Japanese Electronics Shopping: Akihabara, Yodobashi, Bic Camera
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japan is an electronics paradise — but navigating the stores can be overwhelming. Here's what to buy and where.
Japan is an electronics paradise — but navigating the stores can be overwhelming. Here's what to buy and where.
Major Stores
| Store | What It's Known For |
|---|---|
| Yodobashi Camera | Largest selection, best prices, 9-floor stores |
| Bic Camera | Close competitor, similar range |
| Don Quijote | Discount electronics, tax-free |
| EDION | Good for appliances |
| K's Denki | Budget electronics |
What to Buy in Japan
Worth Buying in Japan
| Item | Why | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese headphones | Audio-Technica, Sony (sometimes cheaper) | ¥5,000–50,000 |
| Camera lenses | Can be cheaper than overseas | ¥10,000–100,000+ |
| Kitchen appliances | High quality, unique designs | ¥3,000–30,000 |
| Electric fans | Quiet, efficient Japanese models | ¥5,000–20,000 |
| Hair dryers | Panasonic nanoe technology | ¥10,000–30,000 |
| Electric toothbrushes | Panasonic, Omron | ¥3,000–15,000 |
| Travel adapters | Specifically for Japan outlets | ¥500–2,000 |
| Pocket WiFi | Great selection, good prices | ¥5,000–20,000 |
| Memory cards | Often cheaper | ¥1,000–10,000 |
| Batteries | Panasonic, Eneloop | ¥500–3,000 |
Not Worth Buying
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| iPhones | Same price worldwide |
| iPads | Same price worldwide |
| Samsung phones | Same price worldwide |
| Large TVs | Hard to transport, same price |
| Laptops | Japanese keyboards, warranty issues |
Akihabara Shopping
What It Is
The world's largest electronics district — 10+ blocks of electronics stores, anime shops, and arcades.
Key Stores
| Store | Floors | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Yodobashi Camera Akiba | 9 | Everything electronics |
| Bic Camera Akiba | 7 | Everything electronics |
| Mandarake Complex | 8 | Manga, anime, collectibles |
| Super Potato | 3 | Retro gaming |
| Radio Kaikan | 10 | Figures, collectibles |
| Gachapon machines | Everywhere | Capsule toys |
Tips for Akihabara
- Yodobashi is the main event — 9 floors of electronics
- Check prices online first — some items are cheaper on Amazon Japan
- Tax-free — spend ¥5,000+ at one store
- Don't rush — stores are massive, take your time
- Ask for help — staff speak some English
Tax-Free Shopping
| Store | Tax-Free? | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Yodobashi | ✅ Yes | ¥5,000 |
| Bic Camera | ✅ Yes | ¥5,000 |
| Don Quijote | ✅ Yes | ¥5,000 |
| EDION | ✅ Yes | ¥5,000 |
Tips
- Check Amazon Japan prices — sometimes cheaper online
- Bring your passport — required for tax-free
- Compare stores — prices vary slightly
- Don't buy impulse — check reviews first
- Warranty — Japanese warranties may not work overseas
- Voltage — Japan uses 100V, check your country's voltage
- Japanese keyboards — if buying a laptop, check the keyboard layout
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