Internet Shopping in Japan for Foreign Residents: Best Sites, Delivery Options, and Return Policies

Key Takeaways: Japan's e-commerce market is booming (projected over ¥27 trillion by 2024), so understanding how to shop online is essential in 2025. Major platforms like Rakuten Ichiba (Japan's top marketplace by sales) and Amazon Japan (fast Prime deliveries) dominate. Expect to spend around ¥3,000–5,000 to qualify for free shipping (otherwise ~¥500–¥1,000 fee). Critical: Japan has no legal right to free returns, so always check each store's return policy. New logistics laws in 2025 are addressing delivery delays and "free shipping" claims, making it vital to plan orders carefully.

Why Internet Shopping in Japan Matters in 2025

Online shopping in Japan has become a routine part of life. The Japanese B2C e-commerce market was ¥13.99 trillion in 2022 (up 5.4% over 2021) and is projected to grow beyond ¥27 trillion by 2024. High internet and smartphone use means nearly all households now shop online. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, and even seniors have become comfortable with apps and home delivery. At the same time, Japan's strict delivery infrastructure is under strain – driver shortages and free-shipping offers have prompted new laws in 2024–25 to curb unreasonable shipping practices. In short, knowing the best sites and how to handle shipping and returns is critical for saving money on shipping and avoiding delays. (In the past, brick-and-mortar was essential, but today you can purchase almost anything online – from groceries to gadgets – often more cheaply and conveniently.)

Major Online Shopping Platforms

– Rakuten Ichiba: Japan's largest online marketplace by sales. It offers 50,000+ merchants and a huge variety of goods (electronics, clothing, daily goods, etc.). Rakuten's point system is a key perk – you earn about 1 point (¥1) per 100 ¥ spent. (Rakuten often has promotions and point-multiplier campaigns.)
Tip: Use Rakuten Card or PayPay to boost points.
Note: Rakuten closed its dedicated cross-border site in 2020, but Japanese residents (including foreigners with Japanese address) can shop there; English help is limited (you may need to translate some pages or use the English guide on Rakuten's site).

– Amazon Japan: Japan's Amazon with Prime membership (free shipping and next-day delivery on many items). Amazon offers unparalleled convenience: an English interface option, broad product selection, and reliable shipping. Foreigners often find Amazon Japan easy to use (even linking your home-country Amazon account). Prime members get same/next-day delivery and free returns on most items.
Tip: For bulky items or if you're away, use Amazon's "Delivery to Pickup" service – you can send orders to Amazon Hub lockers or convenience store (see Delivery section).

– Yahoo! Shopping (ヤフーショッピング): A large shopping portal with many of the same merchants as Rakuten. It integrates with PayPay points/coupons. Yahoo Shopping (and sister sites like LOHACO) is popular for daily necessities and often runs flash sales.
Tip: Compare the same item on Rakuten vs. Yahoo vs. Amazon – prices and shipping deals can differ.

– Specialized and Marketplace Sites:

• Mercari: Japan's top C2C secondhand marketplace (similar to eBay). Useful for used electronics, clothing, hobby items, often at steep discounts. It's mobile-first. Foreigners can use Mercari if they have a Japanese address and bank account.
  Pitfall: Seller quality varies, and Mercari's policies are strict (no refunds unless item is exactly as described).

• Nitori, IKEA, LOHACO, etc.: Many retailers (furniture, home goods, daily items) have their own online stores. For example, furniture chains like Nitori offer online ordering with home delivery (Nitori has >500 stores and online shopping).

• Global sites: Temu, Qoo10, Shein, etc., deliver to Japan as well. They often undercut prices but beware of longer delivery times and import fraud. When in doubt, stick with Japanese online stores for support and returns.

Payment Options & Account Setup

– Credit Cards: The easiest payment method. Major cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, Amex) are accepted on Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo, and most retailers. Some small merchants may only take Japanese-issued cards.
Tip: Activate your bank's fraud alerts and use Verified by Visa/Mastercard SecureCode if available.

– Cash on Delivery (代引き): Available on many sites (Amazon Japan offers it on non-Prime orders). The courier collects cash plus a handling fee (typically ~¥330 per package). Use this if you don't have a card, but expect extra charge and immediate payment.

– Convenience Store (コンビニ) Payment: Allows you to reserve online and pay later at 7-11, Lawson, or FamilyMart (usually within a week). This is handled by giving you a payment slip or code in the order confirmation. (Not accepted for cash-on-delivery orders.)
Tip: Some foreigners use this if they don't have a credit card – but remember to pay by the deadline.

– Online Bank Transfer or Mobile Pay: Some sites let you transfer from your bank or use PayPay/Rakuten Pay. Foreign bank cards typically can't be used with Japanese bank transfer, but credit/debit card is safest.

– Account Registration: You'll need to enter your Japanese address in the standard format (postal code, prefecture, city, ward, building). Amazon Japan can accept addresses in Latin characters; others may require Japanese. Use Google Translate on site instructions if needed. Always save your shipping address and payment in your account to speed future checkout.

Shipping and Delivery Options

Japan's delivery network is world-class. Here's what to know:

– Major Couriers: Yamato Transport (Kuroneko), Sagawa, and Japan Post dominate. Standard delivery (宅配便) runs ¥500–¥1,000 per package depending on size and distance. Orders over a certain purchase amount (often ¥3–5,000) usually qualify for free shipping.
Tip: Check each seller's policy — some domestic shops require the free-shipping threshold (¥3,980 on Rakuten).

– Delivery Date/Time Specified: During checkout you can often choose a delivery date and morning/afternoon slot. This is typically free. If not home, some couriers can leave packages in a designated safe place (called 置き配, "oki-hai") — for example, at your apartment entrance or behind your car. Be aware this can increase theft risk if not secured.

– Home Pickup (Amazon Hub & PUDO): Amazon Japan lets you deliver orders to Amazon Hub lockers or counters instead of your home. Target stores include Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop, and Yamato Transport offices (PUDO lockers). Simply select a pickup location at checkout. This is great if you have no home address or want 24/7 pickup. (Note: 7-Eleven does not support Amazon pickup.) Yamato's PUDO lockers also serve non-Amazon parcels – check their map online.

– Convenience Store Pickup: Some retailers (and Amazon for Amazon-branded shipments) allow specifying a nearby convenience store for pickup. Then you'll receive a code to retrieve your package at that store. This avoids missed deliveries.

– Groceries & Other Essentials: Many supermarkets now offer online ordering and delivery. For example, AEON's "My Basket" lets you shop groceries, or Life supermarket partners with Amazon for fresh food delivery. If you want regular groceries, consider ordering through these services.

– Delivery Examples: In Tokyo and major cities, same-day or next-day delivery is common. In rural or remote areas (Hokkaido, Okinawa), expect 2–3 day shipping.
Tracking: All couriers give a tracking number. Use the app or website (Yamato's "My Kuroneko" app is popular) to see the status.

Returns and Refund Policies

Japan's approach to returns is very different from Western norms. No law requires merchants to accept returns for change of mind. Returns are purely a courtesy or a contractual term set by each seller. Key points:

Check the Policy Before Buying: Always read the store's return/exchange policy (often in Japanese under 返品・交換). If it's not clearly stated, assume no returns except for defects. At minimum you usually have 8–14 days to request a return, and you may pay the return shipping fee.

Defective or Wrong Items: Almost all sites allow returns if the item is faulty or not as described. Amazon Japan, for example, lets Prime members easily return such items through their portal. Rakuten/Yahoo shops usually offer an exchange or refund in these cases, though it may take customer support emails.

No-Return Items: Be aware that some popular categories (custom apparel, perishables, software downloads) are rarely returnable. Sellers usually mention "返品不可" (no return) on those listings.

Restocking Fees: Some merchants deduct a restocking fee for returned items, especially large goods. Others may only give store credit.

Example – Amazon vs. Rakuten: Amazon's marketplace (FBA) is known for straightforward returns: simply open the order, click Return, and send back (often with a prepaid shipping label). Rakuten and Yahoo are marketplaces of individual shops: each shop's return rules differ. Many Rakuten sellers only accept returns for defects. When in doubt, send a polite inquiry in Japanese or use Google Translate to ask the seller if you need to return.

Practical Tip: Save product packaging and photos of defects immediately upon opening the package – evidence may be needed for returns. Keep within the seller's stated return window to avoid refusals.

Best Practices

• Buy from Reputable Sellers: Stick to well-known sites or highly-rated store pages. Check customer reviews and ratings for both the product and the merchant before buying. This helps avoid counterfeit or scam listings.
• Avoid "Too Good to Be True" Deals: If a price is drastically lower than everywhere else, triple-check the seller. Many fraudsters use fake Tokyo addresses or steal credit cards. Always use secure payment (major credit cards offer fraud protection).
• Confirm Shipping and Delivery: When ordering bulky or time-sensitive items, note the shipping method and expected date. If you won't be home, use Amazon lockers, PUDO, or convenience store pickup to ensure you don't miss the delivery. Track your package and reschedule if needed.
• Review Return Policy: If you might want to return (e.g. clothing size), verify first that returns are accepted. Do not assume "no-questions" returns like in the U.S.; in Japan it's rare. Mitigation: purchase one item in a cautious way or ask seller in advance if returns for size fit are allowed.
• Payment Security: Use official apps or secure websites (look for "https://" and the site name). Avoid inputting card info on unknown platforms. Public Wi-Fi can be risky – use a private network.
• Language Help: Use Google Chrome or translation extensions to convert Japanese text. Many sites have partial English. For complicated issues, consider asking a bilingual friend or community forum for help.

Checklist for Internet Shopping in Japan

• Choose a Reliable Site
• Search and Compare
• Check Reviews
• Confirm Payment & Currency
• Enter Japanese Address Carefully
• Review Shipping Options
• Complete Purchase & Track
• Receive Package
• Handle Issues Promptly
• Save Documentation

FAQ

Q1: What are the top online shopping sites in Japan?
A: The biggest e-commerce sites are Rakuten Ichiba and Amazon Japan. Rakuten is the largest domestic marketplace (with a powerful point reward system), and Amazon Japan is known for fast deliveries and Prime benefits. Yahoo! Shopping is also very popular and often has PayPay point deals.

Q2: Can I pick up my order at a convenience store or locker if I'm not home?
A: Yes. Amazon Japan offers "Delivery to Pickup" at select locations. You can send parcels to Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop, or Yamato Transport PUDO lockers. After shipment, Amazon emails you a code or barcode to retrieve your package at the store. (Note: 7-Eleven and Sagawa are not Amazon pickup points.) Many Yamato and Sagawa deliveries also allow "置き配" (drop-off) instructions if you specify a safe place.

Q3: How much is shipping usually?
A: It varies by seller and distance, but small domestic parcels are typically ~¥500–¥1,000. However, most retailers offer free shipping on orders above a threshold (often around ¥3,000–¥4,000). For example, Rakuten indicates free shipping on orders over ¥3,980 (outside Okinawa). Always check the seller's shipping policy.

Q4: What payment methods can I use on Japanese stores?
A: Most accept credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB). Some also accept cash on delivery (you pay the courier plus a fee). Convenience store payment is another option: after ordering, you'll get a payment slip to pay at 7-11, Lawson, or FamilyMart within about a week. Online bank transfers and mobile wallet payments (Rakuten Pay, PayPay) are less common but supported by some stores.

Q5: How do I return an item if needed?
A: Japan has no guarantee of returns, so you must follow each store's policy. Amazon Japan (especially Prime items) generally allows easy returns for defects or mistakes. Rakuten or Yahoo items depend on the individual shop: many only accept returns for defective products. Always check the return window and conditions before buying. If an item is broken or wrong, contact the seller immediately – you'll usually be asked to ship it back for a refund or exchange.

Q6: Any tips to avoid problems?
A: Check seller reliability: Stick to known stores or highly-reviewed vendors. Read descriptions carefully: Look for size charts or Japanese measurements. Use tracking and secure payment. If buying from Mercari or similar, note those have very strict return policies. For any issue, keep calm: most large platforms have good customer support (and credit card disputes as a last resort).

Conclusion

By choosing well-known sites (Rakuten, Amazon, Yahoo!) and understanding Japanese shipping and return norms, foreigners in Japan can shop conveniently online. Always confirm payment and delivery details, track your orders, and double-check return rules before buying. With these tips, you can enjoy Japan's vast online selection and save time and money while avoiding common pitfalls.