How to Order from Japan

Japan is famous for its high-quality consumables. From fashion to affordable electronics, there are great deals on Japanese purchases. It’s just that sometimes you’ll need to take a few steps to find and order what can be delivered to you. Read the article below to learn the process.

Table of Contents

Can I buy goods from Japan online?

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/69/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-1.jpg/v4-728px-Order-Stuff-from-Japan- Step-1.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/69/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-1.jpg/v4-728px-Order- Stuff-from-Japan-Step-1.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Yes, but there will be a higher shipping fee. You can order Japanese online easily, but it takes a few extra steps. Many Japanese companies do not ship overseas. But if it is, the shipping fee will be high. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Before paying for your order, be sure to check your shipping and freight options.
Remember to include shipping costs in your purchase budget. These costs can add up many times over.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1a/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-2.jpg/v4-728px-Order-Stuff-from-Japan- Step-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1a/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-2.jpg/v4-728px-Order- Stuff-from-Japan-Step-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Yes, but the language barrier can be an issue. Many Japanese airlines do not accept international credit cards. It will be difficult to find the proper payment method. Many sales websites are only in Japanese, so unless you know a foreign language, it will be difficult to find the product to buy. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Google translator can help you a bit, but it’s still hard to identify a website in Japanese if you’re not familiar with it.
For security reasons, if you don’t understand what the site says about payment and ordering, don’t use it. Find a website you can understand its terms.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/ae/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-3.jpg/v4-728px-Order-Stuff-from-Japan- Step-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/ae/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-3.jpg/v4-728px-Order- Stuff-from-Japan-Step-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Use unlimited multi-currency payment accounts. Look for a company that offers international personal bank accounts. Wise is one of the most trusted companies. You can set up an account that allows you to use multiple currencies in the e-wallet. You can use this account to convert to Japanese Yen and use the credit card from this account to pay. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

This helps you avoid losing money if the currency conversion rate doesn’t fit your budget.
When sending a payment, simply enter the credit card number as you would when paying on other platforms.
This is a secure way to pay, as these online banks do not follow the protocol of traditional banking.

Is there an easier site to order from?

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f4/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-4.jpg/v4-728px-Order-Stuff-from-Japan- Step-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f4/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-4.jpg/v4-728px-Order- Stuff-from-Japan-Step-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Many online retailers cater to international customers. While you may not be able to order absolutely every Japanese item you want, these sites make the buying process easier. Look for sites that accept international payment cards and ship overseas. Some popular sites are: ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Salz Tokyo
Kokoro
Tokyu Hands
Global Kitchen Japan
Fake Food Japan ^{[5] X Research Source}

How to buy from Amazon Japan?

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/53/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-5.jpg/v4-728px-Order-Stuff-from-Japan- Step-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/53/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-5.jpg/v4-728px-Order- Stuff-from-Japan-Step-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Look up products that can be shipped internationally. Sign in to your Amazon account and look up products on Amazon.co.jp. You can use the site’s filter tool (located in the left column of the screen) and select “International Shipping”. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Remember that at checkout, the price will be displayed in Japanese Yen JPY. You should also be aware of the import charges that will be included in the total unit price.
After clicking “Pay” you will see a list of charges including shipping, import (customs). Before submitting your order, you will be able to customize your shipping options. For example, you can choose standard delivery if you want cheaper.

Should I choose a home buying service?

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d6/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-6.jpg/v4-728px-Order-Stuff-from-Japan- Step-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d6/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-6.jpg/v4-728px-Order- Stuff-from-Japan-Step-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Housekeeping is a good option for products that aren’t shipped to you. Since it will be difficult to buy Japanese goods if you don’t live there, you can use the house buying service as an intermediary. Basically, you pay for the service to buy things for you and have them shipped to you. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Buying service can pay for the goods first and then after receiving the goods, they will ship them back to you. Prepare a budget to pay for the purchase fee as well as the shipping fee.
Some of the most popular services are Zen Market, From Japan, and Dejapan.
Read reviews before choosing a homebuyer to ensure their solid reputation. You should read their FAQ page to make sure their terms and services are right for you.

Which Japanese goods are most popular to buy?

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/37/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Order-Stuff-from-Japan- Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/37/Order-Stuff-from-Japan-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Order- Stuff-from-Japan-Step-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

One of the famous Japanese goods is clothing and beauty products. Japan is a country famous for producing high-quality goods of all kinds. Fashionistas are excited to buy clothes from Japan at affordable prices. There are many high-end yet affordable skin care lines from Japanese retailers. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Other well-known products are electronics and furniture.

Advice

If you have friends and family in Japan, the best option is to have them shop for you.
You can use an online tool to convert JYP denominations to your currency.

Steps