Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

Shopping & Must Buy Souvenirs
Japan has a deserved reputation as a world-class shopping destination, with a staggering array of boutiques, shops and sprawling malls to
discover. From the latest gadgets to designer fashions and a few quirkier items, there’s a huge variety of products you can purchase on your
next holiday.
Quick Guide
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Most major department stores, shops and malls are open daily from 10 in the morning to 8 at night. Smaller establishments may have
shorter (or altered) opening hours and may be closed on weekends or holidays.
When you enter a store or shopping mall, expect to be greeted with the call of “irasshaimase”, which means “welcome” and “please
come in”. This is all part of Japanese hospitality and politeness and you aren’t expected or required to respond.
Cash is still the most accepted mode of payment across Japan, although many of the larger malls and shops will also accept credit cards.
Ginza
Namba Marui Dept. Store
Types of Stores Found in Japan
Shopping malls – Found in most of Japan’s major cities, shopping malls usually occupy an entire building (or more), with multiple storeys packed
with fashion retailers, shoe stores, electronics shops, home wares and beauty salons. Many also have cinema complexes and gaming arcades,
as well as numerous restaurants, cafes and food courts.
Shopping arcades – Shopping arcades are usually covered streets found in medium to large sized cities and lined with a range of shops, restaurants
and other business establishments. Some of the longest shopping arcades in Japan can be found in the cities of Takamatsu, Sendai and Osaka.
Convenience stores – Also called konbini, convenience stores can be found on almost every street corner in Japan, with more than 40,000
in total nationwide. They are usually open 24/7 and sell a range of food products, including snacks, drinks and bento, as well as some basic
household products. They will often also have ATMs and ticket machines where you can purchase concert, event and museum tickets.
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