When you start a new life in Japan, you do not need to buy everything at once.
A 100-yen shop can be a useful first stop because you can find many small everyday items there.
So, how much of your new life can you set up with a 100-yen shop?
What Can You Buy at a 100-Yen Shop?
100-yen shops are especially useful for small household items.
For the kitchen, you can often find:
- plates and bowls
- cups
- chopsticks and spoons
- cutting boards
- sponges
- food containers
- dishcloths
- small cooking tools
For laundry and cleaning, you may find:
- hangers
- laundry nets
- laundry clips
- garbage bags
- cleaning sheets
- small trash bins
- storage boxes
- hooks and baskets
You can also find useful items such as towels and toothbrushes.
The products available depend on the store, but many basic household items can be found at a 100-yen shop.
What Can’t You Fully Buy at a 100-Yen Shop?
A 100-yen shop cannot provide everything you need for a new home.
Depending on what is already included in your apartment, you may still need:
Bedding
- futon or mattress
- pillow
- sheets
Large appliances
- refrigerator
- washing machine
- microwave
- rice cooker
Furniture
- table
- chairs
- larger storage furniture
These are usually better found at furniture stores, home centers, or electronics stores.
Before buying large items, check what is already included in your apartment.
Compare Food and Daily Supplies at Other Stores
Some 100-yen shops also sell food, shampoo, detergent, and other daily supplies.
However, supermarkets and drugstores may offer more choices or larger sizes for items such as:
- rice
- meat, fish, and vegetables
- eggs and milk
- shampoo
- laundry detergent
- toilet paper
- tissues
Just because something is sold at a 100-yen shop does not always mean it is the cheapest option.
It is a good idea to compare both the price and the size.
Not Everything Costs ¥100
Despite the name, not every item in a 100-yen shop costs ¥100.
A standard ¥100 item usually costs:
¥110 including tax
You may also see items priced at:
- ¥220
- ¥330
- ¥550
- or more
Always check the price label before buying.
A Simple Shopping Order
You do not need to make your new home perfect on the first day.
A simple order is:
1. 100-yen shop
Buy small kitchen, laundry, cleaning, and storage items.
2. Supermarket or drugstore
Buy food, shampoo, detergent, toilet paper, and other daily supplies.
3. Furniture or electronics store
After living in your room for a few days, buy the larger items you actually need.
This can help you avoid spending money on things you may not use.
Quick Summary
You cannot set up your entire life in Japan at a 100-yen shop.
But you can buy many of the small items you need for:
- cooking
- laundry
- cleaning
- storage
- everyday life
If you have just arrived in Japan and do not know where to start, a 100-yen shop can be a useful first stop.
Start with the basics, live in your room for a few days, and then buy anything else you really need.
Products, prices, and stock vary by store and time of year. Always check the price and product information in the store.
