Advice about Buy
Advanced Search
Great department in Japan.
I would like to suggest some good departments in Japan. Isetan, Marui and Sogo, these 3 partments are my favorite ones which sell agreat food in the basement floor and sell clothing.(31 words)
PatY
What are the toy machines "Gacha Gacha" I see around town?
They are one-coin operating gadget vending machines! I would say they were developed based on Japanese people's two characteristics - 1. Like to test one's luck. 2. Love the action of devising an unusual plan on tiny items. Japanese people love to test their luck based on every little things ar…(245 words)
totowatanabe
Where to Find a Tasty Japanese Bento in Japan?
I had a wonderful taste of Miyagi, Hiroshima and Kyoto before I reached Fujisawa just 30 minutes later on the Tokkaido line from Tokyo station. I splurged on the green car for a very relaxed and private meal and let me tastebuds have a party. If you a planning a 30 plus minute ride on a train from …(79 words)
You can go online
For concert and theater tickets, I usually buy them online. Most ticket outlets has their own sites, and try using eplus ( http://eplus.jp ) for their large selection among these.The challenges with these sites are (i) they are only available in Japanese, and (ii) they require registration to m…(124 words)
ToshiA
Japan's the Best Place for Cute Tiny Gifts
Look closely at the little knick knacks in the various shops along a street or shopping arcade in Japan and you will be amazed by the ingenuity that goes in to one little item and how it can grace the home with a bit of sweetness and be useful at the same time. I believe Japan has kind of mastered …(166 words)
Special Fairs and Shops to Check Out in Japan
Yesterday, we went to see a movie at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Theatre and were happily surprised with the Akita Bisaikan specialty shop right across from the entrance. You can try different produce from this beautiful prefecture, buy rice samples and taste the lovely Amazake of the area. It was r…(185 words)
Beauty rollers are popular
There are various types (size and material) of beauty rollers to massage and stimulate your skin in Japan but my best recommendation is this one; Refa CARAT.You can use the roller all over your body from face to toe, and even in the bath!This one is larger compared to other products so it's b…(93 words)
Akko
Think green tea
In Japan, people eat and drink things daily that promote longevity and anti-aging as a matter of fact. For example, green tea not only tastes great hot or cold but has a ton of anti-oxidants.Soy bean products are also known to keep you young and healthy. Soy milk, tofu and natto (fermented soy …(65 words)
Kenji
The Cutest Cartoon Character in Japan, Funasshii
My daughter and I love the character representing Funabashi City in Chiba Prefecture named "Funasshii". Recently the characters or mascots from different areas of Japan are on TV a lot and there is actually a Sumo contest on TV between these adorable and playful characters. Each of them has a perso…(225 words)
What are popular? Usually the latest. Where can you get them? Usually everywhere.
Japan is full of electronics - whether it be in areas known as clusters of electronics-oriented shops like Akihabara in Tokyo or Nipponbashi in Osaka, in stores specializing in electrical and electronic products (Denki or Denka Seihin) like DeoDeo (Hiroshima-based nationwide outlet), Joshin Denki …(185 words)
Mike's
There is interesting mechanical pencil with Japanese technology.
I would like to introduce this product called Kurutoga, made by the Mitsubishi Pencil Company. Using the latest technology, this is a unique writing instrument that features an automatic self-sharpening lead tip that works as you write.Would you try it??You can find any stationery store.(47 words)
SwainJ
Tokyu Store
And yes that's Tokyu, not Tokyo. The Tokyu is a train corporation which extends itself to many different economic areas, such as grocery stores and real estate.The Tokyu store is a high quality grocery store, but not entirely limited to expensive items. It is a typical store with all the regula…(145 words)
KurtisW
109: ichi maru kyuu
The mecca for fashionista is 109, a round shaped building in Shibuya. This is the ultimate fashionista experience!The sales-Gyaru that you meet there are in fact seasoned businesswomen that are experiencing the fashion that they create, selling them with a lot of tact and fun, and they also…(103 words)
Claire
Kendama
A kendama is a Japanese traditional toy. It can be played anywhere and popular among many people regardless of age. There are different tricks for the toy and you are required to master them if you are to join special competitions. I think Kendama can be used as an unique and effective tool when yo…(80 words)
Hideki Tazawa
I appreciate the thought, not the gift...
It never happened to you? Then throw me the first stone!In Japanese, there is a special word for that: Arigatai meiwaku. Litteraly, the "embarrassment that you have to thank for". The thing is, while being very much happy to know that I was part of your thought while you were abroad, I real…(284 words)
Claire
Title: Sweets related to Sakura flowers
The “Sakura” is one of the representative flowers of spring in Japan and we Japanese love them.There are a lot of sweets related to the Sakura such as Sakura-mochi (rice cake with bean paste wrapped in a preserved cherry lea), Sakura-manjyu (steamed bun), Sakura-ame (candies) , Sakura-yokan (swee…(91 words)
Hideki Tazawa
Chubby Guys With Blank Eyes
At the shrines, and in many shops, you’ll see these roly-poly dolls with blank eyes (if they are for sale) or one eye painted black (if they are on display and owned by the shop).These rotund dolls are known as Daruma (Dharma) and are modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Bu…(295 words)
Joe Peters
Showa in Heisei
In Nishiogi, one can find many quaint shops, whether for food, books, antiques, or a small gift for a good friend. Unlike the contemporary boutiques of nearby Kichijoji, where the students from the many women's colleges nearby flock and shop, Nishiogi is where the women "in the know" tend to hang …(471 words)
mikekato
Bookworm's Paradise
There's no shortage of big bookstores in Tokyo. There is, of course, the Kinokuniya Books in Shinjuku, as well as Junkudo, and Parco Books, as well as the Aoyama Book Store. All of these stores have their merits, but they carry only new books. But just like there is something important you l…(604 words)
mikekato
Shopping for little ones while in Japan
While in Japan, why not stop in one of the numerous shopping malls and find some Japan fashions for your kids? Motherways www.motherways.com is one of the most popular stores for parents to buy great fashionable clothes for children from toddlers through to 12 years old. Most clothes can be found…(135 words)
Kevin
Shopping in Kyushu
Yufuin （湯布院） is one of the main tourist attractions of Kyushu. It is in Oita prefecture, which is famous for its hot springs. If you are looking for traditional Japanese goods, cute souvenirs or delicious food, this is the place to go!Yufuin is a small area (similar to Komachi-dori in Kamaku…(116 words)
RieS
Tourist Tip #3 (Revisited): Stay Away from Souvenir Shops
In one of my previous "Tourist Tip" posts, I suggested staying away from conventional tourist-trap omiyageya (souvenir shops) and visiting instead some of the cooler places where there's more to shop for at better deals:http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3317There are many such places to visit. Som…(171 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Flee markets: an alternative to shop souvenirs
There are so many things you can bring back home as souvenir from Japan that sometimes, choice and possibilities are overwhelming. It's so difficult to decide which souvenir will please the best to who...And, everyone does not always enjoy "shopping" per se. So you rush to some kind of souvenir…(476 words)
Claire
Well-Measured Success
It wasn't so long ago that most staple products were purchased in Japan in bulk. The grocer, dry goods shop, or other shopkeeper had a scale, upon which he measured any amount that his customer wanted to purchase. The item would be put into a container, usually one that the customer brought to th…(689 words)
mikekato
Cutting edges: souvernirs that look like they are out of Kill Bill
You have seen the sword of Uma Thruman in Kill Bill. It is made by an old blacksmith known by only a few privileged and who does not accept to create a sword for anybody unless they are heaven-gifted creatures... Even if you are not Uma Thruman, you can get yourself a piece of that art!If y…(366 words)
Claire
Inspiration for Valentine Day !
If you want your Valentine to be really happy with your present, here are some ideas for you from Romantic Japan.Tokyo top 10 of the best presents ever for 2015. The keyword is: let's share and enjoy the present together!10. Life is a box of chocolate. Of course, you can enjoy chocolate t…(352 words)
Claire
Stranded in Japan without shoes?
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons the global average shoe size for an adult male is US size 9 - 12. As hard as it may be to believe the largest size footwear carried for men in most Japanese shoe stores is a mere 28 cm (around US size 8 1/2, EU size 43), and even if you are l…(206 words)
Aron
ISETAN Department Store with an abundant line-up of products and unparalleled customer service
There are a number of major department stores in Shinjuku area, Tokyo, offering a wide variety of shopping locales for international visitors. Located next to Shinjuku 3-Chome subway Station, ISETAN is a veteran among Shinjuku's department stores and they focus on high-quality, unique items especia…(578 words)
Aom
Bringing Japanese Tabi to the World
Japanese people typically wear tabi when they dress up in Japanese clothes, such as kimono.These resemble socks apart from the fact that the big toe is separated out from the other toes. These days most people wear western clothes and few Japanese wear tabi on a daily basis.Musashino Uniform Co…(346 words)
HiraganaTimes
recommended Daiso
Daiso is the most popular 100yen shop in Tokyo.The largest Daiso shop is in Kinshicho town near Tokyo Sky Tree.The shop in Harajuku town is also recommendable with wide variety of products.(34 words)
ko
Kawaii female fashion
In the fashion world, Tokyo is now one of the hottest cities especially for youth or street fashion. As the keyward of "kawaii" is getting known in the world, Tokyo has been always transmitting new style of fashion to the world. "Marui One" is the female fashion department store where you can get…(62 words)
ko
Spend a day at the Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside!
Our favorite family shopping spot is the Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside, which is about an hour away from Tokyo. Here, there are stores of all varieties, from sports goods to fancy clothes to delicious food. Although it can get crowded during the weekend, the atmosphere is great with the famil…(106 words)
RieS
A sign of politeness, kindness and gratitude
From when Japanese children are young, they learn the importance of buying souvenirs for their family and friends if they travel or visit somewhere not in the vicinity. At the beginning, the children buy souvenirs just for fun, but they gradually find out that it is a sign of politeness, kindness a…(59 words)
RieS
Go to Daiso for low-cost solutions!
The most common and popular 100yen store in Japan is Daiso. They are usually placed close to a train station or in malls and therefore are easily accessible. Although I go to Daiso for stationery goods such as notebooks, binders, folders and erasers, there is so much more available, from food to gl…(100 words)
RieS
A coin-operated vending machine with collectors' items!
“Gacha Gachas” are coin-operated vending machines with capsules containing items from manga, anime and other popular icons – these may be key-chains, cellphone straps or a figure. They remind me of the bubblegum machines in the USA, since people insert coins, turn the crank and out comes a capsule.…(104 words)
RieS
A present full of surprises
During the first few days of January, there is a big shopping spree in which many people buy big “Lucky” bags filled with products from that store. Although the contents of the bag are unknown, people buy it because the contents are said to be worth more than the selling price. It’s thrilling to…(91 words)
RieS
Keep the store clean and stay polite!
An aspect I am always surprised by when shopping in Japan is that the stores are always impeccably clean! What I learned through experience is that the shoppers themselves leave the shops clean by folding the clothes or not picking up the clothes unless they like it. Also, it is a Japanese custo…(120 words)
RieS
A store for things you may need on the train
The kiosk is usually a small stall in the middle of the train platform, which sells goods that you may need on a train ride. Common things are drinks, snacks (candy, cookies, gum, etc.), magazines and newspapers. They also sell other small commodities such as masks, tissues and band-aids.(49 words)
RieS
The Three P's
Japanese hair salons are known for great service and outcomes. However, to make your experience successful, there are three P’s you should keep in mind: Pictures, phrases and price. Pictures. It is always a good idea to have a picture of what you want your hair to look like using pictures on a p…(218 words)
RieS
Nintendo 3DS XL!
One of the most popular toys in Japan is the Nintendo 3DS XL, which is the newest Nintendo machine. Children often get these and/or their cassettes for their birthday or Christmas presents. One of the most popular games are Super Mario, Pokemon and Minna no Mori. This game is so popular among child…(73 words)
RieS