Christmas is just around the corner! Have you finished shopping or are you just getting started? If you’re still looking for that unique gift from Japan, there’s an affordable store selling rather amusing gifts and it’s called Don Quijote ドン・キホーテ. Often referred to as “Donki” for short, I was drawn to shopping here this Christmas season due to its convenient location, hours, and mascot.
Donki has a mascot and just looking at him should put you into the Christmas spirit. The blue penguin dons a red night cap all year round, just like the one Santa Claus wears. He goes by the name of “Donpen,” which stands for Don Quijote Penguin, and cradles a crescent moon as a symbol of lightening up the midnight towns.
Open 24 hours (or till 3 or 5a.m. depending on the location), Donki has over 160 locations throughout Japan and a few in Hawaii. You’ll be amazed with its wide range of products the minute you step through their doors. Don Quijote in Yokosuka will even showcase a few of their products out on their storefront. In December, you’ll mainly see Christmas decorations such as miniature, artificial Christmas trees, and costumes you might want to wear this holiday season. Or, just save that until next Halloween.
The merchandise at Donki is usually stocked floor to ceiling, placed in narrow aisles and in a maze-like kind of configuration. It’s an adventure of itself that’ll keep you wandering to uncover new treasures. If you’re from the United States, Don Quijote is a cross between Spencers Gifts, the Dollar Store, and Super Walmart, all squished into a local convenience store. In addition to items Made in Japan, you can also find a few of your creature comforts from back home, like Downey softener or Snickers candy.
My favorite finds in Donki are the wigs and costumes you could pull off anytime and anywhere in Japan. A stop at the cosmetics section is a no-brainer for me. I love finding new things to try out like the Tokyo Love Soap and Pure Smile face masks. I can spend all day looking at all of the funky false eyelashes, wide selection of nail polishes, and hair products. Donki just isn’t for the female shopper either. There’s a full range of automobile accessories, murses (man-purses), under garments, and more. Have extra cash to spend? High-end items are also available for purchase. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel are just a few of the name brands on hand. Are you hungry? Instant ramen, pasta, frozen warm-up meals, and dairy products are just on the opposite side of the store. If you’re thirsty, the variety of drinks typically seen in the hot & cold vending machines can be found here. And if you’re hosting a party, there’s no shortage of a full range of alcoholic beverages and party supplies. Lastly, if you’re into trying one-of-a-kind Japanese chips and candy, this is the store to make that purchase. The Kracie brand candy kits are my ultimate “kid in the candy store” finds.
Don Quijote is a Tax-free store! Effective October 1, 2014, the Japan Shopping Tourism Organization (JSTO) expanded the tax exemption benefits allotted to foreign tourists. Non-Japanese residents who are staying in Japan less than 6 months are eligible. General tax-free items such as electronics, designer goods, watches, and jewelry, must total at least 10,001yen before tax. Consumable tax-free items such as food, drinks, medicine, cosmetics, and others must total at least 5,001yen before tax. Packages cannot be opened until you have left the country (applicable goods at Donki are placed into a sealed bag). Some consumables may not be taken out of the country.
To access Don Quijote in Yokosuka by car, take seaside Route 16 south. Just beyond PC Depot, you’ll see the large yellow building on your left. By train, 5-minute walk from Keikyu Otsu. Be sure to also visit one of the popular Donki shops in Tokyo, Don Quijote Roppongi!
