Shopping and stores
Shopping in Tokyo is an exciting and time-consuming business. It is difficult to restrain oneself not only for a pathological shopaholic, but also for those who are usually indifferent to shopping. Before going out for souvenirs, you need to come to terms with the lost day, and even better – decide in advance what exactly you want to buy. See Bridgat for climate and weather information of Japan.
For example, the most expensive and pretentious stores of cult world brands are located in Shinjuku and Ginza, as well as on Omotesando Street; prices bite, but there are all the new items from leading fashion houses. Young people come to shop in the Shibuya and Harayuki districts, which are full of department stores and outlets of famous brands and multifaceted shopping centers. Bright, fashionable and noticeably more democratic. At the same time, there is a chance to peep some interesting trends and wardrobe “chips” from freakish Japanese buyers.
If there is no specific and definite goal, but you want to wander around the local shops, then the giant Tokyo department stores will help out, in Japan they are called the word “depato” – from the English department store. The most important – “Mitsukoshi”, “Matsuzakaya”, “Matsuya”, “Isetan”, “Keio”, are located in different areas. By the way, in these department stores there are a lot of Japanese goods, which can justify shopping with a kind of sociocultural study on the topic: “I get to know the world through its counters.”
Tasaki chains of jewelry galleries offering exclusive products made from natural pearls, boutiques and departments of popular Japanese brands Yohji Yamamoto and Kenzo, as well as trendy Japanese cosmetics stores: Shiseido, Forlled’s, Atopalm, Kanebo and others will help you spend a lot and tastefully.
For gadgets that will become relevant all over the world only tomorrow, we go to the Akihabara area. Another reason to look here for electronics is prices. On average, they are 20% lower, plus there is a chance to get an additional discount from the seller. The secret is simple – departments and hypermarkets of Akihabara electronics are purchased directly from manufacturers. By the way, many stores operate in the Tax free system, which is important when purchasing expensive equipment.
A good place to find inexpensive but cute Japanese knick-knacks for many acquaintances and colleagues is JPY All For 100 stores. One of the largest such department stores, Daiso Harajuku, is located, as the name suggests, in the Harajuki area. Another good point for buying souvenirs and affordable clothes is the large shopping center Grandberry Mall.
- What are the prices in Tokyo
What to try in Tokyo
A traveler unprepared for Asia can be shocked by the traditional cuisine of Tokyo: strange algae, raw fish and various marine reptiles, almost moving on a plate, are not for the weak in spirit and stomach. Although we have long been accustomed to something – all sorts of variations on the theme of sushi, rolls and sashimi are not made except in the most remote villages. Because Tokyo is a great opportunity to get to know the taste of real Japanese cuisine, so that later you can shine with culinary erudition with a touch of snobbery in your homeland.
More picky travelers with serious gastronomic baggage behind them should look for “monja-yaki” – a true Tokyo treat of cabbage, sweet corn and dried squid, the mixture is poured with batter right on a hot stove and it turns out a sort of relative of pancake and pizza with the appearance of a strange omelet. Another long-time favorite in Tokyo is fukagawa-meshi: fatty clams in shells are boiled in miso along with leeks, and then this pleasure is served with soup along with rice. For a quick snack on the street, it will be interesting to try another pizza-themed fantasy – okonomiyaki flatbread stuffed with sauce, seafood, noodles, pieces of meat and vegetables.
If you have a trip to Tokyo in the fall, be sure to try the local chestnuts. At the turn of September and October, a colorful chestnut festival is even held here with performances, performances by artists and national music.
For those who clearly associate Japan with sake, it makes sense to visit the Sake Plaza information center near the Toranomon metro station before a close acquaintance with rice vodka. They promise a light and relaxing atmosphere, a lot of information about the legendary drink and, of course, tasting the best varieties.
- What is the cuisine in Tokyo
Cafes and Restaurants in Tokyo
Local cuisine is well represented in konbini shops located literally on every corner: onigiri rice balls, sandwich rolls, salads, drinks, bento (Japanese version of takeaway lunch) and sandwiches. In supermarkets, the choice is even wider, but they are harder to find. Bento shops, noodle shops, and curry shops are also common.
Fast food restaurants in Tokyo are plentiful, including McDonald’s and KFC, and Japanese-only MOS Burger, Freshness Burger, Lotteria or First Kitchen. As for traditional Japanese food, it is better to go to establishments under the signs of Matsuya, Yoshinoya or Ootoya. In addition, a good selection of Japanese dishes can be found in the ubiquitous “izakaya”, which is a cross between a bar and a restaurant.
Finally, wealthy gourmets will be pleased to know that there are many restaurants in Tokyo that can boast Michelin stars. Tsukiji claims to be the best sushi restaurant in town, while Ginza, Akasaka, and Roppongi Hills serve up an excellent selection of traditional Japanese cuisine – albeit at hefty prices.
The main shopping street of the capital Ginza (Ginza) is almost 1.5 km long line of expensive shops and restaurants.
A plate of sushi in “conveyor” cafes costs from 100 JPY, in higher level establishments they ask for 800-1500 JPY for a set of sushi and rolls, it should be enough for a hearty lunch. By the way, at lunch, many restaurants and cafes in Tokyo offer complexes of Japanese or Western dishes for 700-1000 JPY. In establishments with traditional cuisine, visitors are relieved of the agony of choosing from sets of the most popular dishes – soup, rice, noodles and something unpretentious with a marine or meat theme. Worth about 1000 JPY. The average check for dinner in a more expensive (but still not very pretentious and Michelin star) restaurant is 2000-2500 JPY per person. But a visit to a really fashionable place will cost 10,000-20,000 JPYin the check for each eater.
