What is the difference between Japanese local stores and Japanese duty-free shops?

When we travel to Japan, we often have to buy something, but we often get confused. Should we go to a local store in Japan or a duty-free shop in Japan? In fact, many friends have this problem, so today we will briefly understand the differences between local stores and duty-free shops in Japan!

The so-called Japanese local stores

The so-called Japanese local stores are actually understood by many people as "drug stores", but now with the process of internationalization and the increase in foreigners visiting Japan , many Japanese drugstores are also tax-free.

For example, Japan's Matsumoto store, 711 store, and Daguo store can be said to have their origins in local Japanese stores, and many Japanese people also buy things in these stores. However, Japanese cannot buy it tax-free, and foreigners can buy it with their passports without paying the 8% consumption tax.

Not only that, there are also some Japanese supermarket chains, such as shopping mall supermarkets, which are also tax-free for foreigners.

So the concept of local stores has been blurred. Japanese people can use it, and foreigners can go too.

Special duty-free shops

The special duty-free shops mentioned here must be aimed at foreigners, especially tourists. What are the general characteristics of these stores? There are two main types, one is the duty-free shop that relies on travel agencies to make a living, and the other is the duty-free shop that relies on tourists.

It’s actually very simple. Nowadays, people who travel to Japan usually join a group tour, so these duty-free shops are tied to travel agencies. The travel agency is responsible for bringing people to the duty-free shop, and the duty-free shop is responsible for selling the goods, and at the same time, part of the money from selling the goods is returned to the travel agency, thus forming an industry.

This kind of duty-free shop that relies on travel agencies for a living is prone to high prices and cheating, because except for the stores designated by travel agencies, tourists are always arranged by travel agencies. The biggest feature of this duty-free shop is that it is not open to the public, only by appointment, and does not accept individual customers!

The other is a duty-free shop opened at the airport. If you are traveling independently, the editor recommends shopping at the airport.

Okay, after reading the simple content above, do you understand something? In fact, the editor still thinks that it is better to go to local stores in Japan. The latter can also go to duty-free shops at the airport!