What Is Daiso? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the ‘Japanese Dollar Store’

If I were to be trapped in one store for eternity, please, let it be Daiso. While it’s famously known as the ‘Japanese dollar store,’ make no mistake: the quality of its products surpasses anything you’d find from Dollar Tree or 99 Cents Only Stores. Also, most things are under $2.

For the uninitiated, here’s how the Daiso works: if an item doesn’t have a price tag, it’s $1.50 (or slightly more in New York, and some other locations.) If it does have a price tag, you can use one of the handy conversion charts around the store to figure out how much it’ll cost you. The clerk will give you a heads up if you have anything selling for more than the standard rate—however, the vast majority of the store sells for $1.50.

daiso's price chart breakdown showing how price tags convert JPY to USD

Item tags are in English, but largely pricing is still printed in Japanese Yen. Charts like these are all around the store to help shoppers.

Sarah Saril/Insider


As a long-time Southern California resident, I’m spoiled with Daiso accessibility. In fact, there are over 20 locations within an hour’s drive away for me. If you live in Washington, Texas, New York, or New Jersey, you might be lucky enough to have one of the 77 stores close by

Shopping Daiso’s website is possible, if you aren’t lucky enough to live near one. Sadly, it pales in comparison to the in-store shopping experience, in terms of ease and selection. If you’re looking for goodie bag fillers and stocking stuffers, it’s definitely worth a look but if you have a chance, definitely visit one.

Keep scrolling to see what’s in store for you if you ever visit a Daiso.