Japan Year-End Shopping Guide 2026: Clearance Sales, Fukubukuro Lucky Bags & Money-Saving Tips

By Nihongo to Japan · Updated June 18, 2026

Japan's year-end shopping season (late December to early January) offers the best deals of the year: department store clearance sales, brand discounts, and fukubukuro lucky bags from January 1. This guide covers timing, best deals, and fukubukuro strategy.

Japan year-end shopping highlights: Department store clearance starts December 28 (50-70% off winter clothing). Fukubukuro lucky bags go on sale January 1 — Nintendo, Apple, UNIQLO bags sell out in minutes.

Strategy: Make a wishlist first. Shop early on Jan 1 for fukubukuro. Check tax-free options (¥5,000 minimum at one store). Ship excess purchases home via Japan Post EMS.

Book Tokyo/Osaka shopping tours at [KKday](https://kkday.tpx.lv/juFfN7dI).