This Popular Japanese Dollar Store JUST LANDED In Kansas

Daiso Just Opened in Olathe—and It’s Everything I Hoped For

Guys, I’m still recovering from the pure joy of walking into the new Daiso in Olathe, Kansas. You know how I get when anything kawaii or Japanese-adjacent hits the Midwest—I was THERE on opening weekend with my reusable Daiso shopping bag and a shopping list I had no intention of sticking to.

I visited a Daiso for the first time back in 2012, during my very first trip to Japan. I had the pleasure of exploring the famous Harajuku location, tucked along the bustling, colorful streets of Takeshita-dori.

Over the last decade, I’ve traveled all over the U.S. just to shop at my favorite Japanese dollar store. I even interviewed the owner of the first Midwest adjacent Daiso store in the suburbs of Chicago.

What is a “Daiso?”

Located at 15201 W 119th St, this is the first Daiso in the Kansas City metro and one of only a handful in the entire Midwest.

For those new to the Daiso obsession, think of it as Japan’s version of a dollar store, except cuter, more organized, and full of things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. (Mini soy sauce containers shaped like fish? Yes. Pastel bento box dividers? Say less.)

What Kind Of Products Do They Sell?

Inside, you’ll find the usual magic: kawaii stationery, home goods, kitchen gadgets, skincare, snacks, cleaning tools, and a wall of ramen and candy that’ll make your inner weeb squeal.

Most items are between $1.75-$2.25, but there are also premium goods (like plushies, glassware, or larger kitchenware) marked accordingly—and totally worth it.

What I love about this new location is that it feels like a full Japanese experience. The layout is airy and super shoppable, and the staff? Adorable and so helpful.

I was walking around like a kid in a candy store (okay, literally in the candy section), picking up Hello Kitty sponges, mini rice molds, and a set of sakura-themed chopsticks I definitely didn’t need but 100% bought.

My top finds?

Travel tissues in Calbee chips packaging (adorable!)
Some great accessibility products that are great for my elderly grandmother.
And of course—snacks. So many snacks.

Small Rant

My only quarrel? They’re selling city-exclusive tote bags everywhere. It totally defeats the purpose of traveling somewhere and picking up a souvenir that actually means something.

I literally shopped at the Daiso in the New York/Jersey area and picked up THAT city specific tote bag as a memento of my time there. Those were special because I was there.

So what’s the point if you can just stroll down the street in Olathe and snag a “souvenir” I traveled to get? That’s like Kansas selling “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” magnets. Oh wait — this Daiso does sell Las Vegas tote bags. Insert eye roll. See the problem?

RANT OVER

Are You Sold Yet?

Aside from that, if you’re looking for a quick escape to Japan without booking a flight or selling your car, get to Daiso in Olathe STAT. Go on a weekday if you can—the weekends have been wild—and make sure to bring a tote bag and a spending limit. (Or live on the no-budget edge like I do.)

Let me know what you pick up when you go—and tag me on IG so I can live vicariously through your hauls!

🛍️ Happy shopping, friends!
April Jay 💕