Shopping
Japan is known for its lovely pottery and ceramics, although you will find more unique items in regions that specialize in pottery. Original woodblock prints (known as ukiyo-e) can be very expensive, but good quality modern reproductions are widely available. Lacquerware is exquisite, although be aware that most lacquerware these days is lacquer over plastic instead of wood. Iron tea kettles (tetsubin), Imari porcelain, yukatas (light cotton kimonos worn to the bath) and items made from traditional Japanese paper (washi) also make terrific souvenirs.
Osaka:
A visit to Osaka is incomplete if you leave empty handed. The flea markets are the perfect place to go bargain hunting, and prices are often negotiable. Japan’s third largest city, shopping malls, open markets, and districts devoted to shopping, assure that you will find whatever you are looking for.
Kyoto:
Shopping is often called the “national sport” of Japan, and Kyoto is one of Japan’s largest cities. Although Tokyo is the place to look for top fashion, Kyoto is probably the best place to shop for traditional items of Japanese arts and crafts. To find the best deals, take a walk through the organized shopping areas like the Antiques Street in the Gion district, Shinomonzen and the Nishiki food market.
Shijo-dori is a 7-kilometer-long stretch from Yasaka-jinja Shrine, and is considered the main street of Kyoto. Kyoto's largest business district extends from north to south along this street, and the major shops of Kyoto lie on either side of Shijo-dori. Here you will find sprawling shopping arcades, department stores, various specialty shops and small shops
Tokyo:
In Tokyo, you will find sprawling and elegant shopping malls, extensive department stores, stylish designer boutiques, and fashionable garment shops. In addition, the city also features some modern and trendy flea street markets reflecting Japanese street fashion.
Apart from garments, shoes and accessories, traditional handicraft items can be found throughout the city. Japanese products like good luck charms, kimonos, karate-wear, Japanese swords, paintings, green tea and special Beanie Babies are also found in abundance in the International Arcade. Try shopping at Ginza, Shinjuku and Akihabara for great prices on electronic goods like computers, laptops, mobile phones, digital cameras, televisions, music systems, CD and DVD players. Ginza, Shinjuku and Akihabara are the perfect places for such goods.
The city of Tokyo is also famous for its fashion. The stores of Uniqlo sell trendy t-shirts and jeans. Some designer boutiques are Yohji Yamamoto, Comme de Garcons and Issey Miyake. Apart from garments, accessories like jewelries, watches and hand bags are available at Garret. Sophisticated outfits and trendy shoes are sold out in the Minami-Aoyama and Ura-Harajuku areas. The upscale shops sell brand names such as Versace, Prada, Chanel and Fendi. The flea markets provide stylish and classy goods at reasonable prices.
