Don Quijote is an institution in Tokyo and across Japan. The mega discount store is a sensory overload: from jam-packed shelves and colourful signs to that catchy jingle on loop, Donki can be a lot to process for first-time visitors and even regulars.
So what will you find at Don Quijote? The store stocks almost anything you can think of: beauty and skincare, clothing, luxury goods, home appliances, groceries, electronics, snacks, souvenirs and even sex toys. There are also many variations of Don Quijote, and sometimes you have to visit a specific one to find what you need. The Mega Donki is the jumbo version of the lot. There’s also the slightly more upscale Platinum Donki, and Okashi Donki that specialises in snacks.
Conveniently, most Don Quijote stores are open until the wee hours of the morning – some even run 24 hours non-stop, making them a reliable destination for last-minute gifts or that late-night snack run. Each Donki also houses a Tax Free counter, so make sure to bring your passport if you’re an overseas tourist.
To make your next visit more productive, we’ve broken down the biggest Donki of them all – the eight-floor Mega Donki in Shibuya – into a floor-by-floor handy guide. This should give you a general idea of how a Donki is organised and keep you from getting lost in the maze-like store.
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The basement level of Mega Donki Shibuya is dedicated to groceries, alcohol, fresh produce and ready-to-eat bento meals. Looking for that elusive bottle of Japanese whisky? It doesn’t hurt to check the shelves here, as Donki often carries top-of-the-line Japanese spirits at fair prices.
The second basement level is home to Re: Fine, a relaxation and acupuncture specialist.
The first/ground floor is a bit of a mish-mash, stocked with cheap, seasonal snacks, candies, coloured contacts, kitschy Japanese souvenirs and clearance items. There’s also a counter selling Donki's famous cheese bread shaped like the ¥10 coin (unfortunately, they cost ¥500 each). If you’re looking to get rid of some spare change, don’t miss the stacks of gashapon capsule toy machines outside the entrance.
Take the escalators up a floor and you'll enter a snack wonderland. The second level is chock full of Japanese and international snacks. Here’s where you’ll find Japan-exclusive KitKats and other gift-worthy confectionery.
There’s even a ‘World Eats’ section filled with international food items from Korean instant noodles and Asian condiments to imported chocolates and teas. This floor also carries pet supplies, oral hygiene care and laundry detergents.
Head up to the third floor for all your cosmetic and beauty needs. This is where to find all the popular Japanese skincare and makeup products as well as items for nail art. K-beauty lovers will be happy with the varied selection of Korean beauty and skincare brands here, too.
The third floor also features health and wellness products including medical supplies, supplements and sports equipment.
The fourth floor is where you’ll find shoes, backpacks, cheap clothing, perfume and watches. It’s worth browsing the footwear section as you might find renowned brands like Nike, Adidas and Ugg. There are also luxury bags and accessories priced rather reasonably. An entire section is dedicated to branded goods from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Balendiaga, Gucci and more.
We’ve finally made it to the fifth floor. Here are the cooking tools, cleaning and laundry supplies, car accessories, bicycles, children's toys and party goods. There’s also a cheeky curtained-off section dedicated to sex toys and other adult goods.
The sixth floor is home to all sorts of electronic products as well as smart phone accessories, stationery, alarm clocks, bedding and home interior goods. Electronics range from rice cookers and takoyaki makers to curling irons and blow dryers.
Donki's top floor offers travel goods and business-style bags (ie, briefcases) as well as an entire area dedicated to souvenirs. Don't miss the floor's Gacha Gacha Land where you'll find even more capsule toy machines to spend your loose change.
The tax-free counter is on this floor. You have to pay for your purchases on this floor for the tax-free privileges.
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