Katrina Rosales
If you're looking to buy cologne in Japan, there are several options to choose from. These include department stores, such as Mitsukoshi, Matsuzakaya, and Daimaru, which can be found in areas like Ginza, Tokyo, and Shinjuku. Don Quijote, a discount store chain, is also an option, with locations in Shimbashi/Ginza, Akihabara, and Shibuya. For a wider variety of options, you might want to try duty-free shops at airports or online retailers like Amazon.co.jp. Remember that heavy cologne is generally frowned upon in Japan, so it's best to go easy on the application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Places to buy cologne in Japan | Department stores, Donki, recycle shops, pharmacies, duty-free shops at airports, WAmazing Shop, Amazon |
| Japanese perfume brands | Fiancée, Vasilisa, Fernanda, Aux Paradis, çanoma, Di Ser, Shiro, J-Scent, Kitowa, Le Labo |
| Budget-friendly brands | Fiancée, Vasilisa, Fernanda |
| High-end brands | Aux Paradis, çanoma, Di Ser, Shiro |
What You'll Learn
Department stores in Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Akihabara
If you're looking for cologne in Japan, department stores in the areas of Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara offer a wide range of options.
In Ginza, the Matsuya Ginza department store is notable for having in-store boutiques from famous Japanese fashion designers such as Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Akio Hirata. You can find Japanese souvenirs on the seventh floor, and the third floor offers shopping services for foreign tourists, including tax exemption and overseas delivery.
For a trendy shopping experience in Shinjuku, the flagship Isetan Shinjuku store is renowned for its artistic window displays and offers a range of high-end products, including food, clothing, and homeware. The store has seven floors dedicated to ladies' fashion and homeware, and there is also a separate Isetan Men's store a block away.
Shinjuku Takashimaya, located in the Takashimaya Times Square shopping centre, is another popular department store in the area. It features various departments, including fashion, food, life, and sports, and houses well-known brands and popular products.
In Shibuya, the Shibuya Parco department store reopened in 2019 with a new and improved vibe, attracting fashionistas and the cool crowds of Shibuya. It boasts luxury stores, hip boutiques, art galleries, a cinema, and even an entire floor dedicated to manga and gaming.
The Seibu Shibuya department store is another popular option in Shibuya. It is split into two buildings, Annexes A and B, which face each other across the street. Annexe A focuses on womenswear, while Annexe B offers menswear, children's clothing, and accessories. The top floor of Annexe A features a Dining Plaza with a variety of restaurants.
While information on department stores in Akihabara specifically selling cologne was limited, Akihabara is known for its unique culture and shopping options. Don Quijote, a huge discount department store, has a large branch in Akihabara and offers a wide variety of products, including electronics, cosmetics, and unique items related to Otaku culture.
Cologne's Beachfront: A Relaxing Escape in the City
You may want to see also
Drugstores
When it comes to buying cologne, drugstores are a popular option. While some drugstores may not carry a large selection of perfumes or colognes, others, such as Kokumin and Ainz&Tulpe, are known for focusing more on cosmetics and beauty products. You can easily find products from well-known brands like Maybelline, Revlon, Dove, and Shiseido, as well as many Japanese brands.
In addition to the variety of drugstore brands available, such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Sun Drug, Kokumin, and Tomod's, you may also want to explore the cosmetics section of convenience stores during your search for cologne. Keep in mind that heavy cologne is generally frowned upon in Japan, so opt for lighter fragrances.
The Alluring Scent of Beverly Hills Polo Club Cologne
You may want to see also
Duty-free shops at airports
When purchasing duty-free items, it is important to remember that they are meant to be exported intact and cannot be consumed in the country of sale. This means that if you are connecting flights and have to go through security again, your duty-free liquids may be confiscated. For example, Australia and the USA do not permit duty-free liquids purchased from previous sectors when transiting through Singapore. It is always a good idea to check the rules and regulations of your destination country before making any duty-free purchases.
- Kansai International Airport Duty-Free: This shop at Osaka's Kansai International Airport offers a wide selection of perfumes and colognes.
- Narita Airport Duty-Free: Located at Narita Airport in Japan, this duty-free shop offers a range of liquor and other items. However, it is important to note that duty-free liquor may not be allowed on connecting flights, as mentioned earlier.
- Hiroshima Duty-Free: This duty-free shop in Hiroshima city offers a range of perfumes and colognes from both Japanese and international brands.
In addition to these airport duty-free shops, Japan also has duty-free shops in some cities, such as Japan Duty-Free Ginza in Tokyo's Ginza district. These shops offer convenient locations for travellers to purchase items at duty-free prices without having to go to an airport.
Versace Cologne: Spotting the Real Deal
You may want to see also
Online: Amazon.co.jp or WAmazing Shop
Online: Amazon.co.jp
Amazon.co.jp offers a wide range of perfumes and fragrances for men and women, with options for different volumes and brands. The website provides detailed information on each product, including customer ratings and reviews, to help guide your purchase.
Amazon.co.jp offers free shipping within Japan for orders over ¥3500, with the option to update your delivery location. The website also provides various deals and discounts, as well as product suggestions based on customer purchases and ratings.
Online: WAmazing Shop
The WAmazing Shop offers a unique service for travellers to Japan, providing tax-free shopping and convenient pickup locations at major airports and stations. One of their featured products is the SHIRO Savon Body Cologne, a pleasant and fruity fragrance suitable for all ages and genders. The cologne is currently out of stock, but you can sign up for a back-in-stock notification to ensure you don't miss out.
The WAmazing Shop offers a convenient and efficient service, allowing you to order before your trip and pick up your purchases at your convenience.
Best Places to Buy Curve Cologne
You may want to see also
Recycle shops
If you're looking for cologne in Japan, you might want to try recycle shops. These shops are very common and can be found all over the country, especially in Tokyo.
One of the most well-known recycle shops across Japan is Hard Off, which has many branches in Tokyo. They operate different types of stores depending on the goods they carry. Some of their stores include Book Off, which sells books, magazines, manga, DVDs, and movies; Off-house, which offers home appliances, kitchen tools, baby stuff, clothes, and shoes; and Mode Off, which specialises in clothes, accessories, shoes, and bags.
Another popular recycle shop is 2nd Street, which has several branches in Tokyo, with huge shops found in the district. They buy and sell used items, including clothing, shoes, bags, baby stuff, furniture, electronics, and more. The shop in Harajuku is one of their most well-known branches.
Other recycle shops in Tokyo include Treasure Factory in Nerima, Recycle Shop Mogu Land in Musashikoyama, Jungle Stock Tokyo near Hatanodai train station, and Recycle Mission Meguro-dori Shop in Setagaya.
When bringing items to a recycle shop to sell, they must be in good condition, and the shop will usually exchange them for small amounts of money.
Exploring Cologne: Where to Stay and Why
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several options for purchasing cologne in Japan, including drugstores, department stores, and brand-specific stores. Popular department stores include Mitsukoshi, Matsuzakaya, and Daimaru, which can be found in Tokyo's station area, Shinjuku, and Ginza. Don Quijote, with locations in Shimbashi/Ginza, Akihabara, and Shibuya, is also an option.
Yes, you can also try pharmacies or recycle shops, which offer name-brand fragrances at lower prices. Online shopping is another convenient option, with websites like Amazon and WAmazing offering a variety of perfumes and colognes.
Yes, you can get a tax refund if you spend at least JPY 5,000 and no more than JPY 500,000 at a store displaying a "Tax-Free Shop" sign. Keep in mind that you cannot open the items in Japan and must seal them when boarding your return flight.
Some popular Japanese cologne brands include Issey Miyake, Haiku, and L'eau De Issey. You can also find international brands like Givenchy, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana. When buying cologne in Japan, keep in mind that heavy cologne is generally frowned upon, so opt for lighter fragrances.
