Buying Makita XGT and HiKOKI Tools from Japan: Six Worth Importing

Introduction

Makita XGT tools carry some of the highest price tags in the cordless market, and many HiKOKI (sold as Metabo HPT in North America) tools are either overpriced or simply never released in the US. The surprising part: a lot of these tools are cheaper in Japan than in the US, even after paying international rush shipping. This guide walks through what to buy, what to avoid, and six specific tools where the numbers make importing genuinely worthwhile.

Why Import Tools from Japan?

Amazon Japan is the simplest route. You create a new account on amazon.jp (your existing US Amazon account does not carry over), add your name and address, and attach a credit card with no currency transfer fees. The Amazon Prime credit card is a safe pick here since it avoids foreign transaction charges.

Before browsing, switch the site language to English and the currency to US dollars in the settings. Then search using very basic terms like “Makita”, “Makita XGT”, or “HiKOKI” rather than full product names. North American model numbers do not exist in Japan, since Makita uses international model numbers almost everywhere outside North America.

A few things to skip entirely: kits with chargers (Japanese chargers run on 220V and will not work on US outlets), batteries (which likely cannot ship via international air freight anyway, and are often cheaper domestically), corded tools, and anything large and heavy like miter saws, blowers, chainsaws, or lawn mowers, where shipping can add hundreds of dollars. Stick to one-handed tools: impacts, drills, small saws, and compact vacuums. The tools and batteries themselves are fully universal across regions, so a HiKOKI tool works with Metabo HPT batteries and vice versa.

Shipping is fast and reasonable. Priority shipping via DHL typically costs only one to three dollars more than standard, arrives in about two days, and includes tracking. Ordering multiple tools in one shipment can also reduce per-tool shipping cost. No import fees or taxes have been encountered on individual tool orders so far, though very large order volumes may trigger fees. The one real trade-off: no US warranty, since the tool was not sold domestically.

Makita GWT05 Impact Wrench

The Makita GWT05 is a standard half-inch impact wrench, available with pin detent or hog ring. In the US it lists at $324, which is steep for a regular-duty wrench. On Amazon Japan the tool-only version shows up around $137.45, and with roughly $34 in delivery the landed cost lands near $195 shipped.

That is close to buying two for the price of one US unit, and the tool is likely made in Japan as a bonus. The lack of a US warranty is the only real downside, but at this price gap it is an easy call for most buyers.

Makita TW004GZ Impact Wrench

The TW004GZ is the international model number for the hog-ring version of the same class of half-inch impact wrench, which is why searching “GWT05” on Amazon Japan will turn up nothing. Listed at $161.45 with around $34.04 delivery to the US, the total comes to roughly $195, again far below the $324 US price.

Remember that international and North American model numbers differ, so always cross-reference before searching. The price fluctuates with Amazon promotions and shipping rates, so it pays to check back.

HiKOKI WH36DC Multi-Volt Impact Driver

The WH36DC is the international version of the Metabo HPT multi-volt bolt, and in the US it is only sold in a kit with two batteries and a charger for $299. There is no tool-only option stateside. On Amazon Japan the tool-only unit was found at $109, with a clipable 3 percent coupon bringing the price to $105.58 before shipping.

With priority shipping added, the total came to $134.37 shipped, taxes included. For anyone who already owns multi-volt batteries, this is a massive saving over the $299 kit. One tip: different colorways carry different prices, and less popular colors are often discounted, so check every color before buying.

Makita TD173 Impact Driver

The TD173 is a newer Makita impact driver with control buttons on the rear, and it has not reached the US market at the time of writing. Pricing on Amazon Japan sits in the $142 to $186 range depending on color: teal at $142, olive green and black at $144, and the more popular yellow at $186, with purple often sold out.

This is one of those tools you can own well before it launches elsewhere. eBay resellers also list it, but they add a markup and shipping takes weeks, whereas Amazon Japan ships directly and quickly.

Makita XGT Vacuum and HiKOKI Multi-Volt Vacuum

Compact vacuums are among the best import deals. The Makita XGT vacuum can be found on Amazon Japan for around $104, plus an estimated $20 to $30 in shipping. In the US, a comparable kit with a 1.4Ah battery and charger runs about $494, which is a huge gap for a tool-only purchase.

The HiKOKI multi-volt vacuum is even more interesting because it is not sold in the US at all. Priced around $121 with modest shipping, it is a genuinely capable vacuum available only through Japanese channels, including special colorways like the white “Snow” edition.

Buying Advice and What to Skip

Not every tool is cheaper in Japan. The Makita multi-tool runs about $99 in the US but $178 in Japan, and some compact reciprocating saws and routers are also cheaper domestically. The lesson: always cross-check the US price before committing. Mid-torque wrenches, high-torque impacts, impact wrenches, and compact vacuums have shown some of the biggest gaps, with mid-torques at roughly $213 in Japan versus $370 in the US.

Follow Makita Japan and HiKOKI Japan on social media to spot new releases early, since new tools often appear in Japan close to a year before they reach North America. Once your first order goes through, the process feels straightforward, and the savings on the right tools more than cover the minor friction.

Conclusion

Importing from Amazon Japan will not save money on every tool, but for compact XGT impacts, HiKOKI multi-volt tools, and small vacuums, the discounts are large enough to ignore the missing warranty. Buy tool-only, avoid batteries, chargers, corded tools, and heavy equipment, use simple search terms with international model numbers, and always compare colors and prices before checkout.