Is Sony cheaper in Japan?
Mostly yes. On Nov 13, 2026, nearly all of the Sony products we track cost less in Japan, by a median of 6%, at ¥159.97 to the dollar. The widest gap is the Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones: 19% less.
Sony: today's prices
| Product | Japan ¥ | Japan in USD | US USD | Japan vs US | Tax-free | Even at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consoles | ||||||
| PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Japanese-language only) | ¥55,000 | $344 | $600 | −43% | −48% | ¥91.7 |
| PlayStation 5 Digital Edition | ¥89,980 | $562 | $600 | −6% | −15% | ¥150.0 |
| PlayStation 5 (disc) | ¥97,980 | $612 | $650 | −6% | −14% | ¥150.7 |
| PlayStation 5 Pro | ¥137,980 | $863 | $900 | −4% | −13% | ¥153.3 |
| PlayStation Portal | ¥39,980 | $250 | $250 | ±0% | −9% | ¥159.9 |
| Headphones & electronics | ||||||
| WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones | ¥59,400 | $371 | $460 | −19% | −27% | ¥129.1 |
| WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds | ¥44,550 | $278 | $330 | −16% | −23% | ¥135.0 |
Japan prices include 10% consumption tax; US prices are before sales tax. Tax-free: the Japan price without consumption tax, as most visitors pay when taking goods home. Even at: the yen rate at which both prices match.
Questions
Is Sony cheaper in Japan than in the US?
Mostly yes. On Nov 13, 2026, nearly all of the Sony products we track cost less in Japan, by a median of 6%, at ¥159.97 to the dollar. The widest gap is the Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones: 19% less.
How much more do visitors save with Japan's tax refund?
Japanese prices include 10% consumption tax. A visitor who takes the goods home gets that back, so the median gap widens from −6% to about −15%. Since November 1, 2026 the tax is paid in the store and refunded after customs checks the goods when you leave Japan.
Which Sony product has the biggest price gap?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones: ¥59,400 in Japan (about $371) against $459.99 in the US, 19% less.
Is there anything to watch out for?
Yes: the Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Japanese-language only) sold in Japan only works with Japanese accounts, so check before you buy. Compare the exact model number, and remember that most warranties only cover the country of purchase. US travelers can bring back up to $800 of goods duty-free.