If you are spending the New Year holidays in Japan, you absolutely cannot miss out on “Fukubukuro” (福袋 - Lucky Bags)! However, in recent years, many stores have switched to advance reservations, and before you know it, they are sold out, making it difficult for foreigners to purchase them. In this article, we have selected and introduced recommended Fukubukuro that can still be purchased without reservations, available from the end of 2025 to the beginning of 2026. We have summarized the release dates and how to purchase Fukubukuro from Japanese department stores, as well as popular chains such as Mister Donut and Saint Marc Café, KALDI Coffee Farm which is perfect for food souvenirs, and fashion and cosmetics Fukubukuro from stores like Shimamura.
What is Japan’s New Year Tradition “Fukubukuro”? Its Origins and the Appeal of Buying One
Definition of Fukubukuro: A Great Value “Mystery Gift”
Fukubukuro are special shopping items sold only during the New Year period in Japan. In most cases, several products are packed into a bag, sealed so that the contents are hidden, and then sold.
It is not uncommon for the total value of the contents to be more than double the price of the bag, making it not only a great deal but also exciting because you do not know what you will get, adding an element of “trying your luck.” It is truly the best shopping event to experience Japanese New Year culture.
A Wide Variety of Fukubukuro: From Goods to “Experiences”
Fukubukuro come in a wide range of types, from food and groceries to fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and miscellaneous goods.
They are sold not only at department stores but also at famous coffee chains, fast food restaurants such as donut and hamburger shops, sporting goods stores, electronics retailers, eyewear shops, and many other specialty and general stores.
In recent years, there have also been “revealed content” Fukubukuro, where the contents are shown in advance, as well as unique experience plans that go beyond physical items.
Fukubukuro Price Range: From 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen
The price of Fukubukuro varies greatly depending on the contents. Food and miscellaneous goods Fukubukuro usually start from around 1,000 yen, while apparel Fukubukuro are generally in the 5,000 to 10,000 yen range.
These Fukubukuro not only contain regular products at a great value, but often include limited-edition original goods or special packaging items that can only be obtained in that year’s Fukubukuro.
For this reason, they are perfect not only as a great shopping treat for yourself but also as a special Japanese souvenir for friends and family.
Originated in the Meiji Era! “Lucky Items” Born in Department Stores
Fukubukuro are not just discounted items but began as “lucky itemms” (縁起物 - engi mono) wishing for business prosperity in Japan. Their origins date back to the late Meiji era, in the early 1900s.
The most widely accepted birthplace is Daimaru Gofukuten (now Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store) in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. At that time, Fukubukuro were sold under names related to gods of fortune, such as “Ebisu-bukuro” and “Takara-bukuro.”
This tradition comes from the ancient Japanese custom of purchasing lucky charms associated with gods of fortune at the start of the New Year, wishing for a good year ahead. Buying a Fukubukuro is itself a cultural experience of “welcoming luck and fortune for the New Year.”
How to Buy Fukubukuro at Department Stores: Release Dates and Tips for In-Store Purchases
At most department stores, fukubukuro (lucky bags) go on sale in-store on the day of “Hatsu-uri,” the first business day of the Japanese New Year. For international visitors to Japan, the easiest way to purchase a fukubukuro is to participate in this Hatsu-uri event. This timing also coincides with the start of the winter sales.
Release date: Most major stores open for business on January 2 or January 3. Fukubukuro also go on sale in-store at the same time.
Features: No advance reservation is required. You can purchase a fukubukuro simply by lining up at the store on the day. A wide variety of fukubukuro are available at once, ranging from fashion and food to miscellaneous goods.
Note: Popular fukubukuro may sell out within just a few minutes after the store opens. To ensure you get one, it is recommended to line up at least an hour before opening time.
Additionally, some high-priced or experience-based fukubukuro may be available for advance reservation or lottery online from around autumn, separate from in-store sales.
No Reservation Needed! Recommended Popular Fukubukuro for 2025–2026
Mister Donut / Misdo Fukubukuro
The fukubukuro from Mister Donut (often shorten to Misdo in Japanese), Japan’s original donut chain, is a hugely popular item that comes with donut vouchers and original goods. For the end of 2025, two types of “Misdo Fukubukuro 2026” will be released: one featuring designs of Mister Donut’s character “Pon de Lion and Friends,” and another using illustrations by the popular Japanese illustrator Osamu Harada.
Reservations start from Wednesday, December 10, 2025, but in-store sales without reservation will begin in limited quantities from Friday, December 26, 2025. These often sell out before the end of the year, so if you see one, it is recommended to purchase it immediately.
Misdo Fukubukuro (Pon de Lion and Friends) / 3,800 yen
Misdo Fukubukuro (Osamu Harada Illustration) / 6,500 yen
FRESHNESS BURGER / HAPPY BAG 2026
FRESHNESS BURGER is a burger chain from Japan with the concept of being a “burger café where adults can relax.” This time, the “HAPPY BAG 2026” will be available at all stores for the first time, and is easy for international visitors to purchase as it is sold in-store without the need for reservations.
The fukubukuro includes food tickets worth the same amount as the bag itself, plus cute original goods featuring the brand’s colors. Sales begin at all stores from Friday, December 26, 2025.
Saint Marc Café / Saint Marc Café Fukubukuro and More
Saint Marc Café will release four types of fukubukuro, including the “Saint Marc Café Fukubukuro,” which comes with original goods inspired by their signature “Chococro” and special value tickets, as well as other bags that let you enjoy their classic menu items at a great price. Sales start on Friday, December 26, 2025. Since these are mainly sold in-store without reservations, they are relatively easy to purchase.
Saint Marc Café Fukubukuro / 5,000 yen
Chococro BOX Lucky Bag / 2,000 yen
Chococro Ticket Lucky Bag / 2,000 yen
Original Yuzu Tea Lucky Bag / 3,000 yen
KALDI Coffee Farm / Popular Coffee Lucky Bag Sets and More
KALDI, a shop specializing in coffee and imported foods, will release five types of lucky bags this time. Of these, three coffee assortment bags, including the "Popular Coffee Lucky Bag," can be purchased without advance reservation.
All of these will go on sale at each store starting from the first sale of January 2026.
Popular Coffee Lucky Bag / 3,000 yen
Luxury Coffee Lucky Bag / 6,000 yen
Drip Coffee Lucky Bag / 3,500 yen
Shimamura / Pokémon and More
The lucky bags at Fashion Center Shimamura are so well known for their incredible value that people line up before the store opens every year.
The price range for the lucky bags is reasonable, from around 1,000 yen to 5,000 yen. The wide variety is a big reason for their popularity, from practical sets like socks and underwear to collaboration items with globally popular characters such as Pokémon and Anpanman.
They will be released sequentially at Shimamura stores nationwide and on the online store starting from the first sale of 2026.
Cosme Kitchen / Beauty Care and More
Cosme Kitchen is a popular select shop in Japan that offers high-quality organic cosmetics and natural items. In 2026, three types of lucky bags will be available: "Beauty Care" (8,500 yen), "Inner Care" (4,380 yen), and "Sheet Mask" (4,840 yen). The most recommended is the "Sheet Mask" lucky bag, which contains a set of 10 popular sheet masks from Cosme Kitchen. Its compact size also makes it perfect as a souvenir.
They will be available from the first sale of 2026.
[2026] High-Priced & Unique Lucky Bags Sold by Department Stores
Takashimaya
Perhaps inspired by the recent sleep boom in Japan, many of the high-priced items are lucky bags containing bedding. The "Household Support Lucky Bag," which includes rice and seasonings, is also unique.
Official website: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shopping/special/fukubukuro/
Tobu Department Store
There are many unique lucky bags, such as horse-related lucky bags like the "Horseback Riding Experience & Commemorative Photo Lucky Bag" in honor of the Year of the Horse, a sweets subscription lucky bag, and the "Showa Retro World Exhibition Lucky Bag" containing retro toys.
Official website: https://www.tobu-dept.jp/ikebukuro/event/detail/8217
[2026] Latest Lucky Bag Information for Starbucks, UNIQLO, GU, and MUJI
Starbucks
The Starbucks Lucky Bag is available only through an advance online lottery every year, and there are no in-store sales or reservations. For 2026, the lottery entry period was from Tuesday, November 4 to Friday, November 14. Since a Japanese address and phone number are required to enter, it is quite difficult for international visitors to purchase this lucky bag. However, if you are determined to try, be sure to check the information for the following year.
UNIQLO and GU
For the past several years, UNIQLO and GU have not offered lucky bags. It is highly likely that there will be no lucky bags available in 2026 as well.
However, both UNIQLO and GU hold “New Year’s Sales” and “First Sale” events at the end and beginning of the year, where you can purchase items at significant discounts that are just as good as lucky bags. Even if there are no lucky bags, don’t be disappointed—check out the sale information and enjoy shopping.
MUJI
Since 2012, MUJI has been offering the “Fukukan,” a set that includes lucky charms from various regions of Japan and a gift card, instead of a traditional lucky bag. Like Starbucks, this is only available through an advance online lottery, and there are no in-store sales or reservations. For 2026, the lottery entry period was from Thursday, November 20 to Monday, December 1.
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