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Travelling to Japan next spring, appreciate info on hi fi shops, things to watch out for other than obvious voltage difference?
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Treat yourself to a couple nights in a hot spring. Robert Neff's "Hidden Hot Springs" is an excellent reference. Spend time in Kyoto - amazing place. Also Kanazawa. Buy a rail pass before you go (can't get it there.) See the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, but the best sushi joint on the planet, Sushi Dai, in the market, has been discovered by social media, so if you arrive at 5am you'lll wait 3 hours (**much** longer if you're later than that.) I don't know if they still let visitors in to watch the tuna auction each morning (4-6:00 am) but if they do it's worth it.Skip audio. Immerse yourself in their culture, which is unlike any place else. It is wonderful, very particular, and takes some learning. Eat clams that are still moving and all sorts of raw fish you never heard of. Stay at least once in a traditional ryokan (tatami mats, shojii screens, etc.) Japan can be life-changing. Read up before you go. Fodor's is probably the best place to start, and Lonely Planet is good. Look through the Hidden Kyoto facebook group postings. If you are a foodie you will be in heaven. Msg me if you have any questions.
One more thing: the Revolut card/smartphone app gets you the daily interbank exchange rate for cash or purchases, i.e. a better rate than any place else. It is wonderful.
And the last word: do NOT wear the bathroom slippers outside the bathroom!
WW
"A man need merely light the filaments of his receiving set and the world's greatest artists will perform for him." Alfred N. Goldsmith, RCA, 1922
Edits: 11/08/15
I'm going in '18 and I would love to see some pics! One of my in-country trips is going to be to audition an ELP. I believe the factory is in Tokyo and I am bringing at least 5 LPs to play on that thing.
Music out of print. Pay the higher price and enjoy the selection
ET
If you're looking for Japanese cartridges, check out what Audio Cubes II is selling and if you find something you like, note the price. You will probably be able to find it a little cheaper there. But don't expect bargain prices.
Last time I was there, I purchased some Audio Technica headphones which were 10-20% cheaper than if I imported them. Japanese audiophile label CDs and SACDs (e.g. SHM) were also cheaper to buy there than to import.
But the big draw is seeing lots of electronics made for the Japan only that you just don't see here. Really neat cameras and ultraportable computers, high end mini-systems, etc. Also tons of vintage stuff, particularly audio and cameras.
The main downside to audio shopping in Tokyo was that it was hard to audition stuff. There are high end audio salons scattered around Tokyo which have nice quiet listening spaces, but I suspect that an appointment is customary, and the ones I visited seemed unfriendly to foreigners walking in off the street. I was routinely ignored in the high end shops, but also got a few dirty looks which is uncommon in Japan.
The shops in Akihabara and the big electronics department stores elsewhere in the city are more welcoming, but they don't have good auditioning spaces. They tend to have an immense variety of stuff but quiet listening rooms were hard to find.
I was routinely ignored in the high end shops, but also got a few dirty looks which is uncommon in Japan.
Sounds like some 'high-end' audio stores in other parts as well. Some are friendly but there's always one or two that have me thanking the internet gods for a hassle-free shopping experience with delivery right to my front porch. ;-)
Without customers you don't have a business, curious. If you walk into a Ferrari showroom its the same if not worse. My absolute worst is trying to audition something, finding out it doesn't meet the hype and having to listen to an earful of nonsense from the salesman.
If you like big band jazz, you HAVE to check out Eric Miyashiro. He's an awesome trumpet player and a great guy. One of the top studio and live players in Japan. Based in Tokyo.
:)
that was started 10/3 that has some info. The link is from one of Gary B's posts.
..........as it is not their culture. Having said that, visit a big electronics/photo/media store called BIC Camera (many locations) the largest being in Ikebukuro across from the subway station (Yamanote Line). As well as being a complete mind trip, they had (probably still have) a deal where you buy something (anything) at the regular price and get a coupon for 10% off your next purchase. My buddy collects watches and goes there regularly. He will buy some AAA batteries for Y500, get his coupon, then go to the watch department and get 10% off on a $4000.00 Grand Seiko watch, which is the best deal in Japan (Grand Seiko is only available in Japanese domestic market). The 10% off applies to anything in the store, but most of the stuff you can buy there is cheaper over here. There are always "Japan only" models of many things like digital cameras which are typically made in Japan (domestic market preference) so you can score a cool exclusive model. Akihabara is a mere shadow of what it was in the 80's when it was wall to wall audio. Now mostly media, computers, video games, cell phones, and cameras. Lots of parts shops down the side lanes off the main blvd.
If you are a single man, or a sportsman, and want some attention from some young ladies (not pro's, just local single ladies) get off the Yamanote line at Ebisu station and visit some coffee shops around it (in Japan, men go to bars which supply female talent, ladies go to coffee shops). Young single Japanese ladies all want to learn English and will buy you drinks all night just to sit and converse in English with them. In my experience, it can be the beginning of a very memorable evening!
Cheap fireworks year round, dude!
When I was a "rich kid" living in Japan on my $2 weekly allowance I would blow it on fireworks, microscopes, electronic gadgets, and sports equipment. $2 was HUGE back then with an exchange rate of 360-YEN to the US Dollar.
You're not likely to find many bargains there these days but I understand that Japan is still a safe place with low crime. Have fun!
I wish I could go w/ you and stock up on import CD/SACDs !
Check out the the mega-stores selling all kinds of gear and software including LPs. Wander the back alleys where you will find all sorts of tiny, weird, and wonderful parts and supplies. Stay after dark and go to the cafes. Easy to get there on the trains.
I have never found a bargain of any kind in Tokyo but browsing and people watching is a lot of fun
If you go to Tokyo, check out a concert by the NHK Symphony Orchestra.... At either NHK Hall or Suntory Hall. In my opinion, currently the best symphony orchestra on the planet.
realistically, love to brouse, but a phono cartridge is probably what I would actually buy. Any bargains there?
and he picked up 'audiophile' cartridge, Shelter 501 Mk II, at a 'department' type store for about 50% of what was then US dealer price.
Still have it somewhere.
REALLY nice MC cartridge but still prefer the tracking of my SS re-tipped Denon 103D.
I have never found any "deals" in Japan. You might be able to find things you can't elsewhere, but amazing pricing? Not so much.
=Signature=================
As audiophiles, we take what's obsolete, make it beautiful, and keep it forever.
Hey! I have a blog now: http://mancave-stereo.blogspot.com or "like" us at https://www.facebook.com/mancave.ster
http://www.mygola.com/best-places-to-buy-electronics-in-tokyo/q8733
It has a bunch of information.
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