Japan Stores

It can be fun to browse through many different kinds of Japan stores, and they can also teach you a lot about Japan culture. In Japan department stores, you can see high school girls and college coeds dressed in the trends of the season. If you go to neighbor-hood stores you will be greeted by a friendly, welcoming Irrashaimase! (or Maido! if you happen to live in the Osaka area). If you come across some strange contraption, ask the store owner what it is for; you will learn more about the Japanese lifestyle.
It is easy to lose track of how much money you are actually spending when you deal in a foreign currency. Try to relate costs to your home currency, but also keep in mind that some things are simply more expensive in Japan. Try to be aware of how much you’re spending, but the again, if you always think in dollars the shopping experience can be quite painful.

Department Stores
Japan department stores are truly a unique experience for visitors coming to Japan for the first time. Japan department stores have everything from grocery stores to kimono shops to galleries that exhibit world famous art. Sometimes there will be hosts at the doors and uniformed elevator women pushing the buttons and announcing each floor as you arrive. The first level or two of a large department store (often underground) is usually a grocery store. Most items are ordered over the counter, so have a Japanese friend go with you the first couple of times to show you the ropes. It helps if you speak a little Japanese, but most Japanese understand if you point, hold up the appropriate number of fingers, and give them a big smile. The top levels are usually reserved for restaurants, art galleries, and playgrounds. Department stores often deliver large items for free, but you have to wait at your home on the delivery day until they show up.

Supermarkets
Supermarkets are becoming more popular and more abundant in Japan. The prices are often lower than at department grocery stores, and they may be conveniently located near your home.

Convenience Stores
There are several convenience store chains scattered throughout Japan. You can pay your monthly utility bills at most convenience stores, and more of them are getting ATMs each year. Trash collection tickets for large items can also be purchased at convenience stores.

Neighborhood Stores
Japan’s streets are lined with small retail shops, especially near the train stations, selling everything from furniture to pottery to paper. These are good places to buy household commodities and utensils. Prices here are lower than at department stores, and the shops may offer free delivery for heavier items.

Discount Electronic Shops
Discount shops such as Sakurya and Bikukamera sell all kinds of electronic goods at discounted prices. Many of these discount stores have membership system where you can earn points to get discounts Tokyo’s Akihabara district and Osaka’s Nippon-bashi district are full of discounters as well as many other electronics stores. If your Japanese is decent and you have cash in hand, you might be able to negotiate bigger discounts.