Across Japan, department stores, shopping malls, and large commercial complexes hold winter sales from late December to late January. You can expect discounts of 20–50% on winter clothing like coats and thick knitwear, with prices dropping as much as 80% toward the end of the sale. If you're planning a shopping trip, this is the perfect time to take advantage of these deals! In this article, we’ll go over the typical sale dates, duration, and important tips to help you plan your shopping trip effectively. Be sure to check it out in advance so you can plan when and where to shop!
When Do Department Stores and Shopping Malls in Japan Start Their Winter Sales?
Japan holds two major sales each year—one in winter and one in summer. The winter sale usually takes place from late December to late January, and the summer sale runs from late June to late July.
For winter sales, some stores may begin offering a pre-sale with 10–30% discounts around mid-December, and year-end sales starting from December 26th through the end of the year. Some places also hold Christmas sales during this period.
If you have your eye on a particular brand or product, it's a good idea to check the official websites in advance for more information. Sometimes, online stores start their sales even earlier than in-store, so it’s worth checking if you can grab what you're looking for online.
When Do Major Department Stores and Malls in Tokyo and Osaka Start Their Sales?
Here’s a guide to the typical winter sale schedules at Japan’s major department stores and malls. As of October 2024, the exact dates for this year’s sales haven’t been announced yet, so we’re sharing the dates from the 2023-2024 season. These dates don’t tend to change drastically from year to year. Usually, sale information is announced on official websites and social media platforms in early to mid-December.
Tokyo Department Stores & Shopping Mall Sale Information
Isetan Shinjuku
January 2 (Tue), 2024 ~
Shinjuku Takashimaya
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 9 (Tue), 2024
Keio Department Store Shinjuku
January 2 (Tue), 2024 ~
LUMINE Shinjuku (All Stores)
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 8 (Mon, Holiday), 2024
NEWoMan Shinjuku
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 8 (Mon, Holiday), 2024
Laforet Harajuku
January 25 (Thu) ~ January 29 (Mon), 2024
Seibu Shibuya
January 1 (Mon) ~ January 9 (Tue), 2024
SHIBUYA109／MAGNET by SHIBUYA109
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 14 (Sun), 2024
Shibuya Parco
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 14 (Sun), 2024
Omotesando Hills
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 14 (Sun), 2024
Ginza Mitsukoshi
Ootoshi (B2F & B3F Food Floors): December 26 (Tue) ~ December 31 (Sun), 2023
Winter Clearance Sale: January 2 (Tue), 2024 ~
GINZA SIX
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 14 (Sun), 2024
Marronnier Gate Ginza
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 8 (Mon, Holiday), 2024
Lumine Yurakucho
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 8 (Mon, Holiday), 2024
Tokyo Midtown
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 14 (Sun), 2024
Roppongi Hills
January 1 (Mon, Holiday) ~ January 14 (Sun), 2024
Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store
January 1 (Mon) ~ January 9 (Tue), 2024
Ikebukuro Parco
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 14 (Sun), 2024
Tokyo Solamachi
January 1 (Mon) ~ January 31 (Wed), 2024
Osaka Department Store & Shopping Mall Sale Information
Hanshin Umeda Main Store
January 2 (Tue), 2024 ~
Hankyu Umeda Main Store
January 2 (Tue), 2024 ~
Osaka Takashimaya
January 2 (Tue), 2024 ~
Namba CITY
January 2 (Tue) ~ January 31 (Wed), 2024
Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store
January 2 (Tue), 2024 ~
Abeno Q's Mall
December 26 (Tue), 2023 ~ January 31 (Wed), 2024
Kanagawa (Yokohama & Kawasaki) Department Store & Shopping Mall Sale Information
Yokohama Takashimaya
January 2 (Tue), 2024 ~
Sogo Yokohama
January 1 (Mon) ~ January 9 (Tue), 2024
Lazona Kawasaki
January 1 (Mon) ~ January 8 (Mon, Holiday), 2024
Why Does Japan Hold Sales in Winter?
Japan experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. These seasonal shifts bring significant changes in temperature, which affects the product lineup, especially in the apparel sector. Stores need to anticipate seasonal changes and transition their inventory accordingly. In late January to early February, stores begin switching from autumn/winter items to spring/summer collections. Winter sales are held to clear out old inventory and replace items that are strongly seasonal or trendy before this major transition.
Additionally, many companies in Japan provide bonuses in December, which tends to loosen the purse strings of consumers. The beginning of a new year on January 1 also creates a psychological shift for consumers, motivating them to refresh their wardrobes or make new purchases. Retailers take advantage of this by holding large-scale sales during this period.
Key Points to Know About Japan’s Sales
1. Sales May Start in Phases
Not all stores within a department store or mall begin their sales on the first day. Some start later in different phases, such as a first and second wave of discounts. Even if a website advertises a start date, it's essential to check if your target brands are participating from day one.
2. Bigger Discounts Toward the End
While the first day of sales offers a wide selection, prices may drop further toward the end. For instance, an item discounted 30% on the first day might be offered at 50% off by the last day. Shoppers who wait can sometimes snag better deals.
3. "Entire Store Sale" Isn’t Always What It Seems
Even when advertisements claim an “entire store sale,” luxury brands or jewelry are often excluded. Stores may also display signs reading "everything half off (except certain items)." Look for tags indicating sale exclusions, and keep an eye on color-coded stickers showing discount levels (e.g., red = 50% off, blue = 40% off, yellow = 30% off).
4. Opt for Basic Items Over Trendy Ones
With deep discounts, it's tempting to buy trendy items, but it’s wiser to choose basic, timeless pieces that can be worn again next year. Suits, blouses, and cardigans are good investments. Also, think about the wearability of winter coats and knitwear—items that may only be useful for a few months. Opt for pieces that can transition into spring for more prolonged use.
First Sales of the Year and Lucky Bags
The first day of a department store or shopping mall’s winter sale often coincides with "Hatsuuri", or the first sales of the new year. Many stores also sell lucky bags ("Fukubukuro"), which contain a selection of mystery items sold at a significant discount. These bags are popular for their surprise element and value.
Some stores offer additional experiences during the New Year period, such as complimentary sake, performances featuring shishi-mai (lion dance), and sweet sake (amazake) services. For example, GINZA SIX is setting up a rooftop skating rink from November 17, 2023, to January 21, 2024, and Tokyo Midtown offers New Year activities such as lion dances, sake offerings, and daruma doll painting experiences.
Popular Winter Sale Items in Japan
Winter sales primarily feature sweaters, coats, gloves, and scarves, with high-end items like wool and down coats becoming especially good deals as discounts deepen. While trendy designs are available, choosing basic styles ensures they can be worn beyond the current season.
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