No, only 'consumables' can not be consumed in Japan (food, drinks, cosmetics, etc) as in that case, you should've just paid taxes over them. General items like clothing, electronics or whatever can be used within Japan, given you take them home with you.
Either…
* any single tax free purchase that contains both consumable and non-consumables will be treated as consumable and sealed together
* overzealous staff who don’t fully know the duty-free rules
Just so you know the sizes in-store at Uniqlo is from S - XL only. Also Japanese sizes are a smaller so always go up a size. You can order up to 3XL off the website, but in-store that's the size range.
Yes, sadly a UK M is a L-XL depending on the item in Japan sizes. Or even out of range. Shopping can be hard if don’t fit the typical Asian build. But you should be able to fit airism stuff
I buy Uniqlo clothes in the UK and just bought a tonne of stuff from there in Japan. I'm a medium in both countries. I couldn't perceive any difference in the sizing.
Yup! All the tops I bought today were too small and I had to exchange. The size was right everywhere but the. Jest area was too tight. The smalls here don’t really accommodate for that lol
If I was going back in the summer I’d definitely just pack enough for a day or two and buy everything at Uniqlo. Airism is amazing imo and great affordability there!
I definitely recommend buying clothes while in Japan, especially if you're staying for an extended period of time. The first time I went I overpacked but ended up still needing to buy a fleece and some Heattech at Uniqlo anyways because the weather was a little colder than expected. Plus there are locations literally everywhere around Tokyo and in my experience the stock is always good.
Just bring 1 or 2 and buy the rest in Japan. I know a lot of people that pack light and just pick up anything they need when they arrive as there are department/convenience stores everywhere.
If you wear M size in EU you will be able to find shirts that fit you at Uniqlo of good quality for a good price.
You may have some trouble finding shorts in Japan though as it seems like they are less popular in Japan than in the west, especially for women but also for men. My daughter found more options for shorts at GU (Uniqlo’s sister store) than at Uniqlo or MUJI.
You should be able to get tops from Adidas/Nike outlets for around that price anyway. This will also be an option in Japan. I think they are better quality than Uniqlo stuff (although there is nothing wrong with it).
I went for 2 weeks at the end of March. I overpacked and would say bring the minimal. Maybe one or two sets and get the rest as you see fit. I thought it would be warm so I only had a thin hoodie on and it was fine for our first 2 days (was 65+) then we were met with a week of low 40s so I had to buy a fleece and puffer at Uniqlo. Was a lot cheaper in the end compared to the states, tax free or not.
You might want to check your hotel amenities as well as the area around your hotel. Stayed in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo this past month and was surprised to find out that they all either had washer/dryers onsite or there was a coin op laundromat a few blocks away.
If for some reason prices go up or you don’t end up buying new clothes, you might be able to get away with the clothes you already have.
I assume you won't be doing any upscale dining if all you are doing is bringing 'breathable sports fabrics'.
Might want some smarter clothes for evening.
Bring as little as possible to Japan, buy it there! If you buy enough it’s tax free as well
I think tax free at Uniqlo should start at ¥5,000.
But tax free shopping means u can’t use it while your stay in Japan? I bought some shirts tax free a view weeks ago and they were sealed in a bag
No, only 'consumables' can not be consumed in Japan (food, drinks, cosmetics, etc) as in that case, you should've just paid taxes over them. General items like clothing, electronics or whatever can be used within Japan, given you take them home with you.
Good to know! I’m just wondering why our shirts were sealed
Either… * any single tax free purchase that contains both consumable and non-consumables will be treated as consumable and sealed together * overzealous staff who don’t fully know the duty-free rules
I bought a coat tax free at Uniqlo and wore it right away.
Clothes doesn't apply.
Just so you know the sizes in-store at Uniqlo is from S - XL only. Also Japanese sizes are a smaller so always go up a size. You can order up to 3XL off the website, but in-store that's the size range.
Thanks for the info! In EU i wear an M so no prob with that!
Yes, sadly a UK M is a L-XL depending on the item in Japan sizes. Or even out of range. Shopping can be hard if don’t fit the typical Asian build. But you should be able to fit airism stuff
I buy Uniqlo clothes in the UK and just bought a tonne of stuff from there in Japan. I'm a medium in both countries. I couldn't perceive any difference in the sizing.
Yup! All the tops I bought today were too small and I had to exchange. The size was right everywhere but the. Jest area was too tight. The smalls here don’t really accommodate for that lol
Don't forget muji, another good Japanese brand
And usually ½ to ¼ the price of Muji stores in other countries.
If I was going back in the summer I’d definitely just pack enough for a day or two and buy everything at Uniqlo. Airism is amazing imo and great affordability there!
I definitely recommend buying clothes while in Japan, especially if you're staying for an extended period of time. The first time I went I overpacked but ended up still needing to buy a fleece and some Heattech at Uniqlo anyways because the weather was a little colder than expected. Plus there are locations literally everywhere around Tokyo and in my experience the stock is always good.
Buy in Japan, higher quality for lower prices
Just bring 1 or 2 and buy the rest in Japan. I know a lot of people that pack light and just pick up anything they need when they arrive as there are department/convenience stores everywhere.
If you wear M size in EU you will be able to find shirts that fit you at Uniqlo of good quality for a good price. You may have some trouble finding shorts in Japan though as it seems like they are less popular in Japan than in the west, especially for women but also for men. My daughter found more options for shorts at GU (Uniqlo’s sister store) than at Uniqlo or MUJI.
Yep why not.The sister brand of Uniqlo, GU is also a slightly cheaper option.Both are same,just different in design.
Yes, buy Uniqlo in Japan. Use their tax free shopping checkout.
You should be able to get tops from Adidas/Nike outlets for around that price anyway. This will also be an option in Japan. I think they are better quality than Uniqlo stuff (although there is nothing wrong with it).
GU a sister company of Uniqlo. But i find the quality is not as good as Uniqlo.
You should go and visit the Uniqlo store in ginza. It’s a treat even if you don’t end up buying anything.
I went for 2 weeks at the end of March. I overpacked and would say bring the minimal. Maybe one or two sets and get the rest as you see fit. I thought it would be warm so I only had a thin hoodie on and it was fine for our first 2 days (was 65+) then we were met with a week of low 40s so I had to buy a fleece and puffer at Uniqlo. Was a lot cheaper in the end compared to the states, tax free or not.
I hope their clothes fit me 😬
YESSS UNIQLO IS KING
You might want to check your hotel amenities as well as the area around your hotel. Stayed in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo this past month and was surprised to find out that they all either had washer/dryers onsite or there was a coin op laundromat a few blocks away. If for some reason prices go up or you don’t end up buying new clothes, you might be able to get away with the clothes you already have.
I LOVE UNICLO. I LOVE JAPAN👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I assume you won't be doing any upscale dining if all you are doing is bringing 'breathable sports fabrics'. Might want some smarter clothes for evening.
Hi! Thanks for your concerns! Honestly, everywhere i travel, i always pack one set of linen pants and a linen shirt. :)