How to Buy an Umbrella in Japan

Rain can arrive suddenly in Japan, especially during the rainy season and summer. Fortunately, umbrellas are easy to find at convenience stores, drugstores, department stores, and many shops near train stations.

Japan also has an excellent selection of lightweight folding umbrellas, including models designed for both rain and strong sunlight.

Where Can You Buy an Umbrella?

Convenience Stores

Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are the easiest places to buy an umbrella when it suddenly starts raining.

You will usually find:

Clear plastic umbrellas
Basic black umbrellas
Small folding umbrellas
Children’s umbrellas at some locations

Clear plastic umbrellas are especially common because they are affordable and let you see clearly while walking through busy streets.

Drugstores

Large drugstores often sell:

Folding umbrellas
Rain and sun umbrellas
UV-protection umbrellas
Lightweight umbrellas
Raincoats and waterproof accessories

Drugstores can be a good option if you want something more compact than a basic convenience-store umbrella.

Department Stores and Shopping Malls

Department stores and large shopping malls usually offer a wider range of higher-quality umbrellas.

You can find:

Lightweight folding umbrellas
Wind-resistant umbrellas
Automatic open-and-close models
Stylish umbrellas
Premium Japanese brands
UV-blocking parasols

These are a good choice if you want an umbrella that will last after your trip.

LOFT and HANDS

LOFT and HANDS are excellent places to compare different types of umbrellas.

Their selections often include:

Ultra-light folding umbrellas
Compact travel umbrellas
Rain-and-sun umbrellas
Strong wind-resistant models
Umbrella cases
Water-absorbing umbrella covers

They are especially useful for travelers looking for a practical umbrella that fits easily into a day bag.

100 Yen Shops

Daiso, Can Do, and other 100 yen shops may sell simple rainwear and umbrella accessories.

Some branches carry umbrellas, but availability and prices vary. For a stronger or more reliable umbrella, a convenience store, drugstore, or larger retail shop may be a better choice.

How Much Do Umbrellas Cost?

Typical prices are:

Clear plastic umbrella: ¥500–¥1,000
Basic folding umbrella: ¥1,000–¥2,500
Lightweight rain-and-sun umbrella: ¥2,000–¥5,000
Premium or wind-resistant umbrella: ¥5,000+

Prices vary depending on the size, weight, UV protection, and strength of the frame.

Which Type Should You Buy?

Clear Plastic Umbrella

Best for sudden rain and short-term use.

Advantages:

Affordable
Easy to find
Good visibility in crowded areas

Disadvantages:

Bulky to carry
Not ideal for strong wind
Easy to confuse with someone else’s umbrella

Folding Umbrella

Best for sightseeing and everyday travel.

Advantages:

Compact
Easy to carry
Fits inside a backpack or handbag

Choose a model with a case so you can store it in your bag after use.

Rain-and-Sun Umbrella

A rain-and-sun umbrella can be used as both a regular rain umbrella and a parasol for protection from sunlight.

These may be labeled:

晴雨兼用
UVカット
日傘
折りたたみ傘

With Japan’s increasingly intense summer heat, a lightweight folding umbrella that can be used for both rain and sun is one of the most practical choices for travelers. It provides shade during hot sightseeing days and is ready when an unexpected shower arrives.

What Should You Look For?

When choosing an umbrella, check for:

Lightweight design
Compact folded size
UV protection
Rain-and-sun compatibility
Wind resistance
Automatic open-and-close function
A storage case

A very small umbrella is convenient, but it may provide less coverage. Choose a balance between portability and size.

Using a Parasol in Japan

Parasols are very common in Japan, particularly during the hot summer months.

Both women and men increasingly use them to reduce direct sunlight and make walking outdoors more comfortable. Using one while sightseeing is completely normal.

A parasol does not replace sunscreen, water, or regular breaks, but it can make a noticeable difference when walking in strong sunlight.

Umbrella Etiquette

When entering a shop, hotel, restaurant, or station building:

Close your umbrella before entering.
Shake off excess water outside.
Use the umbrella stand near the entrance if provided.
Use a plastic umbrella bag when available.
Be careful not to drip water onto other people.

Some buildings have machines that automatically place a plastic cover over wet umbrellas.

Be Careful with Umbrella Stands

Umbrella stands are common outside shops and restaurants, but clear plastic umbrellas often look identical.

To avoid confusion:

Add a luggage tag or small marker to the handle.
Remember exactly where you placed it.
Do not take another umbrella by mistake.

Keep expensive folding umbrellas with you rather than leaving them unattended.

Can You Take an Umbrella on the Train?

Yes, but keep it closed and hold it carefully.

When the umbrella is wet:

Keep the pointed end facing downward.
Avoid touching other passengers.
Use a cover or bag if available.
Do not place it across a train seat.

Tax-Free Shopping

Some department stores, LOFT branches, HANDS stores, and other large retailers offer tax-free shopping to eligible international visitors.

Bring your passport and ask whether tax-free service is available before paying, especially when purchasing a high-quality umbrella or several travel items together.

LOCAL TIP

For a summer trip, skip the heavy full-size umbrella and look for a lightweight folding model marked 晴雨兼用, which means it can be used in both sunny and rainy weather.

Japan’s summer sun can feel extremely strong when walking between attractions, so keeping a compact UV-protection umbrella in your bag can be just as useful as carrying one for rain. Choose a light model that you will not mind carrying every day.