Cameras In Japan

Check out the price-comparison site, kakaku.com, which gives you an idea of best price to pay. Then look round local stores to see if they have on special offer - often in response to local competition or manufacturer's incentives. Price in the value of any rebate points you get with large discounters like Yodobashi, Sakura and BicCamera.
Most digital SLRs come with multi-lingual displays and menus, but the only sure way is to ask the sale staff, who on the whole are very well informed. Some larger retailers provide English manuals on request, or you can usually download from the manufacturer's support site. Or you can go to their US or UK site.
You will find Japanese prices are very keen at the moment because of the weak yen, and often undercut (by a small margin) the usually competitive US online quotes. Just remember that most domestic models only come with Japan-only warranty and export models with international cover cost more, with restricted choice. But if you need repairs and servicing in Japan, the manufacturer and their service centres are efficient with short turnaround. They even have walk-in counters where minor repairs can be carried out on the spot while you wait. Remember that discount for accessories is usually bigger than that for the camera body itself.
I have no hesitation in buying photographic gear in Japan.

I'm a big fan of Yodobashi Camera. I bought a Pentax there which has an English menu, and they were able to give me the English manual. I used the points to get the SD card, case and small tripod for free.