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Ask HN: Shopping in Japan
I will soon leave for a 2 weeks vacation in Kyoto. Can you suggest something smallish, possibly tech-related, that can only (or much more easily) acquired in Japan?
As an example, years ago the legendary Toshiba Libretto was pretty hard to get outside of Japan.
Of course it should be something that should work well outside Japan for someone (me) who does not know the language.
Any ideas?
- nicholas73 11y agoI do not know the name of the shop, but there is a traditional silk woodcut shop in Tokyo. It's in Akasuka or Akasuka (these are both locations, but it's the tourist shopping area one). The sell furniture from small boxes to large drawers and chests, with silk patterns embroidered on them. Super light wood. If what they claim as traditional is true, it's definitely something only in Japan, and not for long at that. If you go to the shop, all I ask is that you tell me the name of the shop so I can try to look them up again. They understand English there, kind of, and take credit card as well.
- Pamar 11y agoThanks - I am also interested in more traditional stuff, so I would love to find this place, but I will stay in Kyoto only so it is not very probable that I can get there. (I "restricted" my question gadgets not because I don't care about the rest, but because it seemed more "on topic" for HN).
- jackvalentine 11y agoOut of interest... why only Kyoto? Japan isn't a very large country and I suspect you'll find yourself bored after two weeks in a single city. Jump on the train to Osaka (one hour) at the very least!
- Pamar 11y agoI have been to Japan once already, for another 2 weeks, and in that case I travelled around a bit more (see here, if you are interested: http://pa-mar.net/Main/Places/BigInJapan.html http://pa-mar.net/Main/Places/BigInJapan.html). This time I decided to stay in Kyoto only because ... first of all just walking around is pretty interesting for me. When I visit a foreign city I can routinely walk 20+ kms/day just looking around and taking some pics. Also, I plan to train at a local dojo, and to take some time to take parts in workshop of traditional arts like Damascene.
- nicholas73 11y agoI meant either Akasuka or Asakusa. So confusing!
- jotux 11y agoIf you're a watch geek it's much easier to get Casio, Seiko (especially Grand Seiko), and Citizen watch models in Japan. Grand Seiko watches are gorgeous but not as well known outside of Japan. If you can hit up a knife shop try to get a nice pair of Japanese scissors.
- joshschreuder 11y agoIf you have a PS4, I believe there are some exclusive controller colours [1] [1] http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B01BHKMLI0/ref=s9_simh_gw_p63_d23_i1?pf_rd_m=AN1VRQENFRJN5&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=03N82N9M4PNWJG0VM88S&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=263612849&pf_rd_i=desktop http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B01BHKMLI0/ref=s9_simh_gw...
- staunch 11y agoYou can probably still get a better deal on a Zojirushi (or similar) water boiler or rice cooker. You can definitely get a better deal on an electric kotatsu or other household gadgets. You can find anything you want in Osaka, which is a quick train ride away.
- GFK_of_xmaspast 11y agoIt would have to be one hell of a deal to make up for having to lug the damn thing around.
- crishoj 11y agoProtip: Have your stuff sent by Yamato courier directly to the airport. This includes your luggage! After several of my first stays in Japan, I found myself lugging unwieldy luggage (and even bicycles) through the subway. But, no need. Do as the locals and have your stuff shipped to the airport, and enjoy a light airport transfer with public transport.
- joshschreuder 11y agoAwesome, I might have to give this a go. Am I right in assuming they don't just deliver to/from hotels? I'm staying AirBnb so it would be a residential address
- Pamar 11y agoI did this on a suggestion from my tour operator when moving from Tokyo to Kyoto: I took a detour with light baggage to visit another couple places on the way to Kyoto, and my main luggage was expecting me in the hotel when I arrived. This could be a good idea for my trip back - I suppose they deliver it to a specified place in the airport and I can then just pick it up at the terminal?
- tedmiston 11y agoNot quite a gadget but many varieties of Japanese Kit Kats are either only available or are much cheaper in Japan. A lot of people in the states aren't even aware that Kit Kats come in flavors there.
- joshschreuder 11y agoYeah there were some really cool flavours like blueberry cheesecake last time I was over there (2 years ago). Since then in Australia we have seen some new flavours come in like salted caramel and mint but nothing quite as interesting. Here's a photo I took over there (apple, blueberry cheesecake and hot Japanese chilli flavours): http://i.imgur.com/8pp2xlU.jpg http://i.imgur.com/8pp2xlU.jpg
- Pamar 11y agoGreat suggestion, thanks - I could get a boatload for the colleagues at the office...
- tedmiston 11y agoOut of curiosity were you in Melbourne? I found many flavors there at international grocery stores. If you'd like to discuss more - @kicksopenminds on Twitter.
- joshschreuder 11y agoI live in Melbourne :) Can't say I visit too many international grocery stores though, but I will keep my eyes peeled.
- vldx 11y agoHappy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 - mechanical Topre switches keyboard; relatively hard to get outside Japan.
- Pamar 11y agoa bit too expensive for my taste, but yes, this is the kind of suggestions I was looking for.