shopping
Gotemba is a friendly city in Shizuoka Prefecture well known for its outlet mall and stunning views of Mount Fuji. It’s easily accessible by highway bus from Shibuya or Tokyo stations in under two hours, making it a great place for an overnight trip or a stop on the way to the Fuji Five Lakes. Gotemba Premium OutletsOne of the main things Gotemba is famous for is the Gotemba Premium Outlets. The mall has around 300 stores and restaurants, as well as a hotel and onsen (public bath) with views of the mountain. As if that weren’t enough, there’s also a Ferris wheel to take in the view at a leisur...
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So you’ve made the decision to tie the knot, congratulations! But getting the perfect ring in Japan can be quite a daunting task. With all the different jewelry shops and the overwhelming selection, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a bit lost. Hopefully, here we’ll demystify the process a bit and help you find a great ring you’ll be proud to wear every day. How to startBefore you consider visiting a ring shop, you should have the basics figured out first. Some good things to think about before going ring shopping are: Budget (factoring in costs per ring)Who’s payingBy when do you want the...
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If you come from a land where good cheese is just as common as good bread, you were probably at least somewhat disappointed to find out that just isn’t the case in Japan. I know I was. Sure, you can find some cheese at your local supermarket, but it’s typically a small portion and expensive. Moreover, it’s almost always some kind of mozzarella blend. Or bland slices of tokeru (melty) cheese. Just like when we asked with cereal—where is the good stuff? Shropshire blue, halloumi, real cheddar! If you’re always on the hunt like me, you’ve come to the right place because we will run through the be...
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Despite being Japan’s fourth-largest city, Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture is often off the radar for tourists, which is a real shame. Nagoya has a lot to offer, from historical sites to some of the best food in the country. It also has Osu, a fun and funky shopping district worthy of any Tokhoku itinerary. Osu, located not far from Nagoya station on the Meijo and Tsurumai subway lines, is centered around Osu Kannon Temple. Any visit to the temple is not complete without a stroll around the many shops and restaurants. Together, the two share a long history of providing Nagoya’s cultural and enterta...
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Are you looking for a unique and high-quality gift for a special someone, or are you simply looking to expand your growing knife collection? Either way, you may be finding the world of Japanese knives a little overwhelming and confusing, so let’s get right to the point. As the weapon of choice in many professional kitchens worldwide, these chef’s blades are reliable, precise and—of course—satisfyingly sharp. But what sets apart the general-purpose kitchen knife from a sushi knife? And why shouldn’t you use a vegetable knife to fillet a fish? Let’s answer these questions and help you sheath you...
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Socks in the West have a slightly notorious reputation; an obligatory Christmas gift to please your father or a fashion faux pas when paired with sandals. But in Japan, the deep-rooted reverence for footwear produces a fascinating market filled with a plethora of multi-colored, wonderfully weird and scandalous socks. For centuries, the Japanese have taken off their shoes indoors, and once they do, they should be wearing good material underneath (10-year-old, socks with holes in the toes won’t cut it and don’t even think about going barefoot.) There is even a special slang term: zettai ryōiki, ...
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Japan is a great country for musicians. Thanks to strong local brands such as Yamaha and Roland and an overall cultural appreciation for music, it’s easy to find second-hand instruments (chuko gakki,中古楽器 in Japanese) for surprisingly low prices—if you know where to look. Musicians and those looking to start a new hobby living in the city, such as Tokyo and Osaka, are spoiled for choice regarding second-hand shops. However, what do you do if you’re in the countryside? Don’t fret, as there are plenty of places to buy online and in-person all over the country. Japanese vocab for instrumentsIn cas...
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“J-beauty” is a billion-dollar industry. But with so many products lining the shelves, it can be difficult to know where to begin, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best cosmetic products you can find in Japan. These products are not only affordable but easily obtainable—even if you’re living in the heart of the inaka (countryside). Here are 10 of Japan’s most popular beauty products, all between ¥500 and ¥2,000 and found in drugstores, department stores, supermarkets and sometimes convenience stores nationwide. 1. DHC Cleansing Oil Cleansing your skin with oil is a centuries-old pra...
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Japanese websites can be an excellent option for buying domestic items quickly and even for a discounted price. Due to the ongoing coronavirus and current state of emergency, shopping online is also a safe way to get what you need without dealing with crowds. One perk of living in Japan is speedy delivery. Even in the countryside, most things will arrive on your doorstep within a couple of days—even with standard shipping. In the big cities, same-day shipping is also available. The two most common options for payment are credit card and bank transfer (振込, furikomi). You might not have a Japane...
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Japan’s initial fees for a new apartment are expensive. While some budget-friendly apartments come furnished, it isn’t the same for most places. You might not even have curtains. Every day, neighbors will get a birds-eye view of you walking around in your empty humble abode. That’s no way to live! Thankfully, there are lots of places to find furniture in Japan that won’t break the bank. Here are the six best ways to find furniture that won’t break the bank in Japan. 1. Recycle shopsJapanese second-hand stores are known as “Recycle shops” and can be found pretty much everywhere. Most will have ...
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