Foreword
100-yen stores are incredibly popular among visitors to Japan due to the wide variety of items available for just 100 yen. While the United States also has one-dollar stores, each country has its own unique characteristics, and Japan’s 100-yen stores offer many fascinating discoveries. If you have the time, we highly recommend visiting a Japanese 100-yen shop. They are perfect for finding souvenirs for yourself or gifts for friends and relatives.
When you check in to your accommodations at night, the most frequently asked questions are:
“Is there a convenience store nearby?”
“Is there a 100-yen shop nearby?”
Convenience stores are exceptionally convenient as they offer a wide range of products, from beverages to packed lunches for dinner. On the other hand, the 100-yen store, which we are about to introduce, is ideal for purchasing souvenirs and gifts. Both options are convenient to have near your accommodations and may be considered requirements when choosing lodging.
The 100-yen shop is indeed convenient, but there are a few things you need to be mindful of. Let me explain further.
What about the Price?
It is not always guaranteed that the price at the 100-yen shop is the best you can find. Although it is easy to assume that everything sold for 100 yen is the cheapest option, that is not always the case. Often, nearby supermarkets offer items at lower prices than those found in 100-yen stores. Moreover, some items are no longer priced at 100 yen these days, so it’s essential to carefully examine the prices before making a purchase. Failing to do so might lead to regrettable choices.
While smaller sizes of sweets and foods are popular, considering their weight, it is sometimes more cost-effective to buy brand-name products. For instance, “Gold Milk” candy, known for its delightful taste, weighs 37g and costs 108 yen (including consumption tax) at a 100-yen store. However, brand-name products at candy shops and supermarkets weigh 80g and cost around 180 to 200 yen (including consumption tax), making them a more advantageous choice. Confectionery and food manufacturers have likely taken this into consideration when determining the weight of their products and their wholesale price in the 100-yen market. It is advisable to think carefully before making a purchase. Although your own country may have $1 stores or similar alternatives, purchasing genuinely interesting items from Japan’s 100-yen stores is highly recommended. If you stumble upon something captivating at a hundred-yen store and have limited time for exploration, it’s best to buy it right away.
Quality is good enough?
Are all the products sold at 100-yen stores of the highest quality? Products sold in Japan have to pass rigorous quality tests before reaching the shelves. However, due to their affordable price of 100 yen, the quality of these items may differ from those sold at specialized stores at higher prices. Some products might be more delicate or less user-friendly compared to their pricier counterparts. To keep the price at 100 yen, materials used in these products may be thinner. If you intend to use something for an extended period, it is advisable to purchase it from a non-100-yen store!
Considering the quality of products sold at 100-yen stores, let’s take electrical cables as an example. While we all use charging cables for our phones, there is a notable difference in performance between an Apple charging cable and a 100-yen charging cable. In terms of cable bending and other factors, the 100-yen store’s charging cable is better for minimizing bending and related issues.
The smart way to use a 100-yen cable is to utilize it for charging at home, while genuine cables are recommended for outdoor use. When you are out and about, handling tends to be more rough, subjecting the charging cable to excessive force. Genuine cables can withstand such conditions without any problems (though they can still break if subjected to exceptionally strong force, so please handle them with care). Cables sold at 100-yen stores certainly differ from brand-name cables. The level of plating is also dissimilar, and this difference in quality can have an impact over a more extended period. Nowadays, even at hundred-yen stores, you can find higher-priced performance cables (ranging from 200 to 300 yen), so purchasing those is another option.
Traveler’s Essentials from 100-yen Shops
– Electric goods:
– USB charging cable
– Conversion plug
– Batteries
– Cosmetics
– Souvenirs
– Gifts
H2> Summary
As mentioned earlier, 100-yen shops offer great convenience. When people are searching for something they need, some individuals start by looking for it at a 100-yen shop, and if it’s not available there, they move on to specialized stores. Whether you believe it or not, the choice is yours.
Keywords: 100-yen shops, Japanese stores, affordable items, souvenirs, gifts, convenience, pricing, quality, traveler’s essentials, budget-friendly prices, hidden treasures
Discover the charm of Japanese 100-yen shops for affordable souvenirs, gifts, and everyday essentials. Explore pricing, quality, and traveler’s must-haves. Uncover hidden treasures at budget-friendly prices. Plan your visit now!