AFTER THE TRIP
How to Buy Japanese Snacks and Beauty From the US
The bag of snacks runs out in two weeks. Here is how people replace it, from easiest to most work.
| Route | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon and US shops | The famous items: KitKat, instant coffee, well-known skincare. | Prices are much higher than in Japan, and sellers vary. Check the expiry date in the listing. |
| Snack subscription boxes (TokyoTreat, Sakuraco) |
Discovering seasonal snacks without choosing anything yourself. | You do not pick the contents. Cancel before the next billing date if you only want one box. |
| Japanese shops that ship abroad (Japanese Taste) |
Choosing exact products, including drugstore beauty. | Shipping is charged by weight, so one larger order beats three small ones. |
| Proxy buying (Buyee) |
Items no exporter carries: convenience-store limited editions, 100-yen shop goods, second-hand finds. | You pay a service fee plus domestic and international shipping. Small orders often cost more in fees than in goods. |
The same customs rules apply to parcels
Shipping does not change what is allowed into the US. Meat-based products, including instant noodles and soup stock with pork or beef, are still a problem, and rice is still restricted. Buy candy, chocolate, senbei, tea and seasonings instead. US CBP: Prohibited and Restricted Items
How to keep the cost sane
- Consolidate. Every route charges by parcel and by weight. One order of ten items is far cheaper than ten orders of one.
- Decide what is actually worth it. Snacks are cheap in Japan and expensive to ship. Skincare and kitchen tools survive the maths better.
- Check the total before you commit. Service fee, domestic shipping inside Japan, international shipping and any duty are four separate numbers.
Going back soon? Take the shopping list with you instead.