ASICS Superblast 3 in Osaka (2026): Is it cheaper in Japan?

During our Osaka trip on October 2, 2026, my husband and brother made a rather surprising purchase. While exploring the vibrant Shinsaibashi shopping district, we popped into the ASICS Osaka Shinsaibashi store. Lo and behold, they both walked out with the exact same running shoe model and color – only the sizes were different! It was quite a sight, two identical pairs of the ASICS Superblast 3.

After getting home, I calculated the cost in USD and realized the price difference compared to US retail was more significant than I expected. I've broken down the actual purchase price, the exchange rate on October 2, 2026, and compared it to typical US prices for you.

Where is the ASICS Osaka Shinsaibashi Store?

Address: 1-8-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan

Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Closed: Irregular holidays

Transportation: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station

Purchase Date: October 2, 2026

ASICS OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI

This store is conveniently located right in the heart of the Shinsaibashi shopping street, making it an easy stop to add to your itinerary if you're exploring Dotonbori or Namba.

It's an official ASICS store, so you'll find not just running shoes, but also a wide range of sports apparel and training gear.

My Husband and Brother, Identical Running Shoes?

The model they both chose was the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3. The color? ILLUMINATE YELLOW / ENERGY AQUA. The model number is 1013A177-750.

It's a vibrant combination of light neon green with a cool blue, and even a lavender sole! You can really see the striking colors in the photos.

Seeing the two pairs side-by-side, the color combination looked even better. Thanks to my husband and brother picking the same model, we accidentally ended up with matching running shoes!

I usually prefer sneakers in more neutral colors, but the bold hues of these Superblast 3s were truly captivating. From the side, the thick sole and the blue ASICS logo really stand out.

Why is the Superblast 3 in a higher price range?

When you first see the price, you might wonder why a single pair of running shoes costs so much. But the Superblast 3 isn't just a trendy fashion sneaker; it's a high-performance model specifically designed for running.

It features ASICS' FF BLAST PLUS cushioning and an ASICSGRIP outsole. Despite its thick sole, it's designed to be lightweight and offer an elastic, responsive ride.

This isn't just an entry-level running shoe; it's engineered for everything from daily jogs to diverse training sessions. However, given its higher price point, it's always best to try them on to check the fit and comfort, rather than buying just because it's popular.

What was the ASICS price in Japan in USD?

Alright, let's get to the most exciting part: the price! The actual amount we paid for the two pairs was 48,000 JPY.

The official retail price in Japan for one pair is 26,400 JPY, but after excluding the consumption tax, it comes down to 24,000 JPY. Our payment exactly matched this tax-free price.

To compare, here’s a breakdown of the prices:

If we had purchased two pairs at the US retail price, it would have been ~$390. In Japan, we paid approximately ~$308, which means we saved around ~$82!

That’s a saving of over ~$40 per pair. Of course, prices in the US can vary with sales or coupons, and the actual USD equivalent for JPY purchases can fluctuate with exchange rates. However, comparing the standard retail prices, it’s clear why so many people choose to shop for ASICS in Japan.

ASICS Japan Tax-Free: Do You Need Your Passport?

If you’re planning to buy running shoes in Japan, it’s essential to bring your original passport.

As of October 2026, general goods are eligible for tax exemption if you purchase 5,000 JPY (approximately ~$32) or more (pre-tax) at the same store within a single day.

You must meet the tax-free eligibility requirements for tourists, and the purchased items must be taken out of Japan.

For higher-priced running shoes like ASICS, the price difference with or without tax exemption can be substantial, so always confirm with a staff member before purchasing. We even noticed a birthday month discount when we visited! If your birthday falls during your trip, you might be able to combine this with tax-free shopping for even bigger savings!

Is Shopping for ASICS in Osaka Cheaper Than Back Home?

It's important to remember that not all sneakers in Japan are automatically cheaper. If a particular model is on sale or heavily discounted in your home country, it might actually be more affordable there.

However, for the Superblast 3 we purchased, comparing the October 2, 2026 exchange rate and US retail prices, buying them in Japan offered a clear price advantage.

More than anything, the fact that my husband and brother chose the exact same model and color is what made this shopping trip truly memorable. If you're planning to buy running shoes during your Osaka trip, I recommend checking prices back home first.

You might find yourself spending more time than expected exploring the ASICS store along the Shinsaibashi shopping street. Who knows, you might even end up buying two pairs like we did!

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