Bringing home a new dog or cat in Japan means a first shopping trip that can feel overwhelming. This list covers the practical basics, with rough price ranges in yen and notes on where to find each item. Prices vary by size, brand, and store, so treat these as ballpark figures rather than fixed costs.
Containment and travel
A crate or cage gives a new pet a safe base and helps with house training. Plastic and wire crates run roughly 3,000 to 12,000 yen depending on size. For cats, a fabric or hard carrier (2,000 to 6,000 yen) doubles as a vet-trip carrier, so you may not need a separate crate.
Dogs need a harness and lead (合わせて 2,000 to 6,000 yen). A harness is often easier to fit than a collar for a new dog. Either way, keep a carrier or secure carrier bag on hand for vet visits, since many clinics ask that animals arrive contained.
Feeding
Food and water bowls are inexpensive, around 500 to 2,500 yen for a pair. Stainless steel and ceramic are easy to clean. Some owners add a raised stand or a gravity water dispenser later. You will also need a first bag of food; for a full breakdown of options and ongoing costs, see our guide on where to buy pet food and try the food cost calculator to estimate your monthly spend.
Litter setup for cats
Cats need a litter tray (800 to 4,000 yen) plus litter itself. Clumping mineral, tofu-based, and paper pellet litters are all widely sold, at roughly 500 to 1,500 yen per bag. A scoop and a covered bin for waste round out the setup. As a rule of thumb, plan for one tray per cat plus one extra.
Rest and comfort
A bed or cushion costs around 1,000 to 5,000 yen. Cats often appreciate a scratching post or pad (800 to 3,000 yen) to protect furniture. A few blankets or towels you already own work fine at first.
Grooming basics
Start with a brush or comb suited to the coat type (500 to 2,500 yen), nail clippers (500 to 1,500 yen), and a gentle pet shampoo (800 to 2,000 yen). Long-haired breeds may need more tools over time. Toothbrushes and dental items are also commonly sold.
ID and microchip
An ID tag for the collar is cheap, around 500 to 1,500 yen. Note that microchipping is a separate matter handled at a veterinary clinic. Since June 2022, dogs and cats sold by breeders and pet shops in Japan are required to be microchipped and registered, and new owners must update the registration. Check your paperwork and ask your vet or local office if you are unsure of the status.
Toys and enrichment
Toys are optional but useful for keeping a young animal occupied. Budget 500 to 2,000 yen to start: chew toys and tug ropes for dogs, wand toys and small balls for cats. Rotate a few rather than buying many at once.
Cleaning supplies
Accidents happen early on. Keep pet-safe cleaner or enzyme spray (500 to 1,500 yen), waste bags for dog walks, and paper towels ready. A lint roller and a small dustpan help with fur.
Where to buy
Home centers such as Cainz and Komeri, dedicated pet chains like PETEMO and Kojima, and general stores carry most of these items. Prices and selection vary, and online shopping often has the widest range, especially for larger crates and bulk litter. Compare a few options before your first big purchase.
If you plan to travel or work long hours, factor in care arrangements early. Our overview of sitters, pet hotels, and daycare explains the typical choices and costs so you can plan ahead.
A rough starting budget
Adding the basics together, a new cat setup often lands somewhere around 8,000 to 25,000 yen, and a new dog setup around 10,000 to 30,000 yen, before food and any veterinary fees. Buying essentials first and adding extras gradually keeps the initial outlay manageable.