Electronic shopping in Japan
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A
Tsukumo Robotto Ō-Koku
Fancy a bipedal humanoid robot? Or would a talking Hello Kitty do the trick? Japan’s first robotto (robot) shop (2000) is at the forefront of the home robot revolution; also sells DIY robot kits. It’s one of several ō-koku (kingdoms) in the Tsukumo building, which also includes a pasokon ō-koku (personal computer kingdom), a monitā-ō-koku (monitor kingdom) etc. Did we mention otaku love Akihabara?
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B
Bic Camera
This vast new electronics/camera shop is directly connected to Kyoto Station via the Nishinotōin gate; otherwise, it's accessed by leaving the north (Karasuma) gate and walking west. You will be amazed by the sheer amount of goods it has on display. Just be sure that an English operating manual is available. For computer parts, keep in mind that not all items on offer will work with English operating systems.
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C
Sony Building
Although essentially a Sony showroom, this place has hands-on displays of Sony's latest gizmos and gadgets – some of which have yet to be released. It's a good place to test-drive Sony's latest digital cameras, laptops and idiosyncratic electronic 'pets'.
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D
Sofmap
Crafty marketing, ruthless discounting and a staff of tech geeks have helped Sofmap sprout more than a dozen branches within Akihabara alone. This company rules the cut-price computer world with a silicon fist. Each shop specialises in new and used Macs, PCs and other cybergoodies; this one's the duty-free branch.
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E
Laox
The multilingual staff at this duty-free Laox will help you figure out whether the voltage on your new superjuicer is compatible with your home voltage before you lug it on the plane. This huge chain, selling discounted electrical equipment, has very competitive prices. There's another duty-free Laox nearby.
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F
Yodobashi Camera
Yodobashi is Tokyo's largest and most highly regarded camera emporium, but also carries loads of computers and other electronics. Its prices are very competitive and tourists are waived Japanese consumption tax if a valid passport is shown.
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G
Camera No Naniwa
This vast camera/film/electronics emporium is part of a huge low-cost Osaka chain. You can find some great bargains here - they sometimes offer special discounts for travellers - but don't expect much in terms of personal service.
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H
Sakuraya
With a few branches around Shinjuku, this is the main rival to Yodobashi Camera. Like Yodobashi, it offers an incredible selection of lenses and digital cameras, and prices are similar at both shops.
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I
Yodobashi Camera - Chiyoda-ku
This megalith of a discount store is located on the east side of Akihabara Station, with a whopping nine floors of cameras, computer equipment and enough electronics for the most hardcore geek.
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J
Bic Camera
Bic Camera may or may not be, as it claims, the cheapest camera store in Japan, but its ubiquity cannot be contested, with no fewer than four locations in Ikebukuro.
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Tower Records
In the Pivo Bldg. A good resource for English CDs, DVDs and other digital entertainment. Closed irregularly.
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Yodobashi Camera
A major new rival for the above, this mammoth shop sells a similar range of electronic goods, camera and computer products and also has a restaurant floor, supermarket, bookshop, cafe and, well, the list goes on. It's a few minutes' walk north of Kyoto Station.
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Robosquare
Near Fukuoka Tower, Robosquare sells robotics and salutes all things cyborg with demonstrations, robot performances and small exhibits of current technology.
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K
Bic Camera
Bic Camera is a one-stop shop for everything related to cameras, electronics and computers (but note that many computer-related items are designed for operation with a Japanese system). You are likely to find some of the best prices in the city at this vast shop.
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