There are many different styles of furniture to be found in Japan. Some stores offer high quality handcrafted pieces that you’ll keep for decades. Others cater to people who are looking for trendy, fashionable interior design. Both traditional Japanese and western designs are easy to find. There are also shops offering minimalist classics that can find a place in any home. For those with a tight budget, there’s plenty of affordable furniture to be found. From Muji to thrift stores, here is a guide to the best places to shop for furniture in Japan.
Nitori
Nitori is the most versatile store on our list. You can find almost anything you need for your home at the biggest furniture chain in Japan. Some popular items include soft cushions, rugs, and floor chairs. In the summer, people flock to Nitori to buy the “N-cool” bedding, which is made out of special material designed to beat the heat. If you need a bed for those high tech blankets, Nitori sells plenty of large furniture. Their mattresses are on the firmer side, which is common in Japan.
Ikea
That’s right, the popular Swedish furniture store chain has locations in Japan! For classic, affordable furniture, head to Ikea. Most of the products sold at Ikea are the same in every country. However, the catalog is tailored to each country Ikea has stores in.
If you plan to get your interior design inspiration from it, you’ll be looking at decorating styles made for Japanese consumers. Ikea Japan locations have cafes, so make sure to stop by for a bite if you get hungry after picking out your new dresser. They recently started offering vegetarian options, such as the veggie meatballs and veggie dog.
Muji
Muji, or “Mujirushi”, is one of the best places for minimalists to find furniture in Japan. The prices are a bit high for those on a tight budget, but if you have some cash to spare, you can get some solid mid-range furnishings. They have plenty of simple, timeless designs that are sure to make your home feel peaceful and organized. Even if your style isn’t very minimalist, there’s plenty of staples to be found at Muji. Although they might be a bit plain, the products are high quality. If you need sturdy, long lasting storage, shelves, or tables, Muji is the place to go. And you can have some fun while you’re there! Muji is well known for their beanbag chairs. Plop yourself down in one when you need a break from furniture shopping.
Hida Takayama
Hida Takayama is actually the name of a city, not a store. It’s located in the Hida region, which is in the northern part of Gifu prefecture and is famous for handmade woodwork. There are a variety of furniture shops run by different makers, such as Hida Sangyo and Kitani. While their pieces can be pricey, they’re handmade and high quality. If you’re only planning on staying in Japan for a few years, it’s probably best to shop somewhere a bit more affordable. That being said, if you’re thinking about settling down, a dining room set from Hida Takayama might be a worthwhile investment.
Franc Franc
Franc Franc’s designs are stylish, chic, and feminine. Their products are perfect for those who are into interior design and keeping up with decorating trends. Franc Franc carries all sizes of furniture, from tiny knicknacks to sofas and beds. They also offer lots of stylish kitchenware. Franc Franc is a bit more expensive than places like Nitori or Ikea, so if you don’t have much money to spend, think carefully about your purchases. That being said, their styles are gorgeous, so it’s worth picking up a snazzy item or two.
Deco Home
Deco Home, which is owned by Nitori, specializes in small home goods. It’s not the best place to get large pieces of furniture like tables or sofas, but you can find smaller pieces like lamps and footstools. The soft, fun decorative cushions sold at Deco Home are quite popular. Just as the name of the store suggests, they’re the perfect place to go when decorating. If you’re looking to spruce up your home with a cute wall clock or scented candle, you won’t be disappointed. They also sell kitchen supplies, bedding, and storage containers.
Recycle Shops and Thrift Stores
What sort of recycle shops and thrift stores are available may vary greatly depending on what part of Japan you’re in, but shopping at them can be a great way to save money. Disposing of large items like unwanted sofas can be very expensive in Japan, so many people opt to take furniture that’s in good condition to a recycle shop. Although places like Ikea and Deco Home are affordable, nothing beats thrift store prices. In addition to saving money, you’ll also be helping to save the planet by buying second hand. So even if you’re not that worried about your budget, it might be worthwhile to stop by a recycle shop.