Its better to know # 1

My list of places, shops and things in general that I think is important to know while here or visiting for the first time. In no particular order. 

• Hachiko

I'm referring to the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station, true the name originates from the Japanese story, the faithful dog, Hachiko. In April 1934 a bronze statue in his likeness was erected in front of shibuya station thus the exit is called Hachiko. This statue of Hachiko attracts a lot of tourists and locals, the rest of the crowd are people who are meeting up with with friends or family. Despite its popularity I do have a few friends who have no idea where Hachiko is which can be quite inconvenient. 

• Village vanguard bookstore

A very funny and entertaining bookstore, not the mecca of Jazz. Village vanguard is one of my favourite bookstores here in Tokyo. They have a wide range of products not only books and stationery but bags, sunglasses, candy and much much more. Some of their products are too funny than practical, perfect place to find cool cheap gifts for friends. Personally I find this shop to be a cross between donqui jote and a 7/11, whenever I needed something I knew would be a bit hard to find on a last minute notice this place never fail to deliver. Village Vanguard has 323 shops across Japan including their newest branch in Hong Kong. 

• Don Quijote (store)

A discount chain store across Japan and a few branch in Hawaii. Don Quijote is one of the cheapest place to shop, they sell a variety of household goods, electrical appliances. clothing and even brand goods. You can find nearly everything you need in this shop and a bit cheaper than other retailers and electronic shop. The quality is equally the same. The shops are not hard to spot because of its distinctive theme song that they play in the shops that can be heard from outside. Be aware that these shops are  messy inside the layout can be a bit  confusing and crowding. 

• My city (shinjuku)

The first time I told my friends to wait for me in `my city, they all thought I was being conceited and call shinjuku as my city. When I arrived to meet them one of my friends sarcastically commented that they've been waiting in "my city" for me. I was taken aback for a moment then the other explained why my other friend reacted that way.....so no! My city is like Hachiko for shinjuku, another waiting area on the east side of the JR shinjuku station. In front of the Police post and studio alta is my city. Now its Lumine est but some people still call it my city. 

• Tokyu hands

Tokyu hands is a department store that expanded from their original DIY store, hence the logo with 2 hands. Tokyu hands focuses on hobby, lifestyle, design and home improvement products. The shops usually consist of no less than 5 floors, each floor is dedicated to a category. Some of the shops offer free workshops, how to make leather products etc etc. Tokyu hands is part of the Tokyu group that also operates a railway service. They have locations all over Japan. In Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ginza, Kita-senju, Machida and LaLaPort Toyosu

• Conformity

In Japan conformity is highly encouraged. Individualism is not appreciated here in Japan, thus drawing attention to yourself as an individual is not a good idea. Too bad we cant help it, just by being a foreigner you already stand out; doesn't matter how well you know the language or how long you've been here. Avoid these little habits that we had going; talking loudly in public, eating on the go, talking on your cell in a crowded train and do not blow your nose in public. 

• Bowing

Bowing is an art of respect, by bowing you are showing the other person your respect for him. However most of us find it weird and funny, even if you do when someone bows to you do bow this will be pleasing to your host. It doesn't have to be perfect but just enough to acknowledge them. Bowing does have different degrees depending on the circumstances, for example if its your boss and you are saying sorry, then it has to be the lowest bow; 70degrees. It usually depend on two things, the person you are addressing (his status) and the reason. 

• Sama/san/chan

The Japanese attach the suffix san to their last names. Its not polite and can be insulting if you do not add the suffix san or sama if you want to be particularly polite. Kids are content with their names only but sometimes they add the suffix chan or Kun for little boys. Both men and women use san to their names, there is no distinction between female and males. 

• Onsen (hot springs) and Bathing houses

Onsen is the Japanese term for hot springs. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsen scattered all over the country. These onsens come in various forms and sizes. Outdoor and indoor baths are the most common types of bath. Bathing suit are not allowed in most bath except for the mixed baths. When entering a bath one must be naked with a small towel to cover oneself when moving from shower to bath. Onsen etiquette: Most onsens ban people with tattoos doesn't matter if the tattoo is small. Traditionally, tattoos are perceived as a badge of criminality. Also bathers are encouraged to thoroughly clean themselves before getting into the bath. Ladies with their menstrual period are advised not to enter the bath.

• 100yen shop

100 yen shop or hyaku en shop in Japanese are shops that sell a wide range of products for 105yen (100 yen plus 5 yen consumption tax). These 100yen shops can be found all over Japan, ranging in size. Some are operates from a department store the rest are scattered all over the street corners and train stations. The 2 most popular 100 yen chains are Daiso and Cando, these shops sells almost everything from tableware, tools, stationary, leisure goods to cosmetics making it a great source for travellers and residents on a budget. 

• Izakaya

An Izakaya is a kind of Japanese drinking establishment where one is seated and food is served to accompany drinks. In simple terms just think of Izakayas as Japanese bars. There are different types of Izakayas, some establishment are bigger than others and more likely to be expensive. The seating arrangement is typically Japanese style with Tatamis and low table still very comfortable. For beer lovers most Izakayas have contracts with a particular brewery thus they usually only serve a certain kind and not all beer types. However they usually have a wide selection of Japanese sake and other cocktails including other non alcoholic beverage.