Brand Name Shopping Guide | Must-Buy Handbags with Yen Depreciation! Expensive in Hong Kong, Cheap in Japan at $4,000!? Includes Tax Refund Tutorial

The yen-to-Hong Kong dollar exchange rate continues to hit new lows. When you go to Japan, what popular brand handbags should you buy? Popular items like Prada, Dior, and Loewe are surprisingly cheap in Japan! Our editors have compared prices between Hong Kong and Japan for you, check out the detailed shopping guide in Japan now, seize the opportunity of the yen depreciation and get your dream designer bag!

Dior's Lady Dior handbags have always been a popular style, and the mini size (mini bag) is particularly sought after by trendsetters. Taking the classic Cannage quilted lambskin mini Lady Dior handbag as an example, the price in Hong Kong stores is HK$45,000; the official price on the Japanese website is ¥765,000 (including tax), which is about HK$40,968, nearly HK$4,032 cheaper than in Hong Kong! If you apply for a tax refund, it will be even more cost-effective! | Brand/Style | Hong Kong Price (HKD) | Japan Price (JPY) | Japan Price (HKD) | Price Difference (HKD) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Dior Mini Lady Dior (Lambskin) | $45,000 | ¥765,000 | $40,968 | -$4,032 | *Exchange rate based on 1 Japanese yen = 0.0496 Hong Kong dollars
*The minus sign indicates the amount that can be saved by buying in Japan.

The Book Tote is renowned for its spacious capacity and exquisite embroidery patterns, making it a favorite among office worker women. The medium-sized Book Tote handbag is priced at ¥460,000 (including tax) in Japan, equivalent to approximately HK$24,634, which is HK$1,866 cheaper than the Hong Kong price of HK$26,500, offering great value for money! | Brand/Style | Hong Kong Price (HKD) | Japanese Price (JPY) | Japanese Price (HKD) | Price Difference (HKD) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Dior Medium Book Tote | $26,500 | ¥460,000 | $24,634 | -$1,866 | * Exchange rate based on 1 Japanese yen = 0.0496 Hong Kong dollars
* Minus sign represents the amount saved by buying in Japan.

Jonathan Anderson-designed Puzzle bags have become star products for Loewe thanks to their signature geometric lines. In Hong Kong, the small Puzzle bag is priced at HK$29,750, while on the official Japanese website, the same bag costs ¥500,500 (including tax), which translates to approximately HK$26,804 at an exchange rate of 4.96, saving nearly HK$2,946 compared to purchasing in Hong Kong! | Brand/Style | Hong Kong Price (HKD) | Japan Price (JPY) | Japan Price (HKD) | Price Difference (HKD) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Loewe Puzzle Small | HK$29,750 | ¥500,500 | HK$26,804 | -$2,946 | *Exchange rate based on 1 Japanese Yen = 0.0496 Hong Kong Dollars
*The minus sign indicates the amount saved by purchasing in Japan.

In addition to Puzzle, the Hammock series is also one of Loewe's popular products. The small mini Hammock handbag with a soft drawstring design can be changed in shape at will, with high practicality. The official website of Japan shows a price of ¥286,000 (including tax), which is about HK$15,316, cheaper than the HK$17,950 price in Hong Kong stores by HK$2,634. | Brand/Model | Hong Kong Price (HKD) | Japan Price (JPY) | Japan Price (HKD) | Price Difference (HKD) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Loewe Calfskin Mini Hammock | $17,950 | ¥286,000 | $15,316 | -$2,634 | *Exchange rate based on 1 Japanese yen = 0.0496 Hong Kong dollars
*A minus sign represents the amount saved by buying in Japan

Celine Belt handbags have always been a classic style, and the Pico mini size has been particularly popular in recent years. At Celine boutiques in Hong Kong, the Pico Belt handbag is priced at HK$19,500; on the official Japanese website, the same model costs ¥341,000 (including tax), which converts to approximately HK$18,261, making it HK$1,239 cheaper than in Hong Kong. | Brand/Model | Hong Kong Price (HKD) | Japan Price (JPY) | Japan Price (HKD) | Price Difference (HKD) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Celine Mini Belt | HK$19,500 | ¥341,000 | HK$18,261 | -$1,239 | * Exchange rate based on 1 Japanese yen = 0.0496 Hong Kong dollars
* The minus sign indicates the amount saved by buying in Japan.

The Re-Edition handbag from 2000 is a classic Prada model. The nylon material is lightweight and durable, making it a popular choice for first-time buyers. In Hong Kong, the Re-Edition 2000 mini bag is priced at $10,100, while in Japan, the same model costs only ¥157,300 (including tax), which is approximately HK$8,424, a full saving of HK$1,676! | Brand/Model | Hong Kong Price (HKD) | Japan Price (JPY) | Japan Price (HKD) | Price Difference (HKD) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Prada Re-Edition 2000 Mini | $10,100 | ¥157,300 | $8,424 | -$1,676 | * Exchange rate: 1 Japanese yen = 0.0496 Hong Kong dollars
* The minus sign represents the amount of money that can be saved by buying in Japan.

By this point, I believe everyone has a good idea of which luxury handbag brands are the most cost-effective to buy in Japan. Of course, there are many other brands worth purchasing in Japan, such as YSL, Gucci, and LV. Remember to ask the clerk for a tax-free application form (Tax-Free Shopper's Check) when shopping. After filling out the information, submit the application form and receipts to the tax refund counter when departing, and you can get your consumption tax refund! **Japan Shopping Tax Refund Guide:** 1. Look for stores with the "Japan Tax-free Shop" sign. 2. Purchases over ¥5,000 Japanese yen are eligible for a 10% tax refund. 3. Present your passport to the store, and the clerk will attach the tax refund receipt to your passport page. 4. When checking in at the airport, show the tax refund receipt and purchased goods to customs officials. 5. After verification by customs officers, they will stamp the tax refund receipt. 6. Proceed to the tax refund counter at the airport to receive your tax refund, you can choose cash or credit card refund. For a detailed Japan tax refund strategy, you can also refer to: **Japan Tax Refund 2024 Strategy: Process, Conditions, Amount, Methods, and Precautions Explained! Includes Multiple Japan Shopping Discount Coupons**