Page 61 - Japan’s Cultural Treasures

Returns

If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that
any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy
of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in
mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain
number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

Crafts & Souvenirs

Japan

Souvenirs are a Japanese staple and are sold everywhere, even near shrines. In Kamakura, the
main shopping street is Komachi Street, where locals and visitors alike can be found shopping.
When you visit Arashiyama, keep an eye out for goods made from Japanese fabric. Also, each
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• Department Stores: Japanese department stores are famous the world over, and with
good reason. They are like mini-cities and contain just about everything produced in
Japan, from food courts to departments selling such items as cameras and computers.
They also sell many traditional Japanese crafts. And the service is outstanding with
attentive clerks and beautiful gift-wrapping.

• Crafts: The Japanese highly value traditional crafts and produce some wonderful goods.
Japanese artisans are skilled at traditional crafts such as ceramics, lacquerware, and
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• Regional Traditions: These destinations are well known for their products: Mikimoto
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products and Japanese pastry with elaborate work throughout Japan.

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and Kyoto.

• Electronics: Digital cameras, laser discs, CD players, calculators, and hand-held
computers are ubiquitous in Japan with good bargains common. In Tokyo you’ll want to
visit Akihabara, a huge electrical appliance district with open-front shops selling every
possible electronic gadget. Shoppers mob this district, so be prepared for crowds.

• Porcelain, Pottery: Japan is a big producer of high-quality pottery and porcelain items.
All of the big department stores carry superb pottery such as the Satsuma Arima, Hagi,
Bizen and Tobe pottery. Other famous ceramic companies are Kutani in Kanazawa and
Kiyomizu in Kyoto.

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