Have your say & ask the experts

We're off to Japan for the first time in a fortnight (woo-hoo!), and have 2 days in Tokyo at the end of the trip.  One of the things that the guide books say you should do is pay a visit to the electronics shopping areas, and (in the interest of learning more of their culture) I'm really happy to do so.

However, other than buying an iPod in Noo Yoik many years ago, I've no idea what the rules are! Do all electronics work here, or should I avoid buying stuff with plugs.  Will prices vary (is haggling considered rude in Japan?) from shop to shop, and are there discounts to be had on UK prices?  I don't think there's anything in particular I need (perhaps a new iPod, some earphones and maybe some bd discs - will they work?).

Also, planning on getting a BDP S760 soonish, but not really something that can be easily taken back, so may just buy that here.

Finally - I've got a Canon 450d with the kit (18-55mm), Sigma 70-300mm APO zoom and a Canon 50mm f1.8 lenses - (possibly one for John Duncan) - are there bargains on photo stuff.  Anything in particular I should be looking for?

Cheers, and thanks for any thoughts, musings, alternative ideas and general abuse.

you're obviously a convert to the SA-9800! thanks, but think I need to avoid anything that is that large and heavy  - will need to crate something like that to get it back, and don't trust baggage handlers!  Not to mention trying to explain it to HM customs! 

In line with the Japanese excellence in the field of miniaturisation  - think small!

Everything mains powered in Japan is 100V, so unless it has a multivoltage supply or is an export model, don't bother - too much faffage with step-down converters.

In fact probably don't bother at all unless you find something you can't buy back here - current yen/£ exchange rates means everything is very expensive in Japan for us visitors at the moment.

Haggling really doesn't happen, prices tend to be fixed.

Go to Akihabara and gawp, but that's about it - most of the hi-fi shops have been replaced by software and games now.

Thanks for the pointers, Andrew.  Looks like window-shopping only.  I think I'll have to invent a "must buy" purchase for 'er indoors, as the "I just wanna gawp" line will not convince! 

JD - I won't be sustaining your habit - but I will be on the look-out for wasabi and nicotine patches...

Dont buy any bombs either. AP security tends to whine if you want to take them with you.

My father was in Tokyo this summer and found the prices to be high on electronics and gangets (and that should say alot given that Norway is one of the most expensive countries on the planet *sigh*) He did get me a rather fancy sword and some smaller trinkets from outside the tourist path so i would suggest you try the same. Alot more fun to bring home than electronic bling bling

I don't know about shopping but be sure to eat the following (gorgeous foods) kobe steak, Sesame Fish, Gyoza and finnish off with Ginhgo whisky.....yum yum

Have a nice time  "itte irrasshai"

Big A,

If you want any more guidance on things to see, drop me an email at the usual address with any questions and either I or my wife will endeavour to help...