From the category archives:

Shopping

Plenty to Do in Shibuya!

May 9, 2009

in General,Shopping

Shibuya refers to a very well-known shopping and entertainment area of Tokyo.  It is best known for the busy intersection in front of the train station known as the Hachiko Exit. Huge numbers of people come here every day to shop, meet friends or use the train station. This corner of the region is heavily decorated with large neon advertisements and giant video screens rather like Times Square in New York City.

One of the most famous landmarks in Shibuya is the Hachiko Statue, found outside the train station exit. Hachiko was a very loyal dog who waited for his master every single day in front of Shibuya Station. After his master passed away, Hachiko continued his daily vigil. The statue honors the loyalty shown by this dog. This is a very popular meeting point in Tokyo, and it is always crowded.

Did I say crowded? That is an understatement! Hundreds of people cross to and from the train station every time the light turns green. There are lots to see and do here in Shibuya. There are several museums, the NHK Studiopark, where you can go see them filming a television show, and the National Yoyogi Stadium, which hosts ice skating and volleyball competitions, concerts and many other popular events.

If you still want entertainment, be sure to visit Bunkamura. This is a small “village” which houses a concert hall, two movie theaters, a live theater, a museum and some restaurants and shops. Speaking of shopping, there are so many shops and boutiques here that your head will spin. High fashion, eateries, department stores and more all vie for your money. The Shibuya 109 features over 100 boutiques on ten floors!

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Why Not Go Shopping in Japan

September 29, 2008

in Shopping

If you are planning a visit to Japan in the near future, you will not want to pass up the fantastic shopping the cities have to offer. If Tokyo is in your plans, be sure to visit one of the several 100yen shops in the city. Similar to an American dollar store, 100yen shops offer a variety of treasures for shoppers of all tastes.  shoppingJapan also has a variety of department stores, including Matsuya, Mikimoto and Wako. At all of them you can find a variety of fashions and accessories in all price ranges and for all tastes.

In addition to department stores, bookstores and yen shops, Japan has neighborhood flea market and rummage sales, similar to what you might find in European and American neighborhoods. These flea markets are a great place to find discounted souvenirs, as well as used books, clothing, pottery, shoes and trinkets.

Both Tokyo and Osaka have regularly scheduled flea markets that boast hundreds of vendors.

Another aspect of Japanese shopping culture to be on the lookout for is stores that specialize in trendy, of-the-moment items that young Japanese citizens go crazy for. Many boutiques are hidden away off the main drags and you will find unique clothing and items that can’t be found anywhere else. These items would make excellent souvenirs and while shopping for them, you will experience a bit of Japanese culture that is often unique to the locals.  Shopping in Japan gives visitors a chance to experience the culture and economy of the country while enjoying their vacation.