Great deals plus tax refunds available – 3 must-visit Japanese drugstores recommended by travel experts
Reported by Tsai Wen-Jun / Special Feature
Starting in October, Japan’s new tax exemption system has come into effect, and popular purchases among Taiwanese travelers such as medicine and cosmetics are now included in the tax-free range. This has led Taiwanese fans of Japanese cosmetics to go on a major shopping spree. ETtoday EBC News spoke exclusively with seasoned Japan travel expertSasha, asking her to recommend must-visit and highly buyable drugstores in Tokyo, as well as her top 10 essential drugstore products.
%The favorite store of the reporter’s friend who often travels here is “Aniz&tulpe”(Photo / Reposted fromAniz&tulpe's official Weibo)
Sasha said that her personal favorite drugstore is “Aniz&tulpe,” a must-visit shop when traveling in Tokyo. Especially the Harajuku branch, which not only has a large store and wide product selection but also offers a comfortable shopping environment that makes customers enjoy their shopping experience.
%Another highly recommended store is the widely present “Sun Drug”(Photo / From Wikipedia)
“Sun Drug” is known in Japan under the signage サンドラッグ. If you're especially concerned about whether tax refunds are available, Sun Drug, which currently has more branches offering tax refunds, is the place Sasha recommends for some serious shopping.
%Don’t miss the well-established “Matsumoto Kiyoshi” chain across Japan(Photo / From Wikipedia)
When buying drugstore items in Japan, how can you miss “Matsumoto Kiyoshi” (マツモトキヨシ)? With stores all over the country, it’s a must-visit drugstore for fans of Japanese cosmetics. However, travelers should note that depending on the region, prices for the same products may vary, so it’s wise to compare. Also, Matsumoto Kiyoshi is expected to start offering tax refund services from October 21st, so travelers planning to shop in Japan should keep an eye out for that.
Sasha said she personally prefers drugstore branches located in shopping streets because they tend to be larger, offer a wider selection, and have more promotions. Compared to stores in popular shopping districts, those in shopping streets are actually more likely to offer hidden gems.
As for her personal top recommendations for Japanese drugstore products, Sasha said the following 10 are all items she’s used herself and found effective. There are fewer skincare products recommended because skin types vary, so the list leans more towards makeup items.
Top 10 essential drugstore products to buy in Japan: (Photo /Sasha’s Japan Travel RoomProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission)
1. Love Me Mirror Ultra Long Magic Mascara Instant Curl Upgraded Version BK999 Black (bottom left)
2. KISS ME Flirty Girls New Curling & Volumizing Waterproof Mascara (bottom right)
3. Kanebo Suisai Enzyme Washing Powder (bottom left)
4. SUGAO Lightweight Mousse Texture CC Cream (bottom right)
5. Ettusais Lip Essence (bottom left)
6. LuLuLun Face Masks (bottom right)
7. TSURURI Disney Alice Series Mini Nose Brush (bottom left)
8. Hada Labo Extremely Moisturizing α Firming & Elastic Hydrating Lotion (bottom right)
9. Japanese Fiancée (Fiancée) Perfume (scent after washing hair / scent after taking a bath) (bottom left)
10. SHISEIDO Eyebrow Pencil. (right in the image below)
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