Costco in Japan for Foreigners

Costco, an infamous warehouse filled to the brim with whatever your heart desires. Known for its membership system, low prices, and insane bulk products. Costco is very popular all around the world. 

Costco Japan has over 30 locations scattered all over Japan. However many of these location routes are inaccessible through trains. Going by car is the best option, especially if you’re planning on buying in bulk. 

Here are a few things you need to know before going to Costco:

Is US Costco membership valid in Japan?

Most Costco memberships can be used worldwide, with some access limited in some countries.

So if you already have a membership, you will be okay even as a tourist. However, please bring a form of picture ID with you from your country (passport/ driver’s licence) so the membership can be validated. 

*please note that the ID MUST have a picture of you, as per Japanese law. If not, your membership may be subject to rejection. This is to ensure that you are the membership holder.

Can foreigners get a Costco Membership in Japan?

If you are looking to make a membership as a foreigner, this is also easy. However, you must have at least a 1 year visa in order to apply, or have a designated address and phone number from a Japanese person. Tourist visa holders cannot make a membership. 

How to get Costco membership

Firstly, please choose a membership type.  Each type has different offers in accordance to what you want.

Gold Star Members:

This is the lowest tier, but the most cost effective. It’s good for  the average family or individual that goes to Costco once or twice a month. This membership also grants access to all Costco’s outside of Japan as well. It’s priced at 4,840yen (tax included).

Executive Gold Star Members:

Best for frequent Costco go-ers or even small business owners in retail or restaurant category. They offer a 2% Executive Rewards on annual purchases. Price is 9,900 yen (tax included).

Business Members:

These are specific for businesses who buy in bulk purchases. You can add additional cardholders and gain access to the Costco Global card and business membership card which gives rewards. The annual fee is 4,235 yen (tax included)

Executive Business Members:

You can receive additional Business Membership cards, earn up to 2% of annual purchases as Executive rewards and receive special discount coupons at least 4 times a year. These are for the hard-hitters that rely on Costco for most if not all products. The price is 9,900 yen (tax included).

There are two ways to create a Costco membership: online or in a warehouse.

Online:

Application can be done in English, please fill out the necessary information such as personal information: name, age, gender, etc; then we move on to the address, phone number, and email. Once registration and acceptance is done, you should receive your Costco membership card in the mail. This might take up to 2 weeks, so if you are in a hurry, you can also create a membership at a warehouse of your choice.

Warehouse:

Head to your closest Costco and bring a valid picture ID (passport/ driver’s licence/ Zairyu card or Residency card). Come during opening hours, the best time is in the morning at 10 AM when it’s not too congested. The membership kiosk will be in front or near the doors for easy access. 

Once the application is done, pay the membership fee. You can only pay the membership fee through cash or Mastercard. All other payments cannot be used. During this time, you can set up a payment method for the annual payments.

Costco offers all applications in both Japanese and English, the staff might also be able to speak English too. If you have a Japanese friend for help that would be best for in-store application. 

If you have finished everything and paid the annual fee, you will get the Costco membership on the spot and you are able to use it right then and there. Enjoy your time at Costco!

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