Every New Year in Japan comes with one shopping event people go crazy for: Lucky Bags, known as 福袋 (fukubukuro)!! Imagine paying one fixed price and receiving a bag filled with mystery items worth way more than what you paid. Sounds fun? That’s exactly why these bags sell out in minutes every year.
With so many 福袋 (fukubukuro) available (different brands, prices, and mystery levels), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’ve never bought one before.
But don’t worry! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from what lucky bags are and when to buy them, to tips, price ranges, and how to choose the best-value 福袋. By the end, you’ll be ready to grab the lucky bags you actually want and maybe even score some surprises along the way!
What Is a Lucky Bag (福袋)?
A Lucky Bag (福袋) is a special New Year bag sold by Japanese brands and retailers, usually from late December through early January. The catch? The contents are a surprise, but the value inside is almost always higher than the price you pay.
This clever shopping tradition started in Japanese department stores in the early 1900s and has since become a must-shop event across Japan. Today, you’ll find lucky bags in almost every category, including:
👗 Fashion & apparel
💄 Beauty & cosmetics
💻 Electronics
🎮 Anime, games & collectibles
☕ Cafés & lifestyle brands
If you’re someone who prefers not to take risks but still wants to score great value, don’t worry, some modern 福袋 aren’t always a total mystery anymore. Some brands now offer partially or even fully revealed lucky bags, so you know exactly, or almost exactly, what you’re getting before you buy.
This modern approach makes lucky bags far less risky and much more appealing, especially for international shoppers who want the excitement of 福袋 without the uncertainty. It’s the perfect balance of surprise, value, and peace of mind.
Why Are Japanese Lucky Bags So Popular?
Simple: value + surprise + limited availability.
Lucky bags often include:
– Full-size products
– Limited-edition or Japan-exclusive items
– Seasonal or bestselling goods
That combination makes Japanese lucky bags one of the best deals of the year, especially for fans of Japanese fashion, anime merchandise, beauty products, and lifestyle goods.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Lucky Bags (福袋)?
The best time to buy Japanese lucky bags (福袋) is November or December, with many of the most popular brands opening pre-orders weeks in advance. In fact, some highly sought-after 福袋 sell out before New Year’s Day even arrives. That’s why starting early is key, especially if you’re aiming for well-known fashion brands, beauty labels, or character merchandise. Waiting too long can mean missing out entirely or paying higher prices later, so planning ahead gives you the best chance to grab the lucky bags you really want.
Most Popular Japanese Lucky Bags You Shouldn’t Miss 🎯
With so many 福袋 released every year, some brands stand out for their value, popularity, and sell-out speed. Below are some of the most sought-after Japanese lucky bags, along with a quick breakdown to help you decide which ones are right for you.
👗 GRL Lucky Bag
Category: Fashion / Women’s Apparel
Brand description:
GRL is a popular Japanese fast-fashion brand known for trendy, affordable women’s clothing inspired by Japanese styles.
– Pre-order: ✅ Yes
– Cost: Around ¥2,000 – ¥8,000
– Size: XS, S, M, L
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👠 Yumetenbo Lucky Bag
Category: Fashion / Shoes & Apparel
Brand description:
Yumetenbo specializes in feminine fashion, shoes, and accessories, offering a wide range of styles and sizes.
– Pre-order: ✅ Yes (*currently sold out*)
– Cost: Around ¥3,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000
🎮 Lashinbang Lucky Bag
Category: Anime, Manga & Character Goods
Brand description:
Lashinbang is a well-known second-hand anime merchandise store, offering figures, acrylic stands, keychains, and rare items.
– Pre-order: No (online), ⚠️ Sometimes (varies by store) (check lucky bag here)
– Cost: ¥3,000
– Contents: Around 50 items inside one lucky bag!!!
📦 Suruga-ya Lucky Bag
Category: Anime, Games, Figures & Hobby Goods
Brand description:
Suruga-ya is famous for its massive selection of second-hand goods, including games, figures, CDs, and character merchandise.
– Pre-order: ❌ Mostly no (check the available lucky bags here)
– Cost: From ¥500 to ¥10,000+
🦍 BAPE Lucky Bag
Category: Streetwear / High-End Fashion
Brand description:
A Bathing Ape (BAPE) is a globally recognized Japanese streetwear brand known for bold designs and limited releases.
– Pre-order: ✅ Yes (*currently sold out*)
– Cost: Around ¥30,000–¥50,000+
☕ Starbucks Japan Lucky Bag
Category: Lifestyle / Café Goods
Brand description:
Starbucks Japan releases one of the most anticipated lucky bags every year, featuring exclusive merchandise and drink tickets.
– Pre-order: ✅ Yes (lottery system) (*currently sold out*)
– Cost: Around ¥8,000
Please note: FROM JAPAN accepts orders for lucky bags; however, due to their limited availability, if an item sells out before purchase is completed, we will be unable to process the order and a full refund will be issued.
We can help you purchase Japanese lucky bags even when international shipping isn’t available. We can also buy other lucky bags and virtually any item from Japan on your behalf, and ship it worldwide.
If it’s your first time using FROM JAPAN, you can check the guide here:
▶ Wondering about total cost including shipping? Click here!
