You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to score authentic products without spending a yen.
This guide highlights the 5 Ways to Get Free Stuff from Japan, from online samples to brand giveaways.
Each method is simple, legit, and easy to try no matter where you live.
Sign Up for Japanese Product Testing Sites
Japan has several platforms that send out free items in exchange for honest user feedback.
If you’re into skincare, cosmetics, snacks, or gadgets, this is one of the easiest ways to try Japanese products without paying. Here’s how to get started:
- Create an account on platforms like Cosmeria, LIPS, or MONIPLA (most have English support or can be translated).
- Browse active campaigns offering free samples in exchange for reviews.
- Apply for items by filling out a quick form or answering short questions.
- Wait for approval and shipping confirmation if selected.
- Submit your review after testing the product to stay eligible for future samples.
Participate in Free Sample Campaigns by Brands
Many Japanese companies regularly offer free samples to promote new products, especially in the beauty, food, and health categories.
These campaigns are often easy to join and don’t require a purchase. Here’s what you should do:
- Visit the official websites of brands like Shiseido, Nescafé Japan, and Muji to check for sample offers.
- Follow their LINE or email newsletters to get notified of limited-time campaigns.
- Fill out the request form, often with basic info like your name, address, and email.
- Check shipping eligibility, as some campaigns are Japan-only, while others allow international requests.
- Wait for delivery, and enjoy trying out the product for free.
Follow Japanese Social Media Giveaways
Japanese brands often host giveaways on platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and LINE to promote new releases.
These giveaways are quick to enter and can get you free products, limited-edition items, or gift sets. Here’s how to participate:
- Search for official brand accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and LINE (use the Japanese brand name for better results).
- Follow the account and turn on notifications to catch giveaway announcements.
- Look for instructions like liking a post, tagging friends, sharing stories, or commenting with a keyword.
- Use simple translation tools to understand the rules if the post is in Japanese.
- Check results on the posted date or via direct message from the brand.
Try Japanese Subscription Boxes with Freebies or Trials
Some Japanese subscription boxes offer free trials, first-box discounts, or bonus items to attract new customers.
These boxes ship internationally and include snacks, cosmetics, stationery, and more.
Here’s how you can benefit:
- Check sites like ZenPop, Bokksu, and Kira Kira Crate, which often run first-time offers or seasonal deals.
- Look for promo codes on their homepage, newsletter, or social media accounts.
- Choose a plan and apply the code to get a free box, bonus items, or discounted shipping.
- Watch for limited-time campaigns during holidays or product launches.
- Cancel after the first box if you only want the trial — no long-term commitment is needed.
Visit Drugstores and Department Stores in Japan
In Japan, visiting major stores can easily get you free samples. Here are the main places and how to take advantage of them:
- Don Quijote – Large discount store offering beauty and snack samples near promotional shelves.
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi – A Drugstore chain known for skincare and health product testers at the counter.
- Loft – Trendy department store with seasonal product launches that often include freebies.
- Promotional Displays – Look for booths or stands where brands hand out samples for new items.
- Ask Staff – Politely inquire if any free sample campaigns are active — it’s a standard practice.
Use Point-Based Apps That Send Gifts
In Japan, several mobile apps let you earn points for small tasks like watching ads or completing surveys.
These points can be exchanged for free products, gift cards, or coupons.
Here are some useful apps:
- Rakuten Super Point Screen – Earn Rakuten Points by watching ads; redeem them for snacks, samples, or discounts.
- Ponta – Collect points through purchases or app activities; use them at convenience stores and select partner brands.
- Tamaru Point – Offers daily missions and point accumulation; points can be converted to product samples or vouchers.
- d POINT Club – Popular with NTT Docomo users; points can be exchanged for food, beauty items, or electronics.
- PayPay Bonus Missions – Complete app challenges to earn bonuses that can be spent on items at partnered retailers.
Sign Up for Tourism Campaigns Offering Freebies
Japan often runs tourism campaigns that offer free items to attract and assist travelers.
Government agencies or regional tourism boards back these campaigns, and they are easy to join online. Here’s what to look for:
- Welcome Cards – Free discounts or gift cards are offered to tourists in cities like Tokyo or Kyoto.
- SIM Cards or Wi-Fi Rentals – Some campaigns provide free short-term SIM cards or Wi-Fi routers upon arrival.
- Travel Starter Kits – Regional campaigns may offer free maps, souvenirs, or toiletries at airports or info centers.
- Rail or Bus Pass Trials – Occasionally, trial versions of regional transport passes are given to visitors.
- Seasonal Promotions – Watch for giveaways tied to festivals or national holidays, often listed on official tourism websites.
Apply Through Embassy or Cultural Exchange Programs
Japanese embassies and cultural organizations regularly promote Japan-related learning through free materials and kits.
These programs are ideal if you’re interested in language, education, or cultural exchange. Here’s how you can benefit:
- Japan Foundation – Offers students and educators free Japanese-language books, DVDs, and cultural brochures.
- Embassy Programs – Many Japanese embassies have essay contests, language courses, or seminars with gifts or books.
- JET Program Welcome Kits – Participants in teaching programs often receive free starter kits with guides, materials, and souvenirs.
- Language Support Centers – Some local cultural centers abroad provide printed resources or host free workshops.
- Student Exchange Offers – Look out for scholarships or cultural programs that include welcome gifts or school supplies.
Join Online Communities for Japanese Freebies
Online forums and groups are great places to discover Japan’s latest free sample opportunities.
These communities share direct links, tips, and updates faster than official sources. Here’s where to start:
- Reddit (r/JapanSamples, r/Freebies) – Users post active campaigns, sample links, and feedback from recent hauls.
- Facebook Groups – Look for Japan-focused samples or beauty groups sharing giveaways and promo codes.
- Discord Servers – Some hobby or beauty servers include channels for Japan freebies and product testing invites.
- Blog Comment Sections – Niche Japanese lifestyle blogs often share giveaways in comments or newsletters.
- Twitter/X Threads – Follow hashtags like #JapaneseFreebies or #サンプルプレゼント to catch trending campaigns.
Check Japanese E-commerce Sites Offering Free Samples
Many Japanese online stores include free samples with purchases or offer trial products for new users.
These deals are often found in specific sections or during promotional periods.
Here’s where to look:
- Rakuten Japan – Visit the “Sample Corner” for trial-size beauty, food, and health items.
- Amazon Japan – Check limited-time offers where sample packs are included with eligible purchases.
- LOHACO – Offers frequent “free sample” listings, especially for household and personal care items.
- @cosme Shopping – Beauty-focused site that gives away samples with specific brands or a minimum spend.
- Shop Campaign Pages – Look for banners or categories labeled “サンプル” (sample) or “お試し” (trial) for current deals.
To Sum Up
Getting free stuff from Japan is easier than you think if you know where to look.
From product testing sites to tourism campaigns and e-commerce deals, there are many ways to explore Japanese goods without spending a yen.
Try one of these methods today and start collecting your free samples from Japan.
