Since the Japanese Yen is weak against the US dollar right now, I decided to make for the first time, a Louis Vuitton Pricing Guide! I really wanted to see if if Louis Vuitton Japan is cheaper than in the U.S. or not especially, since in the past, it was infamous for being more expensive. I remember even as a kid, all the Japanese tourists would come to the States, especially Hawaii, to buy all their luxury goods. Well, I think the tides have turned and I’m excited to report my findings!
- Related Article: 2023-24 Japan Goyard Pricing Guide (USA vs Japan)
Louis Vuitton Websites
If you want to do a little research yourselves, I’ve link both the U.S and Japan’s Louis Vuitton websites below. If there’s a particular item that you are looking for that’s not shown below, I highly recommend finding your item on the Louis Vuitton Japan website and doing your own calculation to make sure you are still getting a deal.
Conversion Rate and VAT Refund Amount
- For the conversion rate, I’ll be using $1 USD = 149 JPY.
- For the VAT refund amount, I’ll be using a rate of 7% back if you are planning on using a VISA or Mastercard.
How Did I Get the 7% VAT Refund Number?
If you already haven’t read my guide to Japan’s VAT refund for luxury goods, make sure you read it! I know a lot of websites have conflicting information saying it’s anywhere from 8%-10% but I recently bought a Goyard bag in Japan and did all the research to the very last penny to see how much VAT you really get back. So, if you’re curious about how I got to the 7% number, make sure you read the guide.
Louis Vuitton Pricing Guide (USA vs Japan)
For this pricing guide, I will be comparing prices between if I were to purchase my item in my hometown of Los Angeles compared to if I were to purchase it in Japan. That means I will be taking into account the sales tax in Los Angeles. So, if you live in a different U.S. city, your sales tax can greatly differ than mine.
Again, please keep in mind the below:
*VAT refund percentage based on Global Blue’s fees and getting a refund back through your credit card.
**Conversion rate used $1 USD = 149 JPY
Louis Vuitton Capucines Mini
Louis Vuitton USA |
Louis Vuitton Japan |
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| Original Price: $6,350
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $603.25 Total: $6,953.25 |
Original Price: 951,500 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 66,605 JPY Total: 884,895 JPY or ~$5,939 USD** Price Difference: ~$1,014 cheaper (~14.6%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM
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| Original Price: $2,030
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $192.85 Total: $2,222.85 |
Original Price: 260,700 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 18,249 JPY Total: 242,451 JPY or $1,627 USD** Price Difference: ~$596 cheaper (~26.8%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
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 |
| Original Price: $1,550
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $147.25 Total: $1,697.25 |
Original Price: 237,600 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 16,632 JPY Total: 220,968 JPY or $1,483 USD** Price Difference: ~$214 cheaper (12.6%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Souple
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| Original Price: $3,200
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $304 Total: $3,504 |
Original Price: 457,600 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 32,032 JPY Total: 425,568 JPY or $2,856 USD** Price Difference: ~$648 cheaper (~18.5%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 50
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| Original Price: $2,500
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $237.50 Total: $2,262.50 |
Original Price: 378,400 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 26,488 JPY Total: 351,912 JPY or $2,362 USD** Price Difference: ~$100 more expensive (~4.4%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton OnTheGo MM
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| Original Price: $3,100
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $294.50 Total: $3,394.50 |
Original Price: 431,200 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 30,184 JPY Total: 401,016 JPY or $2,691 USD** Price Difference: ~$704 cheaper (~20.7%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton Eyelet Tab Dress
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| Original Price: $2,200
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $209 Total: $2,409 |
Original Price: 299,200 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 20,944 JPY Total: 278,256 JPY or $1,867 USD** Price Difference: ~$542 cheaper (~22.5%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton Cold Spark Beanie
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| Original Price: $945
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $89.78 Total: $1,034.78 |
Original Price: 129,800 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 9,086 JPY Total: 120,714 JPY or $810 USD** Price Difference: ~$225 cheaper (~21.7%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton Ombre Blossom Ring (Pink Gold and Diamonds)
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| Original Price: $2,450
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $232.75 Total: $2,682.75 |
Original Price: 365,200 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 25,564 JPY Total: 339,636 JPY or $2,279 USD** Price Difference: ~$404 cheaper (~15.1%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton Men’s Slender Wallet
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| Original Price: $480
Los Angeles Sales Tax (9.5%): $45.60 Total: $525.60 |
Original Price: 67,100 JPY
VAT Refund (7%*): 4,697 JPY Total: 62,403 JPY or $419 USD** Price Difference: ~$107 cheaper (~20.4%) |
Photo Credit: https://us.louisvuitton.com and https://jp.louisvuitton.com/
So, Is Louis Vuitton Cheaper in Japan?
At the current exchange rate now and from my research above, I would say most definitely Louis Vuitton is cheaper in Japan! Out of the 10 items I researched, 9 of them came out to be significantly cheaper. There was only one item that was more expensive and it was the Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 50. If you are looking for something specific, I would definitely search the item first on the Japanese website just so you get an idea of what it’s going to cost. Also, always check the currency exchange rate. It has been fluctuating quite a bit the past few months, but still overall cheaper than years before.
