Shopping
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Department stores
Main article: Department Stores
Shopping could be said to be the national pastime in Japan, with big cities offering a gigantic array of department stores (デパート depaato) to cater to the needs of even the most discerning customers. You'll find many department stores in the big city centers, often attached to major train stations. This close relationship reflects the fact that many of the biggest train operators (Keio, Tokyu) also own department store chains. In Tokyo, you'll find the biggest clusters of depaato in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza.
100 yen stores
So you're looking for getting some goods on the cheap. It's common knowledge that ¥100 stores (百円ショップ hyaku-en shoppu) are the most affordable destination for a huge variety of products at surprising prices (that is, ¥100). Unlike American dollar stores, ¥100 shops stock an impressive array of goods, and are a perfectly viable place to do much of your grocery, home item, stationary, clothing, and other shopping. If you're on a budget, these widely accessible shops should be your first stop.
Electronics/appliances
Main article: Electronics/Appliance Stores
Although facing stiff competition from China and other markets in the electronics department, Japan is still a mecca for the tech-minded, a veritable treasure trove of some of the world's latest technologies and coolest gadgets.
If you're in Tokyo, you're in the right place for some serious shopping. Although Akihabara is famous for being Tokyo's "Electric Town," recent years have shown a shift in that area toward otaku culture. Shinjuku offers just as many of the major electronics stores as Akihabara, often in a more accessible and easy-to-navigate format. Also, Shibuya and Ikebukuro are home to many stores, much like Shinjuku.
Convenience stores
Main article: Convenience Stores
The Japanese are obsessed with convenience, so what better place to do their shopping than a convenience store? The Japanese love affair with the convenience store (or, konbini コンビニ) shows in the sheer quantity of them you see all across the country. Much like vending machines, these small stores seem to sprout up everywhere, from crowded urban nooks and crannies to the most random countryside landscape. Wherever you are in Japan, convenience is never far away.
There are over 40,000 convenience stores in Japan, and that number is constantly growing. Plus, there are a lot of players in the convenience game, meaning lots of competition and innovation, making these stores truly convenient.
Foreign goods stores
Main article: Foreign Goods Stores
If you're craving a taste of home, it's possible that you'll be able to find it at a foreign goods store. In Tokyo, it shouldn't be difficult to find what you need, with a huge amount of specialty stores stocking foreign items. Outside of the cities, it will be a little more difficult to procure your peanut butter or nab some Nilla Wafers.
Thrift/vintage stores
Main article: Thrift/Vintage Stores
Although there's a general phobia of anything used in Japan, there are tons of stores carrying secondhand clothing, from your local recycle shop (リサイクルショップ) to hip Tokyo vintage stores.
See also
Some content adapted from Wikipedia.org.
