Shopping in Tokyo

Shopping in Japan is an amazing experience. With just as much traditional art forms and craftmanships as contemporary and imported objects, the selection is the highest possible. Something that is just as interesting is the variation between stores; from flashy department stores and enormous shopping centers to simpler sales stands at the corner of the streets and small crafting shops.

Within one day have the constant welcome greeting "irasshaimase" every time one enters a store either made a customer crazy or one became a part of the busy streets.

Japan is no longer the world's most expensive country, but the price on some wares can still be shocking. Some things created in Japan, for example cameras and other electronics, is actually cheaper to buy outside of Japan. On the other side, it is possible to buy real and uncommon souvenirs for a surprisingly cheap price.

You can buy almost anything in Tokyo, from kokeshi (traditional wooden dolls) to Chanel handbags and the very latest games. The Tokyo citizens likes going to different stores, and if the wallet allows it, the city is perfect for strolling around and shopping, with huge department stores, everyday markets and fascinating specialstores. Half of the pleasure are the incredible contrasts that you find side to side, but here are also areas specialized with certain types of stores. 

In Ginza exists traditional and exclusive stores, while Shinjuku consists of a mixture between arcades and electronic stores filled with the trendiest innovations. In Harajuku and Minami-Aoyama, you can easily find the latest clothes and fashion in general, while the older areas around Ueno and Asakusa offers traditional Japanese crafts.

This was a very general blog post about how and what it's like shopping in Tokyo, Japan. If you would like more detailed information, like opening hours, payments, prices, etc... Write a comment and I shall do my best to answer it!

Matta ne!