*Shopping Area > Ginza, Tokyo

The little parasol shop in front of a huge department store in GINZA made quite a business for our family as it was raining cats and dogs when we got there from the train station. We were off to the SONY building first but then the boys poncho were no match for the TOKYO drizzle we were experiencing.

Luckily we found this little parasol shop just in front of a big department store a few minutes' walk from the SONY Building. It is right at the entrance of the building so it is easily visible to anyone passing by the huge intersection called the GINZA 4-chrome intersection, which has become GINZA shopping districts familiar landmark!

The male Japanese shopkeeper was really friendly. At first hubby and I got one for each of us worth around 524 yen. Then my youngest got jealous and found some nice ones with animal shaped handles. The shopkeeper said they cost "many many money" and suggested something cheaper (he saw we had raincoats already and probably thought getting expensive umbrellas were too much,LOL!). Anyway, it turned out to be really nice also with an animal handle and only cost 500 yen. That did it for my son and he happily chose a yellow kids' umbrella with an elephant handle.

(My boys got inspired to buy them as most Japanese seem to carry one - rain or shine! Japanese of all ages, men and women have an umbrella as part of their daily trek to work, school, shopping, etc.)

I also got three nicely designed stockings (all made in Japan) and pure cotton black long socks for 1,050 yen for three pairs! Bargain!

WHO SAYS GINZA is EXPENSIVE? ( Well, we are not really label conscious so...)

What to buy: parasols/umbrellas of various sizes

What to pay: around 500 yen for the average umbrella

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This is the shopping district where you can find department stores, high design and expensive brands boutiques, restaurants, etc. There are the world famous Sony Building and Wako store. The corners of Chuo and Harumi streets is the perfect point to start to take a walk as in my case, because I didn't buy anything!

Dear male travellers, if you are ever planning a big shopping in Tokyo (which is completely understandable!) you have to be aware of the fact that if you are pretty tall or big you could hardly find clothes that will suit you. One of my friends been so much inspired by costumes made by Yohji Yamamoto for "Dolls" movie and there was particularely one shirt he was very obsessed with so he decided to find it a tout prix in one of Yamamoto's boutiques. And yes, being very focussed man he found it..but it was such a big dissapointment when he found out the sleeves were too short...he was very upset my poor friend and he's such a vulnerable person...and yes, i forgot to mention he's russian:)

What to buy: better no long sleeves..t-shirts are ok!

The best and probably the most expensive shopping area in Japan. You will find excluse and very high quality stores selling traditional Japanese wares and leading brand good. There are also art galleries, clubs and restaurants - the rentals for these properties is horrendous.

With all the traffic and the signs advertising different brands standing on the Ginza I was reminded of NYC's Times Square. But this area is reallly all about high-class shopping, so it's like Fith Ave as well. It's worth a few hours to stroll around and browse the department stores and electronic stores. Also to see the food areas in the department stores, usually on the lowest level.
Keep in mind that most of the electronics, cmeras, etc, do not carry a U.S. guarantee.

You can experience Japanese consumer culture at the happening swanky commercial and shopping district of Ginza.

Big name designers such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Gucci, Cartier and new-comers Zara sit alongside Japan's famous Mikimoto and Japanese department stores such as Mitsukoshi (this branch dated back to the Meiji era!), Core, Matsuya, Seibu and Matsuzakaya.

A really large Shiseido store and the famous Sony showroom (at the Sotobori-dori St and Harumi-Dori intersection) are also some of the must-see sights when in Ginza.

Nearby the Ginza 4-chome intsersection, there are many large clocks at the outside of certain department stores. At every hour, you may want to wait outside to watch the big clocks chime. The figurines and clockworks are quite beautiful and the sound of bells, lovely to your ears.

The famous Tsukiji Fish Market is also in Ginza. I didn't get a chance to visit, but if you want to go there to observe the world famous fish auctions, you would need to get there in the early mornings, before 7 am. The Market opens at 5am.

What to buy: The Japanese ladies penchant for tidy, well-cut dresses (a 'la 1950's style) in sweet green, pink and lilac pastels could be found at all department stores. The clothing & accessories are extremely good quality and well-tailored, but naturally, with a healthy price-tag as well. For example, the Zara stores in Malaysia & Singapore are certainly cheaper than those in Ginza, although merchandise was similar.

Price of make-up & skin-care was about the same as in Singapore and Malaysia. You can have a free make-over while watching the people go by. I certainly enjoyed trying out the testers at Mitsokoshi to put a little more colour onto my face after my overnight flight!.

What to pay: Max out on your credit card, but only if you have someone else who will pick up the tab later!

Basically, Tokyo is devided into 3 parts and each part is mainly for the different groups of generation. Ginza is for the older age, where Shinjuku is for the young people between age from 20s to 30s. Shibuya and Harajuku Area is for the youth and students.

What to buy: Mostly branded staffs like LV, Channel, Prada etc

What to pay: Credit cards such as Master, Visa, Amex and Dinners are basically acceptable in Japan, do not forgat to ask before you buy.

Ginza! Shopping district in Tokyo! I've seen Japanese loves to shop and the best thing is that their sales clerk are very respectful, they don't actually care if you won't to buy or what..I keep coming this area since I can buy hot discounts though it's still a little bit of expensive but my credit cards prove it wrong! lol..

What to buy: Best items I have now is my Samurai Stainless Steel Sword! I love it.... and it really shows off Japanese Traditions.

What to pay: You can spend all your money since Tokyo is more expensive than expected!