Intro
In Japan, the “100 Yen Shop” is not just a store; it is a way of life. For international travelers, it is a wonderland where you can buy high-quality souvenirs, daily necessities, and even camping gear for roughly $0.70 to $1.00 USD. However, not all 100 Yen Shops are the same. Some are kings of volume, while others are sanctuaries of style. Here is the definitive guide to the “Big 4″—DAISO, Seria, Can Do, and Watts—based on the real life of a Tokyo local.
👁️ Kajino’s Eye: The “Drink Price” Survival Tactic & The Inflation Reality
First, let me share a secret of how we “Shitamachi” (Old Tokyo) locals survive. When I am walking through Ueno in the scorching summer heat and get thirsty, I never go to a convenience store or a vending machine if I can help it. Why? Because a bottle of tea or water costs ¥160 or ¥170 there. instead, I look for a 100 Yen Shop. Inside, the same bottle is ¥100 (plus tax). That is a 60-yen difference. It may seem small, but this is the “Smart Tokyo” spirit.
In my home ground of Ueno-Okachimachi, we have three DAISOs, one Seria, and one Can Do. I use them differently. DAISO is for “everything,” Seria is for “tableware,” and Watts (though not in Ueno) is the place for “Hanko” (personal seals). Watts is amazing—they even stock seals for Chinese and Korean surnames, and rare Japanese names like mine, “Kajino,” which are hard to find elsewhere.
⚠️ A Note on Prices: Recently, due to global inflation, you will see more items priced at ¥300, ¥500, or even ¥1,000. The “100 Yen Shop” is evolving into a “High-Value Budget Shop.” Don’t be shocked if you see a higher price tag—it usually means the quality rivals a regular department store.
🏢 1. DAISO: The Undisputed King
Market Share: No. 1 (Sales: approx. ¥674 billion) Vibe: The “Department Store” of budget shops. Best For: Everything. If you don’t know where to go, go to DAISO.
With over 70,000 items and global expansion, DAISO is the giant. Recently, they launched a sister brand called “Standard Products” (¥300–¥1,000 range), which offers minimalist, high-quality designs similar to MUJI.
🏆 DAISO: Must-Buy Items
- “Easy Wrap Rice” (Raku-Raku Wrap): Developed with Kyoto University of the Arts. It freezes rice in a perfect, flat shape for easy reheating.
- Mold Remover (Mold Killer): A gel-type cleaner that destroys bathroom mold.
- Toast Plate: A stylish brown ceramic plate that adds a cafe vibe to your breakfast.
- Compression Bags: Essential for travelers to pack clothes tightly. (SWELL Accordion End)
🎀 2. Seria: The Stylish Queen
Market Share: No. 2 (Sales: approx. ¥223 billion) Vibe: “Is this really 100 yen?” Stylish, DIY, and “Made in Japan.” Best For: Interior design, tableware, and crafts.
Seria is distinct because it tries harder than anyone else to stick to the ¥100 price point. They focus on design and “Made in Japan” quality. You won’t find many “utility” items like batteries here, but you will find beautiful ceramics that look like they cost ¥2,000.
🏆 Seria: Must-Buy Items
- Travel Pouches: Their “Heat Sealed Pouch” allows you to make single-use shampoo packs using a hair iron.
- “Bottle Drying Stand”: A clever stick that dries your water bottle hygienically.
- Tableware: Japanese style tea cups and bowls that make perfect souvenirs.
- Miso Case: A specialized container for Miso paste (very niche, very Japanese). (SWELL Accordion End)
💅 3. Can Do: The Trendy & Otaku Friend
Market Share: No. 3 (Sales: approx. ¥80 billion) Vibe: Fun, collaborative, and great for hobbyists. Best For: Anime/Idol support goods (“Oshikatsu”), cosmetics, and collaborations.
Can Do is strong on trends. They often collaborate with popular characters or bloggers. Surprisingly, they are also a holy land for “Otaku” culture, selling display cases for anime figures and acrylic stands.
🏆 Can Do: Must-Buy Items
- Model Display Bases: Connectable bases to display your plastic models or figures.
- Cosmetics: Surprisingly high-quality hair oils (like Dove) and gel nails for just ¥100-¥300.
- Shinkansen Goods: Socks and folders featuring Japanese bullet trains. (SWELL Accordion End)
🏠 4. Watts: The Dark Horse
Market Share: No. 4 (Sales: approx. ¥59 billion) Vibe: Local, practical, and hidden gems. Best For: Consumables and specific niche items.
Watts often hides inside supermarkets or drugstores. They focus on “consumables” and practical daily life. As I mentioned, their selection of Hanko (Name Seals) is legendary.
🏆 Watts: Must-Buy Items
- “Crocodile Grip”: Extremely strong double-sided tape (waterproof).
- Alkaline Batteries: 4 reliable batteries for ¥100. Best value.
- Hanko (Seals): Check for your name! They have a vast selection of foreign names too.
- Tokino:ne Brand: Their private brand offers soft cushions and quality wet wipes.
ℹ️ Basic Info: How to Shop
(SWELL Accordion Start) Shopping Rules & Tips
- Tax: The base price is ¥100. With tax, it is ¥110. (¥300 items are ¥330).
- Payment: DAISO and larger stores accept Credit Cards and Suica/Pasmo. Smaller local shops (especially older ones) might be Cash Only.
- Returns: Generally not accepted unless defective.
- Bags: Plastic bags cost extra (usually ¥3-¥5). Bring your own eco-bag! (SWELL Accordion End)
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