【2025】When Are Lucky Bags from Department Stores and Cafes Available in 2025? Reservation Tips Included

If you're planning to shop in Japan, early January is the perfect time to visit. Department stores, shopping malls, and retail shops across the country hold special New Year sales during this period. Most stores reopen on January 2 or 3 after the year-end holidays. One of the highlights of this season is the sale of "Fukubukuro" or lucky bags during the first sales event of the year, known as "Hatsuuri". This article covers the basics of Fukubukuro, where to find them, and some of the best options to check out.

What Are Fukubukuro? How to Purchase Them and What’s Inside?

Fukubukuro are mystery grab bags filled with various products, sealed so the contents remain a surprise. These bags are often sold at a price lower than the combined value of the items inside—sometimes offering double or even greater value, making them an irresistible deal.

The thrill of not knowing what’s inside, much like buying a lottery ticket, adds to the excitement. Some see Fukubukuro as a fun way to test their luck for the year ahead. If the items don’t fit or aren’t to your taste, exchanging them with friends or family is a great option.

In recent years, Fukubukuro have become available not only at department stores but also at popular coffee chains and other retailers. Many of these require advance reservations and sell out quickly, with some drawing crowds who line up before stores even open.

When Do Department Stores and Shops Start Selling Fukubukuro?

Most department stores launch their Fukubukuro sales on the first day of their Hatsuuri event, which typically falls between January 1 and 3, depending on the store.

Highly sought-after Fukubukuro often attract long lines before opening hours and can sell out the same day. However, those with larger inventories may remain available for a longer period. For popular coffee chains and famous brands, Fukubukuro increasingly require pre-orders or lottery-based reservations, with only the lucky winners able to purchase them.

Fukubukuro Options: Apparel, Accessories, Electronics, and More

Fukubukuro (lucky bags) come in a wide variety of categories, including apparel, accessories, food, electronics, and household items. Some even offer unique experiences such as sumo tickets, cruises, or travel packages.

These bags are not limited to department stores—they’re available at coffee chains, fast food outlets like donut or burger shops, sports stores, electronics retailers, and even eyewear shops. In fact, it might be harder to find a store not offering Fukubukuro during the New Year. Some retailers even allow customers to preview the bag’s contents before purchasing.

Average Fukubukuro Prices

Prices for Fukubukuro vary depending on the contents. Small miscellaneous goods bags can start from around ¥1,000, while apparel bags often range between ¥5,000 and ¥10,000.

In recent years, extravagant Fukubukuro featuring items like pure gold tableware or artworks from renowned artists have drawn significant attention, with prices exceeding ¥10 million. For instance, during the 2024 New Year’s sale, Daimaru Tokyo offered a crystal sculpture of a dragon, tied to the Chinese zodiac, for ¥11 million, creating a buzz on TV and social media.

【2025】Recommended Coffee Chain Fukubukuro

Starbucks Coffee

Starbucks’ Fukubukuro is always highly anticipated. For 2025, the bag includes a rounded canvas tote bag, a limited-edition stainless steel bottle, goods, coffee items, drink tickets, and a card for redeeming coffee beans.

Doutor Coffee

Doutor Coffee collaborates with Sanrio’s popular character Kuromi for their 2025 Fukubukuro. The bag features an original quilted tote, exclusive merchandise, coffee tickets, and a choice of one of three original Doutor x Kuromi items (zipper bag, mini towel, or A5 clear file).

Coffee-Kan

For 2025, Coffee-Kan is collaborating with Sumikko Gurashi to release the Sumikko Gurashi Coffee-Kan Happy Bag. Customers can choose between two original corduroy bags in green or pink.

• Price: ¥4,800

• Reservation Period: November 6 (Wed), 2024 – December 17 (Tue), 2024
• In-Store Sales: December 18 (Wed), 2024 – January 31 (Fri), 2025
• Online Sales: January 7 (Tue), 2025 – February 28 (Fri), 2025
• Details (Official Website): https://www.san-x.co.jp/blog/sumikko/2024/11/post-5324.html

DEAN & DELUCA

DEAN & DELUCA’s 2025 lineup includes three Fukubukuro options under the theme "Packed with Joy." Highlights include the JAPANESE FOOD ASSORTMENT Fukubukuro, which features items like seasoned rice mix, oden, ochazuke, and semi-dried noodles.

• Price: ¥5,940 – ¥9,720

• Availability: Online store and select market locations
• Sales Period: October 18 (Fri), 2024, 12:00 – November 5 (Tue), 2024, 11:59
• Delivery Period: Starting January 1 (Wed), 2025
• Details (Official Website): https://www.deandeluca.co.jp/contents/special/detail/24_047

【2025】High-End & Unique Fukubukuro from Department Stores

Takashimaya

At Takashimaya, they will sell original experiential fukubukuro at each store, themed around “creating thrilling and dream-like experiences.” For example, the Sumo Morning Practice Tour Fukubukuro allows you to observe morning practice at a sumo stable, take a commemorative photo with sumo wrestlers, and enjoy a special "chanko nabe" meal prepared by the wrestlers after practice.

• Official website: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shopping/special/fukubukuro/

Tobu Department Store

At Tobu Department Store’s Ikebukuro and Funabashi branches, they will sell reasonably priced options like the Seasonal Tart Subscription Fukubukuro, which delivers two pieces of tarts or pastries valued at about ¥500–¥1,200 each month for six months, totaling 12 pieces. Additionally, there is the Tobu Zoo Animal Keeper Experience Fukubukuro, where elementary school students can enjoy precious experiences interacting with animals and assisting with their care.

• Official website: https://www.tobu-dept.jp/

Are There Fukubukuro from UNIQLO or GU?

UNIQLO and GU have not offered Fukubukuro in recent years, and it appears unlikely that they will resume the tradition for 2025.