Shopping - Tokyo - page 225

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Buyer Beware

Ivory is popular in Japan, but it's banned for import into the United States.
Beware, therefore, when shopping for antiques, hair ornaments, figurines, or
other items that may contain ivory. You should also think twice before buying
anything made with tortoise shell, crafted primarily from the shell of the endan-
gered hawksbill sea turtle.

SALES Department stores have sales throughout the year, during which you can pick
up bargains on everything from electronic goods and men's suits to golf clubs, toys,
kitchenware, food, and lingerie; there are even sales for used wedding kimono. The most
popular sales are for designer clothing, usually held twice a year, in July and December
or January. Here you can pick up fantastic clothing at cut-rate prices—but be prepared
for the crowds. Sales are generally held on one of the top floors of the department store
in what's usually labeled the “Exhibition Hall” or “Promotion Hall” in the store's Eng-
lish-language brochure. Stop by the department store's information desk, usually located
near the main entrance, for the brochure as well as fliers listing current sales promotions.
TAXES A 5% consumption tax is included in the price of marked goods, but all major
department stores in Tokyo will refund the tax to foreign visitors if total purchases
amount to more than ¥10,001 on that day. Exemptions include food, beverages, tobacco,
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, film, and batteries. When you've completed your shopping,
take the purchased goods and receipts to the tax refund counter in the store. There are
forms to fill out (you will need your passport). Upon completion, a record of your pur-
chase is placed on the visa page of your passport, and you are given the tax refund on the
spot. When you leave Japan, make sure you have your purchases with you (pack them in
your carry-on); you may be asked by Customs to show them.
SHIPPING IT HOME Many first-class hotels in Tokyo provide a packing and shipping
service. In addition, most large department stores, tourist shops, such as the Oriental
Bazaar, and antiques shops, will ship your purchases overseas, including antique
furniture.
If you wish to ship packages yourself, the easiest method is to go to a post office and
purchase an easy-to-assemble cardboard box, available in several sizes (along with the
necessary tape). Keep in mind that packages mailed abroad cannot weigh more than
20kg (about 44 lb.), and that only the larger international post offices accept packages to
be mailed overseas (ask your hotel concierge for the closest one). Remember, too, that
mailing packages from Japan is expensive (for details, see chapter 12, “Fast Facts”).

9

2 SHOPPING A TO Z

ANIME & MANGA
Although Akihabara has long boasted Japan's largest concentration of electronics shops,
in recent years it has also gained a reputation as the place to shop for manga (Japanese
comic books and graphic novels) and items related to anime (Japanese animation) and
cosplay (costume play). Anime fans should make a point of stopping by the free Tokyo