What to Buy at a 100-Yen Shop

Japan’s 100-yen shops are extremely useful when you are setting up daily life on a budget. This guide explains what is worth buying there.

Japanese 100-yen shops sell many items for about ¥100 before tax. They are often surprisingly useful for moving-in basics, and they can lower your startup costs a lot.

Major chains

• Daiso: the biggest chain, with the widest range. Some items cost more than ¥100.
• Seria: often has more design-focused household goods
• Can Do: another standard chain

Good things to buy right after moving in

Kitchen and tableware:

• Chopsticks, spoons, forks
• Bowls, plates, cups
• Plastic wrap, foil, zipper bags
• Sponges and dishwashing supplies

Storage and organization:

• Hangers
• Storage boxes and baskets
• Small tension rods
• Laundry nets

Cleaning and hygiene:

• Trash bags
• Wipes and disinfecting sheets
• Cleaning cloths

Stationery and other basics:

• Scissors, box cutters, tape
• AA and AAA batteries
• Short extension cords

Things that are often better bought elsewhere

• Charging cables, because quality can be inconsistent
• Adhesive hooks and other items that need strong sticking power
• Kitchen knives, because they dull quickly