Is OWNDAYS Cheaper in Japan? Everything You Need to Know

Shibuya review... 

 Short answer: yes, noticeably. I came home from Japan with a new pair of prescription glasses that cost under $50 USD — and nearly two years later, I'm still wearing them. Overall they are a solid choice for a quick exam, lenses and frames!

Here's the longer answer, because if you wear glasses and you're headed to Japan, this is a practical souvenir you can literally wear everyday! 

What is OWNDAYS?

OWNDAYS is a Japanese eyewear chain with hundreds of locations across Japan — and increasingly across Asia. I ended up buying contacts in Bali as well! 

They're known for fast turnaround (glasses ready in about 30 minutes), affordable pricing, and a surprisingly wide range of stylish frames. Think of it as the anti-LensCrafters: no upsells, no confusing pricing tiers, just pick your frames, confirm your prescription, and come back in half an hour.

I visited the OWNDAYS Shibuya Underground location — conveniently located right in Shibuya Station, which meant I could drop in between plans without going out of my way.

Is OWNDAYS actually cheaper than buying glasses in the US?

For single vision lenses, yes — significantly. My frames with single vision prescription lenses came to under $50 USD total. For context, a comparable pair at a US optical shop — frames plus lenses — would typically run $150-$300+ depending on your insurance situation. Even with a solid vision plan, we all know you still end up paying something out of pocket. 

My frames have now held up for nearly two years of regular daily wear including six months of full-time travel across 15 countries. They're still going strong.

The one caveat worth knowing: OWNDAYS pricing in Japan is straightforward and all-inclusive for single vision lenses. If you have more complex needs — progressives, high-index lenses for strong prescriptions — pricing will vary and is worth confirming in store. But for standard single vision? It's genuinely hard to beat.

What the experience was actually like

I walked in without an appointment. They checked my eyes, confirmed my prescription, and had my glasses ready in about 30 minutes. I went to the food court while I was waiting. The staff were efficient and helpful even with a language difference! 

The frame selection is wide — everything from minimal wire frames to bold acetate styles. I wouldn't describe it as a luxury boutique experience, but it's clean, organized, and the quality of the finished glasses is solid. Mine have held up, but they are not in perfect condition still. 

What about contact lenses?

OWNDAYS also sells contact lenses — something I discovered a little late into my trip. I initially bought contacts from a separate shop, but found out OWNDAYS carries them too. I even bought a set at an OWNDAYS location in Bali later in our trip. Same process: share your prescription, quick turnaround, good quality. I actually just showed them a box of contacts I had so they could see the prescription (in Bali). 

Practical tips before you go

• Bring your current prescription or your existing glasses or just have them do a free eye exam 

• Single vision lenses are the best value. Budget 30-60 minutes for the full process.

• The Shibuya Underground location is the easiest to access — right inside the station. Other convenient locations include Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.

• Frames start from around ¥5,500 (roughly $35-40 USD) all-in for single vision. Prices go up from there depending on frame style.

• If you're buying as a backup pair, this is genuinely one of the best practical purchases you can make in Japan.

If you want more ideas while you are in Japan - check out some of our other Japan blogs!

Let us know if you get a pair!!