100 Yen Shop 百円ショップ

One of the most well known shops in Japan is 100 yen shop. It can be found in almost any town. Most of it are owned by Daiso or Seria. Daiso is easier to find, but Seria has a range of products that are more beautiful or delicate. Initially, I got a lot of my stuffs in 100 yen shop. However, after that, I found out that it is actually not that expensive to buy from the supermarkets, sometimes, it is cheaper with higher quality.

For example, handkerchief sold in 100 yen shop is around the same with the handkerchief sold in Rocky which cost only 40 yen. It is the same with socks, there are more varieties at supermarkets, sometimes cheaper or on par with the 100 yen shop. However, it is convenient to buy in the 100 yen shop. Plus, they have a lot of stuffs that are so cute that one cannot resist the temptation to own it. Although at the end, it will end up in the junk.

For food wise, I think it is easy to get spices in the shop, I bought my pepper powder there and there are hot sauce, chili sauce, etc. The instant food was easy to get too. The price is almost the same with the supermarket. There are 500 ml bottle drinks too. If compared to the vending machine, of course it is cheaper. However, if compared to supermarkets, it is way too expensive. So, I never buy bottle drink there.

For toiletries, I think that it is not worth it. The branded one will only cost a little bit more than the 100 yen products. The quantities are bigger too. For example, body shampoo, the 100 yen shampoo is probably 180 ml only. But for 250 yen, one can buy Shiseido mild shampoo for 400 ml. Not to even mention the brand. However, if one likes the 100 yen products, it is ok to use it. Different people, different opinions. 

The first thing I bought from 100 yen shop was woman napkins because I did not know where to find it. It was so expensive. 4 pieces only per package and it was not for heavy flow and I finished it in one night. It was my own mistake too, did not read properly because my Japanese was very poor then. Now, I will only buy after reading carefully although it takes time.

For the kitchen items, I think 100 yen shop products are ok. I bought my wooden coaster there, and another wooden chopping board that I use as a coaster too. For the chopping board, I bought a plastic type. Other than that, I bought salt shaker (with the shape of mouse, but I never use it, just for decoration purpose), bowls, knife, tea pot, cups (including one with cute dog shape), etc. 

Stuff from 100 Yen Shop

However, one thing that I do not recommended is electrical items. I bought a 3 way pin, but it was not functioning, even the pin from the plugs cannot be inserted into the hole. Luckily, it was just 100 yen only.

Anyway, there are so many items inside the shop, plus it is not that expensive, so normally people will buy something from the 100 yen shop per visit. I once heard about a neighbour who travelled to Japan and bought only 100 yen shop items for souvenir. Well, some are useful items!