Japan Shopping Guide |
In a country that manufactures a large percentage of the entire world's consumer goods, and that structures its entire national existence around the marketplace, it is no surprise that shopping takes up a good proportion of most visitors' time.
The Japanese themselves love shopping, and look upon a visit to big department stores in the major cities as recreation. The stores encourage this by offering child-care service, giving away free food samples in their grocery markets and delicatessens, holding art shows and demonstrating native and foreign crafts.
Among the valued items sought as souvenirs are digital cameras, DVD players, portable MD players, watches, kimonos, pearls, ceramics, bamboo ware, woodblock prints and curios. All of which are available in specialty shops or department stores.
Shopping Hours
Shops and other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Department stores, however, are closed during one weekday, differing by store, and certain specialty shops may not open on Sundays and national holidays. Please note that department stores close at least one hour (7:00 p.m.) earlier than most other stores.
Tax-Free Shopping
Bring your passport with you for tax-free shopping. Duty Free shopping is possible only at Japan's international airports. But authorized tax-free shops in urban shopping districts cater to tourists with English-speaking staff. Time permitting, compare prices at these shops with those for comparable products at discount stores or bargain markets before you make the final decision. Some tax-free shops are found in Tokyo's International Arcade and Kyoto's Handicraft Center. You can be except from Japan's 5 percent 'consumption tax' if your purchase comes to more than 10,000 yen for certain items.
Electrical Appliances
Take care when buying electrical or electronic products. Be sure the circuits are, or can be, adjusted to use with your home country's power system.
Video systems differ from country to country, so confirm that the system is correct for your use.
| Places to go Shopping |
You can find a wide range of products in hotel arcades, shopping centers, department stores, and specialty shops at duty-free prices. Supermarkets and bargain markets are among other recommendable places to explore.
Hotel Arcades and Shopping Centers
Clerks speak English at shops in hotel arcades or in shopping centers conveniently close to major hotels.
Department Stores
Japan's department stores are first class in customer service and in the vast choice of merchandise stocked and displayed. Many hold frequent art and craft exhibitions. Roof playgrounds make children happy. Receptionists can summon English-speaking staff for special assistance.
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Underground Shopping Malls
These malls are found at or near most major railway stations and below busy streets in major cities. For details, visit the nearest 'i' information office
Specialty Shops
Many specialty shops are located in fashionable districts of big cities, purveying everything from stationery to toys and haute couture.
Supermarkets
Japanese supermarkets abound in residential areas. Prices are less expensive than those of department stores. You can browse in aisle after aisle of foodstuffs, cooking accessories, and many other daily life products. The major chains include Daiei, Seiyu, Jusco and Ito Yokado.
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Discount Stores
Located near train stations and other busy areas, discount stores specialize in high volume, cash-only bargain sales. Ask an information office for tips on where to go.
Bargain Markets
In the bigger cities, stores in wholesale districts sell a wide choice of merchandise, from saucepans to stereos, at wholesale prices. Tokyo's Shinjuku and Ikebukuro districts are good for cameras and audio gear; Tokyo's Akihabara and Osaka's Nippombashi for electrical and computer gear; and Tokyo's Tsukiji and Okachimachi for food and general merchandise.
100 Yen Shops
These are constantly growing in number. A wide range of items - from foods to articles for daily use - are all sold at a uniform price of 100 yen. 100-yen shops can be found near train stations and in shopping districts. You may find small souvenir items there such as Japanese tableware and many other items on sale.
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Bargain Sales
Japanese retailers, especially department stores, hold large-scale bargain sales twice a year, selling seasonal products such as clothes and sundry goods at remarkable discount prices. If you happen to visit a department store during such a bargain sale period, you'll be impressed with the number of price tags on display at 30 or 50 percent off. Usually, the bargain sale seasons are in January and July.
Flea Markets
Known as nomi-no-ichi, flea markets are held in various parts of Japan. Taking place mostly in the grounds of temples and shrines, flea markets are usually open from early morning to late afternoon. Items on sale range widely both in varieties and prices, from extremely expensive antiques to inexpensive souvenir items. Dealing in old tableware, cloths, furniture and sundry goods, these markets also attract many foreigners. Just looking is fun. Get up a bit earlier in the morning and visit one.
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| Camera/ Electric and electronic appliances |
Kanto
Akihabara (Tokyo)
Description : From PCs and mobile electronics to audio gear such as stereos, CDs, and MDs, Akihabara is stocked with every kind of electrical and electronic merchandise. The shopping district is home to more than 1,000 specialized stores large and small as well as general electronics retailers, including tax-exempt shops ready to do business in English, Chinese and Korean.
Access : Near JR Akihabara Sta.
URL : http://www.akiba.or.jp (Japanese/English)
Shinjuku (Tokyo)
Description : In the vicinity of the west, east and south gates of Shinjuku Station are
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gathered numerous specialty shops and large discount stores dealing in cameras, watches, and multimedia goods. There are also stores specializing in used audio, PC and camera gear.
Access : Near JR Shinjuku Sta.
Ikebukuro (Tokyo)
Description : A plethora of discount merchandise is on display at the many home appliance mass merchandisers and PC and camera specialty stores just outside the east exit of Ikebukuro Station. The used camera shops also attract a dedicated clientele.
Access : Near JR Ikebukuro Sta.
Kansai
Nipponbashi (Osaka)
Description : Denden Town is an electronics shopping area that offers the best selection and prices in the Kansai area. Lining the streets are around 200 specialty shops selling PC equipment, cameras and portable stereos, all competing fiercely to deliver the lowest prices.
Access : About 2 min. walk from Nipponbashi Sta. on Subway Sennichimae Line
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| Household Goods |
Kanto
Kappabashi Tool Town (Tokyo)
Description : The primary customers of the 170 or so stores of Kappabashi Tool Town are food service businesses. Restaurant representatives come to buy kitchen equipment, wax food samples, and furnishings and foods. The shops also conduct retail sales and attract many customers from the general public.
Access : About 2 min. from Tawara-machi Sta. on Subway Ginza Line |
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Kansai
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Commercial District (Osaka)
Description : Everything related to cooking and food can be found in the district's 50 or so kitchen goods shops, from culinary equipment for pros to utensils for the home. Come here for bargain prices and the latest innovations.
Access : About 5 min. walk from Nanba Sta. on Subway Midosuji Line
URL : http://www.doguyasuji.or.jp (English/Japanese)
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| Sporting Goods |
Kanto
Kanda Ogawamachi Sporting Goods District (Tokyo)
Description : Kanda Ogawamachi offers an abundance of winter sports gear like skis and snowboards, along with plenty of outdoor specialty stores and golf shops featuring imported goods.
Access : Near Ogawamachi Sta. on Subway Shinjuku Line |
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| Flea Markets |
Kanto
Aoyama Antique Street (Tokyo)
Description : Aoyama Antique Street not only offers old Japanese artwork, antiques, swords, and tansu and other old home furnishings, but also antiques from Europe and Asia.
Access : Near Omotesando Sta. on Subway Ginza Line |
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Kansai
To-ji Temple Flea Market
Open : First Sunday of the month
Description : From early morning until about 2 PM on market days, many rare Japanese antiques are put on sale in the precincts of To-ji Temple.
Access : About 5 min. walk from Toji Sta. on Kintetsu Kyoto Line
To-ji Temple Kobo Market
Open : 21st every month.
Description : This market, held at To-ji Temple, features more than 1,500 outdoor booths selling mostly props and antiques but extending to daily necessities. Plenty of bargains can be had!
Access : About 5 min. walk from Toji Sta. on Kintetsu Kyoto Line
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| Musical instruments |
Kanto
Ochanomizu (Tokyo)
Description : Ochanomizu is best known for musical instruments, including a wide variety of items such as rare acoustic guitars and used instruments and audio gear. Also look out for imported CDs and plenty of bargains!
Access : Near JR Ochanomizu Sta.
Shin-Okubo (Tokyo)
Description : From musical instruments for beginners to vintage electric guitars, Shin-Okubo offers a vast selection, along with many CD and audio equipment shops.
Access : Near JR Shin-Okubo Sta.
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| Toys |
Kanto
Asakusabashi (Tokyo)
Description : Old shops specializing in Japanese dolls cluster around JR Asakusabashi Station. Nearby is the toy wholesalers' district, where shops dealing in toys, games, fireworks and carp streamers abound.
Access : Near JR Asakusabashi Sta.
Iwatsuki (Saitama)
Description : Iwatsuki is dotted with shops dealing in Japanese and folk craft dolls.
Access : About 12 min. by Tobu Noda Line from Omiya Sta. to Iwatsuki Sta. then 1 min. walk
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