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Budget browsing

By on February 1, 2009

So what can one coin buy in these days of global economic meltdown? Plenty! Does a Japanese buck still have any bang left in it? Yes! If you have the time and the eye, you can usually find something unexpectedly useful and inexpensive at almost any ¥100 shop.

Chances are that if you’ve been living in Tokyo for a while, then you have already discovered your neighborhood’s local ¥100 Shop – unfortunately they are not all created equal. While most of the available merchandise is exact or similar to most other stores, some items may only be available at certain brand stores and then again only at certain branches of that store. So, if you want the greatest one-stop shopping experiences, at least in TF opinion, then the following stores are a must visit:

Daiso – Harajuku – This 4-floor store is one of the best equipped ¥100 shops on the Yamanote line. Located on popular Takeshita dori, about 3 minutes from JR Harajuku Stn., it is hard to miss, and opens from 10 AM to 9 PM. 

For more information please visit: www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/index.html

Can Do – Odaiba – This one-floor spread is a bit out of the way but if you venture out to the Wanza Ariake Bay Mall there are plenty of others activities to entertain you and your family. The kids will most surely enjoy the Yurikamome ride across Rainbow Bridge. Located outside and to the left of Kokusei-Tenjijyo-Seimon Stn. after some light shopping you can walk over to Tokyo Big Sight to see what conventions or trade shows are in town. A nice day trip for the whole family. Bring your camera! Open from 10 AM to 7:30 PM. 

Daiso – Giga Funabashi – The mother-ship. Six floors of stuff, starting at ¥100 but with some exceptions. This store has a large gardening and art department along with a Balinese/bohemian area for incense and inexpensive island jewelry and souvenirs. Make it a great day out for the family. Why not give everyone ¥500 and a time limit and see who comes back with the most useful items? Could be a fun game for the whole family, and inexpensive to boot. Located 5 minutes from JR Funabashi Stn on the Sobu line. Open from 10 AM to 9 PM.

For more information please visit:

 

http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/index.html

 

 

If you go, let us know what you find. TF‘s always looking for a good bargain or neat gizmo!

For more infromation on ¥100 Shops please visit:

 

http://en.wa-shoi.com/?page=100577

 

 

Need to figure out how to get your family to these store from your home? Then check out: www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

 

About Stephen Lebovits