Shopping in Japan - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

A trip to the special and mysterious Japan can be not only interesting, but also useful. In addition to exploring the monuments of ancient culture, centuries-old architecture and modern sights, it is worth spending some time visiting local shops. Even if you have no intention of making a purchase, this will certainly become a valuable experience. All commercial spaces of Japan have been occupied by shopping centers, the most famous of which are Isetan and Odakyu. The prices in these centers vary from medium to high, and it is not worth counting on low ones. For a less expensive shopping experience, you should visit the shopping center “Seibu” which is one of the biggest in the world. Those who want to plunge into the atmosphere of the Japanese bazaar should visit Parco. Online shops like Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, and Takashimaya are often sold out.

Japanese shopping can significantly reduce the purse of tourists, because prices in the country are quite high. The cost of traditional souvenirs can rise up to 10 thousand yen and above. Admirers of branded clothes will like the abundance of boutiques of world famous brands, but their price range is known to go off scale. If you are in search of quality items of top brands, it is much more profitable to make a choice in favor of famous Japanese brands like “Jun Ashida” and “Issey Miyake”. Tokyo is the Mecca for shopaholics from around the world, with its trading quarters Shibuya, Ginza, Omotesando. This is where you can get almost anything from designer clothes to cosplay costumes, high-tech devices and traditional Japanese souvenirs.

However, other cities in the country also have something to offer. In Kyoto for instance, tourists like to go to the antiques store “Pass the baton” in the region of Kyoto Gion which is a stylish and distinctive place. Under the railway station of the city, you will find the shopping center Porta. This place would be convenient for those who want to do a one-stop shopping, and have a hearty lunch afterwards. The city of Osaka can boast of an incalculable number of shops, boutiques and small street stands. On the streets and underground, there are long shopping areas, markets, and shops of wholesale and retail trade. The well-known shopping street Motomati is located in Yokohama. Here, fashion boutiques and shops that sell designer clothes can be found. Yokohama World Porters, which is widely known for its ultra-modern shopping complex, has about 150 shops and restaurants. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

When the question arises about what to bring with you from Japan, the first thing that comes to mind are authentic souvenir products that contain a part of the unique culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. Among them are; bright kimono made from silk, graceful fans, wooden accessories in geisha style, bone figures of netsuke, Japanese paper “Washi”, sets of calligraphy, edible souvenirs made from soy or rice flour, unsightly colored delicacies with strange taste. If you have no particular interest in Made-In-Japan branded goods, you can opt for Japanese souvenirs that are made in China. They do not differ in any way from their local counterparts but they are several times cheaper.

Prices for ordinary Japanese clothes are quite low, but you should be in no rush to buy. The bulk of popular clothing is characterized by a very specific style with which one should be careful. You can safely buy small accessories like handkerchiefs, socks or gloves. In Japanese stores, there are so many different models of these products that everyone will surely be able to choose something for themselves. Jewelry lovers can give themselves a nice treat by buying first-class pearls in Japan. Jewelry stores situated in big cities sell headsets with pearls of the most different shades: snow-white, pink-cream, blue, etc.

The period of sales in Japan falls on the off-season. Discounts at this time can reach 20% of the amount of goods purchased. The most large-scale sales occur on the second Friday of January and July. They last only a week but it is only in this period that you can buy things of excellent quality with up to 80% discount. Most stores are usually open from 10am and close at about 8pm. Large supermarkets, as well as shopping and entertainment centers stay open until about 10pm. Stores and shopping centers also operate during the weekends and on holidays. In some cities however, they are closed on Wednesdays. Please note that only the local currency which is the Japanese Yen is accepted for payment at the counter. Nevertheless, in some shops in Tokyo, payments in Dollars or Euros are accepted. Most of such shops are located in Ginza, the most expensive and fashionable districts of the city.