Family Dining · Practical guide
e-earphone
Japan Audio Shop Guide — Akihabara Floors, Tryouts, Used Gear & Custom IEMs
Prices, ordering steps, payment details, and common mistakes — in one place.
Quick Facts
Last checked against official information: 2026-11-13.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Japanese name | e☆イヤホン (e-Earphone) |
| Brand Name | e☆イヤホン / e-earphone (株式会社タイムマシン / Time Machine Co., Ltd.) |
| Store Type | Specialist in new and used earphones, headphones, portable audio players, cables, custom IEM orders, repair and buyback |
| Target Audience | Visitors comparing earphones and headphones, music listeners, audio engineers, gamers, and people ordering custom-fit in-ear monitors |
| Ordering Style | Browse the floor for the product category and check the specific model’s store demo availability. Many models can be auditioned; staff can explain suitable connections and hygiene precautions. |
| Membership Required? | Ordinary in-store purchases do not require a web membership. For tax-free purchases, eligibility and identification requirements apply; foreign visitors generally need their original passport. The separate seven-day used-item return service requires membership and excludes tax-free transactions. |
| Price Examples (verified November 12, 2026) | Online listings showed final E3000 earphones at ¥4,130, final A4000 at ¥16,800, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones at ¥24,200, AZLA XELASTEC II eartips from ¥1,980, a NOBUNAGA Labs Gilgameš-Omega 4.4mm replacement cable at ¥54,800, and a used Sony NW-ZX707 at ¥62,500 (tax included). Stock, condition, color and actual in-store prices may differ. The shop’s custom IEM FAQ reports a typical budget of ¥150,000–¥200,000 plus around ¥5,000 for ear impressions, with lower-priced models available. Eligible tax-free purchases generally total at least ¥5,000 excluding tax per participating store per day. |
| Multilingual Support | Online product pages and some product materials may contain specifications in Japanese. Multilingual in-store staffing is not guaranteed; use the model number and ask staff for the precise specifications when needed. |
| Payment Methods | In-store payment includes cash (JPY), Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express and Diners Club; Visa/JCB debit cards are listed. Akihabara also lists transit IC, iD, PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d払い, au PAY and Merpay. Check the individual branch’s listed electronic payment options; UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay and QUICPay should not be assumed. |
| Store Network | Four stores: Akihabara (Tokyo), Osaka Nihonbashi, Nagoya Osu, and Sendai Station Front. Retail hours: Akihabara/Osaka/Nagoya 11:00–20:00; Sendai 10:00–20:00. Special service desks can have different hours. |
What it is
e☆イヤホン is a Japanese specialist chain for earphones, headphones and portable audio. Time Machine Co., Ltd. opened its first e☆イヤホン store in Osaka’s Shinsaibashi district in 2007, then moved to Nipponbashi in 2008. Its Akihabara store opened in 2011 and later expanded and moved. A central attraction is the opportunity to compare many available demonstration models before choosing equipment; availability depends on the item and store. Bring a suitable audio source, but ask staff about compatible connections and which samples may be tried.
The Akihabara store at 4-7-1 Sotokanda has seven floors, and its official description says it handles more than 25,000 audio products—an assortment figure, not a count of headphones ready for audition. It stocks products from Japanese and international makers, as well as used equipment, cables and portable digital audio players. You can also browse gaming audio on 7F and seek help with repairs, hearing aids or custom-fit earphones on 6F. The official floor map is the most reliable way to locate a category; the availability of any particular model must be checked on its listing or in store.
How to order
Step 1: Start at the Correct Akihabara Floor
The flagship is in Shintou Building, 4-7-1 Sotokanda, about a five-minute walk from Akihabara Station’s Electric Town exit and directly by Suehirocho Station’s Exit 1. The current official Akihabara floor guide lists:
- 1F — Wireless audio: Bluetooth earbuds and wireless headphones.
- 2F — Wired earphones and accessories: Wired in-ear models, eartips and related accessories.
- 3F — Wired headphones and audio players: Over-ear listening equipment and digital audio players (DAPs).
- 4F — Used wireless audio and buyback: Pre-owned wireless products and the purchase/trade-in desk.
- 5F — Used wired audio, cables and players: Second-hand wired equipment and accessories.
- 6F — Clinic, hearing-aid Listening Lab and custom IEMs: Repairs, ear-impression inquiries and made-to-order monitors.
- 7F — Gaming and streaming audio: Gaming headsets, microphones and related sound equipment.
The main retail store is open 11:00–20:00. The 6F Listening Lab has its own 11:00–19:00 hours and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; buyback reception is 10:30–19:30.
Step 2: Compare Demonstration Headphones and Earphones
- Bring your phone or digital audio player with familiar tracks. A USB-C audio adapter or suitable balanced/single-ended cable may be needed, depending on the model and source.
- Check the product listing or ask staff whether a demo unit for the exact model and variant is available; the shop’s online pages distinguish store stock from demonstration availability.
- Follow staff instructions for wired connections, volume levels and hygienic handling. A display is not a guarantee that you can use your personal phone or try every model without assistance.
- Compare fit and sound at moderate volume. If a demo is unavailable, consider similar in-stock models rather than assuming all 25,000-plus products can be auditioned.
Step 3: Choose Eartips and Cables That Fit
- The 2F wired-earphone and accessories area is the place to look for replacement eartips and compatible cables, including Final, SpinFit and AZLA lines.
- Check your earphone’s nozzle diameter, the eartip size and the replacement cable connector (for example, 2-pin or MMCX). A 4.4mm balanced output is compatible only when your player and earphones/cable support it.
- Ask what demonstration or fitting options are available. No universal “1F Eartip Bar,” complimentary sample size or hygiene exception is guaranteed.
Step 4: Checkout and Japan’s November 2026 Tax Refund
- Check whether the branch is currently accepting tax-free sales for your purchase and ask for the dedicated counter before paying. The shop’s August 2026 return terms explicitly distinguish tax-free purchases, but do not establish a uniform register or refund operator for every branch.
- Eligible nonresident travelers must meet Japan’s tax-free conditions and present the identification required for their status, ordinarily the original passport used on entry for foreign visitors. Eligible purchases generally require at least ¥5,000 excluding tax per participating store per day.
- From November 1, 2026, you pay the tax-inclusive amount when purchasing. The shop registers the eligible sale electronically and explains its refund provider and payout process. Keep the receipt and any instructions given.
- Within 90 days of purchase, export the purchased goods and complete customs confirmation when leaving Japan. Do this before checking baggage if your purchases will be packed in it. Follow the airport’s passport/kiosk or customs guidance and show the goods when requested. A green result does not normally require physical inspection; a red result does.
- After customs confirmation, the tax is refunded through the selling business or its contracted operator according to the process it has registered. A card reversal or airport cash payout is not guaranteed; fee and refund method depend on the provider. Ask the counter to identify the actual process for your transaction.
- The old legal separation between “General Goods” and “Consumables” was abolished for the November 2026 refund system. Headphones can ordinarily be used during the trip, but the purchased goods must be exported within the statutory time. For earphones that contain built-in lithium batteries, check airline carriage rules as well.
What to order first
1. final E3000 and A4000 In-Ear Earphones
- Japanese Name: final (ファイナル) E3000 / A4000 高音質イヤホン
- Price Examples: final E3000 ¥4,130 and final A4000 ¥16,800 (tax included, e-earphone online listings checked November 12, 2026).
- Why Consider Them: The E3000 is a compact wired model in final’s E series; the A4000 is another Japanese-brand option for comparing fit and tuning. These are two concrete starting points at different price levels. Confirm whether the exact model is available for audition at the branch and check plug compatibility before buying.
2. Sony High-Resolution Walkman Players (NW-ZX707 and NW-WM1AM2)
- Japanese Name: ソニー ウォークマン (NW-ZX707 / NW-WM1AM2) ハイレゾプレーヤー
- Price Example: A specifically listed used NW-ZX707, condition rank A, at ¥62,500 (tax included, e-earphone online listing checked November 12, 2026). This is not a quote for a new player or every condition grade.
- Why Consider Them: Sony’s NW-ZX707 supports high-resolution audio, S-Master HX for wired listening, and both a 3.5mm single-ended headphone socket and a 4.4mm balanced connection. The player uses a machined-aluminum chassis with an internal oxygen-free-copper block; that does not make every Walkman chassis copper. Check the condition, storage capacity, menu languages and included accessories on the exact player, especially for used units.
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Other Headphones
- Japanese Name: オーディオテクニカ ATH-M50x / オーバーイヤーヘッドホン
- Price Example: ATH-M50x ¥24,200 (tax included, e-earphone online listing checked November 12, 2026).
- Why Consider Them: The ATH-M50x is a well-known wired closed-back studio-monitoring headphone. At Akihabara, look on 3F for wired headphones, and compare the exact fit and cable options with other display models. Audio-Technica also makes wood-housing headphones, but the wood species, construction and price should be verified for a specific model rather than assumed across the range.
4. NOBUNAGA Labs and Brise Audio Replacement Cables
- Japanese Name: ノブナガラボ (NOBUNAGA Labs) / ブリスオーディオ リケーブル
- Price Example: NOBUNAGA Labs Gilgameš-Omega, a 4.4mm balanced-to-custom-IEM 2-pin cable, ¥54,800 (tax included, e-earphone online listing checked November 12, 2026).
- Why Consider Them: Replacement cables can suit a particular in-ear monitor’s connector, length and balanced output. The Gilgameš-Omega is a specific high-end example; lower-cost options and other plugs are offered across the category. Verify the earphone-end connector and source-side plug, and avoid assuming that a cable alone guarantees a measurable improvement in sound.
5. AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTEC II and SpinFit Replacement Eartips
- Japanese Name: AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTEC II / SpinFit イヤーピース
- Price Example: AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTEC II Standard, from ¥1,980 (tax included, e-earphone online listing checked November 12, 2026; package/size variants differ).
- Why Consider Them: Choosing an eartip that fits your ear and earphone nozzle can change comfort, isolation and perceived bass. XELASTEC II is made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), not medical-grade silicone; other brands and models use different materials. No eartip produces a guaranteed airtight seal or perfect comfort for everyone. Check nozzle and size compatibility before purchase.
Payment & practical info
- Accepted Payment Modes: The official e-earphone buying guide lists in-store cash, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Visa debit and JCB debit. The Akihabara store additionally lists transit IC, iD, PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d払い, au PAY and Merpay. Other stores may differ, and web checkout options should not be assumed in-store.
- Tax-Free Refund Rules (from November 1, 2026): Participating shops sell eligible goods at the tax-inclusive price. A qualifying shopper generally needs purchases totaling at least ¥5,000 before tax per store per day, must complete customs export confirmation within 90 days, and receives the tax refund through the merchant or provider after confirmation. No universal airport cash or card refund method has been confirmed for e-earphone. The general/consumables legal split is obsolete.
- Operating Hours: Retail Akihabara 11:00–20:00, Osaka Nihonbashi 11:00–20:00, Nagoya Osu 11:00–20:00, Sendai Station Front 10:00–20:00. Akihabara’s buyback and Listening Lab have separate hours.
- Trying Equipment with a Phone: Bring a charger, suitable 3.5mm or USB-C audio adapter, or a compatible player if you plan to audition wired models. Do not expect a complimentary Lightning/USB-C adapter at every station.
- Promotions and Used Gear: Akihabara lists used-audio discounts on dates ending in 5 (subject to exclusions and campaign changes). The used-item seven-day return program excludes tax-free purchases, and the August 1, 2026 terms require membership, Japan-based use, eligible ranks A–D and item price ¥10,000 to under ¥800,000; customer-paid return shipping and postal returns apply.
- Overseas Delivery: Direct shipping from the e-earphone online store is within Japan only; international forwarding to third-party logistics addresses is not accepted under its delivery rules. Travelers should arrange any delivery expectations before paying.
Good to know / Common mistakes
1. Used Products Are Split Across Two Floors
At Akihabara, 4F carries used wireless audio and buyback service, while 5F focuses on used wired earphones, headphones, cables and audio players. You may find discontinued products, but the exact condition and price vary by item. e-earphone publishes a condition scale: A (light wear), B (normal use), C (visible damage), D (more worn but usable), defective and junk. Read each listing and warranty label. The advertised seven-day returns are not available for tax-free purchases; check defects and accessories carefully before leaving Japan.
2. Listen During Your Trip, and Export Your Purchase
The November 2026 refund rules abolished the General Goods/Consumables division. Eligible headphones and portable players do not have to stay sealed in the old consumables packaging scheme, and you may ordinarily use them while visiting Japan. However, tax-free purchases must leave Japan within 90 days, with customs export confirmation completed when you depart. If a headphone or player has a lithium-ion battery, check the airline’s current cabin-baggage rules.
3. Custom IEMs Usually Cannot Be Taken Home on the Same Trip
e-earphone’s published custom-IEM information puts manufacturing at roughly one to three months, with its September 2026 FAQ giving about three months as a practical estimate. Ear-impression collection normally takes around 15–20 minutes; allowing about an hour for design selection and ordering is sensible. An appointment may be needed, and impressions are offered through the Akihabara 6F Listening Lab and specified partner providers. A made-to-order custom IEM is not the same as an immediately available universal-fit earphone. If you will leave Japan sooner, decide how you would collect the finished product before placing the order; e-earphone’s own online store does not provide direct overseas shipping. Do not assume a made-to-order product can qualify for a tax refund if you cannot take possession of it and export it within the legal 90-day period.
FAQ
Q1: Can I really connect my own phone to test expensive headphones?
A: Many in-store demonstration models can be tried, but not every item or variant has a demo unit. Check the precise product listing’s trial indicator or ask staff. You may be able to use your own player or phone if the connectors and hygiene requirements permit; unlimited listening time and universal compatibility are not guaranteed.
Q2: Do they carry balanced 4.4mm audio cables?
A: Yes. e-earphone lists 4.4mm balanced cables, including NOBUNAGA Labs models for custom-IEM 2-pin connectors. Sony’s NW-ZX707 uses a 4.4mm five-pole balanced jack. Match the output plug and earphone connector before purchase; 4.4mm cables do not automatically work with ordinary 3.5mm phone sockets.
Q3: How do I receive my tax refund under the 2026 customs system?
A: At an e-earphone location currently participating in tax-free shopping, show the necessary passport or other qualifying document and pay the price including consumption tax. The store registers your purchase and gives instructions for its own refund provider. Within 90 days, complete customs export confirmation before checking baggage if the goods are inside it; show the goods if customs requests them. The merchant or its designated provider then issues the eligible refund according to the agreed procedure. e-earphone has not published one guaranteed card-refund or airport-cash method for all branches.
Sources
- e-earphone Akihabara Store: Seven-Floor Guide, Address, Hours and Cashless Payments (checked November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone Official Nationwide Stores and Opening Hours (checked November 12, 2026)
- Time Machine Co., Ltd. Company History (checked November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone Official In-Store Payment Guide (checked November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone Official Used-Audio Condition and Warranty Guide (checked November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone Used-Item Seven-Day Return Terms, Effective August 1, 2026 (checked November 12, 2026; excludes tax-free purchases)
- e-earphone Custom IEM FAQ, Updated September 1, 2026 (checked November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone Custom IEM Overview, November 2026 (checked November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone Official Delivery Guide (checked November 12, 2026; no direct overseas delivery)
- Sony NW-ZX707 Manufacturer Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
- AZLA Manufacturer: XELASTEC II Material and Sizes (checked November 12, 2026; TPE)
- e-earphone: final E3000 (price snapshot November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone: final A4000 (price snapshot November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone: Sony NW-ZX707 Used (price and used-grade snapshot November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (price snapshot November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone: NOBUNAGA Labs Gilgameš-Omega (price snapshot November 12, 2026)
- e-earphone: AZLA XELASTEC II (price snapshot November 12, 2026)
- Japan Customs: Tax Refund Method for Foreign Visitors (checked November 12, 2026)
- Japan National Tax Agency: Refund Method Starting November 2026 (checked November 12, 2026)