Job Discussion Forums

kimbo · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 24

I know that the following may seem like really silly questions but I thought I would give it a go and see what type of response I received.

Do you think It would be cheaper for me to take clothing, shoes & cosmetics with me to Japan or are they cheaper to buy there?? Size shouldn't be a problem because I am asian anyway (150cm tall & 42kgs). I have to buy some suite etc. anyway.

Thankyou!

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Kimbo said

kimbo · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 24

Thanks for your response. I should have also told you that I am from Australia (just so prices could be compared easier. I am only a size 6-7 in shoes so I should be okay.

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

kimbo · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 24

Thanks for your help. I think I will wait until I get there, I think it will be cheaper & also it mught be a bit more exciting shopping in Japan.

As Das Fads · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 44

There is a department store opposite okachimachi (sp?) station on the yamanote sen (a station down from Ueno) that sells big size women's shoes. They had up to 27cm from memory. not the greatest range but it is a start. As you walk out of the ticket gates head left, it's on the corner of the main road and the alley way. The shoe section is on the 2nd or 3rd floor.

ne01 · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 23

hi kimbo.. i'm australian too. (male) i'm currently in japan and the shopping is great!! it's similar to back home. it's cheaper at the shopping centres (there are shops like kmart and big w) and the department stores are great too, (better than dj's or myer/gracebros. ....haha) do you know where you'll be coming to in japan? what company are you working for? if you need any help ask me. also can you speak japanese, cos it definitely will help alot!!

CokoSensei · Joined: 27 Apr 2003 Posts: 11 Location: Canada

To Tokyo Liz

Stella · Joined: 22 Mar 2003 Posts: 17 Location: Japan

Kimbo,

I'm from Aust. too and as the other posters said prices for clothese here are about the same (sometimes cheaper) so you'll have fun shopping and I think there are some cool looking shoes here but.........

I'd strongly suggest getting shoes in Oz before you come because even if the shoes are do fit you here, I don't find tem to be of the same quality you'll get in Australia and quite often are really uncomfortable.

The good shoe drought I experience here might only be because I'm in a smaller city and we don't have as many big shops but I'm not sure.

Where are you going to be?

kimbo · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 24

Hopefully Osaka. Do you also find cosmetics expensive in Japan? What other things would you suggest that I buy in Japan rather than take with me?

Stella · Joined: 22 Mar 2003 Posts: 17 Location: Japan

Re:
Do you also find cosmetics expensive in Japan? What other things would you suggest that I buy in Japan rather than take with me?

I'm not in Osaka but I'm sure the cost of cosmetics is similar all over Japan. I find them pretty reasonable, some really cheap. Of course it depends on what you want to buy. I can't get my favourite brand (Elizabeth Arden) anywhere near where I live but all the other big name brands are available.

For stuff like lipstick, mascara nailpolish etc. Japanese brands are really good and some are very reasonably priced. I'm totally addicted to one particular brand of lip-liner that is only 800yen (AU$ 11). Something that might be best to bring from home is foundation. I find the Japanese ones really heavy and gluggy and the seem to dry out my skin. I suppose it depends on your skin type too.

The Body Shop is here too if you use their stuff but they don't have all the same stuff as Oz and it's more expensive so I'd say stock up on that before you come if you usually use it.

Other things to bring?
*Deodorant - it just isn't the same here!
*I think toothpaste - I've heard varying reports about the quality of Japanese toothpaste and perhaps where there's smoke there's fire and it's not great.
*bras - if you're small you might find them to fit here but the quality isn't the same as home
*If you use hair products like gel/wax bring some of that. I just went home to Melbourne for a visit and stocked up on that because it's not the same here.

One good hint for cosmetics once youre here though. Priceline has an internet shopping website that you can gets lots of stuff from and postage to here is not too expensive.

Stella[/img]

Sherri · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2003 8:31 am Post subject:

I agree with Stella's advice. I'll just add that if you do like the top of the range stuff (I like Estee Lauder, Orgins and Clinque) you will be far better off buying it duty free or in your home country. It is so much more expensive here--sometimes almost double!

kimbo · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 24

hi thanks for the advice. What about perfume?

darns · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 5

I think it's great that you are asking questions about Japan. These are really relevant to everybody who's going and their preparations. Perhaps you'd also like to ask about soap, talcum powder, toothbrushes, cotton buds, tissues, body lotion, candles, lip gloss and coldsore cream..... Sure take your favourite things, but don't be such a tightarse. If you are being so "extravagant" and buying perfume, I'm sure $10 won't make such a difference... Question

Stella · Joined: 22 Mar 2003 Posts: 17 Location: Japan

Kimbo,

Ignore that last poster and his/her ridiculous name calling.

Your questions were fine and if you want buy perfume that's your business and nobody else's and checking to see what's available here is fine.

Re: your perfume question
I've never bought any Japanese stuff so I don't know what it's like but if you have a favourite nice brand, just buy it duty-free on your way here.

And to the last poster Darns:
Since it looks like you are the only person who seems to think that buying perfume is "extravagant" maybe you should be using the nasty name for yourself.

Viva la stylish perfume wearers!