Fukubukuro Madness: New year’s Sales in Japan!
Jojo Morsche
Have you ever heard of fukubukuro (福袋)? Fuku (福) means luck and bukuro *袋) means bag, so the literal translation is lucky bag! These Lucky bags are sold at the beginning of the new year during the hatsu uri (初売り): first sales. Inside the fukuburo are several goodies from the store or brand which are sold for a cheaper price than if you would buy them separately, the catch however is that you (usually) don't know what is inside! That somehow sounds like getting yourself a Tokyotreat, Yumetwins or Nomakenolife subscription box doesn't it? It's like buying a present for yourself; the excitement of opening it and finding great value goodies inside is what makes it fun! The fukubukuro sales start on the first or second of January each year so if you're planning to shop till you drop, make sure you get a good rest because these sales are absolutely crazy!
What kind of fukubukuro are there?
Even though fukubukuro used to be limited to department stores and clothing brands nowadays many shops and brands have given in to the craze! One of the most popular fukubukuro are the ones from electronic stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera and especially the ones from Apple store! People line up one day earlier than the actual sale starts, grab a ticket and wait in line all night! An Apple fukubukuro costs about $300 and you have a chance to get Macbook Airs, Ipads and other devices or accessories that are worth a lot more than $300!
There are also different types of electronic fukubukuro Lucky boxes which are more like a grab bag where you pay about $3 to $30 and have a chance to win a camera, a game console or household appliances and more. However, the chance that you go home empty handed is big since it's not guaranteed that you will get anything at all!
Other popular fukubukuro are the ones from clothing brands, especially the small boutiques in fashionable department store Shibuya 109 all offer their own fukubukuro! Some stores keep the content of the bag secret but others release information about the items included and you're even able to pre-order them. Girls also start lining up a day before the sales (January second) to storm their favorite stores when the doors open at 8AM. Even the police is involved to make sure no hair extensions are pulled out and no nails are getting broken.
Here are some other examples from brands and stores that have fukubukuro
Muji is a trendy Japanese store that sells household and consumer goods.
L'Occitane Japan's fukubukuro is full of amazing creams, fragrances and soap!
Even Japanese convenient stores have fukubukuro, usually an assortment of snacks and drinks!
Uniqlo is one of Japan's biggest and most affordable clothing stores, would you get one of their fukubukuro?
And there's much more! Check out these fukubukuro from 2015:
What if you don't like your goodies??
Well that's too bad. But many people like to trade with friends or even with strangers. Especially at Shibuya 109 girls try to get rid of items they don't like by trading with other girls. If you're not sure if you should get a lucky bag you can also buy separate items which are also being sold with big discounts during the winter sales that start around the same time, at the beginning of the new year.
Would you get a fukubukuro and from what store? Let us know in the comments below!
Do you plan on travelling to Tokyo? You better take this basic Japanese quiz to make sure you're prepared!
And make sure that you don't miss out on these awesome amusement parks when you come to Japan!
More into kawaii stuff? Check out this cute Kirby pillow that will suck up your head!
Want to get a FREE Japanese candy box? Check out how to get one here!
Keep up with all fun foodie news coming out from Japan by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Related articles
The Amazing World of Japanese Commercials
Since the dawn of broadcast television, commercials have been a staple of the medium. Sometimes helpful, sometimes funny, occasionally annoying, but always. However, Japanese commercials can be hilarious and memorable, with many iconic advertising campaigns.
Does Japan Celebrate Christmas? Let’s Find Out!
December transforms into a time of lights, special foods, seasonal snacks, and cheerful events. Japanese Christmas celebrations blend Western influences with local customs, turning winter into a festive cultural moment.
Sapporo Snow Festival: Everything You Need To Know!
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most renowned winter events, held every year and attracting millions of visitors to the area. It’s a large-scale celebration shaped by community effort and creativity. Let’s explore its origins and discover the highlights that make this event so spectacular! What is the Sapporo Snow Festival? Every February,...
The Best Japanese Kit Kat Flavors for the Holidays!
Every year, Japan drops holiday exclusives that make perfect gifts or delicious snacks. Many winter flavors feature berries, rich chocolate, and warm holiday ingredients. If you’re ready to unwrap some sweet winter magic, check out the best Japanese Kit Kat flavors for Christmas!
All Aboard Kyoto’s Future Train: A Dining Journey into Tomorrow
If you’ve ever dreamed of boarding a train to somewhere extraordinary, the Future Train cafe in Kyoto is for you. Blending inventive cuisine, immersive design, and a dash of nostalgia, this new dining experience is anything but ordinary.
Mount Fuji Fall Guide: What to See and Do!
Besides being a sacred mountain of Japan, Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san, is also the tallest and most majestic peak in the country, attracting millions of visitors from around the world who dream of reaching its summit.