Electronics to Buy in Japan (and What to Avoid)

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Japan is a gadget lover’s playground — but before you fill your suitcase, there are voltage, region, and warranty catches to know. Here’s a smart buyer’s guide.

Read this first: compatibility

• Voltage: Japan runs on 100V. Many electronics are dual-voltage, but not all — check the label, especially for hair tools and appliances.
• Plugs: Japan uses Type A (like North America). You may need an adapter at home.
• Region locks: Blu-rays and some game hardware are region-specific. Nintendo Switch is region-free — see buying Nintendo games.
• Warranty: Japanese warranties are usually domestic-only; look for “international warranty” if it matters.

What’s actually worth buying

• Cameras & lenses — great selection; tax-free savings add up.
• Audio — headphones, earbuds, and hi-fi from Japanese brands.
• Beauty tech — facial devices and hair tools (check voltage!); see beauty tools.
• Kitchen gadgets — rice cookers (buy the overseas-voltage export models), quirky tools.
• Watches — Japanese watch brands at good prices.
• Gaming — see Nintendo and retro finds in Akihabara.

Where to buy

• Yodobashi Camera & Bic Camera — huge, tax-free, English support.
• Don Quijote for cheap gadgets — see our Donki guide.
• Akihabara for specialist and used gear.

Save money

• Bring your passport for tax-free shopping (5,000 yen+).
• Ask for the export model for voltage-sensitive appliances.
• Buying big or heavy? Consider a proxy service or check prices on Amazon back home.