The Sayonara Sale Guide: How to Sell Everything Before Leaving Japan [2026]
By Furima Navi Team • May 26, 2026 • 12 min read
Quick Answer
A sayonara sale is the expat tradition of selling everything before leaving Japan. Best approach: list valuable items on Mercari 6 weeks before your move, post mid-range items in Facebook expat groups 3–4 weeks before, use Jimoty for free large-item giveaways 2 weeks before, and schedule sodai-gomi pickup for anything left 1 week before.
What Is a Sayonara Sale?
A sayonara (さよなら — goodbye) sale is the expat tradition of selling your belongings before leaving Japan. Shipping furniture internationally costs ¥500,000 or more. Disposal fees for large items (粗大ゴミ, sodai-gomi) add up fast. The smart play: sell instead of pay to dispose.
Facebook groups like "Tokyo Sayonara Sale" and "Mottainai Japan" (もったいない — what a waste) exist specifically for this. Thousands of expats have done this before you, and the system works smoothly if you plan ahead.
The 6-Week Sayonara Sale Timeline
Weeks 1–2 (6 weeks before)
List high-value items on Mercari
- →Electronics, brand clothing, cameras, games
- →Price 20–30% below similar sold listings for quick sales
- →Use Profit Calculator to set the right price
- →Take clean photos against a plain background
Weeks 3–4 (3–4 weeks before)
Facebook expat groups — bundle deals
- →Post: "Moving sale — everything must go"
- →Groups: Tokyo Sayonara Sale, Mottainai Japan, your city expat group
- →Bundle related items: sofa + table + chairs = ¥15,000 total
- →Allow pickup only — no shipping needed for furniture
Weeks 4–5 (2 weeks before)
Jimoty — large items and giveaways
- →List furniture and appliances at very low prices or free
- →Jimoty = Japanese Craigslist — buyers come to your door
- →Perfect for: sofa, bed, fridge, washing machine, bicycle
- →Zero-effort disposal — no carrying, no fees
Week 6 (1 week before)
Final disposal of whatever remains
- →Schedule 粗大ゴミ (sodai-gomi) pickup for large items that did not sell
- →Small items → regular garbage sorted by category (燃えるゴミ, 燃えないゴミ, 資源ゴミ)
- →Donate usable items to Hard Off, Book Off, or local charity shops
What Sells Best at Sayonara Sales
| Item | Best Platform | Expected Price | Sell Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone / electronics | Mercari | 70–80% of market | 1–3 days |
| IKEA / Nitori furniture | Facebook groups | ¥1,000–10,000 | 1–7 days |
| Kitchen appliances | Mercari or Facebook | ¥1,000–8,000 | 3–7 days |
| Brand clothing | Mercari | ¥500–5,000 | 3–14 days |
| Bicycle | Jimoty | ¥3,000–10,000 | 1–5 days |
| Books / manga sets | Mercari | ¥500–3,000 | 7–14 days |
| Bedding / futon | Jimoty (free or cheap) | ¥0–2,000 | 1–3 days |
Pricing Strategy for Quick Sales
- →"Moving price" = 50–70% of what similar items sold for on Mercari (check completed listings)
- →Bundle related items: kitchenware set, bedroom set — buyers love a deal
- →On Mercari: mark as 出品者負担 (seller pays shipping) for faster sales
- →On Facebook: write "OBO" (or best offer) to invite negotiation
- →Last 2 weeks: drop all prices 50% — it is cheaper than disposal fees
Tips for a Stress-Free Sayonara Sale
- ✓Photograph everything BEFORE you start packing boxes
- ✓Keep all chargers, cables, and accessories together with their devices
- ✓Be honest about condition — the expat community is tight-knit and reputation matters
- ✓Accept cash or PayPay for in-person sales
- ✓Meet buyers at your nearest station if you are uncomfortable with home visits
- ✓Keep a simple spreadsheet: item, platform, price, status
Do Not Forget Before Leaving
- !Cancel utility contracts: gas (ガス), electricity (電気), water (水道), internet
- !Redirect mail at the post office — 転送届 (tensou-todoke) form
- !Return apartment keys and complete 退去立会い (move-out inspection)
- !Cancel any sodai-gomi pickups you no longer need
- !Unregister your residence from the ward office (転出届)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I start my sayonara sale?
A: 6 weeks before your move date. High-value items on Mercari first, furniture on Facebook groups 3–4 weeks before, large items on Jimoty 2 weeks before.
Q: What Facebook groups should I post in?
A: Search "[your city] sayonara sale" or "buy and sell". Popular ones: Tokyo Sayonara Sale, Mottainai Japan, Osaka Buy & Sell / Kansai Swap.
Q: Should I sell on Mercari or Facebook?
A: Mercari for valuable items — secure payment, buyer protection. Facebook for furniture and bulk — buyers come to you, no shipping needed.
Q: How do I handle large item pickup?
A: Jimoty buyers come directly to you. For expensive items, use Mercari Tanomeru-bin pickup service so payment is protected.
Q: What about items nobody wants?
A: List on Jimoty for free. If still unclaimed, schedule 粗大ゴミ (sodai-gomi) pickup. Small items go in sorted regular garbage.