to choose from, too. Choose colorful stationery, keychains, bags, and even silverware, cups, and plates with designs that are simply adorable. Give some as gifts, but be sure to keep something for yourself.

5. 100-Yen Store Cosmetics

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The 100 yen shops in Japan have highly-regarded cosmetics. They're inexpensive but high quality and easy-to-use. Popular 100 yen cosmetics in Japan make ideal souvenirs for friends, family, and yourself. All 100 yen stores carry lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, false eyelashes, fake nails, and other items, including beauty masks and other self-care items. The sheer variety and low price make them a lot of fun to use.

Silicone masks, in particular, are very popular. Put on the reusable silicone mask on top of a sheet mask and it will increase the moisturizing effects of your treatment.

6. Tableware - Chopsticks, Sake Bottles and Cups, Rice Bowls

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Buying Japanese patterned tableware is also easy to do. The 100 yen stores have bowls, glasses, and more in cherry blossom patterns, Mt. Fuji patterns. There are even various tokkuri and ochoko (sake vessel and cup) to choose from. Chopsticks, available in all types of sizes, patterns, and materials are available, too. Pick up a Japanese style dinnerware set for yourself or someone that’s just moved.

7. Stationery and Office Supplies

Be sure to check the stationery corner at 100 yen stores. They have essential office and study supplies, including high-quality pens, notebooks, scissors, coloring pencils, paint, calculators, and more. The stationery sections are impressive and worth browsing just to enjoy the number of colors, patterns, and variety. Seria is known especially for its creative, fun stationery.

Patterned masking tape, specialty ball pens that can only be erased, and origami paper are famous 100 yen shop items ideal for creative people visiting Japan. Fun food-shaped erasers, featuring sushi, ramen, and other classic Japanese cuisines, are also a popular pick.

8. Kitchen Goods

Please take a look at the kitchen goods corner too. You'll find a lot of convenient and fun inventions at most 100 yen stores.You will also find tablecloths, sponges, and cleaning supplies.

For unique items, you can sometimes find one-push microwave pasta containers where pasta can be safely boiled in the microwave, garlic crushers that grind garlic easily, and silicone steamers that can go in the microwave. They're very convenient, and once you use them, you’ll wonder how you lived without them.

9. Microfiber Goods - Towels, Mops, Hair Wraps and More

You can even buy super absorbent microfiber towelsat a 100 yen shop. They have not just towels, but also beauty-care products, such as the hair wrap, a kerchief-like towel that you can use to dry your hair naturally after a shower. There are even rags and mops made from this fabric for sale here too. Freshen up bathtime and cleaning with these inexpensive but useful items.

10. Smartphone Cases, Earphones, and Smartphone Accessories

100 yen stores in Japan also have a wide variety of smartphone cases compatible with iPhones, Androids, and various models too. When you need to buy smartphone chargers, USB cords, earphones, protective covers, or stylus for touch screens, you should buy them at a 100 yen shop. Many items are high-quality, making them ideals as souvenirs, too. Many cases come in playful Japanese patterns, too.

Images by Pixta