Living in Japan can be a great experience, but sometimes, you may miss certain things from home like clothes, shoes, or food that are difficult to find here. Whether it’s finding clothes and shoes that fit larger body frames or ordering nostalgic foods, international shopping options can be a real lifesaver. Fortunately, several online shops and services can help you bring these items to Japan. This guide will introduce some useful international shopping services and stores available for foreigners living in Japan.
1. Clothing and Shoes: When Japanese Sizes Don’t Fit
For many foreigners in Japan, finding clothes or shoes in the right size can be a challenge. Japanese clothing and shoe sizes tend to be smaller than what many people are used to in other countries. If you find yourself struggling to get the right fit, several online retailers can ship larger sizes from overseas directly to Japan.
- ASOS (UK): Known for offering a wide range of clothing and shoe sizes, ASOS delivers to Japan and offers styles from casual wear to formal attire. They have specific size guides that accommodate international customers, making it easier to find the right fit.
- Zappos (USA): If you’re looking for larger shoe sizes, Zappos is a great option. With a wide selection of brands and sizes that go up to larger US standards, you can find shoes that suit your needs, and they ship to Japan.
2. Food: A Taste of Home in Japan
Missing the flavors of home is common when living abroad, and Japan may not always have the foreign food items you’re craving. Luckily, there are online stores that specialize in delivering international food products to Japan.
- iHerb (USA): Known for health foods, supplements, and international snacks, iHerb ships to Japan and carries products from all over the world. You can easily find specialty foods like organic grains, gluten-free options, and even hard-to-find international snacks.
- Costco Japan: While Costco is in Japan, they also offer a variety of international food products that are difficult to find elsewhere. For those with a membership, you can even shop for large-sized items online.
3. General Shopping: International Stores Delivering to Japan
Sometimes you just want to order items from your favorite international stores. The good news is that several major retailers deliver to Japan, making it easier to access the products you love.
Use a forwarding service
Using a forwarding service can be a great option when purchasing from international websites that don’t offer shipping to Japan. These services provide you with a local address in the country where the online store is located. Once your purchase is delivered to that local address, the forwarding company sends it to your address in Japan. Here’s how it works:
How a Forwarding Service Works:
- Sign Up for a Forwarding Service:
First, you’ll need to create an account with a forwarding service that operates in the country where you’re shopping. Some popular services include Tenso (Japan), Buy&Ship,Shipito (USA), and MyUS (USA). These companies provide you with a local shipping address in that country. - Shop Online and Use the Forwarding Address:
When shopping from an international store, you’ll use the forwarding service’s local address during checkout. This way, even if the store doesn’t ship internationally, your order can be sent to the forwarding company’s address. - Forwarding to Japan:
Once the forwarding service receives your package, they notify you. You can then arrange for the package to be shipped to your address in Japan. Most services allow you to choose shipping methods and options like package consolidation, which can help reduce shipping costs if you’re ordering from multiple stores.
Benefits of Using a Forwarding Service:
- Access to Stores That Don’t Ship Internationally: You can purchase from retailers who don’t offer shipping outside of their country.
- Consolidation of Packages: If you buy from several stores, some services allow you to combine items into one shipment, saving on shipping costs.
- Faster Shipping Options: Depending on the service, you may have various shipping speed options, including express delivery to Japan.
Considerations:
- Shipping Fees: While convenient, forwarding services do charge for their services, so be sure to factor in these fees when making your purchase.
- Customs and Import Taxes: Be aware of any import taxes or duties that may apply when your package arrives in Japan. Forwarding services often help with the necessary paperwork, but it’s important to check the details to avoid surprises.
Using a forwarding service can open up many international shopping opportunities and make it easier to get products delivered to Japan!
Gyomu Super and Don Quijote: Stores in Japan with a Wide Range of International Products
In addition to online shopping options, there are physical stores in Japan that cater to those looking for international products. Two popular options are Gyomu Super and Don Quijote, which carry a variety of foreign goods that can make life in Japan a little more familiar for expats.
1. Gyomu Super (業務スーパー):
Gyomu Super is known for offering bulk and budget-friendly groceries, and they have a surprising selection of international food products. The store caters to both restaurants and households, offering imported foods such as frozen fruits, pasta, sauces, and even spices and condiments from various countries. It’s a great option for those who want to find ingredients for cooking dishes from their home country without ordering online.
- Key International Products at Gyomu Super:
- Frozen fruits and vegetables from countries like Chile,VietNam,Thai and China
- Pasta and sauces from Italy
- Spices, condiments, and snacks from Southeast Asia and South America
2. Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ):
Don Quijote, often referred to as “Donki,” is a large discount chain in Japan offering a wide variety of products, including food, household goods, and clothing. Many Don Quijote locations also carry a good selection of international products, especially snacks, drinks, and personal care items from countries around the world. It’s a convenient option for picking up foreign products while shopping for other daily essentials.
- Key International Products at Don Quijote:
- Snacks and sweets from Europe, the U.S., and Asia
- Beverages like international sodas, energy drinks, and imported alcohol
- Personal care products and cosmetics from overseas brands
Both of these stores make it easy for foreigners to find familiar products while living in Japan, and they can be great alternatives to online shopping for international goods.
