Looking to bring home some of Japan’s most sought-after electronics? Bic Camera is an unmissable stop, with an unrivaled selection of the latest gadgets and a wide range of services tailored to international visitors. In this article, we’ll introduce five must-buy products to pick up during your trip to Japan, from cutting-edge hair dryers and earbuds to cameras. We’ll also explore handy services such as tax-free shopping, introduce Bic Idea, Bic Camera’s high-value private-label brand, and share details of the latest campaign for JCB cardmembers issued outside Japan.
*Information in this article is current as of June 2026.
*Store featured in this article: Bic Camera AKIBA.
Why Shop at Bic Camera?
Electronics, snacks, souvenirs, cosmetics, stationery—Bic Camera brings it all together under one roof, making it a true shopping treasure trove in Japan. With many stores located just steps from major train stations, it’s easy to drop in between sightseeing stops and make the most of every minute of your trip.
What really sets Bic Camera apart is the chance to try products before you buy. Test the power of a hair dryer, experience the performance of a showerhead, and get a genuine feel for each item on the spot—making it easier to find exactly what suits you.
The store also offers a host of traveler-friendly services. One particularly useful option is its free suitcase disposal service: purchase a new suitcase above the minimum spend, and Bic Camera will take your old one off your hands at no extra cost. Since disposing of bulky items in Japan can be both inconvenient and expensive, it’s a brilliantly simple way to upgrade your luggage mid-trip—without the extra hassle.
Select Bic Camera stores also offer delivery to hotels and airports. Have your purchases sent straight to your hotel, and you’re free to keep sightseeing without a bag in hand. Or choose airport delivery for a smoother, lighter journey home.
*Please check with store staff to confirm service availability.
Convenient Services for International Travelers
At Bic Camera, shopping is easy even if you don’t speak Japanese. In-store signage and product information appear not just in Japanese but in English and Chinese too, making it simple to browse, compare products, and get the most out of your time. Stores in popular tourist areas also have multilingual staff on hand to help visitors, and tax-free purchases can be processed on every floor and at every register, keeping queues to a minimum.
Another major perk is the extra savings. Pay with an eligible credit card, such as JCB, when buying general merchandise (consumables excluded), and you’ll get an additional 5% discount on top of Japan’s 10% tax exemption.
5 Popular Picks for International Visitors: Beauty Appliances, Earbuds, Kitchen Gadgets, Cameras, and More
Hair Dryers
For visitors to Japan, few souvenirs are as coveted as a top-tier hair dryer—and Dyson and ReFa reign supreme as the two names on everyone’s wish list, alongside other leading brands like Panasonic.
Dyson’s latest models pair powerful airflow with a compact, lightweight design, delivering top performance without the bulk. ReFa, meanwhile, uses a built-in sensor that automatically switches between warm and cool air based on your hair’s temperature, while its proprietary technology helps lock in moisture as it dries, leaving hair smooth and hydrated.
Both brands offer international-voltage models, so you can keep using your new hair dryer once you’re back home—one more reason they’re such popular picks among visitors to Japan.
👉5 Must-Buy Japanese Hair Dryers
Earbuds
Wireless earbuds are another sought-after purchase among international shoppers. Fully wireless models with noise cancellation from brands such as Sony and Bose are especially well regarded, allowing travelers to enjoy music in greater comfort on planes and trains.
Bone-conduction headphones offer a practical alternative, letting you listen to music while remaining aware of your surroundings—ideal for exploring the city or sightseeing. More playful designs have their own appeal too, including earbuds with distinctive marble patterns, each housed in a charming cat-shaped case.
Cameras
Mirrorless and compact cameras are another favorite among visitors to Japan. Sony and Canon lead the pack, prized for their outstanding image quality and intuitive designs.
Bic Camera stocks an extensive lineup of the latest models from Sony, Canon, and other leading brands, covering everything from travel-friendly compacts and versatile everyday cameras to the ever-popular instax instant cameras. You may even stumble upon coveted models that are hard to find overseas due to limited availability.
Rice Cookers
Rice cookers from trusted Japanese brands such as Zojirushi and Tiger are also hugely popular. Their appeal lies not only in the durability and consistently reliable performance associated with Japanese craftsmanship, but also in advanced features like pressure induction heating and proprietary heat and temperature-control technologies, which work together to bring out the rice’s natural sweetness while achieving a light, fluffy texture.
These rice cookers let you enjoy Japanese-quality rice at home long after the trip is over, making them popular purchases both for personal use and as gifts.
Beauty Appliances
Facial beauty devices are among Japan’s most exciting beauty appliances, garnering particular attention from visitors. Panasonic’s Vitalift RF EX EH-SR86 is a prime example—a premium model offering 13 types of care in a single device, including treatments designed to improve firmness and provide a lifting effect.
Combining the quality and advanced performance Japanese craftsmanship is known for, this model is a favorite among those hoping to enjoy professional-level skincare at home. Being USB-rechargeable means there’s no need to worry about voltage compatibility overseas, so you can keep up the routine long after the trip is over.
Beyond the products featured above, Bic Camera is also packed with Japanese snacks, souvenirs, video games, and character merchandise that are favorites among international visitors. With so much to explore under one roof, it’s the perfect place to take care of all your shopping in a single stop.
Bic Idea: Bic Camera’s Own Brand, Crafted with Customers in Mind
Bic Idea is Bic Camera’s original private-label brand, built on a simple philosophy: create products that make customers think, “I’m so glad someone finally made this.” Drawing on real customer feedback, the brand develops practical, thoughtfully designed items that stay useful long after your trip to Japan has ended.
One standout is the “Towel for You” series, featuring specialized towels for every need—including ultra-gentle hair-drying towels and quick-drying options for everyday use. Bic Idea also offers a wide range of handheld fans, perfect for sightseeing through Japan’s hot summers, with models featuring built-in cooling plates as well as lightweight, ultra-portable designs.
How to Choose the Right Electronics
Before purchasing any electronics, be sure to check that the product supports 100–240V and that its plug is compatible with the outlets in your home country. If not, look for a model that comes with a compatible plug adapter.
Exclusive Benefits for JCB Cardmembers
JCB is currently running a special campaign that lets eligible overseas cardmembers save even more when shopping in Japan. Spend ¥30,000 or more at Bic Camera with an eligible JCB card issued outside Japan, and you’ll receive 20% cashback on your purchase, up to a maximum of ¥6,000.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore Bic Camera’s extensive selection and enjoy extra savings while you shop.
*Advance registration on the JCB website is required. Registration is limited to the first 10,000 participants, so be sure to sign up early.
- Registration Period: August 3 (Mon)–September 30 (Wed), 2026
*Registration is limited to the first 10,000 participants and will close once capacity is reached. - Campaign Period: September 1 (Tue)–September 30 (Wed), 2026
- Campaign Details: https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/biccamera/93831/
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