BIC Camera is big in Japan – one of the most popular electronics and department stores across the country, most BIC Camera stores have several floors of goods, services and tax free shopping.
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Despite the name, BIC Camera isn’t just about photography equipment – they sell everything from pharmaceuticals to phones, gachapon capsule toys to Japanese Kit Kats.
It is also one of the best places to buy tourist SIM cards in Japan.
So from products to promotions, here is our ultimate guide to BIC Camera in Japan with photos.
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How many BIC Camera Stores are there in Japan?
As of 2024, there are over 260 BIC Camera stores in Japan – it is one of the biggest electronic stores and photography shops in the country.
For instance, there are around 30 Yodobashi Camera stores in Japan so BIC Camera is almost ten times bigger – although it has beating to overtake the 600 Don Quijote stores and Mega Donkis.
In Tokyo, BIC Camera has 19 stores including branches in Odaiba, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Akihabara. It is said that the biggest BIC Camera is Bic Camera Yurakucho in Ginza, Tokyo.
In Osaka, there are 5 stores including an outlet stall in Namba.
For a full list of stores in Japan, visit the official store list on their website >
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What do they sell?
BIC Camera is sometimes so big, it is more a case of what doesn’t it sell – it is best known for selling electrical equipment like PCs and phones, or pharmaceuticals like contact lenses and lotions and potions.
In a typical store, expect to see office supplies, toys and games (like Tomy Tomica Takara), watches, gaming consoles (plus actual games), cool Studio Ghibli clocks, plus even anime and Manga models.
Some of the larger stores (like BIC Camera Yurakucho in Tokyo) also sell alcohol. Seriously, it had one of the biggest collection of international whiskeys and craft beers that we’ve ever seen in Tokyo, let alone Japan – although it doesn’t rival the famous 7-Eleven Hammerheads craft beer store in Yokohama,
This is also one of the best place to buy Japanese Kit Kats – check out our guide to over 40+ Japanese Kit Kat flavours here >
When entering BIC Camera, also check the front of the store for any limited edition special offers or monthly promotions. There are often staff handing out flyers in Japanese with the best offers. You can check out the current BIC Camera offers and store flyers for each region here >
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Spotlight on Ginza BIC Camera Tokyo (Yurakucho) – visiting Japan’s biggest BIC Camera
There are many things to do in Ginza including shopping malls galore like Ginza Six and the world’s biggest UNIQLO too.
Whilst staying in Ginza, we were lucky enough to visit the biggest Japan BIC Camera store (Yurakucho).
We wanted to go as we heard they had one of the biggest ranges of Japanese tourist sims – we were not disappointed and snapped up a super SIM card with loads of data.
Ginza BIC Camera has nine floors of products (plus a tax free shopping counter) – it is laid out as follows:
- B2F – Photographic equipment
- B1F – Seasonal and household
- 1F – Phones and tourist E-sim cards (there are loads of help desks too)
- 2F – Stereo and TV equipment
- 3F – Pharmaceuticals, beauty and health products
- 4F – Office supplies and toys (like gachapon, Tomica Takara toys, anime and Manga etc)
- 5F – PCs and desktops
- 6F – Clocks, watches and assorted goods – each watch brand has their own service desk
- 7F – There used to be a cafe but we can’t confirm this 100% in 2024
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BIC Camera Japan opening hours
Unlike say Japanese convenience stores or some of the bigger Don Quijote stores, most BIC Camera stores are open from 10am until 10pm (although individual stores and smaller city branches may vary).
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Tax Free Shopping at BIC Camera
BIC Camera stores in Japan have tax free shopping in place for visitors from overseas. International customers who do not live in Japan can purchase items without consumption tax on items they take back home as souvenirs.
You must present your passport or landing permit in store to get tax free shopping.
One of the key criteria for tax free shopping is that these specially packaged consumable products must not be opened until you have left the country.
Tax free purchases in Japan for overseas visitors only apply to a total purchase amount of 5,000 Yen or more (excluding tax/after discount has been applied), or 5,500 Yen (including tax).
Specially packaged consumable tax-free products must not be opened until you have left the country.
Many Japanese stores like Don Quijote, Daiso, UNIQLO also have Tax Free counters – so get shopping and enjoy some cash back!
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Does BIC Camera ship overseas from Japan?
At the moment, BIC Camera doesn’t offer overseas delivery when buying in store BUT they do offer overseas shopping when bought in store, at some of the bigger branches.
The official online shop can be found here >
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