What cool crap can I buy in Japan?

Question

Okay, I'm going on holiday to Japan for a few weeks. Bad timing, I'm also being made redundant and dont really want to go over the top on spendage. I've heard that it's way more expensive over there so what are my best chances of fetching something cool back for me and my mates. (I secretly hope Ps3, but naahhh.) We're all into junky gadgetty things and all sorts of gimmicky / tech stuff, but don't wanna come back home and find it cheaper here. Any suggestions?

(Please don't suggest hentai and/or a life!) - :p

Btw - I'm in the UK.

Answer 1

A common misconception is that Japan automatically has every game console just because it was announced. No, PS3 and Wii are not out in Japan. They will likely both be released in America/Europe first, anyway, or at very close times. So if you're going next month, don't count on it.

Secondly, don't plan on buying CDs, unless they are only found in Japan. Sound redundant, but I know people who buy imported CDs in Japan, when you can just buy it in your own country. And most electronics are more expensive in Japan. An iPod easily costs $50 more (you're from UK, so you do the math). Basically, it's not worth even thinking about. I've seen simple little CD players be three times as much over there. So don't even consider it.

Now, what cool crap can you buy? Try finding something that piques your interest. Maybe a video game that isn't released in Europe yet. You may not be fond of the language barrier, but having a game that nobody else has is a great feeling (believe me). The coolest little gadget I can think of are the Mario Bros. buttons. They are keychains that when you press them, you hear a sound effect from the old Mario Bros. games. It's pretty much the coolest things you can find. Unfortunately, they come in capsules, so you'll be spending a lot of money just trying to get the ones you want. But you can always give the extras to friends.

You are going to find that you'll be more mesmerized by the electronics you see because, believe me, they'll be out of your price range. Plus, they really won't be compatible with anything here (like a new game console, EVEN if they existed, which they don't). They use different electric currents, so some of the stuff you buy there may not even work. But the bottom line is that if you find something that you like, get it. There's a million little gizmo things that you'll see, and you'll know when you find something you truly like and truly want to buy.

Answer 2

I first came to Japan over 12 years ago, and now I live here. The one place that I think carries cool stuff is the convenience stores. Cool little toys for kids or teens, things like Gundam or Pokemon. Basically what ever is cool for kids. Everytime I go into a convienice store, my kids start grabbing stuff and ask me to to buy it for them.
If you are trying to find some cool but cheap stuff, another place is Akihabara. It used to be PC and electronics, but recently has grown into a manga otaku place. There you can find all the comic book related junk you may want.
Also there are tons of junky gadgets to be found at Akihabara.

Japan uses NTSC DVDs. Not compatible with the PAL systems in Europe. Ther region codes are the same, so you can buy PSP UMD videos and they will work with a PSP purchased in Europe. (I do the reverse and buy UMDs in the UK and watch them on my JPN PSP)

Akihabara can be accessed from the Yamonote line.

For normal everyday tourist trap giifts, you can find stuff almost everywhere.

I travel to Europe sometimes and I found that the UK prices were still higher than Japan. Plus the pound is stronger than the yen, which provides you with a bit more spending value.

Good luck mate.

Answer 3

Ignore the people who say electronics are expensive in Japan. They may appear expensive at first but what a lot of people don't realize is that haggling is still very common here, even in the big department store chains. You can often reduce the price of something 20-25% if you try hard. Of course lots of things aren't going to have the same power supply as back home but things like digital cameras work on chargers that can usually handle the 240v.

Computer games are a good idea, but you need to be careful with compatibility. Most console games won't work on machines back home. PC software is fine.

Of course you don't have to get electronics. I find that clothing often makes a good present. Some traditional Japanese casual evening wear might go down well with your mates. Traditional rice straw "tatami" slippers are pretty cool too.

Answer 4

Other than what the others have suggested, there's one thing in my shopping list that might interest you:

Himitsu-bako, which are trick boxes that can only be opened if you solve the puzzle on the box.

Or something cheap (but not very gimmicky) is the chewing gum Otoko Kaoru, which is supposed to make your sweat smells like Rose Menthol.

Answer 5

Akihabara in Tokyo has lots of small shops that sell a lot of off-the-wall stuff. You can find all the hardware to "customize" a game console and software the console makers don't necessarily approve of. There are sorts of different kinds of stuff for sale there; tube amps, spy-goods, RC stuff, weird stuff for otaku, etc. etc.

Answer 6

A real silk Kimono! With a Geisha inside! LOL, just kidding.

If you like techie stuff you can just wait for it in the US, unless you want to be the first one to have it. a lot of these tech toys are made in china anyways.

A samurai sword is always cool.

Answer 7

There are loads of 100 yen shops, where everything is about 50p! That's where we usually buy stuff for friends when we go - anything from chopsticks to toilet slippers (you'll find out what they are when you go!). I've bought gorgeous dishes from there that looked really expensive! Also they have tons of stuff with bad english written on it - always amusing.

Answer 8

Maybe, I think you can get good it at famous shop in Akihabara. For example, Bic camera, Yodobashi camera etc.Or If you want game, at Toy sarus, Ginza Hakuhinkan. And PS3 do not sell yet in Japan.

Answer 9

I really like the Japanese swords and other samurai items. You can get a better idea of what Japan has to offer at this site that has free movies of Japan.

http://www.tour-japan.com

Answer 10

id get the nintendo wii it looks well wicked on the nintendo website and id think it would be cheaper over there .