Where to Buy Cheap Bags in Japan: The Ultimate Shopping Guide

In a country known for luxury fashion and high-end design, Japan also offers affordable shopping gems for bag lovers. If you're a bargain hunter searching for stylish, durable, and affordable bags, Japan has a variety of options—if you know where to look. This guide breaks down the best spots to score high-quality bags without breaking the bank, focusing on markets, thrift shops, discount stores, and even online platforms to help you get the best deals.

The Secret to Affordable Bag Shopping in Japan

Let’s dive straight into the top places where you can get the best bags in Japan for a fraction of their regular price. Spoiler alert: It’s not in the shiny, towering malls of Tokyo’s Ginza district. Instead, you’ll find these treasures in lesser-known shopping alleys, second-hand shops, and discount chain stores.

Imagine finding a unique, high-quality bag in the heart of Tokyo for a price that barely scratches your wallet. From stylish totes, vintage leather bags, to trendy backpacks, Japan’s affordable bag market has it all. But it takes a bit of strategy and knowledge to navigate.

Here’s a curated list of the best places to buy cheap bags in Japan:

1. Don Quijote (Donki)

Don Quijote is a discount chain store that offers a mix of practically everything, and that includes affordable bags. The bags range from simple totes and backpacks to more trendy designs. You can find Donki stores in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. If you’re a tourist, Don Quijote even offers tax-free shopping, making it an even sweeter deal.

• Prices: Starting at ¥1,000 (~$7 USD)
• Locations: Multiple across Japan
• Style: Casual, trendy, and functional
• Best Buy: Budget-friendly everyday bags, luggage, and travel backpacks

2. Shimokitazawa Vintage Shops

If you’re into vintage or pre-loved designer bags, Shimokitazawa in Tokyo is your go-to neighborhood. The area is filled with small, independent shops selling second-hand goods, including branded bags at significantly lower prices. From vintage Louis Vuitton to quirky Japanese brands, Shimokitazawa offers a treasure trove of bargains.

• Prices: ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 ($35 to $100 USD) for designer bags
• Location: Tokyo, Shimokitazawa district
• Style: Vintage, designer, unique
• Best Buy: Pre-owned luxury bags from brands like Gucci, Prada, and local Japanese designers

3. Harajuku Takeshita Street

Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is not just about crazy fashion and colorful crepes; it’s also a fantastic place to score cheap but stylish bags. The street is lined with stores selling trendy bags that won’t drain your wallet. Many of these are unique to Japanese street fashion and may not be found anywhere else.

• Prices: ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 ($10 to $20 USD)
• Location: Harajuku, Tokyo
• Style: Quirky, trendy, youth-centric
• Best Buy: Fashion-forward bags that embody Japanese street style

4. Second Street (セカンドストリート)

Second Street is a chain of second-hand shops across Japan offering great deals on everything from fashion to home goods. They have an extensive collection of bags—both domestic and international brands—at affordable prices. If you’re looking for a gently used designer bag or just a durable everyday tote, Second Street is worth visiting.

• Prices: ¥2,000 to ¥10,000 ($15 to $70 USD)
• Locations: Across Japan
• Style: Second-hand, designer, and everyday functional
• Best Buy: Pre-owned designer bags, durable everyday bags, and quirky one-of-a-kind finds

5. Uniqlo & GU

Uniqlo and its sister brand GU are famous for affordable yet stylish clothing, and they also offer simple, well-made bags. While not heavily advertised, these stores sell basic yet functional bags that suit minimalists and travelers alike. Whether you need a clean, structured tote or a spacious backpack, Uniqlo and GU are reliable choices for budget-conscious shoppers.

• Prices: ¥1,000 to ¥4,000 ($7 to $30 USD)
• Locations: Nationwide
• Style: Minimalist, functional, durable
• Best Buy: Clean, minimalist totes and backpacks

6. Seria & Daiso (100 Yen Shops)

For the ultra-budget conscious, 100 yen shops like Seria and Daiso offer unbelievably cheap bags. While these may not be the most durable options for daily use, they’re perfect for simple tasks like shopping or carrying light items. Many of these shops also carry reusable shopping bags and eco-friendly options, which are becoming increasingly popular.

• Prices: ¥100 to ¥500 ($1 to $5 USD)
• Locations: Nationwide
• Style: Simple, functional, eco-friendly
• Best Buy: Reusable shopping bags, light totes

7. Rakuten & Mercari

Rakuten and Mercari are two of the biggest online shopping platforms in Japan. They offer a massive variety of bags, from new to second-hand, at various price points. Rakuten often features discounts and free shipping deals, while Mercari lets users buy and sell pre-owned items, often resulting in some truly low-priced finds.

• Prices: ¥500 to ¥20,000 ($4 to $140 USD)
• Platform: Online (Rakuten, Mercari apps)
• Style: New, second-hand, designer, functional
• Best Buy: Discounted new bags, pre-owned designer brands

More Affordable Bag Shopping Tips in Japan

To ensure you’re getting the best deal, here are a few extra tips:

• Shop during sales: Japan has massive sales periods, especially during the New Year (Hatsu-uri) and Summer (July-August). Keep an eye out for "Fukubukuro" (lucky bags), which are often filled with discounted items.
• Visit Outlet Malls: Japan is home to several premium outlet malls, such as Gotemba Premium Outlets and Rinku Premium Outlets, where you can find international designer bags at a discount.
• Check for Tax-Free: As a tourist, you can take advantage of Japan’s tax-free shopping when you spend over a certain amount (usually ¥5,000). Look for stores with "tax-free" signs, and don’t forget your passport!

Conclusion

Whether you’re hunting for a quirky street fashion bag, a vintage designer piece, or simply a functional tote for your travels, Japan’s shopping landscape offers something for everyone. From the bustling streets of Harajuku to the quiet vintage shops in Shimokitazawa, there’s a cheap bag waiting for you if you know where to look. And thanks to online platforms like Mercari and Rakuten, even those outside of Japan can get in on the action.

Japan may be known for high-end luxury, but it also caters to those of us looking for quality on a budget. So pack your bags (or better yet, buy a cheap one when you land!), and get ready to shop till you drop—without dropping all your cash.