6 Most Popular Types of Gift Cards in Japan in 2024

I have an older friend who is a travel content creator. So, when she told me she was going to Japan, her first Asian country ever, I knew I had to get her something. Thanks to the existence of gift cards, I didn’t have to think hard and wide about the perfect gift for her. 

Now, the crux of the matter was deciding on what gift card in particular to give her. I wanted to give her something that would be useful to her during her time in Japan. I immediately went to research the top gift cards in Japan and I found some really good options. 

Do you also have someone in Japan you would like to send gift vouchers to? Or are you just curious about the popular ones there? In this article, I will be sharing 6 of the most popular gift cards in Japan. Let’s get to it!

Top 6 Best Gift Cards in Japan – 2024

There are different brands of gift cards available in Japan. You can access both international gift card brands and those local to Japan. These gift cards cut across various categories like retail, dining, technology, etc. They make great gifts for anyone in Japan, whether a friend, colleague or relative. 

Here are 6 of the top popular gift cards in Japan as of 2024:

1. Apple gift card
2. Rakuten gift card
3. Amazon gift card
4. Daimaru Matsuzakaya gift card
5. Starbucks gift card
6. Uniqlo gift card

Let’s examine these gift cards one after the other. 

1. Apple Gift Card

The Apple gift card can be used across Apple’s ecosystem, including the App Store, iTunes, and Apple Store. The balance can be used to buy apps, games, music, movies, and even hardware like iPhones or MacBooks. 

You can get it in denominations ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 Yen, catering to different budgets. Whether it’s to upgrade tech gadgets or enjoy digital content, this card provides a seamless experience for the recipient. 

2. Rakuten Gift Card

A Rakuten gift card gives you access to Rakuten, the largest online marketplace in Japan. Also, you can use it at other stores under Rakuten like Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Travel, and Rakuten Books. The cards are available in amounts ranging from 1,000 Yen to 10,000 Yen. 

They are ideal for shopping online, booking travel, or purchasing books and other media. The card’s value can be used across Rakuten’s extensive range of services and stores, making it a practical option for frequent users of the Rakuten platform. 

3. Amazon Gift Card

Amazon gift cards are widely accepted on Amazon.co.jp and can be used to buy almost anything available on the website, from electronics to household goods. The gift card comes in amounts ranging from 1,000 to 50,000 Yen, suiting various spending needs. 

These cards offer the convenience of online shopping with the added benefit of no expiration dates. This makes them a practical choice for those who prefer flexibility. The only restriction is that they cannot be used for purchases on other Amazon websites or for Amazon Prime memberships.

4. Daimaru Matsuzakaya Gift Card

Daimaru Matsuzakaya gift cards are perfect for shopping at the renowned Daimaru and Matsuzakaya department stores in Japan. They come in denominations from 1,000 yen to 10,000 Yen. The card can be used for a wide range of products, including fashion, cosmetics, and home goods. 

It’s a useful gift for those who enjoy department store shopping, offering a wide selection of high-quality products. The gift card also comes in digital form which can be used for shopping online. 

5. Starbucks Gift Card

Next on the list of top gift cards in Japan is the Starbucks gift card. Starbucks is present in Japan and has many locations across the country. Starbucks gift cards can be used to buy coffee, pastries, and other menu items at Starbucks locations throughout Japan. 

The gift card comes in denominations from 1,000 Yen to 10,000 Yen. It is ideal for coffee lovers who frequent Starbucks. The card can also be used for online orders and in-store purchases, providing convenience and flexibility. 

6. Uniqlo Gift Card

Uniqlo is a popular clothing store in Japan. You can use Uniqlo gift cards at Uniqlo stores across Japan and on their online store. They come in denominations from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen, making them suitable for a range of clothing needs. You can use the card to purchase casual and stylish apparel, perfect for those who appreciate Uniqlo’s fashion. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Gift Cards in Japan

1. Which gift card is available in Japan?

There are different types of gift cards in Japan. You can find popular gift cards such as Apple gift cards, Rakuten gift cards, Amazon gift cards, Daimaru Matsuzakaya gift cards, Starbucks gift cards, and Uniqlo gift cards. 

2. Where can I buy gift cards in Japan?

You can buy gift cards at convenience stores, supermarkets, and department stores across Japan. Online options are also available through various retailer websites.

3. How can I buy Japanese gift cards from Nigeria?

To purchase Japanese gift cards from Nigeria, use a gift card trading platform like the Nosh app. This platform allows you to buy gift cards from over 120 countries at cheap rates. Simply select the Japanese gift card you want and complete the transaction to get the gift card.

4. How can I convert Japanese gift cards to Naira?

To convert Japanese gift cards to Naira, you can sell them on gift card trading platforms. A good option is Nosh. You can easily trade gift cards for Naira at high rates on the platform. 

5. Is iTunes card available in Japan?

Yes, iTunes gift cards are available in Japan. You can use them to make purchases on the App Store and iTunes Store.

Conclusion

Selecting the right gift card in Japan to buy for yourself or give to someone doesn’t have to be a hassle. The options we covered—Apple, Rakuten, Amazon, Daimaru Matsuzakaya, Starbucks, and Uniqlo gift cards—each offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences, from tech and online shopping to dining and fashion.

Whether you’re choosing for a friend, relative, or colleague, these gift cards provide practical and flexible choices suitable for various needs. For those looking to buy Japanese gift cards from abroad or convert them to Naira, platforms like Nosh make these transactions easy and efficient. 

With this guide, you can confidently pick a gift card in Japan that will be both useful and appreciated.