BicCamera Shibuya East Store is a large store with two buildings; the main building and the annex. It is right in the middle of Shibuya, a popular tourist spot, and is a one-minute walk from Shibuya Station. The main building has medicine, daily goods, cameras, beauty appliances, and toys. The annex sells smartphones, PCs, sports goods, and more.

The Apple section on the first floor of the annex building is the largest in the Shibuya area. The Apple repair counter is on the second floor, where you can get same-day repairs.

Furthermore, many staff members can speak English, Chinese, and many other languages on the sales floor. Tax refund services are available at all cash registers.

* Condition for tax refunds on general products (excluding consumables) is a total spend of 5,000 yen and over.

So, let’s see what’s in the TOP 5.

The DHC Lip Balm moisturizes lips and gives them a luscious look, and it is an exciting entry on this list. Since it went on sale in 1992, it has sold 120 million units. The secret of its popularity is the nourishing olive oil and aloe vera extract, licorice root extract derivative, and vitamin E, which protects and moisturizes the lips.

It uses an ingredient similar to sebum, so it is not sticky, is gentle to the lips, and preserves its softness. It can be used before or after applying lipstick, preserving glossiness all day long. This is a product for those people who have used lip balm in the past, but it has chapped their lips. Some people buy this in bulk so they don’t run out. According to BicCamera Shibuya East Exit, it is popular with Chinese people.

Manufacturer: DHC
Product Name: DHC Medical Use Lip Balm

Set before and during the French Revolution, “The Rose of Versailles” is a popular manga in the 1970s based on Marie Antoinette. This beauty mask that bears the same name as the manga sells well among foreign tourists.

The most popular is the beauty mask “The Rose of Versailles Oscar & Rosalie Adhesive Mask.” Beauty masks are about the size of your face and are packed with beautifying ingredients to wear before going to bed. You will look forward to seeing the results the next morning.

“The Rose of Versailles Oscar & Rosalie Adhesive Mask” contains the beauty ingredient of gold, so it has a higher moisture level compared to other masks. There are three layers beginning with the well-known moisturizing ingredient hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract, and camellia extract. The sandwich-like structure’s absorbent fibers are gentle to the skin, contain a fragrant scent, and fit the face well. The clear peachy smell is sure to soothe the mind and body.

Manufacturer: Bandai
Product Name: The Rose of Versailles Oscar & Rosalie Adhesive Mask

When your throat feels funny, dry, or just want to freshen up, the perfect item for that is Ryukakusan Throat Lozenges which is next on the list. It is a familiar throat candy for Japanese people. The manufacturer Ryukakusan Co. Ltd. invented a medicine called Ryukakusan more than 200 years ago. After that, they developed candy and jellies with Ryukakusan and are thriving as specialists in the throat's products.

“Ryukakusan Throat Lozenges” is distinctive for its production method with herbs found in Japan. It uses 19 different herbal extracts that are gentle to the throat. The main ingredients, chamomile, and quince of Ryukukusan’s powder, are in the middle of the candy, so it has a minty herb feel that lasts longer. The lozenges are useful for the Japanese dry winters. According to BicCamera Shibuya East Exit’s analysis, this is also popular with Chinese tourists.

Manufacturer: Ryukakusan
Product Name: Ryukakusan Throat Lozenges 100g

Summers in Japan are not as harsh as tropical countries but the UV rays are strong so Japanese sunscreen is needed. This is a must for women worried about their skin. ANESSA Perfect UV Skin Care Milk (60mL) is next on the list! This is a Shiseido product.

This product uses a world-first ingredient approach. When it comes into contact with sweat and water, the UV blocking coating is strengthened by the Aqua Booster EX technology. The unique effect from the thermo booster technology reacts to the sun's heat, and the UV block coating becomes uniform, and the effectiveness is reinforced.

This skincare milk doesn’t just cut the UV rays; it also moisturizes and protects the skin from drying with its combination of beautifying ingredients, chrysanthemum extract, and green tea extract. Neither greasy nor sticky, it can also be used as a makeup base on the face. It is highly water-resistant, so it won’t come off if you go swimming. The citrus soap smell also gives a deodorant effect. This is a must-have in the summer.

Manufacturer: Shiseido
Product Name: ANESSA Perfect UV Skin Care Milk (60mL)

The last entry in these rankings is Alinamin EX Plus, a vitamin supplement drink for relieving eye fatigue, tired shoulders, and lower back pain. It is a medicine produced by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.

Alinamin EX Plus contains fursultiamine, a Vitamin B1 derivative developed by Takeda, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12, Calcium pantothenate, and Vitamin E. Vitamin B1 derivative fursultiamine enables Vitamin B1 absorption, which can be difficult with a regular diet.

Alinamin EX Plus effectively relieves eye fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain (knots in shoulders, lower back, stiff shoulders), neuralgia, numbness in the hands and feet. People who use computers at work can anticipate relief for tired eyes. It is recommended as a nutritional supplement for people who experience physical exhaustion, fatigue from illness and illness recovery, pregnancy, or who are breastfeeding. According to BicCamera Shibuya East Exit’s analysis, it is popular with Taiwanese.

Manufacturer: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
Product Name: Alinamin EX Plus (270 tablets)

Looking at the Top 5 Medicine & Beauty Goods products, this writer thought that Alinamin EX Plus’s inclusion was surprising. I am amazed that foreigners knew about it. The other products on the list are probably items you might pick up when traveling around Japan. If you tried it and liked it, it could also make a good souvenir.

If you have time, please drop by the Beauty and Electric Appliances section on the 3rd floor of BicCamera Shibuya East Exit and take a look. It is jam-packed with a lot of stuff ranging from Face Pointer to help you look better or an ultrasound massager for a sharper face line. Just browsing will be fun!

To prevent the spread of coronavirus, business hours may vary. For the latest business hours, please check the following website:https://www.biccamera.com.e.lj.hp.transer.com/bc/i/shop/shoplist/shop008.jsp

Article by Yuusuke Ito

*This article was originally published in May 2020. Coupon codes were updated in May 2023.