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Why do people prefer luxury shopping in Japan?
In this article, I’ll tell you why people travel half the world around to fill their high fashion wardrobes.
But I’ll also let you in on a badly hidden secret;
ZenPlus.jp lets you enjoy Luxury Tourism in Japan, without the security checks, jetlag and language barriers.
Japan is the world's no. 1 destination for Pre-Loved Luxury, especially brand bags and other leather goods for 3 reasons.
- Very low ratio of fakes and replicas
- Little wear compared to the price
- The Dollar is strong against the Yen.
Oh, and I almost forgot, there are many lines that were limited releases in Japan, making it a heaven for collectors!
Here’s an example of the ever sought after GUCCI x Higuchi Yuko collaboration, originally displayed at the CIRCUS FINAL END’ exhibition at Tokyo’s Mori Arts Center Gallery.
Yuko Higuchi x Gucci collaboration (official website)
Yoko Higuchi x Gucci collaboration bags on ZenPlus
Luxury shopping tourism to Japan
Luxury shopping tourism to Japan is something that got popularized around 2018 and was growing in popularity until “you know what” put a pause on all travel on the planet.
Since the scourge of the coronavirus, Japan has once more opened the gates for tourism, and people once more flock to the shopping arcades of Osaka & Tokyo for their preloved boutiques, as well as the creative flagship stores and pop up events of the brands themselves.
Superfuture - Kyoto Gucci Bamboo House
Buying brand bags online
Picture this; You’ve found the unicorn brand bag, a Hermes Birkin 30 in white crocodile hide. You’re on your way to Japan to pick her up, but by the time you get there, the bag that was going to be the one, became the one who got away…
This is not an uncommon issue for luxury tourists, but it is actually entirely avoidable.
This specific Hermes Birkin, just so happened to be available on ZenPlus.jp, an online marketplace for Japanese stores.
The Birkin in the photo was purchased in the boutique, meaning anyone could have snagged it from the comfort of their home, before it got away.
If you are looking for a rare Birkin, there are still 38 others listed on ZenPlus, including this one:
Hermes Birkin 25 Chevre Rosetyrian on ZenPlus
More Hermes Birkin 25 bags on ZenPlus
Is there any downside to buying online?
There is of course one big downside to do your luxury shopping from Japan online, namely, you don’t get to travel to Japan! It’s a gorgeous country, and little beats the feeling of picking up a pre-loved travel partner like this Louis Vuitton Reporter PM in the Arcades of Osaka, for then using the incredibly sophisticated public transport to Kyoto, only a 50 minute ride, and take in the atmosphere of this ancient capital city. With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, you can flaunt your LV without second thoughts, and you won’t be alone, the local fashionistas enjoy this privilege every day.
Louis Vuitton Reporter PM on ZenPlus
Latest Louis Vuitton Reporter bag additions on ZenPlus
Conclusion
I must admit, writing this article was difficult.
As I was researching the various products you can purchase directly from Japanese Preloved Boutiques from the comfort of your home, I found myself doing more window shopping than actual research, and heck, I live in Japan!
Even being here, having access to these stores at my fingertips instead of going door to door is truly remarkable.
Here’s a Prada Crossbody I have on my wishlist! Fingers crossed it’ll still be there, come payday.
About the writer
Magnus Paslawski has three years of professional experience as a re-seller and auctioneer of luxury goods. He currently does marketing for ZenPop.jp but is always up to date on the designer world.
Image credits
Read more
Check out this article about the Japanese secondary luxury market and pre-loved brand bags from Japan on ZenPlus:
All Eyes on Used: Why You Should Buy Luxury Items From Japan
