Back9 articles
Shopping & Money
Payments, stores, gifts, and small surprises. Pick a theme and learn the small cultural cues that make everyday life in Japan easier.
Popular Topics
Japan feels high-tech, so why do so many places still want cash?Shopping & MoneyWhy does the cashier put out a little tray instead of taking money from my hand?Shopping & MoneyWhat does the tax-free sign mean, and how do I actually get the discount?Shopping & MoneyWhy is the wrapping in Japan so careful and elaborate, even for cheap items?Shopping & MoneyWhy are there vending machines on almost every street, even in quiet places?Shopping & MoneyWhy do banks and offices want a little red stamp instead of my signature?Shopping & MoneyOn January 1st, people queue at dawn to buy sealed bags without knowing what's inside — why?Shopping & MoneyWhen I type my card PIN, the cashier turns their whole head away — is that store policy?Shopping & MoneyWhy is secondhand shopping here so good — everything looks almost new, and nobody seems embarrassed to buy used?Shopping & Money
Ask a Local