Introduction: This is a Jungle.
Hello! This is Ken, editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.
The continuously blasting theme song, mountains of products reaching the ceiling, and labyrinthine aisles… Anyone stepping into “Don Quijote” (aka Donki), Japan’s world-renowned discount store, for the first time is bound to be overwhelmed by its sheer volume of information.
Donki is not just a store; it’s an “interactive theme park” where you actively hunt for what you want. In this article, I’ll teach you the complete guide to enjoying this chaotic jungle, smartly and affordably, on your treasure hunt!
【What to Buy?】Ken’s Picks! A List of Must-Buy Items for Travelers at Donki
From the vast array of products, I’ve carefully selected items that are especially useful as souvenirs or during your stay in Japan, categorized by genre.
① Japan-Exclusive Snacks
Donki is a treasure trove of rare flavored Kit Kats and Pocky. You might even find flavors not available in regular supermarkets. Souvenir packs from famous ramen shops like “Ichiran” are also popular.
② High-Quality Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals
This is your chance to get popular, high-quality Japanese drugstore products all in one place and at a discount. Sheet masks like “Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask”, sunscreens like “Biore UV”, and pain relief patches like “Roihi Tsuboko” are particularly popular.
③ Character Goods
You’ll find a wide variety of popular Japanese character goods, including Sanrio, Pokémon, and Ghibli. You might discover bargains that are cheaper than buying at official stores.
④【Insider Tip】Target “Jonetsu Kakaku”!
If you see the logo for Donki’s private brand, “Jonetsu Kakaku” (Passion Price), be sure to pick it up. Far from being “cheap and nasty,” many products are unique and “edgy,” with a surprising number of high-quality items.
Especially famous is the sweet and delicious “Yakiimo” (roasted sweet potato), baked in-store, which is so popular that some Japanese people visit just to buy it.
【How to Buy?】The Ultimate Savings Guide: Tax-Free + Coupon
Knowing this will significantly change the amount you pay. This is the most crucial information for travelers.
Step ① Preparation: Get Your Traveler-Exclusive Coupon
Before shopping at Donki, there’s one thing you absolutely must do: make sure you can display the digital coupon for foreign travelers on your smartphone.
Get your coupon here.
Step ② Select Your Products (Totaling 5,000 yen or 10,000 yen or more)
Japanese consumption tax (10%) is exempt for purchases of 5,000 yen (excluding tax) or more. Furthermore, coupon discounts are applied to purchases of 10,000 yen (excluding tax) or more.
Step ③ Checkout: Head to the Tax-Free Counter
Once you’ve selected your items, bypass the regular registers and head directly to the “Tax-Free Counter.” There, you will check out using the following steps:
- Present your passport.
- The staff will scan your items.
- Before payment, present your smartphone’s coupon screen (barcode). (※Note: Discounts cannot be applied after payment!)
- Pay the final amount with the discount applied. This simultaneously applies the 10% consumption tax exemption + 5% (or more) coupon discount.
Ken’s Final Advice: 3 Tips for “Enjoying” Donki
① Go late at night!
Many stores are open late at night or 24 hours. Late-night hours, when there are fewer tourists and families, are a hidden gem for leisurely browsing. You might even get to observe the nocturnal habits of Japanese youth.
② Look up at the ceiling!
If you get lost in the jungle of products, look up instead of down. Signage hanging from the ceiling will guide you to your desired section.
③ Enjoy the treasure hunt!
The real fun of Donki lies in encountering unexpected and interesting products. Forget the time and enjoy the treasure hunt process itself. You’re sure to find unique souvenirs just for you.
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