Japan has a rich online shopping ecosystem. Once you know the main platforms, you’ll find almost anything — often cheaper than buying in-store.
The Main Platforms
Amazon Japan ⭐ Best for Foreigners
amazon.co.jp — the easiest starting point.
- English interface available (switch in settings)
- Fast delivery (often next day or same day in major cities)
- Prime membership ¥600/month — worth it for frequent shoppers
- Works with foreign credit cards
- Amazon Fresh for grocery delivery
Tips:
- Search in Japanese for more results (use Google Translate)
- Check “Sold by Amazon” for reliable delivery
- Use Amazon Price Tracker to watch for deals
Rakuten Ichiba (楽天市場)
rakuten.co.jp — Japan’s largest marketplace. Think: Amazon but with a mall-like feel.
- Huge variety; many niche sellers
- Rakuten Points system — earn points on every purchase, use like cash
- Point multiplier events (5x, 10x points) on selected days
- Interface mainly in Japanese — use browser translation
- Pairs with Rakuten Card for maximum point earnings
When to use: Stock up during “Super Sale” events (several times per year) for 20–40% effective discounts via points.
👉 See our Rakuten Ecosystem Guide for full point strategy.
Yahoo! Shopping (ヤフーショッピング)
Similar to Rakuten Ichiba. Works with PayPay points — good if you already use PayPay.
Mercari (メルカリ) — Second-Hand
Japan’s biggest C2C resale platform. For used goods at low prices.
- Everything: electronics, clothes, hobby goods, collectibles
- Safe transaction system (Mercari holds payment until you confirm receipt)
- Prices negotiable
- Search in Japanese for more listings
👉 See our Second-Hand Shopping Guide for tips.
Yodobashi.com
Best for electronics and appliances — competitive pricing, reliable, often free next-day delivery in major cities.
Kakaku.com (価格.com)
Not a store — a price comparison site. Before any major purchase, check kakaku.com to find the cheapest retailer.
Paying for Online Shopping
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Credit card | Most sites accept Visa/Mastercard |
| Convenience store payment (コンビニ払い) | Pay cash at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc. |
| PayPay | Accepted on Yahoo Shopping, many sites |
| Amazon Pay | For Amazon account holders |
| Bank transfer | Some sellers require this |
Foreign cards: Amazon Japan and most major sites accept foreign Visa/Mastercard. Rakuten works but occasionally requires a Japanese-issued card for certain sellers.
Delivery: What to Expect
- Yamato Transport (ヤマト/クロネコ) and Japan Post — the two main carriers
- You receive a tracking number by email or app
- If you’re not home: a 不在票 (fuzai-hyo) is left — call the number or rebook online for redelivery
- Lockers at convenience stores — many deliveries can be redirected to a nearby 7-Eleven or FamilyMart locker
Useful Shopping Apps
- Amazon Japan app — full English available
- Mercari app — Japanese, but Google Translate works
- PayPay — cashback on linked Yahoo Shopping
- Yodobashi app — good for electronics deals