Daiso - Japanese Household Goods — Attraction in San Francisco

Think of your local $1 store. Daiso is the $1.50 store Japanese store with some real quality items with something for just about everyone. Unless noted, all items are $1.50. I've never seen an item for more than $3.00 in there.

Items I look for whenever I visit Daiso: Travel accessories, travel wipes, house slippers, pens, stationary, notebooks, cards, organizing containers, Japanese snacks and soft drinks. They have $1.50 Japanese items for every room in the house. The products they offer are exclusive to Daiso stores only which enhances the visit. It's easy to get carried away in here because the items are so cheap but after years of visits I've narrowed downs my list. hehe Like the $1 stores, products come and go so timing is everything in regards to finding things I'm looking for. Overall, I've never walked out of there with a light bag.

Located in Japan town, this Daiso store always enhances my visit there. The value I've encountered through the years shopping as been fantastic. Whenever I anticipate a Daiso visit, I'll pack a larger luggage just in case I go to town in there. Swing by and browse around if you have to be in the...

I love Daiso. Pleasantly surprised to find this one in J-Town. Considering its location, I thought it was pretty large! Although not as large as my favorite location in Union City.

Great spot to pick up stocking stuffers or just things you didn't know you needed. Everything for the most part costs $1.50. Last trip I scored:

Calpico drink - Called "Calpis" in Japan, my daughter refused to drink it because she thought it was cow pee. But it's really a tasty milk-based drink. Mittens - Cute red ones with smiling bunnies. Notebooks - Tons and tons of 'em. Mini plastic containers - Made in Japan (unlike a lot of the stuff here made in China for Daiso), these are so handy for lunches, thumbtacks, vitamins, whatever. Office supplies - staplers, paper clips, pens, etc. Cute tape - In skinny or wider versions, this is printed colorful tape that is great for wrapping gifts or just being funny. Last one I got said, "Celabrate the day of you birth."

I dare you to come in here and walk away...

COVID-19 review: The last time for entry is 6:40pm even though the business closes at 7pm so be mindful. There is a line outside now and closed off the previous main entrance inside. I went on a Wednesday afternoon and there wasnt too much of a line. They do let very few people in though, lot less than other stores so the wait may be a little long. There was lots of room to socially distance so I felt very comfortable shopping. This Daiso was a lot better years ago with a lot more inventory. They've downsized for a while now but I guess that's business. Items also got more expensive. They do have a lot of really useful household items for cheap -- things you didnt know you wanted. Of course, don't come here for quality items but if you want quick fixes this is the place to go.

Pre-COVID: The place was always overly crowded and stuffy. You smell people's breath in the stuffiness. A bit stingy on the A/C? Sometimes the line would get so long you have to wait a good 30-40minutes....