When in Trouble During Your Japan Trip? How 100 Yen Shops Can Save the Day
For foreign visitors exploring Japan, 100 yen shops like DAISO are a true lifesaver. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, these budget-friendly stores are everywhere—from cities to rural towns—and offer practical solutions to unexpected travel issues. This article shares real-life scenarios and explains how simple items from these stores can help you travel smarter and more comfortably.
Find the nearest DAISO store here (Official Store Locator)
● Storefront: DAISO Entrance
*Photo: DAISO Harajuku. Look for the signature pink signboard—easy to find anywhere in Japan.
● Inside the Store: Travel Goods Section
*Photo: Compact travel items neatly organized. Many have multilingual packaging.
1. Dead Phone Battery? Find Emergency Cables
While sightseeing, traveler A’s phone battery was dying from extensive GPS use. Realizing they had forgotten their cable, they found a DAISO nearby. There, they picked up a Type-C cable and connected to their portable charger—problem solved!
*Photo: Cables available for most smartphones, including iPhone and Android.
2. Feeling Sick or Need Flight Essentials? Mask & Cooling Gel Sheets
In chilly Kyoto, traveler B started to feel under the weather. At a nearby DAISO, they found disposable masks and cooling gel sheets—similar to those in pharmacies, but much cheaper. Great for long flights too.
*Photo: Healthcare products are clearly marked and safe for use.
3. Staying at an Airbnb? Grab Simple Kitchen Tools
Traveler C stayed in an Osaka apartment with a kitchen but lacked utensils. At DAISO, they found chopsticks, plastic dishes, and even a small knife. With simple ingredients from the local market, they had a delicious home-cooked meal.
*Photo: Most basic kitchen tools are available for under 150 yen.
4. Suitcase Too Heavy? Get a Luggage Scale & Compression Bags
Before heading to the airport, traveler D worried about luggage weight. At DAISO, they picked up a portable luggage scale and compression bags. A few smart packing tricks later, they passed the airline check-in stress-free.
*Photo: Useful travel tools in a pinch, including organizers and scales.
5. Sudden Rain Shower? Cheap Umbrellas to the Rescue
Traveler E was exploring Asakusa when rain hit unexpectedly. No umbrella in sight—except for a nearby 100 yen shop. They got a foldable umbrella for 300 yen and continued their journey dry and smiling.
*Photo: Foldable umbrellas and rain ponchos are readily available.
6. Forgot a Souvenir? Find Beautiful Japanese Gifts
En route to the airport, traveler F realized they forgot a gift. A quick stop at DAISO led them to a beautiful sakura-themed towel and a traditional handkerchief—lightweight and full of Japanese charm.
*Photo: Japanese-themed items like tenugui towels make perfect last-minute souvenirs.
POINT Japanese 100 yen shops like DAISO, Seria, and Can Do are more than just budget stores—they’re travel hacks waiting to be discovered. Be sure to visit one during your trip!
