Your First Order from Japan

A short guide for collectors ordering from us for the first time

Japonista is a house of curators in Tokyo. Each piece is examined, described in English and sent from Japan to your door. This page answers the questions we hear most before a first order. It takes four minutes to read.

1. One price

The figure on the page is the price of the piece, in US dollars. No membership is needed and no commission is added afterwards. Shipping is calculated at checkout from the true weight of the piece and your address, so you see the whole sum before you pay.

Two exceptions are stated on the piece itself: crated pieces carry an estimate that we confirm when the crate is built, and cargo pieces such as tansu and trunks are quoted in writing. Both are explained in Payments, Shipping & Handling for High-Value Pieces.

2. Choosing a piece

  • Read the Condition section. Every mark we can see is named, and each piece carries a grade on the Japanese scale. The grades are set out in Japanese condition ranks, explained, and our approach to old surfaces in Character of Age, or a Fault.
  • Check the measurements. Japanese garments are cut smaller than their labels suggest abroad. Compare the measurements on the page with a garment you own, and see the sizing and fitting guide.
  • Ask before you order. If a photograph or a measurement would settle the matter, write to us through the contact page. The curator desk replies within one to three business days.

If you would like to begin modestly, browse by budget: under US$500, under US$1,000, under US$2,000 and under US$3,000.

3. Paying

Pieces under US$25,000 are paid by card at checkout, through our own secure gateway. Billing and delivery addresses may differ. From US$25,000, and for every cargo piece, we send a private invoice settled by bank transfer or Wise.

On many pieces you may send an offer, and from US$1,000 the Layaway Privilege lets you spread the payment while the piece is held for you.

4. Delivery from Tokyo

  • Most pieces travel by Japan Post EMS, insured and tracked.
  • Parcels are dispatched within 7 to 14 days of payment, because each piece is checked and packed individually. EMS usually arrives 4 to 10 days later.
  • You receive the tracking number, and photographs of the packed piece, on the day of dispatch.
  • Orders above US$1,000 need a signature on delivery.

5. Duties and taxes

  • United States, parcels under US$2,500: duties are settled before dispatch. Where they are shown at checkout, they are paid with your order and nothing is collected at the door.
  • United States, US$2,500 or more: we arrange a formal entry with a licensed customs broker and confirm any duty with you before dispatch.
  • Every other destination: import duty, VAT or GST and brokerage are set by your country and paid by the recipient on delivery.

We declare the true value on every parcel.

6. Every sale is final

Each piece is the only one of its kind in our care and is prepared for you once payment clears, so orders cannot be cancelled or exchanged. This is why we describe so closely, and why we ask you to write to us with any doubt beforehand.

Final sale never limits our responsibility. If we send the wrong piece, or one that differs materially from its description in a way we did not disclose, we cover every cost and put it right. Our authenticity guarantee applies to every piece; the full terms are in the refund policy.

7. When the parcel arrives

Please film one unbroken video from the sealed parcel onwards, and tell us of any damage within 48 hours of delivery. We open and follow the insurance claim on your behalf.

8. Looking for something we do not show

If the piece you want is not in the house, describe it to us. Private Acquisition explains how we find a named piece in Japan and bring it to you.

The Japonista Curation and Concierge Team
Tokyo, Japan