Ginza Six

I popped into the new Ginza Six department store earlier today.

The place was pretty busy with tourists and locals all looking to explore the hottest new shopping location in Town.

First thing of note was several large marshmallow-looking decorations hanging from the ceiling. I'm not sure if it's because I'm in Japan, but the immediate association I made was that they look like disembodied mushrooms from the Mario game series.

I headed right up to the top floor, not really interested in the fashion or brand shops. To my delight, I arrived at a great looking Tsutaya book shop.

When I first arrived in Japan back in the early 2000s Tsutaya was where I'd rent out DVDs -- 24, Prison Break, movies. I remember when it used to be an event to go and do this, and have many happy memories of browsing the aisles looking forward to an evening of light entertainment, popcorn, and a few beers.

Times have changed though, and it's been years since I've used a DVD, never mind stepped foot into a Tsutaya.

It seems they made a pivot to selling high-end books though. Books are another thing I don't bother with in physical format anymore, but these books were different--upmarket arty books, manga and magazines, which seem precisely to format you'd prefer to hold in your hands and celebrate as an item of beauty in its own right.

The atmosphere is helped by the layout, which is like a mix between modern art museum and trendy library.

You could browse for hours in here. Unfortunately I was on my lunch break so had to settle for 15 minutes.

Definitely worth a trek if you are planning to visit Ginza and you enjoy books, photography, manga or art.

 

Suits you sir: finding a good tailor in Tokyo

Summary

After reading the excellent "Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion by Alan Flusser, I decided it was time cast aside the Aoki and Aoyama off-the-rack jobs, and update my style with a visit to the local tailor. But where to start? After checking out some recommendations on-line, I decided on "Azabu Tailor".

**Parking depends on branch**Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto**For Dad**Opening hours depend on Shop, Kanda branch: 10am-8pm, open all day except Thursday**


Website

Azabu Tailor (Japanese only)

Experience

This was actually the first time for me to visit a tailor, but from what I imagine the experience to be like Azabu seems to offer all of the standard fare. I was looking to get away from the mass produced Aoki and Aoyama style experience, so it was reassuring to find the Kanda branch of Azabu Tailors to be located in a small dingy office building on the 3rd floor away on some side street. This gives the place the same sort of exclusive feeling you get from your other favorite little hideouts found in the nooks and crannies of Tokyo.

The store had exactly the kind of atmosphere I was searching for: A solid tailor dealing in traditional, conservative style while also being sufficiently in tune with modern tastes to avoid looking old fashioned. This was confirmed by the blend of classic paraphernalia adorning the perimeter of the shop, while modern popular music playing in the background suggested that timeless style was being delivered with a modern twist to those who desire it. Also reassuring, for me anyway, was extracts from "Dressing the Man" being displayed on the wall of the shop.

The sale begins with a consultation. Coffee is served as you sit down at a private table and discuss the kind of look you are aiming to achieve with the suit. The selection process begins with color, fabric and pattern. You are free to leaf through a large selection of sample books, with fabric from Japan and the UK being the main stock. The price of the suit is determined mainly by the fabric you select, such that, barring any extras you may opt of later in the sale, you know the price of the finished product based on the quoted price of the fabric. For example, the range starts from just under 40,000JPY for Japanese fabric, on to 50,000-60,000JPY for British wool, going up to 100,000JPY and beyond.

I took the most time with this part of the selection. The salesman was patient and never once rushed my decision. I took photographs of the fabric and took those home for comparison. Later, as I narrowed down the choice, the salesman cut pieces of fabric for me so I could take them home and think the decision over.

After selecting the fabric, you move on to choosing the overall style of the suit. The choice seemed to be between English and Classic Italian. The choice boils down to 2 vs 3 button, style of shoulder, number of vents on the back of the suit, number of pleats in the trousers, angle of both trouser and suit pocket, number and style of buttons on the sleeve etc. There really is no limit to the level you can go into at this point!

After deciding on the style, you move on the the fitting. The salesman had me trying on a variety of trousers and Jackets, and I was able to state preference for the tightness and comfort level of the suit as well as the more common sleeve and trouser length.

The only point of contention I had with the salesman was over sleeve length: I like to show at least an inch of shirt cuff, but I believe the tendency in Japan is to wear the Jacket sleeve too long. We managed to reach a compromise on the agreement that I could have the sleeve adjusted to be shorter in the event I though it was too long at the final fitting.

After the measurements, you have the option to choose from a wide variety of "extras". For an extra 1000-3000JPY you can opt for the "surgeons cuff", full stitching, patterned lining, "Maru Daiba" (A kind of reinforcement of the jacket's inside pocket), sweat guard and several others.

Once this stage is completed, you are done, and all that is left is payment. The suit is ready after around 3 weeks from this point.

Cost

Finished suits start at 36,750JPY for Japanese fabric and from 57,750JPY for imported fabrics, going all the way up to 100,000JPY and beyond.

Extras range from 1000JPY-3000JPY and there are around 10 to choose from meaning an extra 20,000-30,000JPY tops depending on your preferences.

Rating

A very satisfactory shopping experience. I eagerly await the finished suit, and will update this upon arrival.

Pros: Knowledgeable staff, great atmosphere, great range of fabrics and options.

Cons: English language support not guaranteed. Three week wait till the suit is ready.


Rating: 9/10

Grocery shopping American style: a day trip to Costco

Summary

A trip to Costco wholesalers in Saitama. A shopping experience unlike anywhere else in Japan: Rotisserie Chicken, huge pizza, freshly baked apple pie, wine, clothes, toys, books, electronics, frozen food, fresh food, cheese, meat, Mexican, Korean, Indian and much much more,

**Has parking**Saitama Prefecture**Any age**Half day Activity**Admission free (For members) **10:00-20:00**No holidays**

Website

Website - English

Location/Access

3-1-2 LaLaCity, Shinmisato,
Misato-City, Saitama,
341-0009, Japan
81-48-950-0800


Directions/Map

By Train: The closest station is Shin-Misato 新三郷 on the JR Musashino Line. 武蔵野線.

By Car: By car, head for the Smart IC if coming from the Kashiwa/Tsukuba direction 柏・つくば　on the Joban expressway, or the Misato IC 三郷 if coming from Tokyo.

Important note: membership

If you wish to shop at Costco (or even enter through the door), you'll need to become a card carrying member of the store. The queue to sign up is always long on the weekend, so make sure you come early. You will find the sign-up area in the car park on the 1F.

The details can be found on the website here.

Activities

Shopping, shopping and more shopping! There is an Ikea next to Costco, so why not make it a day trip of it and shop for some furniture as well?

The range of products available is very impressive, and also somewhat biased towards goods of American origin, which is great for us foreign folk living in Japan. (The Author is not actually American, but years in Japan have led me to accept Americana as an acceptable substitute for my own culture).

Remember, Costco is not all about food, and there are many 100s of items including electronics, fashion items, clothes, cosmetics, medicines, DVDs, toys, alcohol amongst many others. Make sure to take plenty of cash with you, as non-Costco-branded credit cards are not accepted at the till!

Also, don't be afraid to give in to the "impulse purchase" at Costo; their 100% satisfaction guarantee means that you can simply return any item you are not completely satisfied with for a full money back refund.

Food

There is a huge amount of both fresh and processed food. The highlights for me were: Giant Pizza, Rotisserie Chicken, freshly baked Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Cookies, Croissant, Pain au Chocolat, and Tiramisu.

After shopping, there is the option to purchase whole Pizza, hotdogs, Ice cream and other fast food to eat at the seating areas provided within the building. There are also drinks machines dispensing soda.


Cost

The cost is in-line with what you would expect from a Wholesale store. This means that things are certainly cheaper than buying the equivalent in central Tokyo, but also remember that the volume is large, as the business model is to sell in bulk.

Note that there is so much here, at such good prices, that you may load your trolley to such an extent that you could easily get up to the 50,000-60,000JPY mark at the till. Once again, don't forget to bring plenty of cash!


Rating

A great shopping experience; something for all ages.

Pros: Loads of goods at reasonable prices. Goods from back home that are not available in other parts of Tokyo. A great returns policy allowing you to shop without fear, as you can take back anything you are not 100% happy with for a full refund.

Cons: A little far from central Tokyo, and not really an option for those without a car. You need to pay a yearly membership fee before they'll let you shop.


Rating: 8/10