Don Quijote Shinjuku — Attraction in Tokyo

Pro: Opens late A crazy huge selection of... everything. Instead of stopping at multiple places you can buy them all here--if you can find them.

Cons: Merchandise are poorly organised. Not particularly cheap, despite the impression you get from the place (organised like a dollar store). But even if they were cheaper, it's not worth the efforts to go. Rude staff, particularly offensive base they are only rude to other Asian foreigners: this is rare for businesses in my experience. Even if a person is a racist, they are generally very polite to customer. Inefficient cashier system: duty free payment takes forever (45m). You wait in a (generally long) line to pay both prices and tax, after they check your passport with much care. Then you take your receipt and purchases, and queue up a second time for someone else to pack your stuff. This person actually operates on your passport--AFTER checking your receipt carefully to make sure everything has been paid for because the second queue is located right next to merchandise. Here comes the kicker: remember how you had paid taxes art the end of your first queue? Here, they give that tax back to you (usually on VERY small change).

I don't know if I can come up with a less efficient system if I tried... Though to be fair, we went twice, the first time was very slow, but all in one line. That took 30 minutes. The second time was as described above. Maybe they were trying to speed things up by trying someone's...

I recently had a very disappointing experience at this store that I feel compelled to share. It was our first visit, and we were excited to check out some items. When we opened an umbrella to see its size, intending to buy it, we were met with rudeness from the staff. The lady at the counter immediately insisted that we needed to purchase the umbrella right away, which we planned to do, but we wanted to grab a few more items to meet the ¥5000 minimum for tax-free shopping.

When we asked if we could select additional items, she firmly said no and even called over another staff member who spoke English. Unfortunately, he echoed her refusal and added that umbrellas weren’t included in the tax-free policy, despite the fact that a quick Google search showed otherwise. The entire interaction felt confrontational, and the lady kept using her translator to ask if there was a problem, insisting we pay immediately.

It was frustrating and uncomfortable. The lack of customer service and understanding was shocking, and the overall attitude of the staff left a sour taste in our mouths. We will definitely not be returning to this store again. I hope they reconsider how they treat customers...

Top Shopping Place !

Located at 1-16-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, this flagship store sits on the pulse of Tokyo’s entertainment district. It’s convenient—just a short walk from both Shinjuku Station and Seibu-Shinjuku Station. It’s also open 24 hours, making it a go-to for late-night shoppers and night-owl explorers.

Stepping inside is like entering a kaleidoscope—aisles stacked from floor to ceiling with everything imaginable. Signs are loud, colorful, and often hand-drawn by staff, adding to the sense of playful chaos.

Don Quijote is truly a one-stop wonderland.

Ground/Floor/Sublevels: Groceries, snacks, daily necessities, and even a convenience-store vibe zone with best-selling items like mini cheesecakes, peach Hi-Chews, and refrigerated desserts. Tokyo Cheapo

Cosmetics, skincare, perfumes, and related accessories. Character goods, quirky souvenirs, and kawaii-focused items. Brand-name goods, suitcases, bags, clothing,...