Your Guide to Electronics Stores in Japan

Posted on 03/26/2021 Last updated on 09/14/2021

Top photo: photoBさん on PhotoAC

When people around the world think of Japan, one of the first things that comes to mind is electronic devices, and for good reason. Japan is widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, and home to many companies that produce top-quality electronics. But where should you go to buy your gadgets and gizmos? Here’s some basic information on what I think are Japan’s best stores to find your next TV, rice cooker or electric razor at.

Disclaimer before we begin: the stores discussed here will be ones that are focused on selling electronics, and stores that are more home and hardware-based that also happen to sell some electronics will not be included. With that out of the way, let’s begin!

Yodobashi Camera（ヨドバシカメラ）

Yodobashi Camera Co., Ltd. was founded by current CEO Terukazu Fujisawa in 1960. They have 23 locations in Japan and rank fourth among consumer electronics mass retailers in the country. Their online shopping has become the second largest platform for electronics in Japan behind only Amazon. Yodobashi tends to focus on opening large stores at very popular locations, such as Shinjuku and Harajuku. The Akihabara “megastore” location is truly a sight to behold.

Bic Camera（ビックカメラ）

Originally founded as Takasaki DP Center Co., Ltd. in Takasaki, Gunma by Ryuji Arai in 1968, Bic Camera has grown to become the third-largest electronics and home appliance retailer in Japan. With 41 locations in Japan, they tend to open up stores in urban centers similar to (and even close to) Yodobashi, and so the two are often seen as rivals. Since it has nearly double the locations, however, it is easier to find one than a Yodobashi. The two chains also carry many of the same goods for roughly the same price.

Yamada Denki（ヤマダデンキ）

Yamada Denki first began as a privately-owned store in 1973. After merging with a dormant company in 1987, it went on to become the second-largest electronics and home appliance retailer in Japan with hundreds of stores all across the country. Because they are a more country-wide store and don’t focus on urban centers as much as Bic Camera and Yodobashi do, Yamada Denki shops tend to carry more “everyday” electronics and less specialized goods. They’re also considerably easier to find if you live out in the suburbs!

Kojima（コジマ）

Founded in 1955, Kojima is a company very similar to Yamada Denki in scale and in terms of what they offer on-site, although they have fewer locations. In fact, Kojima and Yamada Denki are often seen as rivals, much in the same way the Yodobashi and Bic Camera are. Speaking of Bic Camera, 50% of Kojima is owned by Bic Camera, so you can expect a taste of Bic’s prices and offerings if you happen to live near a Kojima.

K’s Denki（ケーズデンキ）

K’s Denki is a little bit of an outlier here. They run themselves in an identical style to Yamada Denki and Kojima, so like them, they don’t have as many specialty goods available that Yodobashi and Bic Camera would. However, as the fifth-largest electronics and home appliance retailer in Japan, they don’t quite have the clout that Yamada Denki and Kojima enjoy either. Nonetheless, they are a perfectly fine electronics retailer, and will most likely be able to fulfill your needs as well as Yamada Denki or Kojima would.

One thing all of these stores have in common is a point card system; while physical cards are still present, some of them (such as Bic) have transitioned to a phone app system. I highly recommended getting your closest store’s version of a point card, as you’ll probably find yourself shopping there often. Racking up points that can be cashed in for price reductions later is worth the time, especially when you’re buying 5000-6000 yen worth of items and not having to hand over any money. It’s a great feeling!

Now that you understand a little more about electronics stores in Japan, you should be well-prepared to go shopping at an appropriate location for whatever you may desire. Who knows, you may even develop a little bit of brand loyalty towards one of these stores. I know I have!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: photoBさん on PhotoAC