What to shop in Japan?

zero_cool

Level F
Hi everyone, I am planning a trip to Japan in the coming weeks and since the Japanese have a knack for unique electronics and several other goods that are hard to come by in India, I am seeking suggestions from the members on what can be a good purchase, new or used, that I can keep on my shopping list. In my admittedly limited research, I have decided to check out a few items and might purchase if they won't burn a hole in the wallet. Not a camera or music production fan so lenses or keyboards won't make it to my list

  1. Cheap Polaroid camera (as a souvenir)
  2. Sony smartphone
  3. DIY radio set
  4. Anime figurine
  5. Analogue watch with Japanese movement
 
I have an acquaintance in Japan and frankly didn't see a lot of value in getting electronics, unless you are into collectibles. Global electronics is more expensive there.

You can pick up stuff meant for domestic consumption which you have listed above like the Seiko JDM models, which I did not as I know it will just lie around in a drawer.

Similarly, the modern Sony Android phones are expensive and a bit of a commodity anyway if you pick them unlocked. Getting Keitai flips is a better option but not of much use practically since they are mostly based on Android version 5-6.

Would mostly go for retro tech stuff just for the collection that you can pick up at Akhiabara or Shinjuku. Side note - snacks, stationary, clothing, alcohol, rice cooker, ceramics, knives.
 
  • You get great prices on pre-owned technology items in Akihabara in Tokyo. Processors ram hdds Apple accessories etc. I’ve bought 6-8tb preowned drives with little use for 5-6k. Prices for new units are comparable to india
  • Don Quijote stores are multi brand deep discount stores
  • Royce chocolates are relatively much cheap in japan
  • Onitsuka tigers shoes are also 50-70% of India prices
  • Luxury clothes accessories and watch brands are also decently cheaper there.
  • Premium whiskeys and single malts are also cheap compared to India. I’ve bought royal salute and blue label for 13k in Tokyo. Don’t expect to find any decent alcohol on departure terminal, by whatever you want before getting to the airport. Japanese whiskeys were one not available at any of the shops and were priced similarly to India so I didn’t buy those (Hibiki Yamazaki etc)
 
Not too sure about specific items but if I'm not wrong, as a tourist you're able to buy any item and get a tax refund on it upto like a huge limit if I'm not wrong (above a lakh or something). I don't remember the details but it's real. Personally from all the vlogs I've seen, if it's old, you'll definitely find it there in some prefecture in Japan (especially those watches!)
 
m0h1t said:
  • You get great prices on pre-owned technology items in Akihabara in Tokyo. Processors ram hdds Apple accessories etc. I’ve bought 6-8tb preowned drives with little use for 5-6k
  • Don Quijote stores are multi brand deep discount stores
  • Royce chocolates are relatively much cheap in japan
  • Onitsuka tigers shoes are also 50-70% of India prices
  • Luxury clothes accessories and watch brands are also decently cheaper there.
  • Premium whiskeys and single malts are also cheap compared to India. I’ve bought royal salute and blue label for 13k in Tokyo. Don’t expect to find any decent alcohol on departure terminal, by whatever you want before getting to the airport. Japanese whiskeys were one not available at any of the shops and were priced similarly to India so I didn’t buy those (Hibiki Yamazaki etc)
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Don't see much point in getting Japanese single malt as they are overpriced compared to their refinement. Sake, sochu, umeshu are better options but then not palatable for everyone.

But picking up used products (most Japanese users are meticulate about their items) for cheap is the best option. Hard Off specialises in that.
 
Japanese watches sold domestically are better quality. Even for cheap quartz Casio watches, I've learnt that if there is an integrated metal bracelet, the Japanese version has a better solid link bracelet and the Indian version has a hollow link bracelet. (S108D vs S108YD for example)
 
Rezep said:
Not too sure about specific items but if I'm not wrong, as a tourist you're able to buy any item and get a tax refund on it upto like a huge limit if I'm not wrong (above a lakh or something). I don't remember the details but it's real. Personally from all the vlogs I've seen, if it's old, you'll definitely find it there in some prefecture in Japan (especially those watches!)
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It is only about 10% VAT though as they have low rates. I believe it is JPY 500,000 for each eligible category but item must not be opened.
 
t3chg33k said:
Don't see much point in getting Japanese single malt as they are overpriced compared to their refinement. Sake, sochu, umeshu are better options but then not palatable for everyone.

But picking up used products (most Japanese users are meticulate about their items) for cheap is the best option. Hard Off specialises in that.
Click to expand...
Alcohol preference is one subjective and second depends on affordability. Hibiki Yamazaki and Hakushu are some of the best whiskeys and single malts out there, especially if one is bored of the glens and macallans. Going to stop at this, without going any more off-topic
 
folks who have been to Japan, is there any cuisine for vegetarians there? would love to try out the local cuisine there but everything is catered towards non-veg from what I can look up, I am planning a trip there and catch the Suzuka GP as a bucket list item