Travel Tips Travelling to Japan

11 Popular Brands That Are Cheaper in Japan vs Singapore

Michelle Alyssa

23.09.25

Read time 5 minutes

Japan is on the list of many Singaporeans’ bucket lists, and one of its draws is the world-class shopping destinations offering products from fashion and skincare to cutting-edge technology.

Many brands are cheaper in Japan than in Singapore, especially if they are Japanese brands. This article will compare prices for a few popular brands so you can maximise your savings and share some tips to help you stretch your JPY further.

We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change over time. The comparisons provided are estimates and may vary depending on store location, seasonal promotions, and exchange rates at the time of your purchase. The SGD equivalents are based on exchange rates as of 19 September 2025.

Table of contents
How to save money when shopping in Japan Tax-free shopping for tourists Popular brands that are cheaper in Japan Fashion Skincare Lifestyle and food Pay for transport, food, and shopping with the Wise card to maximise your SGD to JPY conversions

How to save money when shopping in Japan

With a little planning, you can find incredible value while shopping in Japan.

Outlet malls can give significant discounts on both Japanese and international brands.
100-yen shops like Daiso will offer an extensive range of products from homeware and furnishings, and most, if not all, their products cost 100 JPY (0.87 SGD).
Look out for seasonal sales, as products can mean huge markdowns as retailers try to offload their current inventory to make way for a new season.

Take advantage of tax-free shopping for tourists

Similar to Singapore’s GST, Japan has a tax rate that ranges from 8 to 10%. However, tourists enjoy a tax-free shopping programme, where you can simply show your passport at participating stores, which can be identified with the ‘Tax-Free’ sign they display at checkout or entrances.¹

Note that you’ll have to spend a minimum of 5,000 JPY (43 SGD) before tax in a single store on the same day. There is a wide range of eligible items like clothing, cosmetics, electronics, souvenirs, and skincare. After you do your shopping, head to the tax-free counter or cashier and present your passport. Some stores deduct the tax at checkout, while others require you to pay the tax first and then request a refund.

Popular brands that are cheaper in Japan

Ready to do some shopping? Here are some clothing brands that are cheaper in Japan!

Fashion

Uniqlo

Singaporeans are no strangers to Uniqlo. With over 20 outlets in premium locations, it has a huge presence here.² However, as a Japanese brand, Uniqlo offers much cheaper prices in Japan, along with products that may not be available elsewhere.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
Men’s T-Shirt	1,290 (11 SGD)	19.90	8.90
Women’s Sweater	1,990 (17 SGD)	39.90	28

Evisu

Popular denim specialists Evisu are prized for their high-quality denim woven on traditional looms. Some of their most popular products can be found in major malls around Singapore, like Marina Bay Sands and ION Orchard.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
Playful Seagull Print Jeans³	40,194 (349 SGD)	449	100
Rhinestone Logo Jeans⁴	36,234 (314 SGD)	459	145

Onitsuka Tiger

Founded in 1949, this Japanese sneaker brand blends vintage style with modern comfort. Sneaker enthusiasts love their iconic stripes and unique designs that reflect Japanese quality and culture. For sneaker fans, buying directly from Japan can lead to significant savings.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
Mexico 66 Model⁵	15,400 (133 SGD)	190	57
GSM Model⁶	14,300 (124 SGD)	190	66

Seiko

Renowned watch brand Seiko has a long history of making quality timepieces since 1881. The company is famous for combining classic elegance with state-of-the-art technology.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
King Seiko Mechanical Watch⁷ ⁸	396,000 (3,441 SGD)	4632	1191

Issey Miyake

This iconic fashion brand was formed in the 1970s, quickly growing in popularity with bold, minimalist designs and experimental use of pleats. In addition to elegant clothing, Issey Miyake is also renowned for their innovative range of fragrances with iconic scents like L’Eau d’Issey, and they have recently made waves in the industry for Bao Bao Miyake, their range of creatively designed bags.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
L’Eau d’Issey (50ml) ⁹ ¹⁰	12,700 (110 SGD)	119	9
Bao Bao Lucent Matte Tote Bag	63,800 (553 SGD)	1315	762

Skincare

Japan is one of the world’s most beloved manufacturers of skincare and cosmetics, and several Japanese brands have made it to the competitive global market. Here are some that are cheaper in Japan than in Singapore.

Shiseido

Shiseido is a leading beauty brand, with a history dating back over a hundred years. With an extensive range of products from skincare and makeup to fragrances and beauty accessories, this global industry leader has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Tokyo in the 1800s.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
Vital Perfection Cream¹¹ ¹²	15,950 (138 SGD)	185	47

SK-II

SK-II began over 40 years ago with the discovery of its patented ingredient, PITERA™, a naturally-derived liquid from the sake brewing process known to improve skin clarity and firmness.

Their signature PITERA™ essence is a cult favourite, and buying it in Japan offers a clear price advantage.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
Facial Treatment Essence	26,400 (229 SGD)	328	99

Hada Labo

Hada Labo, meaning “Skin Lab,” focuses on simple and perfect formulas, without unnecessary additives like colourants or fragrances. This award-winning brand has garnered a cult following, especially for its flagship product, the Super Hyaluronic Hydrating Lotion from the Gokujyun line. Trusted for its gentle and effective products, Hada Labo has become a go-to brand for those seeking healthy, supple, and balanced skin.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
Hyaluronic Hydrating Lotion	880 (7.60 SGD)	27	19.40

Note that the packaging slightly differs for the Singapore market.

Lifestyle and food

Muji

Founded in 1980, Muji stands for “no-brand, quality goods,” reflecting its focus on minimalist design, functionality, and affordability. From clothing and stationery to furniture and food, they strive to avoid unnecessary packaging and use only sustainable materials. Beloved by Singaporeans, Muji is popular with those who appreciate the simpler things in life.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
Short-sleeved T-shirt	990 (8.60 SGD)	19.90	11.30
Pair of Socks	390 (3.60 SGD)	4.90	1.30

Kit Kat

Japanese Kit Kats go far beyond the standard, with hundreds of unique seasonal and regional flavours like green tea, wasabi, sake, and cherry blossom. Many who travel to Japan collect these as gifts or souvenirs because each flavour represents a local speciality and is a reflection of Japanese creativity.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
Box of 10 bars (420g) ¹⁶ ¹⁷	2,280 (19.90 SGD)	31.50	11.60

Ichiran Ramen

Ichiran is a much-loved ramen chain known for its customisable tonkotsu ramen. While not yet available in Singapore, you can buy their popular instant ramen packs to take home.

Product	Price in Japan (JPY)	Price in Singapore (SGD)	Potential savings (SGD)
Instant Ramen (5-pack) ¹⁸ ¹⁹	2,130 (18 SGD)	22.40	4.40

Pay for transport, food, and shopping with the Wise card to maximise your SGD to JPY conversions

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 350 SGD each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.

💳 Get your Wise card

Sources:

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