I have a 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 practical. The existence of gift cards made it easier for me to choose the perfect gift for her.
Gift cards are a popular and practical choice for gift-giving in Japan. They offer flexibility, allowing recipients to choose what they truly want, from tech gadgets and digital content to fashion, travel, and dining out. You’ll always find a card for nearly every interest or lifestyle.
Are you looking to send gift vouchers to someone in Japan, or are you simply curious about the most popular options available there? This article reviews six of the most popular gift cards in Japan. Let’s get started!
In 2025, Japan’s gift card market continues to thrive, with several standout options from global brands and beloved Japanese companies for residents and people looking to send gifts to loved ones 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 excellent gifts for anyone in Japan, whether a friend, colleague, or relative. Here are 6 of the top popular gift cards in Japan in 2025:
Now, let us explore each of these popular Japanese gift cards.
The Apple gift card is popular in Japan because it allows users to purchase apps, games, music, movies, and Apple hardware such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. These gift cards are redeemable on the Apple Store, App Store, and iTunes Store in Japan.
Apple gift cards in Japan are region-specific, meaning you can only redeem them on Japan-based Apple accounts, which makes them perfect for users with a Japanese Apple ID. You can pay for Apple Music subscriptions, iCloud storage, and even in-app purchases, offering a complete digital experience.
 Rakuten is Japan’s biggest e-commerce platform, and its gift card provides access to thousands of products across different categories. This gift card isn’t only for shopping on Rakuten Ichiba – it works with Rakuten Travel, Rakuten Books, Rakuten Kobo, and Rakuma (Rakuten’s flea market app).
Rakuten gift cards are an excellent all-in-one option for people who frequently use Rakuten’s suite of services. They are ideal for shopping online, booking travel, or purchasing books and other media, making them a highly versatile gift card.
Amazon gift cards are widely accepted on Amazon.co.jp (one of the most popular online marketplaces in the country) and can be used to buy almost anything available on the website, from electronics to household goods. An Amazon gift card gives recipients the freedom to buy whatever they need or want whenever they want.
Amazon Japan gift cards are known for their prolonged validity (no expiration date), wide acceptance across multiple categories, and frequent use during seasonal sales.
The only restriction is that they are not usable for purchases on other Amazon websites or Amazon Prime memberships.
Daimaru and Matsuzakaya are two of Japan’s top department stores, known for premium products such as designer clothing, luxury cosmetics, home decor, and gourmet foods. Daimaru Matsuzakaya gift cards also come in digital form and can be used for online shopping.
You can use them for seasonal shopping events, exclusive luxury brand items, and personal care products.
Starbucks has over 1,500 locations across Japan, making Starbucks gift cards a practical and widely accepted option. This card can buy drinks, food, merchandise, and even limited-time-only seasonal beverages unique to the Japanese market.
These cards can be registered under the Starbucks Japan app, allowing users to collect Stars and redeem rewards. The card can also be used for online orders and in-store purchases, providing convenience and flexibility.
Uniqlo is the leading clothing brand in Japan, offering a mix of casual and functional wear for men, women, and children. A Uniqlo gift card is ideal for anyone who appreciates shopping for casual and stylish quality apparel at affordable prices.
The gift card can be used both in-store and online. With access to exclusive Japan-only releases, collaborations with designers, and seasonal collections, Uniqlo gift cards remain one of the most versatile fashion gift choices.Â
There are different types of gift cards in Japan, including Apple, Rakuten, Amazon, Daimaru Matsuzakaya, Starbucks, and Uniqlo gift cards. These are useful for technology, e-commerce, dining, and fashion shopping.
You can buy Japanese gift cards at:
Yes! Platforms like Nosh allow users to buy gift cards from over 100 countries, including Japan, at affordable rates.
If you wish to exchange Japanese gift cards for Naira, you can sell them on Nosh. Nosh lets you trade gift cards for Naira at competitive rates.
Yes. iTunes gift cards (now merged under Apple gift cards) are available in Japan for App Store and iTunes purchases.
Choosing the right gift card in Japan depends on the recipient’s needs. Whether they love technology, online shopping, fashion, or coffee, the six options in this guide cover a range of interests.
Want to buy or sell Japanese gift cards from outside Japan? Nosh makes it convenient to do so with fast, secure, and seamless transactions.
With this knowledge, you can confidently select a gift card that will be both useful and appreciated!
Ifeoluwa
When Ife isn't reading or writing content, she's laughing at a tweet or burning her data on Netflix. Working hard and playing hard. 😉
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