HOW TO GET GLASSES IN TOKYO – In One Day!

I know, you’re coming to Japan to see incredible temples, climb Mt. Fuji, and eat loads of sushi, but did you know you can also get a pair (or three!) of eyeglasses in just a few hours?

Glasses were never on my list of souvenirs to bring home from Japan until I read about someone getting them on a forum. It sounded easy enough, so when my son and I had a free day in Tokyo, we decided to try to get some.

I ended up buying glasses, and if my child needed glasses, I would’ve bought some for him too. It was an easy, fast process, and I love my new glasses!

If you’re curious about the process, read on for more info on our experience buying glasses in Tokyo. I’ve included:

Where I bought mine
What the process is like
Tips based on my experience
Buying glasses with kids
If I recommend getting glasses in Japan

Table of Contents

Where to Buy Glasses in Tokyo in Just a Few Hours

Display cases and tables showcase Japanese eyeglass frames inside a JINS shop in Tokyo, Japan. — *Inside JINS, where I bought my glasses*

In Tokyo, you can go into an optical shop to get your eyes tested (kind of like Costco in the US). The main shops are JINS, OWNDAYS and Zoff.

I chose JINS because it had a convenient location for us.

I bought my glasses at JINS in Shinjuku, in the lower shopping area of the Shinjuku train station.

JINS Shinjuku OdakyuAce Store
Floor B1
Phone: +81 3 3345 0333

Buying Glasses at JINS – The Process

Room in eye glasses shop in Tokyo with a machine that checks eyes and prescriptions. — *Get your prescription using this automated machine*

Take a number. I waited at the front counter until I saw someone taking a number at a machine. Your ticket shows your number and the approximate time you’ll be called (mine was for about 30 minutes later).
Look around at the glasses while you’re waiting. You can try the frames on.
When your number is called, go to the counter for your vision test. At this point, you’re taken into the room in the back to get your vision tested. It’s similar to machines I’ve used in the past – rest your chin on the chinrest and look into the ‘goggles’ at the hot air balloon. Then, the machine speaks (in English) and asks you to move the joystick (in front of your hands) in the direction of the missing part of the circle. So, if you see a circle on the screen with a piece missing from the top, you move the joystick toward the machine. Don’t worry, it’s really easy. After the machine has tested your vision, the staff member will put some glasses with different lenses on you and ask you to read letters (English). At this point, I was asked if I wanted glasses for reading too. And, if I wanted special lense types like blue-blocking (yes) or transition lenses (no).
Once you have your prescription, walk out into the store and choose your glasses. If you looked before, just hand them immediately to the staff member helping you. Otherwise, take your time and bring them to the counter when you’ve decided.
Pay for your glasses and get a return time (printed out). My return time was for about 40 minutes later, but we wanted to explore, so we came back in the evening.
Get your glasses adjusted. When you return to pick up your glasses, they’ll be fitted to your face. This took about 20 minutes, because the staff kept checking things and changing them. I’m thankful for the care, as both pairs I purchased feel amazing on my face (no slipping or pain points). At this point, you’ll also get warranty and care info. Mine was all in Japanese, but you can use a translator app to read it.

That’s it – so easy!

Tips for Buying Glasses in Tokyo in a Day

If you don’t want to do the eye exam, make sure you bring your prescription from home. I wish I would’ve done this (at least to compare my current prescription to my new one from JINS).
If you wear contact lenses, bring your case with you. You’ll need to take your lenses out at least 5 minutes before your eye exam. If you don’t have a case, you can go to their back room and get a case from them, but then you’ll need to wait another 5 minutes before you begin.
Use the Google Translate app on your phone. I did have a couple of questions about reading glasses, and I was able to communicate with the staff using Google Translate.

Buying Glasses at JINS with Kids

A white tables displays glasses frames and explanatory signs in Tokyo, Japan. — *Star Wars frames!*

Two shelves of eyeglass frames on display at JINS in Tokyo, Japan. There are also signs showing prices and discounts. — *Star Wars frames!*

Because the process is so quick and easy, getting glasses at JINS in Tokyo works well for kids too.

The eye test is simple and the staff was very kind and friendly.

If you do have any waiting to do, you can get something to eat or explore the shops.

There was a section of glasses for kids, and older kids could definitely fit into some of the adult frames.

Fast Glasses in Tokyo – Yay or Nay?

I’m thrilled with my two pairs of glasses from JINS in Tokyo. I would definitely recommend getting glasses in Tokyo to friends or family. The process is quick and easy, and the glasses are such great value (especially compared to where we live).

UPDATE – 6 MONTHS LATER: I still am happy I purchased my glasses at JINS, but I ended up not using one of the pairs because the frames were too heavy and they hurt my face. The prescription was great, and I use my other pair often (they’re in rotation with my glasses I already had before our Japan trip).