100 yen shops (Japanese: hyaku en shop) sell a wide range of products for 105 yen per item (100 yen plus 5 percent consumption tax). This corresponds to roughly one US dollar per item, making the shops a great source for travelers and residents on a budget.
There are thousands of 100 yen shops across Japan, ranging in size from multi-storey "department stores" to small corners in shopping malls. Market leader Daiso operates over two thousand stores nationwide and pursues an aggressive expansion policy.
One of the largest 100 yen shops in central Tokyo is Daiso Harajuku in Takeshita Dori, just a few steps from Harajuku Station, while Japan's largest 100 yen shop, Daiso Giga Machida, spans 5 floors in front of Machida Station (30 minutes, 360 yen from Shinjuku by Odakyu Railways).
Large stores in other cities include: Daiso Sapporo Chuo (South 2 West 2, Odori Station), Daiso Nagoya Sakae Skyle (Sakae Station), Daiso Osaka Keihan City Mall (Tenmabashi Station, Keihan Railway), Daiso Kobe Sannomiya Centergai (Sannomiya Station) and Daiso Fukuoka Kotsu Center (Fukuoka Kotsu Center, Hakata Station).
By purchasing products in huge quantities and at big discounts from countries with low production and labor costs, 100 yen shops are able to offer an amazing range of products at a price that is often below the product's actual value.
Below is a selection of products typically found at 100 yen shops:
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Tableware
Plates, rice and miso soup bowls, tea cups, sake sets, forks, etc.
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Kitchenware
Kitchen knives, dippers, microwave containers, coffee filters, detergent, aluminum foil, etc.
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Tools
Hammers, measuring tapes, pliers, screwdriver sets, cutter knives, etc.
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Gardenware
Watering pots, mini rakes, containers, etc.
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Stationary
Boxes, report pads, memo pads, pens, pins, calligraphy brushes, etc.
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Household Goods
Sewing threads, towels, socks, slippers, etc.
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Leisure Goods
Ping pong sets, swimming goggles, English-Japanese dictionaries, etc.
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