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See if You Like Shochu
Of the varieties of alcohol in Japan, Shochu is the most common hard liquor that is often drank on its own and is mixed in a variety of drinks. It's strength is typically in the 15-20% range and comes has a wide variety of brands to try. It tastes like sour plums. Even if you don't like it on its o…(87 words)
KurtisW
Give them the Gift of Language
While toys and trinkets are fine gifts for children, consider buying your child a book about learning Japanese. Many of these can come in the form of picture books that teach them simple vocabulary, such as counting in Japanese or how to say their favorite toys in Japanese. If they become intereste…(133 words)
KurtisW
Daiso is SO da BOMB!
Back home the dollar store is home to outdated, tacky t-shirts, plastic plates and expired candy and food. In Japan, however, the hyaku-en shop, or Daiso, is a mecca of high-quality goods and great Japanese souvenirs.Plates, bowls, mugs and cups that would cost 10 times as much in your home cou…(188 words)
Nate
Not everything costs 100 yen
Some items in the stores cost more than 100 yen so pay attention to the price tags. There are some items that go for up to 600 yen or so. With the tax hike, all goods are at least 108 yen at this time and may rise in the future with additional tax increases.(54 words)
Kenji
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
Local Shops Have Great Prices Too
Daiso is actually a Hiroshima company that is now in Australia and other countries around Asia as well. However, none of the products are actually made in Japan. Of course it is fun to walk around and see all the cheap Chinese made products, but you can actually find most of the good things they ha…(387 words)
jjwalsh
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)
What is a good souvenir for children?
Big soft toys! Japan has tons of soft toys that come in many shapes and cute characters. I would recommend you to visit one of the game centers and try out their UFO catchers. In some places like Round One, Namco etc, you can ask the staff how to efficiently win it or place it where you can easily …(78 words)
lucaslim
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
When Shopping in Japan Live as the Japanese Do
Shopping in Japan can be a dream. The stores are beautiful and the shopkeepers are very civilized and unaggressive. One thing to remember is that when the staff say "Irashaimase" it basically means welcome and is a set phrase at every establishment. They are just welcoming you and not being pushy i…(113 words)
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)
Deep Harajuku Feature
It's been covered on this site and many otehrs, but Harajuku is the absolute number one area for the typical Japanese fashion scene. Although mostly pertaining to girls' fashion, stylish menswear is also abundant.This site provides some fantastic first-hand, up-close and personal features of th…(78 words)
KurtisW
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
Aritsugu - famous "Hocho" (cooking knives) brand
"Aritsugu" is one of the famous Hocho brand in Japan. They have shops at two locations - Kyoto and Tsukiji(Tokyo). Tsukiji's one is set up by Kyoto Aritsugu. I found the below video clip from YouTube which can tell you the atmosphere of the Kyoto Aritsugu shop. They are located in Nishiki Marke…(110 words)
EmiOnishi
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)
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
A Few International Supermarkets and other places to shop
There are a few international supermarkets located around Tokyo. Some of the better known markets are:1. National Azabu, located close to Hiroo subway station (Hibiya Line). See the website: http://www.national-azabu.com/e_index2.php2. Meiji-ya (Meida-ya) has a few locations around Tokyo an…(393 words)
Joe Peters
Ame Yoko Cho
Ame Yoko Cho is the name of a shopping district located between Ueno and Okachimachi Stations. It's name is a Japanese acronym which has two meanings. The original name is said to mean Candy Store Alley, because the area had many candy and snack stores. The area still has some stores that sell c…(269 words)
mikekato
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
"Furoshiki" can be a great gift!
Furoshiki is known as traditional culture representing Japanese Culture and it can be a great souvenir. Furoshiki can be used not only as a cloth wrapper for special presents but also as a part of your fashion. It's very neat to have your own favorite Furoshiki pattern and/or size. If you are inter…(80 words)
OKAKI-sun
Umbrella and Japan: a love affair
Japanese people have a gift to feel when it is going to rain. As soon as the first rain drop drops, they all get their umbrella open. I come from Belgium. In Belgium, it rains a lot, and often. Rain has many feelings: cold, big drops, small drops, a wall of rain, ... Nevertheless, nobody has um…(405 words)
Claire
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
Golden Week in Japan?
Listen to the latest podcast where I speak with Japan Today editor Chris Betros, Kelly Wetherille, editor in chief for Savvy Tokyo, and Steve Kim, founder of the Cinco De Mayo Festival being held in Tokyo and Osaka to hear about some fun things to do during Golden Week. Here are some examples!S…(154 words)
Kong
The Plum Season!
June and July is the season of the "plum rain" in Japan. The start of the season is much expected and advertised by the weather report. The plum rain front has reached Okinawa... they say with a very dark voice. And suddenly, it pours cats and dogs in Tokyo. There is no plum-rain in Hokkaido. W…(646 words)
Claire
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
Tourist Tip #1: Invest in a Suica or Pasmo IC Card
The Suica and Pasmo IC cards are e-money cards that can be used in a variety of ways. The two most practical: riding public transportation and shopping. The cards are accepted at an impressive number of locations, including convenience stores, coffee shops, coin lockers, vending machines, and many …(226 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
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
Souvenir ideas for your home
As a college student, when I return to Japan, I look for things that are Japanesque and remind me of home. This summer, I bought room-decoration items that have brightened up my room. These are some of my tips on where to buy Japanese souvenirs to add that Japanese-touch to your home. 1. Go to …(175 words)
RieS
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
Quality Jewlery- Nozomi Project
If you are looking for beautiful gifts that can also help in the rebuilding of a broken community in Japan, the Nozomi project is a great place to shop.The Nozomi project is based in Ishinomaki, Tohoku. Nozomi means "Hope" which is perfect for this company as it helps rebuild the lives of peopl…(273 words)
jjwalsh
2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN: shopping under the Yamanote line
There is a hidden street under the Yamanote line tracks near Ueno's Ameyoko Shotengai between Okachimachi and Akihabara. Follow the elevated JR train tracks to 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN and you will find a quiet place filled with the best handcrafted Japanese goods.There are about 50 small stores and w…(155 words)
David
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
Top Five Most Purchased OTC Drugs by Visitors in Japan
HealthyTokyo surveyed three drugstores at the bustling Tokyo International Airport*, also known as Haneda Airport, to discover the consumer purchasing preferences of foreign visitors to Japan.We assumed that visitors from Asian countries would have different preferences from those from the West…(128 words)
HealthyTokyo.com