During every New Year’s Eve holiday, besides skiing, bathing in hot springs, and eating ramen, what fruit fans look forward to most isJapan Apple’s limited sale at the beginning of the year. This year’s event runs from January 2nd to January 5th. As long as you buy designated tickets during the event Apple products, you can get gift cards, the maximum reward can be up to 38,000 yen, purchase designated iPhone You can also take away the limited edition “Dharma” AirTag”. For those who plan to go to Japan during the New Year, not only will they be able to relax while traveling, but they will also be able to buy home trophies after visiting an Apple store, which will probably make them feel as good as if they had drawn a royal guard.
▲Image source: Apple
Japan Apple New Year Sale starts on 1/2! Get a gift card and limited edition “Dharma AirTag”
Every year, Apple in Japan launches a “New Year Sale”. Unlike Taiwan’s common discounts or price cuts, Japan is more reciprocal. Gift cards are given when you buy specific products. This year’s rules are roughly the same. The difference is that the rebate amount and the design of the souvenirs change every year. The overall rebate is highest for Mac, reaching 38,000 yen; for iPad, it is up to 15,000 yen; for iPhone and AirPods, it is up to 12,000 yen; for Apple Watch, it is up to 8,000 yen; accessories such as HomePod, Magic Keyboard, and Apple TV also have rebates, most of which are around 8,000.
This way of playing is most suitable for people who “have already planned to buy and go to Japan to play”, especially those who plan to change to a Mac or iPad. It is cost-effective to use the gift card to buy peripherals, protective cases or directly purchase AirPods. If you are the kind of person who likes to buy all the product accessories at once, this gift card will come in very handy.
The appearance of this year’s Apple gift card has also been designed. It has a white background with a Mizuhiki-style Apple logo. It looks festive while retaining the simple texture of Apple. It also has Japan New Year Edition printed on it, making it much more collectible than ordinary gift cards. Just a reminder, this card can only be used in Japanese Apple Stores or Japanese online stores. It cannot be redeemed when brought back to Taiwan, so the most practical way is to buy accessories directly after buying the console, or save it for consumption when you next go to Japan.
▲Image source: Apple
Another highlight this year, which is worthy of Japanese fans, is the limited edition AirTag with Daruma pattern. In the past, the zodiac design was common in New Year events. This year, it was changed to the Japanese Daruma pattern, which symbolizes prayer for success. It is paired with the small round body of the AirTag, which is both ritualistic and festive. During the event, as long as you buy iPhone16, iPhone16 Plus or iPhone16e, you will get a gift card and a Dharma AirTag as a gift. The quantity is limited to the first 65,000 pieces and they will be gone once supplies last.
▲Image source: Apple
Imagine hanging it on your suitcase, bag or even keychain at home on the last day of your journey. The feeling of “being blessed in the New Year” is really nice. Moreover, this limited style is often more attractive than discounts. Even when you see the envious eyes of your friends after returning to Taiwan, you will feel the charm of Japan’s New Year’s Eve activities. Collectible fruit fans or those who like to take home souvenirs should put this one directly on their to-do list.
▲Image source:X
Can Taiwanese buy it? sure. Apple in Japan does not limit local status. As long as you go to a Japanese direct-operated store or place an order on the Japanese Apple online store and have it shipped to a Japanese address, you can enjoy the discount. However, there are 3 things you need to know before buying to avoid regrets when you return to your country:
- Apple-operated stores in Japan will no longer provide tax refunds starting in June 2022:
Therefore, when foreign tourists buy Apple products, they must purchase them at a price that includes tax, and there is no tax-free discount. - Guarantee has regional restrictions:
Especially for iPhones and Apple Watches, if something goes wrong after buying them from Japan back to Taiwan, Taiwanese direct stores will basically not accept them. If you are a person who uses your phone gently and can accept risks, or you buy AppleCare+ for protection, then it is not a big problem; but if you often drop your phone or feel that repairs cannot wait, then you need to think calmly first. - Japanese gift cards can only be used in Japan and cannot be taken back to Taiwan to redeem, nor can they be exchanged for cash:
Therefore, the best way to use it is to spend the card when buying a console, or directly match it with shopping for accessories. If you buy a Mac once and then buy AirPods or a keyboard, they are actually very useful.
So is it worth flying to Japan to buy Apple? If you have planned your trip, it is definitely worth a stop. If you are flying for a discount, it may not really save you money after including air tickets, accommodation and time costs. To put it simply: it’s fun to buy them while traveling. It may not be cheaper to go there just to buy them, but the joy of collecting Dharma AirTag is extra.
If you happen to be traveling to Japan during the event, this year’s New Year promotions can be included in your list. After shopping and admiring the snow, you can make a pilgrimage to the Apple Store and maybe take home a limited edition AirTag. Add a bit of technology to your New Year’s journey and a little luck to yourself. This New Year’s Eve ritual is really charming.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese