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Last updated: June 17, 2026
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"Aren't iPhones and MacBooks in Japan way too expensive?"
Due to the weak yen, a new iPhone 15 easily costs over ¥100,000, and MacBooks have become "luxury items" for students and expats. When setting up your life in Japan, this is a painful expense to swallow.
"I want to buy cheaper, but I'm scared of the battery life and lack of warranty on Mercari or shady second-hand shops..."
If that’s you, here is some great news. By using Amazon Renewed or the French-born refurbished specialist site Back Market, you can get Apple products that look and feel like new for 20% to 40% cheaper, backed by a 180-day+ warranty.
In this article, we’ll dive into the latest 2026 price comparison data and explain the "hacks" to double-dip on points to lower the effective price even further. The era of insisting on brand-new items is over. Save tens of thousands of yen and use that extra cash for experiences in Japan instead!
"Amazon Renewed" refers to refurbished products that have been inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers. Unlike typical "used" items, these must meet strict standards set by Amazon.
Specifically, they promise these three guarantees:
A hidden benefit for foreigners is the 'ease of returns.' Amazon's return process is highly automated. You don't need to engage in complex negotiations in Japanese; you can handle everything with a few taps in the app.
Note that accessories (like charging cables) are often Amazon-certified third-party products rather than original Apple ones.
So, how much can you actually save? We surveyed market prices as of February 2026. Surprisingly, "Back Market" is often ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 cheaper than Amazon Renewed.
Table: iPhone / Mac Price Comparison (Estimated incl. tax)
| Model | New (Apple) | Amazon Renewed | Back Market | Max Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 (128GB) | ¥112,800 | from ¥68,000 | from ¥58,000 | ~48% OFF |
| iPhone 15 (128GB) | ¥124,800 | from ¥98,000 | from ¥89,000 | ~28% OFF |
| MacBook Air M1 | Discontinued | from ¥78,000 | from ¥69,000 | Steal |
| iPad Air (Gen 5) | ¥84,800 | from ¥65,000 | from ¥59,000 | ~30% OFF |
※Prices fluctuate based on stock availability.
As the table shows, Back Market is the clear winner in terms of pure pricing.
Back Market is one of the world's largest refurbished marketplaces, operating in 16 countries. They host professional refurbishers who pass stricter screening than Amazon’s, offering "lower prices" and a 1-year functional warranty (double Amazon's).
If your priority is "cheapest price with a solid warranty," checking Back Market’s stock first is the golden rule.
Cheaper than Amazon with a 1-year functional warranty. Check before stock runs out.
If you want to use the tens of thousands of yen you saved to send money back home, make sure to choose a transfer service with low fees rather than a traditional bank. 【Comparison】Best Money Transfer Services from Japan: Wise, SBI Remit, Revolut, Bank Transfer
While Back Market wins on price, how is the overall experience? Here is a breakdown:
| Feature | Amazon Renewed | Back Market | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~20% cheaper than new | 30–50% cheaper than new | Back Market |
| Warranty | 180 Days (~6 months) | 1 Year (365 days) | Back Market |
| Battery | 80%+ Guaranteed | 80%+ (New battery options avail.) | Tie |
| Ease of Return | Excellent (Instant via FBA) | Good (Requires seller contact) | Amazon |
| Stock | High Volatility | Very Plentiful | Back Market |
If you want the 'absolute lowest price' or a 'long-term 1-year warranty,' **Back Market** is recommended. If you hate the hassle of return procedures or want to use your **Amazon Points**, go with **Amazon Renewed**.
If you choose Amazon Renewed, don't just buy it at the listed price. Follow these 3 steps to lower your effective cost by ¥5,000 to ¥10,000.
If you need a bit more cash for your purchase, it's also smart to use smartphone campaigns to secure some starting capital. 【Urgent】How to get ¥20,000 in Cash when you arrive in Japan: TikTok Lite & Rakuten Card Guide (2026)
"I bought a refurbished phone and it was covered in scratches" or "The battery died immediately." To avoid these "lemons," here are three self-defense tips shared on communities like Reddit:
"80% or more guaranteed" means there's a chance you'll get a unit that is exactly 80%. If battery life is your top priority, check Settings > Battery > Battery Health immediately upon arrival. If it's below 85%, you are well within your rights to consider a return.
This is the most important part.
Once the product arrives, don't hesitate to check:
If there’s an issue, you can return/exchange it within 180 days on Amazon or 30 days on Back Market for any reason. Don't just settle; contact support immediately.
When buying desktop machines like the Mac Mini, remember they might not come with a keyboard or mouse. Buying your own accessories with the money you saved is part of the fun!
Geekria Desktop Computer Hard Travel Case for Apple 2024 Mac Mini M4 / Mini M4 Pro
There’s no need to pay ¥150,000 for a new iPhone. Check Back Market for the lowest price, and if the stock isn't there, grab an Amazon Renewed item paired with point rewards. This is the smartest way to buy Apple products in Japan in 2026.
Once you've saved on your device, look at reducing your fixed costs next. Choosing a cheap share house can make your life even easier. 【Cheap Tokyo Housing】¥0 Deposit/Key Money & Furnished! Why Foreigners Choose "Shared Apartments" (Rent from ¥30,000)
With the ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 you save, you could travel within Japan or eat some incredible sushi. Start by checking the current stock and prices now!
Up to 70% OFF iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Peace of mind with a 1-year warranty.
If you'd like to check Amazon options: View Amazon Renewed Stock
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A: Amazon Renewed is Amazon's refurbished product program. Products are tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers and come with a 1-year guarantee. For iPhones sold under "Renewed Premium" (最上位), the battery must be at least 90% capacity. It is generally trustworthy for buying Apple devices at 20–30% below retail.
A: Back Market is a dedicated refurbished electronics marketplace that grades products by condition (Fair/Good/Excellent). Their vetting process is stricter than Amazon Renewed for some categories. Back Market Japan typically has similar or slightly lower prices than Amazon Renewed with a 1-year warranty standard.
A: The Apple Japan official refurbished store is sometimes cheaper than grey-market import after accounting for customs duty (0–10% depending on the model) and the risk of no Japanese warranty support. Amazon Renewed Japan provides the simplest experience without import hassle.
A: Some listings will specify JIS (Japanese) or US keyboard layout. If you prefer a US layout Mac (English keys), filter specifically for "US keyboard" in the product description. JIS keyboard Macs purchased in Japan may not have English key labels.
A: Amazon Japan does not accept Rakuten points or PayPay. For additional discounts, use the Amazon credit card (5% back with Amazon Prime) or watch for Amazon Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales where Renewed products receive additional percentage discounts.
CEO / Native Japanese Expert
Updated on: June 17, 2026
※ The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. Laws and regulations may change, so please always check official sources for the latest information. We assume no liability for any damages resulting from the content of this article.
