Tokyo Summer Sales

Every year, the closing of the rainy season marks the opening of Tokyo’s famous “end-of-summer” bargain sales —which, despite the name, happen before summer has even reached its peak. The Tokyo summer sales are a clever ploy to lure shoppers out from under their home air conditioners for a chance to score savings of around 30–50% on fashion and all sorts of other stuff.

One thing to be aware of is that most retailers don’t like to make much noise about their summer sale dates. While many of the listings below state a mid-July closing (or no closing), many of them start right up again with a “Summer Sale Part 2”. Also, as usual there are always lots of “Up to XX off” and other not-so-subtle ways to convince you you’re getting a better deal than you think.

Here’s when and where to go bargain-hunting this summer!

Note: Most 2026 sale dates are yet to be confirmed — we’ll update this page as soon as they’re announced

Outlet Malls

Japan is known for loving its brands, both domestic and international, and one of the best places to shop for them is at an outlet. There’s a few, with the two most popular being Premium Outlets and Mitsui Outlet Park — both have multiple locations throughout Japan. Premium Outlets is where you’ll find more of the higher-end international brands but Mitsui also has a few big names.

Pro tip: Plan ahead and book a day trip to Gotemba Premium Outlet, including a visit to a day-use hot spring. Or, visit a variety of Premium Outlets around the Tokyo area with this private transfer.

Ginza/Yurakucho/Nihonbashi

Ginza, Yurakucho, and Nihonbashi are home to Tokyo’s most upscale department stores and designer flagship shops. This is where luxury reigns—expect to find premium brands and high-end goods with significant discounts during sales.

Shinjuku/Ikebukuro

Shinjuku and Ikebukuro offer variety for all budgets — high-end department stores alongside more affordable options. Whether you’re after luxury goods or budget finds, these areas have it all. We suggest heading to Isetan or Takashimaya, for high-end Lumine and Parco, for more mid-range items.

Note: Lumine sales applies not only to Shinjuku’s multiple Lumine branches, but also to the others in Ikebukuro, Tachikawa, Shibuya, Kita-Senju, Yurakucho, and more. Same as with other Parco branches.

Shibuya/Harajuku

Shibuya and Harajuku are at the heart of youth-focused fashion and trendsetting brands. You’ll find fast fashion, streetwear, and emerging designers alongside established labels—perfect for younger shoppers and trend-hunters looking for latest trend items. Head to Shibuya 109 for more of those “high street” brands and Omotesando Hills for the high-end designer names.

If you are into Japanese fashion, our personal pick is LaForet in Harajuku. There you’ll find stores dedicated to iconic subculture esthetics including Lolita.

Roppongi/Akasaka

Roppongi and Akasaka offer upscale shopping in a more compact footprint than Ginza. These areas cater to international brands and high-end goods with a convenient, concentrated layout — ideal if you want luxury without the sprawl.

Ueno/Asakusa

Ueno and Asakusa focus on everyday, budget-friendly brands and local goods. This is your go-to for practical shopping and authentic souvenirs at bargain prices.

Odaiba and Toyosu

Odaiba’s mega-malls — Diver City and LalaPort — offer everything under one roof. Located further out, they’re worth the trip for one-stop shopping with a wide range of brands and price points. though you won’t really find the designer high-end brands here, more the mid-range brands.

Chain shops in Tokyo

Although a lot of the summer sales going on in Tokyo involve big chains, they tend to ignore what is going on around them. They also seem to be a lot cagier about revealing the exact start and end-of-sale periods. Based on previous years, here’s what we can tell you. (Don’t forget to check out their online stores as well; they usually have sales around the same time as the physical stores.)

And for year-round deals, check out our Tokyo outlet mall guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest sales in Japan?

The biggest sales in Japan happen during the summer season and again in winter. This is partly because of the season change, and demand for new stuff such as clothes, but also because this is when Japanese companies give out their bonuses.

Can I get tax-free shopping during summer sales?

Yes! Tourists with valid passports can claim tax-free (duty-free) shopping on purchases over ¥5,000 at participating stores. Present your passport at the tax-free counter, fill out the paperwork, and get the 10% consumption tax refunded. The best part: tax-free eligibility applies to all purchases during sales — whether discounted or full price.

Are online sales the same as in-store?

Often not. Many stores start their online clearance sales earlier, while in-store sales kick off later in the month. We recommend checking individual store websites for their specific online sale dates and terms — you might find better deals online, or vice versa depending on the store and what you’re shopping for.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in July, 2019. Last updated in May, 2026 by Jane Pipkin.