Shopping Guide

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Shopping Guide Places to go Shopping

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 Akihabara Area 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.

Weights and Measures

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.

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.

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.

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.

Outlet Malls

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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