Living in Japan | Daily Life in Tokyo
100 Yen Shops - Discount stores in Japan
TOPIC: Sestuyaku | Save Money in Japan!
You have probably heard of the many types of discount-stores | dollar shops in North America and Europe. In Japan, there are also Dollar type of stores called 100 Yen Shop.
100 Yen Shops sell various products at 100 Yen (105 Yen plus 5% consumption tax) each. Bascially 1 Dollar US. They handle a wide variety of products which makes the shop so convenient.
You might think that going to a 100 Yen Shop during your travel is a waste of time. However, they are worth visiting since they handle goods that you will not see in your country. Generally, the quality of Japanese products is very high. I have heard of tourists from the rest of Asia shopping at these shops for their very low priced, quality good.
For example, I bought a Daikon-oroshi-ki the other day. If you like Tempura, you must know what Daikon-oroshi is. Yes, it is grated Daikon radish. Daikon-orohshi-ki is a radish grater.
Daikon-oroshi-ki bought at a 100 Yen Shop
Maybe, it is not so hard to find Daikon (radish) at supermarkets in your country, however, it must be still hard to find a Daikon-oroshi-ki out side of Japan. Even if you are lucky to find it, it must be very expensive. And, here in Japan, you can buy it at 100 Yen (105Yen) at the 100 Yen shop!
At 100 Yen Shops, many Japanese goods, like chopsticks, are sold. Many of these products are not made in Japan, though, it is fun trying to find something unique for souvenirs for your friends back home. Besides, they are cheap!
100 Yen shops are usually found near minor train stations or Shouten gai (Local shopping streets or street malls). The 100 Yen shops I often go to are in Kitasenju, Adachi-ward, in north Tokyo. As far as I know, there are 3 or 4 100 Yen shops in Kitasenju.
All Travel to Japan articles were written by staff of digi-escape.
