How to Buy Eyeglasses in Japan

How to Buy Eyeglasses in Japan: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Nov 05、2025Jon Ng
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Buying eyeglasses in Japan is simpler than many people expect. You don’t need to visit an eye doctor first; you can walk into most optical shops, get a free eye exam, and have your glasses ready the same day.

This makes it easy for tourists and residents alike to get prescription glasses quickly without extra hassle. Optical stores are common across Japan, especially in shopping malls and busy areas.

Even if you don’t speak much Japanese, the staff will guide you through the process. The eye test uses easy instructions that don’t require much language skill.

Prices for glasses start at a reasonable rate. It’s accessible no matter your budget.

If you need contact lenses, the process is a bit different and usually requires seeing an ophthalmologist first for a prescription.

How to Buy Eyeglasses in Japan

best eyeglasses in japan

Understanding the Eyewear Market in Japan

The eyewear market in Japan is diverse and competitive. It offers many styles, from practical glasses to fashion statements.

Japanese consumers value quality and durability. They also seek trendy designs that fit their lifestyle and preferences.

Popular Types of Glasses

In Japan, you can find a wide range of glasses, including prescription glasses, blue light blocking glasses, and sunglasses. Prescription glasses often come with multiple lens options like anti-scratch or UV protection coatings.

Blue light glasses are popular because many people spend long hours in front of screens. These lenses reduce eye strain without changing how the glasses look.

Sunglasses are also widely available, with options to attach clip-on shades to regular glasses. Many stores, including big chains like J!NS and Zoff, offer affordable and stylish choices for everyday wear.

Trends in Spectacles and Fashion

Japan’s eyewear trends combine both function and fashion. Minimalist and lightweight frames are often preferred for daily use.

Bold, colorful frames are popular among younger people. Designer frames and unique shapes are gaining attention.

Many stores update their collections frequently to keep up with the latest global styles. Sustainability is increasingly important.

Some brands focus on eco-friendly materials and production processes. This addresses the growing demand for responsible fashion in Japan.

The Prevalence of Eyeglasses Usage

Eyeglasses are very common in Japan. Many people wear them for vision correction or eye protection.

Studies show myopia affects a large part of the population, which partly explains the high use of glasses. Glasses also serve roles beyond vision.

Some use them to block UV rays or reduce blue light exposure. Wearing glasses is socially accepted and even has affectionate terms in Japanese culture, such as メガネくん (megane-kun).

Step-by-Step Process for Buying Eyeglasses

Buying eyeglasses in Japan involves careful choices, from where to shop to selecting the right frames and lenses. Here are the key steps that help ensure your new glasses fit well, suit your prescription, and match your style.

Choosing an Optician or Retailer

Choosing the right optician or retailer is crucial. You can visit local optical shops, department store eyewear sections, or trusted chains like JINS or Zoff.

Many stores offer eye exams on-site, which is helpful if you don’t have a recent prescription. When selecting a place, look for quality of service, price, and frame variety.

Some shops provide expert fitting, which is important if your prescription is strong or complex. Online retailers are growing in Japan, but in-person visits allow for precise face measurements and proper lens fitting.

Selecting Frames and Lenses

At the store, try on many frames because shape, size, and comfort affect daily wear. Japan often offers modern, lightweight frames with options for different face shapes.

Pay attention to the frame material; acetate and titanium are common and durable. For lenses, bring your current prescription.

Japan’s eyewear shops usually provide prescription lenses that fit your needs, including single vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses. Choose lens material based on your prescription strength: high-index lenses for strong prescriptions to keep lenses thin and light, or polycarbonate for durability.

Decide on coatings like anti-reflective or scratch-resistant, which improve comfort and protect your lenses.

 

Finalizing Your Purchase

After selecting frames and lenses, the staff measures your pupillary distance (PD) to ensure lens alignment. This step is vital for clear vision and comfort, especially with stronger prescriptions.

Next, review the price, which often includes lenses and basic coatings. Some stores offer add-ons like blue-light filtering or UV protection for an extra cost.

Confirm the return policy and fitting adjustments availability. Once payment is done, you’re given a date for pick-up, usually within a few days to a week.

Upon receiving your glasses, try them on again and ask for any needed frame adjustments before leaving the store.

Eye Exams and Prescriptions in Japan

Getting prescription glasses in Japan is straightforward. Most optical shops offer quick eye exams for free.

You can either take a new eye test at the store or bring an existing prescription. Many shops can assist even if you do not speak Japanese well.

Overview of Eye Exam Procedures

When you visit an optical shop, the eye exam is free and usually quick. The test usually involves identifying gaps in circle images shown on a screen or card.

You may be asked where a small gap is—top, bottom, left, or right. The staff will guide you through the test, and you just need to answer by pointing or saying simple directions.

This process helps the staff find your accurate lens strength. The exam takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

Afterward, you can choose your glasses and get your lenses made the same day.

 

Using an Existing Prescription

If you already have a prescription from your home country, you can bring it with you to the store. Most shops will accept it and skip the eye exam if you prefer.

For contact lenses, a doctor's exam is required in Japan, so an existing contact lens prescription must come from an ophthalmologist. For glasses, the store’s in-house exam or your prescription is enough to get lenses made.

Language Support at Optical Shops

Many optical shops in Japan have staff who understand very basic English, but full fluency is rare. The eye exam uses simple shapes and directions plus basic words like migi (right) and hidari (left), which are easy to learn.

You can also point or use gestures during the test. Larger chains like JINS and Zoff are used to helping foreigners and usually manage well without much Japanese.

This makes it possible to get properly fitted glasses without language barriers stopping you.

Major Eyewear Brands and Shops

Finding good eyeglasses in Japan means choosing among many well-known retailers and brands. Some focus on fast service and affordability, while others offer high-end quality and unique designs.

Picking the right place depends on your needs, budget, and style preferences.

Overview of Leading Retailers

Japan has large eyewear chains that make buying glasses easy and quick. Shops like JINS and Zoff offer thousands of frame styles, with prices starting around 5,000 yen.

You can often get your glasses the same day after a quick eye test. Another big retailer, Megane Ichiba, focuses more on personalized service.

They provide detailed advice and free after-sales support, like lens adjustments and repairs. Owndays is known for helpful staff who speak multiple languages, making it easier for visitors to buy glasses with confidence.

 

Notable Japanese Eyewear Brands

Japan’s eyewear market includes several respected brands that range from affordable to luxury. Brands like 999.9 (Four Nines) stand out for exceptional frame quality and comfort but at higher prices.

Factory 900 is known for bold and innovative designs, attracting customers who want unique styles. These brands often combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, reflecting Japan’s reputation for precision and quality in eyewear.

JINS: Features and Customer Experience

JINS is one of the most accessible and popular eyewear shops in Japan. They have over 370 stores nationwide and abroad.

The large selection of frames comes with affordable prices starting at about 5,000 yen, including prescription lenses. They also offer collaboration designs based on popular anime, which appeals to younger customers and fans.

Their stores provide a smooth buying process, and glasses can be ready quickly. JINS balances style, price, and convenience, making it a good choice for most people visiting Japan.

Cost, Insurance, and Payment Options

Buying glasses in Japan is affordable and straightforward. You can expect clear prices for frames and lenses, no need for insurance, and multiple ways to pay.

Price Range for Glasses and Lenses

Glasses in Japan usually cost between ￥5,000 and ￥15,000. Basic frames and lenses start around ￥5,000, which is quite cheap compared to many countries.

If you want higher quality lenses, like thinner or scratch-resistant ones, expect to pay more. Some stores offer special lenses like Transitions or blue light blocking for an extra cost.

You can often pick frames and lenses within your budget because prices are shown clearly on the frames or menus. Many shops include a free or low-cost eye test when you buy glasses.

Insurance and Medical Coverage

In Japan, you do not need eye or health insurance to get prescription spectacles. You can simply walk into an optical shop, get your eyes tested, and buy glasses without involving medical insurance.

For serious eye problems or medical concerns, you would see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), not the glasses shop. However, for vision correction alone, insurance is not required.

This makes it easy if you are a tourist or visitor since you don’t have to worry about insurance plans to buy prescription lenses here.

Accepted Payment Methods

Most optical shops in Japan accept major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and JCB. Cash is also widely accepted and often preferred in smaller or local shops.

Some stores may accept electronic payment methods like Suica, PayPay, or LINE Pay, especially in big cities. It is always a good idea to ask beforehand if you prefer to use digital payments.

Carry some cash just in case, but you can usually pay for your glasses confidently using a credit card or electronic payment.

Additional Services and Aftercare

When buying eyeglasses in Japan, many stores offer useful extra services. These include fixing your glasses if they break, adding special features to lenses, and knowing how to interact with staff respectfully.

Repairs and Adjustments

Most optical shops in Japan provide free or low-cost repairs and adjustments after you buy your glasses. If the frame becomes loose or bent, they can tighten screws, reshape the frame, or replace nose pads quickly.

This service often does not require an appointment. If your spectacles break more seriously, many stores offer repair services that may take a few days or require sending the glasses to a specialized workshop.

It’s best to keep the receipt or warranty card to get these services. Always ask about repair policies when buying new glasses.

Customization and Special Lens Options

Japanese eyewear shops typically offer a range of lens options beyond basic prescription lenses. You can choose lenses with anti-reflective coatings, UV protection, blue light filters, or lenses for progressive vision.

Some shops allow you to order custom tints or photochromic (transition) lenses. If you need special lenses, such as for astigmatism or multifocal lenses, staff will explain options clearly.

Many shops have multilingual staff or simple tools to help confirm your needs. Discuss lens options fully before ordering.

Cultural Tips for Buying Eyewear

When buying glasses in Japan, politeness and patience go a long way. Staff appreciate when customers try basic Japanese words or gestures, like pointing to the direction of a gap in the vision test chart.

It's common to remove your shoes in smaller shops. Noticing this helps avoid mistakes.

Prices often include tax. Tourists can ask about tax-free purchases.

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