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There is one thing when living in Japan that you cannot miss, a 100 yen shop. 100円ショップ, (Hyaku En Shoppu or 百均, Hyakkin) is a type of One-Price shop (although sometimes they sell stuff more expensive with a higher price.) where you can find almost, ANYTHING, yes, it’s ANYTHING.
Imagine when you are in need of a spoon, or two when guests are coming to your place? Simply run to the 100 yen shop and grab one. This concept is quite similar to the US a-Dollar shop, but different is that the US sometimes selling second-hand stuff, but not in the 100 yen shop in Japan.
This makes living in Japan quite convenient. At most ¥100 shops (its size does not matter really), you can expect to find:
- Ceramics/kitchenware/tableware: Plates, bowls, sake sets, spoons, forks, etc
- Stationery/office supplies: Boxes, report pads, memo pads, pens, pins, etc
- Homeware/garden supplies: Hammers, measuring tapes, screwdriver sets, etc
- Toiletries/household goods, beauty supplies: towels, socks, slippers, etc.
- Toys/games/novelty items.
Some 100 yen shops that you can find when living in Japan.
Daiso – in it’s pink-ness
One of the top 3 biggest 100 yen shop chain, go with its bright pink color. A banner that you can recognize from anywhere. Where you can find things written in English. Its store is pretty big compare to other chains.
Can Do – Bright Orange
Everyone love Can Do, as they provide a little higher quality items, some say, 30% of items are made in Japan. As Can Do focusing more in stationery and kitchen supply, they have a collection for it. If you see a 100 yen shop a bright Orange color, with a 100 yen coin on the banner, it’s Can Do.
Seria – Grass green
A little different from the other two chains, Seria specialize in the Ceramics section, French-themed home decor. Quality is good, and Seria offers the most good looking merchandise. Some people lost in it forever.
Le Plus – Ocean Blue
Ocean Blue French theme 100 yen shop that sell the most animal shape kitchenware. If you love animals, like bunny, or cat, you can find lots of jars, with their ears on the cap.
Natural Kitchen – Vintage Earth
Another French theme 100 yen shop, who doesn’t like the beautiful theme of Paris? With French folk music playing in the background, Natural Kitchen stands out with its collection of vintage decors.
3 Coins – 300 yen shop
It is not a 100 yen shop, but similar just triple the price. Believed to have the highest quality and some bizarre tower collection, the 3 Coins shop usually makes its way in big shopping malls instead of an individual store.
If you are looking for a gift, get some Japanese Style Decor, from a 100 yen shop. Check your map for the nearest shop!
Hey, why don’t you as a local to go with you? At Homii, our guests are living with a local host family and they travel around together! Check out this link below here!! There are some great stories that we would want to share! We have been hosting homestay for a while, why don’t you try?