Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [126]
Sakuraya Camera (Map; 3346-3939; 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; 10am-8.30pm; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, west exit) One of the biggest camera shops in town.
Yodobashi Camera (Map; 3346-1010; 1-11-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; 9.30am-9.30pm; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, west exit) Bring your passport and the consumption tax will be waived.
Variety Stores
Perhaps, like certain authors, you hate shopping. But shopping is a major recreational pastime in Tokyo, and even the stingiest of spenders will be seduced by some oddball novelty here, especially if they enter that one must-visit store, Tōkyū Hands (below).
A selection of variety stores:
Don Quijote (Map; 5291-9211; www.donki.com; 1-16-5 Kabukichō, Shinjuku-ku; 24hr; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, east exit) This fluorescent-lit, trashy cousin of Tōkyū Hands is filled to the gills with weird loot: knock-off designer goods, packaged snacks and sex toys. There are branches all over Tokyo, though not all are open 24 hours.
Loft Shibuya (Map; 3462-3807; www.loft.co.jp, in Japanese; 21-1 Udagawachō, Shibuya-ku; 10am-9pm; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit); Ikebukuro (Map; 5949 3880; 1-28-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku; 10am-9pm Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm Sun; JR Yamanote line to Ikebukuro, east exit); Marunouchi (Map; Marunouchi Bldg, 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku; 11am-9pm Mon-Sat, 11am-8pm Sun; Marunouchi line to Tokyo, exit 4) The bias here is more towards fun rather than function, and it’s a good place to look for cool housewares, gifts and toys for big kids.
Muji (Map; 5208-8241; 2nd & 3rd fl, 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku; 10am-9pm; JR Yamanote line to Yūrakuchō, main exit or Yūrakuchō line to Yūrakuchō, exit A4b) The flagship store of this ‘no-name brand’ is full of beautifully and simply designed wares, from tea sets to toddler clothing to travel gear. Other branches can be found all over Tokyo.
Tōkyū Hands Shinjuku (Map; 5361-3111; Takashimaya Times Sq, 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku; 10am-8.30pm; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, new south exit); Ikebukuro (Map;3980 6111; 1-28-10 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku; 10am-9pm; JR Yamanote line to Ikebukuro, east exit); Shibuya (Map; 5489 5111; 12-18 Udagawachō, Shibuya-ku; 10am-8.30pm; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit) Ostensibly a DIY home-improvement emporium, Tōkyū Hands sells everything you never knew you needed – from lumber to designer humidifiers to mobile-phone bling.
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GETTING THERE & AWAY
Air
With the exception of a few Asian airlines, all international flights arrive at Narita International Airport rather than the more conveniently located Haneda airport Click here.
Immigration and customs procedures are usually straightforward, but they can be time-consuming. Note that Japanese customs officials are probably the most scrupulous in Asia; backpackers arriving from anywhere even remotely considered as a developing country (the Philippines, Thailand etc) can expect some questions and perhaps a thorough search.
You can change money in the customs hall after having cleared customs, and in the arrival hall. The rates are the same as those offered in town.
Narita has two terminals, Nos 1 and 2, both of which have train stations that are connected to JR and Keisei lines. The one you arrive at will depend on the airline you are flying with. Both terminals have clear English signposting for train and limousine bus services. See opposite for more details.
Be sure to check which terminal your flight departs from, and give yourself plenty of time to get out to Narita – the trip can take from 50 minutes to two hours.
Boat
A ferry journey can be a great, relatively inexpensive way to get from Tokyo to other parts of the country. Prices given here are for 2nd-class travel. Though we’ve listed phone numbers here, most lines are not staffed by English-speaking