Where to Buy Cheap Glasses in Japan

In this article I'll tell you where you can buy cheap glasses in Japan, and where you can also get a free eye exam as well.

In the United States

Yes yes. Like I ALWAYS say. Before I left the US to live in Japan, I got my eyes examined. I would always go to America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses. I liked the special they have where you can get two pairs of glasses for 70 dollars. That 70-dollar deal includes the eye exam as well. It was super cheap, and I like to get more with my money. Plus, I was leaving so I didn't want to spend a lot on glasses.
I tried to get contacts there as well. I have never worn contacts. I was about 24 at the time. But it was one of the most awful things I had ever done. I DO NOT like putting anything inside of my eyes. I get really scared and nervous, even with eye drops. Therefore, I'm not sure why I thought it would be a good idea to try to get contacts.

I was able to get both contacts into my eyes in about twenty minutes. My troubles began soon after that though. I tried to take out the contacts. I tried, and I tried, and I tried. Maybe an hour and a half later I got one out. Okay so into the next eye. But again, I tried, and I tried, and I tried. This time I was frustrated, tired, hungry, and I wanted to cry. It sounds like the most ridiculous thing ever, but that's what happened.
Eventually I just gave up. I knew in my head that I would NEVER EVER put anything else into my eye again. I have strong resolve LOL. I took so long, and I couldn't get out. They had to call the doctor to get the contact out of my eye. It was pretty embarrassing. I had already bought contact solution and everything. But anyway, I liked going to America's Best because of the price. I also liked that I could just get my eye exam there and not have to worry about it.

Getting Glasses in Japan

When I first came to Japan, I was all set. I had my two pairs of glasses, and I kept up with them pretty well. But about one year after arriving in Japan, I had lost one pair of glasses. Of course. So, I knew I had to be extra careful with my last pair of glasses because I had NO IDEA how to get glasses in Japan. Plus, I was scared of the language barrier. And if you're wondering, no. No, I do not go to get my eyes checked every year. I feel like that's a waste of time LOL.
So, I had my last pair of glasses. I held them close. But one day after riding the train. I had my glasses in between my cleavage. It's weird, but I would put them there for quick access. Sometimes moving all around on the train is annoying. The seats are small. You have people on both sides of you. There is someone standing in front of you, and someone behind that person and to the side of them. It was at night on a Friday so it was pretty crowded.
Therefore, I would put my glasses there. Well, usually it was okay... Up until that point at least. My glasses seemed to jump right of my cleavage as I was getting off the train. There's a small crack between the train and the platform, and that's where they happened to go. They fell right between the crack LOL.
I was so annoyed because I had a lot to do AND I was going to be leaving Japan soon. I asked my husband what I should do. I asked my friends as well, and I had to do some Googling.

JINS

FINALLY, I found a place that was affordable, where I could get an eye exam as well. The store is called JINS. I decided to go to the one in Shinjuku, because I thought that at least one person could speak English. You don't need to make an appointment; you can just go. I went on a weekday in the afternoon, so it wasn't crowded.

It was completely chill. They have little C's for their test. You have to say which direction the C is going. I finished my exam, then all I had to do was wait two hours to get my prescription! It was quicker than in the US. I will say that it depends though. Recently, my husband got his glasses from JINS, but it took 1 week. That was because my husband ordered some special glasses for using the computer.
So, I was able to get my glasses. It cost about 70 dollars, the same as America's Best. However, you only get one pair of glasses instead of two. But I wasn't complaining. I was so nervous to get glasses in Japan, but it was a piece of cake.

Good luck on getting a new pair of glasses in Japan. It's not as scary as you may think.