Interested in the Best Japanese Shampoos to Buy on Your Trip?
Japanese shampoos are gaining global popularity for their high quality, gentle care for both hair and scalp, and pleasant fragrances. Especially across Asia, they’re considered go-to souvenirs. It’s common to see tourists bulk-buying them at drugstores or Don Quijote during their visit.
We’ll also explain where to buy them, give a rough idea of prices, and share how they’re rated abroad—perfect for planning your beauty shopping while traveling.
How to Choose the Right Japanese Shampoo
The variety of shampoos available in Japan can be overwhelming. To find the one that suits you best, it helps to understand a few key points.
Choose Ingredients That Match Your Hair and Scalp Type
For dry hair or dandruff concerns, moisturizing shampoos with amino acids or botanical oils are popular choices.
If you struggle with oiliness or greasy scalp, look for cleansing formulas containing clay or menthol.
For sensitive skin, shampoos free from synthetic fragrances or alcohol are the safest option.
Understand Labels Like “Silicone-Free,” “Organic,” or “Amino Acid-Based”
In Japan, it’s common to see labels such as “Silicone-Free,” “Organic,” and “Amino Acid-Based.”
Silicone-free shampoos are lightweight and won’t leave residue, ideal for those who prefer a light finish.
Organic shampoos use mostly natural ingredients and are favored by people with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Amino acid-based shampoos are gentle yet effective, offering a thorough cleanse while being kind to both scalp and hair.
Packaging and Scent Are Also Key Factors
Japanese shampoos are also loved for their aesthetic packaging and wide range of fragrances.
Scents like cherry blossom, yuzu, herbs, and rose are particularly popular, and many people choose them for their visual appeal and gift value.
10 Best Japanese Shampoos to Try
Ichikami
Price: ¥600–¥800 / 480mL
Where to Buy: Drugstores, Don Quijote
Ichikami features a traditional Japanese wakkan herbal formula using plant-based ingredients rooted in ancient Japanese beauty care. It includes rice bran ferment extract, cherry blossom extract, and camellia oil to repair hair damaged by coloring or heat styling from within.
The cherry blossom scent is a favorite among international tourists, who describe it as “uniquely Japanese and soothing.”
TSUBAKI
Price: ¥900–¥1,200 / 490mL
Where to Buy: Drugstores, Don Quijote
Shiseido’s TSUBAKI line is infused with camellia oil, royal jelly, soy protein, and other beauty-boosting ingredients in high concentrations. It delivers moisture and nutrients deep into the hair, creating a shiny, resilient finish.
There are two types: Moist (hydrating) and Smooth (lightweight). The Moist formula is especially recommended for highly damaged, frizzy, or wavy hair.
&honey
Price: ¥1,400–¥1,600 / 440mL
Where to Buy: Drugstores, Don Quijote
&honey is formulated with over 90% moisturizing and protective ingredients to help hair retain 14% moisture—its ideal hydration level. It contains three types of honey (Manuka, Acacia, Japanese), along with Moroccan oil and propolis extract.
Available in multiple series such as Moist, Smooth, and Deep Moist. The scent is a rich, elegant honey rose fragrance.
BOTANIST
Price: ¥1,400–¥1,600 / 440mL
Where to Buy: Drugstores, Don Quijote
BOTANIST features a botanical formula with over 90% plant-based ingredients. It’s free from silicones, parabens, and artificial colors, and uses gentle amino acid-based cleansers that are kind to the scalp.
Choose from variants like Moist, Smooth, or Scalp, depending on your hair concerns such as frizz, lack of volume, or waviness.
MUJI Shampoo
Price: ¥790–¥990 / 340mL
Where to Buy: MUJI stores
MUJI’s shampoo is known for its minimalist formula with no unnecessary fragrances or additives. It uses gentle amino acid-based cleansing agents and moisturizing plant-based ingredients like jojoba seed oil and aloe vera leaf extract.
Available in unscented and citrus variants. Refills and eco-friendly packaging are also a plus.
OSAJI
Price: ¥2,420 / 300mL
Where to Buy: Department stores
OSAJI is a hair care line from a Japanese skincare brand known for its research on sensitive skin. It uses amino acid-based cleansers and plant-derived moisturizers to gently cleanse and hydrate the scalp and hair.
Scent options include blends like “IKOI” (Calm) and “SOU” (Clarity), made with essential oils—ideal for those who prefer natural fragrances or are sensitive to artificial scents.
napla N.
Price: ¥3,300 / 300mL
Where to Buy: Salons
From a professional salon brand, N. by napla is a high-performance shampoo designed to deliver salon-quality results at home. It contains hydrolyzed keratin, shea butter, and herbal extracts to repair and nourish severely damaged hair.
With a refreshing citrus herbal scent, it’s especially recommended for those who frequently use heat tools or color treatments.
HIMAWARI
Price: ¥900–¥1,000 / 500mL
Where to Buy: Drugstores, Don Quijote
Kracie’s HIMAWARI shampoo is formulated to manage unruly, frizzy, or wavy hair caused by humidity or dryness. With sunflower seed oil and amino acid-based ingredients, it helps smooth and control hair volume.
Its bright floral scent leaves a fresh impression, making it a crowd-pleaser for many users.
LUX
Price: ¥900–¥1,200 / 450g
Where to Buy: Drugstores, Don Quijote
LUX Luminique combines a non-silicone formula with salon-level smoothness and a luxurious scent. Infused with argan oil and keratin, it leaves hair silky and manageable.
The scent is inspired by high-end perfumes, making it a top choice for fragrance lovers.
COTA
Price: ¥2,500–¥4,000 / 250mL or 600mL
Where to Buy: Salons
Developed for salon use, COTA i CARE shampoo uses a blend of anionic and amphoteric amino acid-based surfactants to gently cleanse while preventing tangles.
It also contains arginine to enhance both hydration and repair. Available in five scent options (herbal, floral, etc.), it caters to a wide range of hair types—fine, coarse, frizzy, and more.
Where to Buy Japanese Shampoo
While Japanese shampoos are available in many places, some locations are especially convenient for travelers. Here are four shopping spots that are easy to access and stocked with popular products—perfect for grabbing your favorite shampoo while sightseeing.
Major Drugstores
You’ll find drugstores all over Japan, offering affordable prices and a wide variety of products.
Many stores are located near major train stations and tourist areas, so even if you forget, it’s easy to pick one up later.
Supermarkets & Variety Stores
If you want to stock up along with other souvenirs—or need to shop late at night—Don Quijote is your best bet.
LOFT and PLAZA are great options for stylish packaging and limited-edition designs—ideal if you’re buying as a gift or care about looks.
Airport Duty-Free Shops
If you have last-minute regrets like “I should’ve bought that shampoo,” duty-free shops inside the airport are a convenient solution. You’ll often find major brands like Shiseido, LUX, and TSUBAKI in stock.
It’s smart to check availability in advance or reserve online via the Japan Duty Free website for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Shampoo
Q. Can I use Japanese shampoo overseas?
Yes, Japanese shampoos can generally be used anywhere in the world without issues.
For example, shampoos may feel different in hard water regions. In such cases, we recommend amino acid-based or rich-lathering formulas. Also, remember that liquids over 100mL are not allowed in carry-on luggage—plan ahead if flying.
Q. The label is in Japanese. Will I know how to use it?
These days, many popular brands include English instructions on the back of the bottle or on their official websites.
You can also find multilingual reviews and usage tips on Amazon Japan and Rakuten.
If you’re still unsure, look for keywords like “SHAMPOO” for shampoo and “TREATMENT” for conditioner—or simply check by bottle color or cap design, which is often standardized.
Q. I’m not sure which shampoo fits my hair type…
- Dry or frizzy hair → &honey / BOTANIST Moist
- Unruly or wavy hair → HIMAWARI (Frizz Control)
- Sensitive scalp → OSAJI / MUJI
- Shine & repair → TSUBAKI / napla N.
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to start with a trial-size or mini set. Many travelers test shampoos during their trip and later repurchase them online from their home country.
Conclusion
Japanese shampoos are beloved worldwide for their gentle ingredients, elegant scents, stylish packaging, and carefully developed formulas that suit various hair types.
They’re easy to buy at drugstores or variety shops, and mini sizes and gift sets make them perfect as souvenirs. Try one of the 10 shampoos featured in this article and find the one that suits you—or someone special.
