Where to Buy Cheap Camping Gear in Japan

You do not need to bring camping gear from home to camp in Japan. The country has an outstanding retail infrastructure for outdoor equipment, and much of it is surprisingly affordable. From workwear chains that rival premium outdoor brands to 100-yen shops with genuinely useful camping supplies, Japan offers options at every price point. This guide covers where to shop, what is worth buying, and what to avoid.

Workman (ワークマン)

Workman is Japan's biggest budget outdoor gear story. Originally a workwear chain for construction and trade workers, Workman pivoted into outdoor and camping gear around 2019 and has become a phenomenon. Their "FieldCore" and "Find-Out" lines compete directly with brands costing five to ten times more.

What to buy at Workman:

• Base layers — Moisture-wicking shirts for 980 yen. Comparable to Uniqlo Airism but cheaper.
• Rain jackets — Waterproof shells for 1,900 to 3,900 yen. Adequate for camping weather.
• Camping chairs — Folding chairs for 1,500 to 2,500 yen.
• Insulated jackets — Down-alternative jackets for 2,900 yen. Good for cool-weather camping.
• Gloves and hats — Work gloves double as campfire gloves. 300 to 500 yen.

Workman stores are everywhere in Japan — over 900 locations. Use the store finder on their website. The outdoor-focused "Workman Plus" and "Workman Girl" stores have better selection than standard locations.

Daiso and Seria (100-yen shops)

Japan's 100-yen shops are a legitimate source for basic camping supplies. At roughly one dollar per item, you can stock up on essentials without worrying about the cost:

• Worth buying: Garbage bags, lighters, rope/paracord, clothes pins, cutting boards, plastic containers, LED keychain lights, tent pegs, water bottles, chopsticks and utensils, dish soap, sponges
• Skip: Knives (too flimsy), cookware (too thin), sleeping mats (no insulation), flashlights (weak batteries)

Daiso has the broadest selection, with some stores dedicating an entire aisle to camping and BBQ supplies during spring and summer. Seria tends to have slightly better quality at the same 100-yen price point but smaller selection.

Don Quijote

Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ, often called "Donki") is Japan's discount megastore chain, open late or 24 hours at many locations. Their camping selection is mid-range — better quality than 100-yen shops but cheaper than specialty outdoor stores.

• Cooler boxes — 1,500 to 3,000 yen. Essential for perishable food.
• Charcoal and BBQ supplies — Full BBQ sets for 2,000 to 5,000 yen.
• Insect repellent — Comprehensive selection of sprays, coils, and patches.
• Headlamps and lanterns — 500 to 2,000 yen. Adequate for a camping trip.
• Folding tables — Compact camp tables for 1,500 to 3,000 yen.

Home centers (Cainz, Kohnan, Komeri)

Japanese home centers are the equivalent of Home Depot or B&Q, but with dedicated camping sections during the outdoor season (March through October). These stores offer the best value for mid-range gear:

• Tents — House-brand dome tents for 5,000 to 15,000 yen. Perfectly adequate for occasional use.
• Sleeping bags — 2,000 to 5,000 yen for 3-season bags.
• Portable stoves — CB-canister stoves for 2,000 to 4,000 yen. Iwatani is the trusted brand.
• Gas canisters — CB cans (the short, squat ones) for about 300 yen per 3-pack.
• Tarps and ground sheets — 500 to 2,000 yen depending on size.

Secondhand and resale shops

Japan's secondhand market is excellent for camping gear. Japanese consumers tend to buy high-quality equipment, use it a few times, and sell it in near-new condition:

• 2nd Street / Treasure Factory — Physical secondhand stores with outdoor gear sections. Snow Peak tents at 50 to 70% off retail is common.
• Mercari — Japan's largest secondhand marketplace app. Search for キャンプ (camping) to find gear. Shipping within Japan is cheap and fast.
• Hard Off — The outdoor equivalent of Book Off. Hit or miss, but occasionally has premium gear at deep discounts.

What NOT to buy cheap

Some items are worth spending more on, or renting at the campground rather than buying the cheapest option:

• Sleeping bags — A 1,000-yen sleeping bag provides almost no insulation. Rent a good one at the campground (1,000 to 1,500 yen/night) or buy at least a 3,000-yen model.
• Rain gear — Cheap ponchos tear in wind. Invest in a proper rain jacket from Workman at minimum.
• Hiking shoes — Your feet matter. Bring good shoes from home rather than buying cheap ones in Japan. See our packing guide for details.
• Headlamps — Ultra-cheap LED lights die quickly. Spend at least 1,000 yen on a headlamp with decent battery life.

Sample budget: basic camping setup in Japan

Our top picks

Based on our research and field testing, these are the specific products we recommend for budget camping in Japan. For the complete list with more options in each category, visit our recommended gear page.

Keep reading

For more money-saving strategies, read our full Budget Camping in Japan guide. If you want to skip buying gear entirely, check out our guide to free camping in Japan — many free sites are used by experienced campers who already own their gear.