GU Japan Shopping 2026: Tax-Free & Must-Buy Clothes
Discover how to score the best deals at GU Japan in 2026. Get tax-free savings, claim discount coupons, and find the must-buy clothes and shoes!
JAPAN
GU Japan
Coupons, Best Items (Shoes & Clothes), Shopping List, and Tax-Free Guide
© Written & Photographed by Naver Travel Blogger hyeoniz
If you're planning a shopping spree at GU in Japan,
make sure to check for discount coupons before checking out!
GU is a sister brand of Uniqlo,
offering even more budget-friendly prices
with a massive selection of trendy, youthful styles.
It’s a brand I’ve personally loved and shopped at for over 10 years.
From wardrobe essentials like basic tees
to the ultra-trendy ballet sneakers everyone is raving about,
there are so many pieces that young travelers will absolutely love.
Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know: GU Japan discount coupons, tax-free tips,
and my personally curated shopping list of must-have clothes and shoes! :)
1. How to Use Discount Coupons
If you pay with KakaoPay,
on purchases of 5,000 yen or more,
you can grab a coupon for an instant 600 yen discount!
KakaoPay → Overseas Payment
→ Select Japan as Country
→ Find GU Coupon → Apply Coupon before checkout
With coupons available for various Japanese shopping spots
and department stores like Don Quijote and Bic Camera,
using KakaoPay during your Japan trip is an absolute game-changer!
However, coupon validity periods and minimum purchase amounts
may vary depending on when you visit,
so be sure to double-check the terms before paying! :)
2. How to Get a Tax-Free Discount
At most GU and Uniqlo locations in Japan,
you can get a consumption tax exemption (tax-free)
if you spend 5,500 yen or more (including tax).
Remember, your physical passport is absolutely required to get tax-free!
You can pay with international cards like Visa, Mastercard, and travel cards,
as well as mobile payment options
like KakaoPay and Apple Pay.
If you combine the tax-free discount with the KakaoPay offer mentioned above,
you’ll get 10% off (tax-free) plus an extra 600 yen discount,
making your shopping spree incredibly cheap!
Note: Starting November 1, 2026,
the tax-free system is scheduled to change.
Instead of immediate tax exemption at the register,
you will pay full price and receive a refund at the airport when departing.
If you're visiting Japan after November,
make sure to keep your receipts and passport safe,
and plan to arrive at the airport
earlier than usual.
I can't even imagine how long the airport tax refund lines might get...
3. Must-Buy GU Recommendations
The absolute star of the show at GU right now
is hands down the ballet sneakers!
They are normally priced at 2,990 yen,
but they frequently go on sale for 1,990 yen on a rotating basis!
Product | Color |
Strap Ballet Sneakers | Black · Brown Red · Ivory |
Lace-Up Ballet Sneakers | Black · Brown · Gray |
Gathered Ballet Sneakers | Pink · Blue · Olive · Black Brown · Light Gray |
Mesh Gathered Ballet Sneakers | Black · Red |
Since the width and fit can vary significantly by design,
I highly recommend trying them on in-store
rather than just buying your usual size!
Strap Ballet Sneakers
2,990 yen (approx. ~$17)
Colors - Black, Brown, Red, Ivory
The ultimate balletcore vibe!
Lace-Up Ballet Sneakers
1,990 yen (approx. ~$11)
The original price is 2,990 yen, but they were on sale!
Colors - Black, Brown, Light Gray
If you're looking for something that leans a bit more towards classic sneakers,
the lace-up style is the perfect match.
They look incredibly cute even with casual outfits!
Gathered Ballet Sneakers
2,990 yen (approx. ~$17)
Colors - Pink, Blue, Olive
Black, Brown, Light Gray
The gathered series has the absolute best selection of colors!
Even though I'm a strictly neutral-tones person...
if you love playing with color in your outfits,
I highly recommend going with the gathered lineup!
Mesh Gathered Ballet Sneakers
1,990 yen (approx. ~$11)
This one is currently on summer sale!
Colors - Black, Red
The absolute latest addition: the mesh version of the gathered series!
Because it's mesh, it looks a bit unique... haha.
And it only comes in two colors: Black and Red!
Short-Sleeve Cropped T-Shirt 990 yen (approx. ~$6)
My absolute favorite find from my GU shopping haul!
Uniqlo's t-shirts felt a bit too long for me,
but this GU one was the exact cropped length I was looking for.
So I ended up buying it in both white and black!
The fabric stays super durable even after washing and drying!!! Ah, love it~
Sleeveless T-Shirt 790 yen (approx. ~$4)
This one is also incredibly budget-friendly, so I highly recommend it!
The original price of 990 yen is already cheap, but it was on sale for 790 yen!
It's as cool and breezy as a tank top,
but the shoulder lines and underarm cuts are wide enough
that it minimizes any worry about showing too much skin.
Recommended Japanese Convenience Store Snacks (Wassup Man Picks): Seven-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart
The Ultimate 2026 Japan Don Quijote Shopping List: Latest & Greatest SnacksFrequently Asked Questions
What are the conditions and benefits of the discount coupon available when paying with Kakao Pay at GU in Japan?
You will receive a coupon for an instant discount of 600 JPY when spending 5,000 JPY or more using Kakao Pay. Simply select Japan in the overseas payment menu of the Kakao Pay app, check the coupon, and apply it before making your payment.
What is the minimum purchase amount required for tax exemption at GU stores in Japan, and how will the tax exemption method change starting in November 2026?
You can receive a consumption tax exemption by purchasing 5,500 JPY or more (including tax) and presenting your original passport. However, starting November 1, 2026, the system will change from an in-store tax exemption to a refund process at the airport upon departure.
Which models of GU's recommended ballet sneakers are currently on sale for 1,990 JPY?
Among the ballet sneaker line originally priced at 2,990 JPY, the lace-up ballet sneakers and mesh gathered ballet sneakers are on sale for 1,990 JPY. Since the width and fit vary by design, we recommend trying them on in the store before purchasing.
What are the prices of the short-sleeve cropped t-shirt and the sleeveless t-shirt recommended by GU?
The short-sleeve cropped t-shirt is 990 JPY, and its fabric remains durable even after washing. The sleeveless t-shirt is currently discounted from its regular price of 990 JPY to 790 JPY, and its wide shoulder line reduces the burden of exposure.
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