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Shopping

Commissary

Unlike military bases in the United States, the base Commissaries in Japan are also available to civilians and families who have accepted a job and have orders for Japan. Personnel stationed in Japan can purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Many stateside products that cannot be found off-base are readily available at the Commissary. Brands and quantities may vary throughout the year but you will almost always find what you need.

Navy Exchange

Unlike military bases in the United States, the base Exchanges in Japan are also available to civilians and families who have accepted a job and have orders for Japan.

The Navy Exchange carries a wide variety of brand name electronics, handbags, jewelry, Navy Pride, shoes, clothing, toys for kids & more. All merchandise is well priced and not subject to sales taxes.

Modern Japanese supermarkets are organized in much the same way as their Western counterparts. They offer all kinds of goods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, meat, tofu, pickled, dried and canned foods, bread, dairy products, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and household articles.

The goods are usually beautifully presented and of excellent quality. Also the cashier system is well organized and efficient. The packages and portions in Japanese supermarkets are usually smaller than comparable packages sold in Europe or North America; nevertheless, they are rarely cheaper. Traditional Japanese foodstuffs, on the other hand, can be relatively inexpensive.

Most large department stores have beautiful food departments located in the basement floors. A visit to such a food department is a highly recommended experience.

Shopping in Japan is a shopping paradise with a wealth of stores selling everything from traditional souvenirs and local food to the latest electronics and hottest fashion brands. Both domestic and foreign brands are represented, as are stores for all budgets, from the 100 yen shops to high-end fashion boutiques and department stores.

Large cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, sport several shopping districts, each with their own unique character, usually grouped around major train stations. Shops are also found in shopping centers, along covered shopping arcades and in extensive underground malls. Outside of the city centers, large big box retailers, outlet malls and suburban shopping malls compete for shoppers with lots of variety.

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