Kobe Shopping

You will see in the photo I posted the Ikuta Road leading to the Tokyu Hands Store. It is a Japanese department store and have many branches all over Japan.

The store in Sannomiya is situated near the Sannomiya Train Station. It caters to almost anything from household goods, bags, toys, games, gift cards, novelties and do-it-yourself kits.

Come along and have a look.

Wantage Books doubles as the headquarters of Kansai Time-Out, and both are run by long-time resident David Jack. What makes Wantage unique is that it's probably the only used bookstore in Japan that stocks English books (I'd love to hear from you if you know of another). The selection is quite wide-ranging, with good sections for travel, things Asian (especially Japanese, of course), and a good stock of fiction you'd never find at Kinokuniya. You can also find obscure gems as well--mine was a set of books by German philosopher Martin Buber.

Sannomiya is a must-see for any shopaholic in Kobe - but don't expect to get out of it cheaply! There are a stack of interesting little shops, and large department stores, all thrown together. For a cultural experience, visit a "purikura" arcade - a whole arcade dedicated to sticker photo machines. One problem I found with the area was the apparent lack of souvenir shops. It's more of an area for fashion and youth culture. Worth a look, though.

Sannomiya is a must-see for any shopaholic in Kobe - but don't expect to get out of it cheaply! There are a stack of interesting little shops, and large department stores, all thrown together. For a cultural experience, visit a "purikura" arcade - a whole arcade dedicated to sticker photo machines. One problem I found with the area was the apparent lack of souvenir shops. It's more of an area for fashion and youth culture. Worth a look, though.

They sell EVERYTHING here, seriously from toys to clothes. People in Japan go to this shop a lot cuz you can find whatever you need. People travelling on a budget travel can definitely find stuff here. For example, umbrellas and shampoos are 100yen (about $1)

What to buy: You can also find souvenirs here. They sell Japanese fans, chopsticks, cute little bottles for sake, etc... check it out. They have this store all over Japan!!! If you're in Kobe, there is a big one in Sannomiya (where everything is happening) Rokko-michi, etc. Basically, if you get off at any train station, there is one nearby.

What to pay: From 100 yen to however much.
But remember, with 1000yen ($10) you can buy 10 items!!!

There are a few bookstores that have English books/magazines but prepared to pay more than double the price for them. New paperbacks run about 1600yen. That`s not a typo. Don`t even let me get into hardcover. You can find books on many subjects but mostly fiction & Japan travel. Magazines are about the same cost (although if you go to Tower Records theirs are cheaper). You can find a lot of women`s fashion & men`s sports magazines. English language Japanese newspapers are the cheapest at 120-150yen.
If you can get to Osaka, the selection at Kinokuniya near Hankyu Umeda Station is the best. Kobe bookstores don`t offer a lot in terms of selection.
So here`s the list:
1. Junkudo Bookstore. Sannomiya shopping street. Top floor. Small selection. Books, magazines (Asia Time, Newsweek, fashion & sports mags, etc), newspapers. You can also pick up a copy of Kansai Time Out for info on what`s going on that month in terms on events, festivals, concerts, etc in the Kansai area (300yen). 078-392-1001
2. Tower Records Kobe. In the same building as Vivre. Sannomiya shopping street. No books here, just a small selection of magazines. 078-331-1921
3. Kinokuniya Bookstore. Sogo Dept Store. 5th floor. Small selection as well. 078-265-1607
4. Wantage Books. Used bookstore. The cheapest place to buy English books (100-500yen, each). Large selection of fiction books. Some travel books & biographies. Open only weekdays though & is a bit out of the way. Near Shin-Kobe subway station. Same building as the offices of Kansai Time Out. 078-232-4517
(Please note that the Maruzen English bookstore chain Motomachi branch has closed, so if you see open info about that place it`s out of date. They closed in June 2003.)

If you want to experience Pure Japanese Traditional Experience, I'd recommend you to go into a deep deep Japanese shopping mall, usually found out of the main road. The one I want to recommend is Higashiyama/Minatogawa Shoutengai (shopping mall). Inexpensive food, clothes, literally everything can be found. Don't expect them to speak fluent English to you, but such friendly people you will meet. Fishmangers will talk to you 'Hello, handsome, what can I get you? (except for Hello, it's in Japanese, but smile can tell you what they are talking to you)', flower sellers show you the best flower for the day with engaging smile &c... Prices are half of the normal price you see in main shops on high street. Cigarette cartons are almost the same price as those at the airport, moreover they will give you lots of extra goods. (Mind you, I never smoke but my husband!)

I don't want anybody to miss it.

What to buy: Inexpensive clothes, food, dishes, &c... literally ANYTHING.

What to pay: half of the money you'd pay in high street

in kobe harbour land u can find anything; from department stores, sport shops, restaurants to small funky shops in the lovely mosaic garden :))
harbour land is not only for shopping; its by the ocean and from there u have the greatest view of kobe - the maya and rokko mountains in the background, and the kobe skyline landmarks kobe port tower and oriental hotel are picturesque from here. u can chill, have a coffee outside, or take a ride in the paris wheel, as there is also an entertainment park :))
this pic* kobe oriental hotel in sunset as seen from the mosaic garden

What to buy: u can find nice asian stuff for home at beaux-arts, one of my favourite shops where i got cute discount tatami for my living room :)) u can find a big sports shop on the opposite side...there is also the kobe `hard rock cafe` in harbour land in case u wanna buy a t-shirt to show off where u`ve been:))

harbour land is a great place to find anything, from second hand or discount goods, to expensive luxury stuff :))