Electronic Goods and Computers

Japan, if not necessarily cheaper than back home, is certainly the place to buy the latest hi-tech products. Travel out to Akihabara in Tokyo or Nihonbashi in Osaka and you will be able to purchase MD players, digital cameras, computers, stereos, and many other electrical goods at bargain prices, but even if you are in little Toyama, there are a few places to go to find things cheaper than back home – no one store is the cheapest so shop around.

Joshin – J&P

An electronics chain based out of Tokyo that has a large range of stock and good prices. Joshin is located in South Toyama at the intersection of route 41 and 359, the J&P store is also nearby. There is also a store in Kureha, next to McDonalds, and one in Tonami. Joshin can also be found near Sunshine 88. There are actually six stores across the prefecture, and you can find their locations here: http://shop.joshin.co.jp/search.php For a couple of hundred yen it might be worth getting a point card that will enable you to get money off certain purchases later.

Kojima Denki

Sells both computers and other electronic goods under the same roof. Within biking distance of Sunshine 88, if you’re not feeling too lazy.

Hard Off

This amusingly named shop sells some secondhand electrical goods very cheaply. It is just along from Homemart Piezza on the way to Favore.

Yamada Denki – Yamada Techland

Yamada has smaller stores than some other major dealers in Toyama but they have a good selection and competitive prices. One popular location of Yamada is a few blocks east of Joshin in South Toyama, on the south side of the street, but there are others throughout Toyama prefecture. Locations: http://www.yamada-denki.jp/store/contents/pref_21.html

Riutsu Senta (Russian Store)

Ah, the Russian Store. This used goods store has a large selection of new and second hand furniture & electronic goods – VCRs, stereos, MD players, TVs, rice cookers, microwaves, etc. Half my apartment is from this store.  Prices are good but check it against the cost of buying the item new, because you will not get a guarantee. Exit Toyama station main entrance and turn right on the street with Marier on the corner. Walk straight, past Golden Bowl, and cross the bridge. Turn left down a small side street parallel to the river and follow the road as it curves round past a car park to an underpass. Go under and keep right. Look for a pink building with a colourful wall mural ahead of you and follow the sounds of the song “We Are the World.” Tel: 076-441-8812

Nandemo Kantekyoku

‘The appraisers of everything’ – is another secondhand shop in Toyama city. You will find home furnishings, electrical goods, kitchen goods, etc. Plus, they carry some new products at very cheap prices. Two floors (with a massive back room of furniture) will be a good start to your price comparing and you’ll probably come back to buy. Located just south of Route 356 in south central Toyama city. Go east (towards the mountains) from the 356/41 intersection for about 2km. Follow the signs for Joshin and Pit One in the MyPlaza shopping center. The shop is on the west side of the complex, next to the pachinko parlor. Tel: 076-420-5439

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