Buying a guitar from Japan opens up models you rarely see elsewhere, but the price you see is rarely the price you pay. Here are the four main ways to buy, how to avoid resale listings, and what the real total looks like. If you wonder why so many used Japanese guitars are in great shape, see Why Are Japanese Guitars So Good?
Buying a Guitar from Japan: Quick Facts
- Easiest route from overseas: Reverb or eBay sellers based in Japan
- Biggest selection: Japanese auctions and flea-market apps via a proxy
- Biggest hidden cost: Shipping plus import duties and fees
- Main scam risk: Resale listings that reuse a Japanese shop’s photos
- After it arrives: Let it settle, then check the neck
Four Ways to Buy a Guitar from Japan
Chart: MIJ Guitar Guide.
- Japanese shops: the major chains are covered in Guitar Shops in Japan. Some sell abroad only through Reverb or eBay.
- Proxy services: they buy for you in Japan and forward the guitar. Listings are in Japanese, so terms like gari and sori matter; see Japanese Guitar Terms.
- In person: since November 1, 2026, visitors pay tax in the store and claim it back when leaving Japan, with a 5,000 yen minimum per store per day (japan-guide.com).
My Take
I’ve bought guitars every one of these ways, but my favorite place to hunt for Japanese-made guitars is actually a recycle shop: second-hand chains like Hard Off and 2nd Street. Most people think of them as places to sell used household goods, and their guitar racks often hold more Aria Pro II and Fernandes than Gibson or Fender. My guess is that many sellers see a Japanese-made guitar as an everyday item that isn’t worth much, so it goes to the recycle shop, while a Gibson or Fender goes to a guitar shop where they expect a better price. That is exactly why great MIJ guitars turn up there. If you are outside Japan, though, Reverb or eBay sellers based in Japan are still the easiest place to start.
How to Spot Resale and Drop-Ship Listings
Some Reverb and eBay sellers copy a Japanese shop’s photos and description, list the guitar at a markup, and only buy it after you pay. Reverb allows drop shipping only for authorized dealers and makers (Reverb Listing Standards), but it still happens.
Red flags in a listing
- Price well above Japan. Compare with Japanese shops and auctions.
- Shop-style photos. Studio backdrops, watermarks or Japanese price tags.
- Long handling time. The seller may need to buy it first.
- Location mismatch. A seller outside Japan showing a Japanese shop’s guitar.
- Little seller history. Check feedback and other listings.
Ask for a photo with the serial number and today’s date, and run a reverse image search. If you find the original shop listing, buying there is usually cheaper.
The Real Cost: Price, Shipping and Duties
What you actually pay
Chart: MIJ Guitar Guide. Fees and rates change; check current rules for your country.
- EMS size limits: 1.5 m long and 3 m length plus girth for most countries; 2.75 m for the US (Japan Post).
- US buyers: duty-free entry for low-value shipments was suspended from August 29, 2025, so even one used guitar can be charged (White & Case).
- Vintage high-end models: Brazilian rosewood is CITES-protected and may need permits to cross borders.
My Take
For shipping a guitar out of Japan, I recommend Japan Post. In my experience it costs less than international couriers like FedEx, and it also offers sea mail. When I shipped an electric guitar in its hard case, packed in a cardboard box, by sea, it cost about 10,000 yen, but it took around three months to arrive. If you are not in a hurry and want to keep the cost down, it is a great option.
Before You Pay: A Quick Checklist
- Compare the price with Japan.
- Ask for photos of the serial, neck joint, frets and electronics.
- Ask about modifications; “kaizo” means modified.
- Check the serial against the model and era (see the Fender Japan serial guide).
- Confirm shipping method, insurance and packing.
- Estimate duties for your country.
After the Guitar Arrives
Japan is humid for much of the year, so let the guitar rest in its case for a day, then check neck relief and fret ends over the first couple of weeks. Buying an amp too? Japan uses 100V, as covered in the JC-120 guide.
Final Thoughts
My Take
The total cost once shipping and duties are added has been higher than I expected. And on Reverb and eBay, watch for listings that reuse an official shop’s photos at a higher price: check who actually owns the guitar before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a guitar from Japan online?
Generally yes, if you use platforms with buyer protection such as Reverb or eBay, or established Japanese shops. The main risks are resale listings, unclear condition on private sales and shipping damage.
How much does it cost to ship a guitar from Japan?
It depends on the method, box size, weight and your country. A cased guitar is large and heavy, so get a quote first and add insurance.
Do I have to pay import duty on a guitar from Japan?
Usually, depending on your country. In the US, duty-free entry for low-value shipments was suspended from August 29, 2025.
Can I buy from Japanese auction sites from overseas?
Most sellers don’t ship abroad, so overseas buyers use a proxy service. Expect extra fees and very limited returns.
Can tourists buy guitars tax-free in Japan?
Yes. From November 1, 2026, you pay tax in the store and claim a refund when leaving Japan, with a 5,000 yen minimum per store per day. The guitar must leave Japan with you.
