| Shopping is always an important part when | | | | don't miss it. Don't think that all souvenir |
| travelling. It is even more important and | | | | stores offer the same products and you can |
| interesting in Japan where you can find many | | | | buy it in other places. Many regions and |
| unique and beautiful souvenirs to bring back | | | | stores have unique things that you cannot |
| to your home country.Don't think that you can | | | | find in anywhere else.You should plan your |
| bargain in every Asian country. Japan is the | | | | shopping carefully the day before if you are |
| exception. Don't try to bargain when going | | | | in a big city, such as Tokyo or Kyoto. |
| shopping in Japan, especially in large | | | | Finding the addresses is very difficult there |
| department stores. You can only ask for a | | | | and travelling from one place to another is |
| small discount when you go to the flea | | | | really tiring and expensive. Therefore, |
| markets. It is acceptable there.If you want | | | | consult your map carefully and group all your |
| to save some money in your shopping, try flea | | | | desired destinations in advance. Be aware of |
| markets and one hundred yen shops (100 yen | | | | the opening and closing time of the stores as |
| equals about $0.99). You can find almost | | | | well. Depending on the store, shopping hours |
| everything there, from cosmetics to kitchen | | | | are often from 10a.m to 7-8p.m. Most major |
| utensils. Don't miss them! They are the | | | | stores also open during the weekend but may |
| cheapest deals in Japan. You like fast and | | | | not open on public holidays.In Japan, people |
| convenient purchases? Try the Japanese | | | | use cash mostly as the means of payment. |
| street vendor machines. They are everywhere | | | | Some big department stores may take credit |
| in Japan. You can buy many kinds of food and | | | | cards but in most places people will not have |
| drinks and even some electronic devices from | | | | any idea about what to do if you hand them a |
| them.Unlike many other Asian countries where | | | | credit card. When bringing cash with you, |
| sellers try to take advantages of foreign | | | | remember to be aware of pickpockets in |
| customers, Japanese merchants are quite | | | | crowded areas.People often buy electronic |
| honest and fair. Although there may be some | | | | goods, watches and crafts when going to |
| exceptions, they are only the minority. The | | | | Japan. There are many kinds of cute |
| prices are usually reasonable and reflect the | | | | souvenirs available, such as kimonos, paper |
| right value of the products. Therefore, you | | | | lanterns or Japanese dolls. If you are |
| don't have to be suspicious and go around | | | | looking for some inexpensive gifts, everyday |
| comparing the prices. It just wastes your | | | | items are very suitable. Your friends will |
| time and effort. The usual result is that | | | | be very happy if you present them with |
| you just find the same price or even worse, | | | | Japanese chopsticks, candies, dishes, etc. |
| you cannot find the same product anywhere | | | | Those gifts are not only inexpensive but also |
| else.If you find something you really like, | | | | cute and more importantly, very Japanese. |