What To Buy Duty Free Before a Japan Trip

Already picturing cherry blossom season in Kyoto or that quiet ramen stop tucked into a Tokyo side street? We get it. You don't want to waste time chasing basics you could've handled before take-off when planning to visit Japan. That's where Laneway helps.

As Melbourne Airport's online duty free shopping platform, Laneway lets you pre-order what you need before your international flight. No rush, no second-guessing. Just one less thing to think about before your trip even starts.

Flying in for a few days or city-hopping through places like Ginza, Narita or Osaka? Whatever the plan, here are duty free items travellers don’t regret pre-ordering on Laneway before their trip to Japan:

• Flying into cooler or warmer weather? Shifting from summer in Australia to colder days in Japan (or the other way around) can throw your skincare routine off fast. A serum from SK-II and a moisturiser from Estée Lauder help your skin stay balanced without needing five other products to support it. When Japanese weather hits harder than expected, Aesop’s balms and shower staples help reset your skin quickly.
• Want perfume that matches Japan’s vibe? Having a few go-to fragrances ready for personal use means you won’t waste time second-guessing them later. Jo Malone London’s 9mL collection gives you a few light options to rotate through, while Maison Margiela’s Replica discovery set offers subtle, layered scents that wear well from day to night.
• Need makeup that travels well? First-time or not, it’s worth packing makeup that holds up without needing constant touch-ups. Brands like MAC and Benefit have high-quality basics that do exactly what they need to. For something with a bit more range, Gucci’s multi-use palette covers eyes, cheeks and lips, so it’s easier to get through the trip without overpacking.
• Thinking of bringing a bottle to share or gift? It’s often easier and smarter to bring something duty free from home. Think Australian bottles like Starward whisky and Penfolds wine, plus limited edition picks you won’t always find again. Liqueurs like Dom Benedictine or Kahlúa also make solid gifts if you’re visiting friends or heading to a dinner. 
• Worried about in-flight comfort? Silk sleep masks from Slip help block out cabin lights, while Korjo’s neck pillow and compression socks take some of the pressure off the long-haul flight so you’re not feeling it hours later. While you’re at it, add a travel adaptor from Korjo. It’s the kind of general goods item that’s easy to forget and annoying to fix once you’re there.

You can pre-order on Laneway from 60 days in advance, right up to 24 hours before your flight to Japan. That window gives you space to plan properly, especially if you're sorting more than one item or checking how much you’re allowed to bring in.

If you’re buying alcohol or other higher-limit items, it’s worth checking your duty free allowances early, so you know where things stand before packing. A quick look at the duty free limits can save you from second-guessing later.

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Pre-ordering duty free on Laneway means you sort the important things early without chasing paperwork, receipts or tax refund counters later. It’s a calmer way to shop, especially when you’re trying to keep the trip simple. Plus, tax-free shopping on Laneway means:

• You see duty free prices up front.
• You get access to a wide selection, including travel-only and luxury brands
• You sort and pick up your Japan duty free essentials before you’ve even left Australia.
• You can pay using Visa, Mastercard, AMEX credit cards, as well as other payment methods like Afterpay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Union Pay, Alipay and WeChat Pay. 
• You earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points on eligible items.

There’s a lot to look forward to on a Japan trip, and your duty free shopping shouldn’t be the part that slows you down. Pre-ordering on Laneway means what you need is already sorted, packed and waiting before you even fly. No guesswork, no last-minute detours.

Not sure how the limits work or have questions before you order? You’ve got better things to do than dig through rules. Head to the Laneway FAQs page, where we lay things out clearly, so you can move on to the rest of your trip prep.

Disclaimer: Only passengers travelling internationally from/to Melbourne Airport can purchase goods via the Laneway. Please note that some goods may have minimum age requirements (for example, alcohol/tobacco), and ID will need to be provided at the time you collect the goods from the relevant collection point. Purchases of alcohol and tobacco via the Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.