Living in Japan is comfortable in a hundred ways, but sooner or later most foreign residents hit the same wall: a favorite snack, a specific supplement brand, a baking ingredient, or a piece of specialty gear that simply is not sold at the local supermarket or drugstore. The good news is that a mix of international retailers and Japan-based importers has grown up to fill those gaps. Here is a practical rundown of where people actually shop, and what each option tends to be good for.
Before diving in, one reminder that applies to everything below: when you buy from overseas, Japanese import rules still apply. Personal-use quantity limits, customs duty, consumption tax, and category-specific restrictions can all come into play once a parcel crosses the border. If you are unsure whether something is allowed or how much it might cost on arrival, our can I import this? guide and the landed-cost calculator are the right places to start.
International retailers that ship to Japan
iHerb
iHerb is probably the most widely used overseas shop among foreign residents in Japan, and it is popular with Japanese shoppers too. The catalog covers supplements, vitamins, protein and sports nutrition, natural groceries, personal care, and household basics. Prices are shown in yen, the checkout supports common cards, and shipping to Japan is usually fast and predictable. It is a good first stop when you want a familiar brand that is hard to find locally, or simply a wider selection than the shops near you carry.
Import rules and quantity limits still apply. We make no health claims; this is only where to buy.
Keep in mind that supplements and similar goods are subject to personal-import quantity limits in Japan, so very large orders can attract extra scrutiny at customs. Our iHerb Japan guide walks through ordering, shipping options, and what to expect on delivery.
Amazon.com and the Amazon.co.jp Global Store
For general merchandise that is not stocked domestically, Amazon is the obvious workhorse. You can order directly from Amazon.com in the United States, or use the Global Store section within Amazon.co.jp, which lists overseas items alongside domestic ones and often estimates import fees at checkout so there are fewer surprises later. The Global Store route is convenient because you shop in a familiar Japanese interface, while ordering from Amazon.com sometimes unlocks a broader catalog.
Either way, remember that the item still enters Japan as an import, so the same customs and tax rules apply. Our Amazon.com to Japan guide explains the differences between the two paths and how to keep landed costs reasonable.
Vitacost
Vitacost is a US-based retailer that many people use as an alternative to iHerb for supplements and natural groceries. The ranges overlap, but each carries brands the other does not, so it is worth checking both when you are hunting for something specific. Vitacost ships internationally, and prices are set in US dollars, so factor in currency conversion and shipping when you compare totals.
As with any health or grocery import, personal-use limits and customs handling apply, and the total delivered cost is what matters rather than the sticker price alone.
Etsy
When you are after handmade, vintage, or genuinely hard-to-find specialty items, Etsy is in a category of its own. Think craft supplies, custom stationery, niche kitchen tools, holiday decorations, and the kind of small-batch goods you will not see in a big-box catalog. Because listings come from independent sellers around the world, shipping times and costs vary a lot, so read each shop's policies before you order.
Specialty imports can occasionally touch on restricted categories, so it is worth a quick check against the import rules before buying something unusual.
Domestic shops and Japan-based importers
You do not always have to order from abroad. Several shops inside Japan specialize in international and hard-to-find groceries, and buying domestically means no border to cross and no customs paperwork on your end.
- Costco Japan is the go-to warehouse club for bulk international groceries, baking supplies, cheeses, and household goods, with locations across the country and a members-only model.
- Flying Pig is an online service that sources Costco products and delivers them, which is handy if you are not near a warehouse or do not want a membership.
- The Meat Guy specializes in imported and specialty meats, sausages, and cuts that are tricky to find in ordinary supermarkets, along with barbecue and holiday staples.
- Nihon Foodie stocks international pantry items and ingredients aimed at home cooks looking for flavors from back home.
- Yoyo Market is another online grocer carrying imported foods and hard-to-find brands, delivered within Japan.
Because these sellers are based in Japan, prices are in yen and there is no separate import step to worry about, though the selection is naturally narrower than the full overseas catalogs.
Choosing between them
In practice, most people mix and match. Reach for iHerb or Vitacost for supplements and natural groceries, Amazon for general goods, and Etsy for handmade or specialty finds. When something is available from a Japan-based importer like Costco Japan or The Meat Guy, buying domestically often saves the hassle of customs entirely. Whichever route you take for an overseas order, run the numbers first: the delivered total, not the listed price, is what you actually pay, and import rules always apply.