JapanBuyScout

Guides and tips

Is it cheaper to buy a camera in Japan?

Often, but not always. The saving comes from three things: the 10% tax refund when you leave, store points, and Tokyo’s huge used market. Warranty and model differences can wipe it out.

Updated 11 October 2026

Key facts

  • Tax refund10% consumption tax back at departure, on ¥5,000+ per store per day, from 1 November 2026.
  • Store pointsAt Yodobashi, Gold Points are usually 10% when you pay cash and 8% by most cards, worth ¥1 each at Yodobashi.
  • Used marketShinjuku and Nakano have specialist used dealers with graded stock and store warranties.
  • Watch outMany Japan-market warranties only cover repairs in Japan. Check before you pay.

Work out the real price

  1. Find the Japanese street price, not the maker’s list price. Specialist dealers are often well below the official store.
  2. Take off the 10% tax you get back at departure.
  3. Count store points only if you will spend them in that store before you leave.
  4. Compare with your home price, including any import duty you must declare when you get home.

Where the saving is real

  • Used and pre-owned gear: Map Camera, Shinjuku Kitamura Camera and Fujiya Camera sell graded used bodies and lenses with their own warranties.
  • Lenses and accessories: Japanese-brand lenses are often priced lower at specialist dealers than at the maker’s store.
  • Hard-to-find models: popular compacts sometimes turn up in Tokyo when they are sold out elsewhere.

Where it is not

  • Warranty: many Japan-market products are only covered for repairs in Japan. Ask for an international warranty or check the maker’s policy for your country.
  • Menus and models: some Japan-only models have Japanese-only menus or different accessories. Check the box and ask staff.
  • Card fees: your bank may add a foreign transaction fee.

Tips

  • Shinjuku is the easiest place to compare new and used in one afternoon.
  • Keep the camera and receipt in your hand luggage until the tax-free check at the airport.
  • Test used gear in store: shutter, autofocus, sensor dust and battery.

Questions visitors ask

Do I get store points if I pay by foreign credit card?

At Yodobashi most card payments earn fewer points than cash, usually 8% instead of 10%. Points can only be spent at Yodobashi.

Can I use a Japanese camera in my country?

Yes, cameras work worldwide and chargers usually accept 100–240 V. Check the menu languages and whether the warranty covers your country.

Sources