Tokyo is one of the best places in the world to shop for electronics—from high-quality cameras and rice cookers to beauty devices, headphones, and gaming consoles. But before you purchase electronics in Japan, especially if you’re planning to bring them home, there are several important details to consider.

Here is a practical guide to help international travelers shop wisely and avoid common mistakes.

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1. Check Voltage Compatibility (Japan Uses 100V)

Japan uses 100V, while many countries use 110V–240V.
If you buy an appliance that only supports 100V, using it abroad may cause:

• Malfunction
• Overheating
• Shortened product lifespan
• Safety hazards

What to check:
Look for a label such as:

• “Input: 100–240V” → Safe for most countries
• “Input: 100V only” → May require a step-up transformer, which is heavy and expensive

Tip: Cameras, laptops, phones, shavers often support 100–240V.
Rice cookers and hair dryer are 100V only in many cases.

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2. Plug Shape Is Type A (Same as U.S.)

Japan uses Type A (two flat pins).
If your home country uses a different plug shape, you will need an adapter.

Adapters are cheap and widely sold in:

• Bic Camera
• Yodobashi Camera
• Don Quijote
• Airport shops

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3. Tax-Free Shopping Rules

Tourists can buy electronics tax-free if they meet the conditions:

• Spend 5,000 JPY or more at a store in a single day
• Show your passport at checkout
• Goods must be exported from Japan (not used during the trip)

Some stores electronically register tax-free info―you don’t need a paper receipt anymore.

Important: Returning a tax-free item after opening the box is usually not allowed.

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4. Warranty Limitations (Often Japan-Only)

Many electronics come with Japan-only warranties, meaning repairs outside Japan are not supported.

Before buying, check:

• Does the manufacturer offer international warranty?
• Can the product be repaired in your home country?
• Does the store offer additional insurance?

Cameras (Canon, Sony, Nikon) often have international warranty options.
Rice cookers, hair dryers, massage devices often have Japan-only warranty.

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5. Language Settings and Software Region Locks

Some devices may have:

• Japanese-only interfaces (特に炊飯器、美容家電)
• Region-locked features
• Japanese manuals only

If you prefer English, confirm the following:

• Language menu includes English
• Manuals are available online
• For game consoles: Game region / online service region

Nintendo Switch is not region-locked, but digital store regions differ.

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6. Price Differences and Where to Shop

Tokyo has multiple electronics districts with competitive pricing.

Best places to shop:

▶ Akihabara
The most famous electronics district. Great for cameras, parts, gadgets, retro games.

▶ Shinjuku (Bic Camera, Yodobashi)
Easy access, huge inventory, multilingual staff.

▶ Shibuya & Ginza
Good selection of high-end brands and Apple Store.

▶ Don Quijote (Donki)
Great for beauty devices, shavers, travel gadgets, and cheaper items.

Tip:
Compare prices online (Amazon JP, Kakaku.com) to avoid overpaying.

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7. Be Careful with Large Appliances (Size & Voltage)

Foreign visitors often want to buy:

• Premium rice cookers
• Hair dryers
• Hot plates
• Humidifiers

However, these are often:

• 100V only (not suitable abroad)
• Heavy and expensive to ship
• Not covered by international warranty

Rice cookers are especially problematic—many fail when used outside Japan without a transformer.
If you REALLY want one, choose a 100–240V global model, available in some stores.

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8. After-Sales Support and Returns

Japanese stores generally have strict policies:

• Opened items often cannot be returned
• Faulty items must be checked by staff before refund
• Tax-free items rarely qualify for returns

Keep all receipts and warranty cards.

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9. Payment Options

Most stores accept:

• Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/AmEx)
• UnionPay
• Apple Pay / Google Pay
• Alipay / WeChat Pay (in tourist districts)

Cash is also accepted everywhere.

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Conclusion

Buying electronics in Tokyo can be exciting—Japan offers some of the world’s best quality gadgets. But for a smooth and safe purchase, always double-check:

• Voltage
• Warranty
• Plug type
• Language settings
• Tax-free eligibility

With the right preparation, you can enjoy excellent Japanese technology long after your trip ends.