Japan is an absolutely fascinating place to go shopping, even if it’s just to wander around a supermarket and try to figure out what everything is and if it’s edible!!

Finding a huge range of shops is not going to be a problem - if there’s a shopper in your midst they are going to be exhausted and overweight (in terms of baggage) when it comes time to go home.

Key features

• huge department stores such as Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi-Isetan, Kintetsu, Seibu, Tobu, Tokyu, Keio, Daimaru, Hankyu, Hanshin.... get the picture?
• at the other end of the scale, 100 Yen Shops are everywhere.
• massive outlet malls such as Mitsui Outlet Parks and Premium Outlets.
• local markets selling fresh fish, fruit and veges.
• ubiquitous convenience stores, many open 24 hours.
• vending machines selling everything from cold beer to hot noodles to underpants.