BIC CAMERA discounts too? Complete guide to Yoyo Card shopping deals in Japan

▲ The Yoyo Card offers discounts at many locations in Japan. (Photo / from the official Yoyo Card website)

Reported and compiled by reporter Tsai Wen-jun

With expanded tax-free policies and the Japanese yen continuing to decline, more and more Taiwanese travelers are heading to Japan for shopping sprees. In recent years, the Yoyo Card company has also begun partnering with various Japanese department stores, theme parks, and more to offer discount benefits. Starting this year, you can even use it at the renowned electronics retailer BIC CAMERA. Below is a summary of the current shopping discounts available with the Yoyo Card in Japan. If you're planning a trip to Japan, don’t forget to carry a “Yoyo Card”!

▲ The Yoyo Card now also comes with discounts at BIC CAMERA. (Illustration / fromBIC CAMERA’s official Facebook page)

1. Renowned Japanese electronics retailer “BIC CAMERA”
The well-known electronics retail chain “BIC CAMERA,” which currently has 38 stores across Japan, is one of the must-visit shopping spots for many travelers. Starting February this year, Yoyo Card has partnered with BIC CAMERA. When you spend over 10,001 yen (the tax-free threshold) at a BIC CAMERA store and present your Yoyo Card or co-branded card at checkout, you’ll enjoy not only tax exemption but also an additional 5% discount. This offer is valid until January 31, 2016.Spend over the tax-free threshold of 10,001 yen at BIC CAMERA stores, and present your Easycard or Easycard co-branded card at checkout to enjoy not only tax exemption but also an additional 5% discount. This offer is valid until January 31, 2016..

Travelers should note that BIC CAMERA also offers a 5% discount coupon on its official website for international visitors (see image below), but this coupon cannot be used in conjunction with the Yoyo Card discount.

% BIC CAMERA’s separately offered 5% discount coupon can be printed and used. (Photo / screenshot from BIC CAMERA’s official website)

▲ Well-established Japanese department store — Marui (Photo / from Wikipedia)

2. OIOI Marui Department Store
The long-established Japanese department store “OIOI Marui” has been partnering with the Yoyo Card since 2012. Travelers can enjoy a 5% discount when shopping at any of the 28 Marui branches, as long as they present their Yoyo Card or co-branded card at checkout and pay in cash. This discount is valid until September 30, 2015.

According to Marui’s official website, this discount does not apply to credit card payments. Additionally, cosmetics priced over 5,401 yen (tax included), as well as clothing, bags, and shoes priced over 10,801 yen, are tax-exempt items. However, restaurants, UNIQLO, FamilyMart, and some other stores within Marui do not qualify for the Yoyo Card discount.

▲ Tokyu Department Store (Photo / from Wikipedia)

3. 78 affiliated companies under the Tokyu Group (including railways, department stores, theme parks, hotels)
The Tokyu Group includes Tokyu Railway, Tokyu Department Stores, Tokyu Hands, hotels, ski resorts, theme parks, and more. From April to September, Yoyo Card holders can enjoy shopping discounts or receive small gifts at 78 affiliated companies. A new wave of discounts will be announced after September:

Tokyu Department Stores (6 locations: Tokyo, Shibuya, Jiyugaoka, Sapporo, and New Chitose Airport) – During the campaign period, you can exchange for souvenirs, and cash spending over a certain amount may also qualify for an additional 5% discount (not applicable at Jiyugaoka store).

SHIBUYA 109 (Shibuya, Tokyo), KOHRINBO 109 (Kanazawa, Ishikawa), Abeno Q’s Mall (Osaka), ranKing ranQueen drugstores (Jiyugaoka, Azamino, Kita-Senju, Tokyo, and Namba, Osaka) – You can exchange for limited-edition gifts.

Tokyu Hands (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Shinsaibashi stores) – Get a 5% discount on purchases plus an original gift (one per person).

In terms of dining and theme parks, several restaurants at Grandberry Mall in Machida, Tokyo, also offer 5–10% discounts or complimentary drinks. Presenting your Yoyo Card at many Tokyu Hotel restaurants can also get you a free drink.

▲ LEGO Discovery Center Tokyo at DECKS shopping mall in Odaiba (Photo / fromthe LEGO Discovery Center Tokyo fan page)

The wildly popularLEGO Discovery Center Tokyo at Odaiba DECKS, teamLab Borderless (digital art museum), Madame Tussauds, and Tokyo Joypolis (indoor theme park) all offer ticket discounts of 300–400 yen.

Additionally, Taiwanese travelers who purchase a one-day pass on the Izu Kyuko railway and show their Yoyo Card will receive an original souvenir. Riding the Shimoda Ropeway also comes with fare discounts, and one cardholder allows accompanying friends to benefit too. Purchasing souvenirs over a certain amount in the Izu area can also earn you free drinks. Other areas such as HARVESTCLUB hotel guests can also receive a 500-yen discount coupon for the hotel’s shops.

For a list of EasyCard discounts, you can checkthe “Latest News” section on the EasyCard Corporation’s official website.