While Daiso now has stores in 25 countries around the world, for those of us who don’t have one it’s still a fun place to shop for cheap souvenirs. Daiso is a ¥100 store (though some items cost more these days), so similar to Pound shops and Dollar stores and full of cheap silly and surprisingly good quality stuff.
Most branches have multiple floors packed with kitchenware, food and drinks, toys, fashion accessories, toiletries, sewing supplies and more. The kitchenware section has some great bento accessories and lots of pretty traditional style bowls and cups which make nice little gifts. You’ll also find loads of cute stationery, including things like household accounts books, colouring books and memo pads, along with novelty erasers and little bags and envelopes for packaging gifts, plus hairclips, bags and toys.
Have a good rummage though – you really never know what might turn up! Some of my finds include a little bunny for cleaning your glasses, cute fuzzy bears for holding heat packs, Miffy salt and pepper shakers and kitchen sponges with happy faces.
At larger stores your purchases will be put in another basket along with a carrier bag – take it all over to the Packing Station to pack your goods at your own speed, with free newspaper to wrap your breakables.
If you’re on a budget, Daiso is a great place to pick up some fun souvenirs and gifts at bargain prices, or just to see how the Japanese can cute up even the most boring of household items.
How to get there
Daiso has branches all over Tokyo and Japan – check the website or Google Maps to find them all. Two of the easiest to get to are on Takeshita Dori near Harajuku station and the Sunshine City mall near Ikebukuro station.
Last updated: 24 August 2016
