Japanese thrift shops are called recycle shops. After getting kicked out of a couple of recycle shops, I finally found treasure at a recycle station’s junk yard!
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2 Comments
Great video on recycle shops in Matsumoto, David! I recognized the last one, the junkyard, that you went to because I've driven by it so many times on my way into Matsumoto. I've always wondered what it was, and now that you've shown me it's a place where I can buy used things, I'll definitely go there myself to check it out. Where was the first place you went to, the one that has furniture? I'd like to check that one out to. Thanks again for your great video! Shirley (your ukulele student)
Recycle shops in Japan offer a range of goods:
Clothes, electrical appliances, furniture, bedding, car tyres, computer, optical, brand goods, tools, musical instruments, replica firearms and swords …
Tips:
-Electrical appliances, check the price of the equivalent products new. Washing machine (top loader best), fridge, heater, vacuum cleaner… can be new but old model.
-Tools such as electric drill, circular saw, electric chain saw, angle grinder … can be cheaper new. That said, screwdrivers at 10 yen each are worth considering if not too worn.
-Garments, men: Although sold as used, often the clothes are brand new. This applies particularly to shirts. Always buy too big, because if sleeve length, chest/tummy, length, collar are too small, they are a waste of money. So if you can live with three sizes too big around the neck, fill your boots. Suits seldom work. Buy order made when on that visa run.
-Garments, women: Usually far more women's clothes than men, but fewer brand new.
-Leather jacket, overcoat … can work.
-Underwear, socks, shoes: Only if brand new.
-Ski stuff.
Tip: Winter/silk kimono as Christmas present for the folks back home. Sea mail is cheap.
-Car tyres: Never punctured, but check size carefully. Often sold on wheels. Not such a deal if they're the wrong wheels. You'll pay a good 1,000 to have fitted, plus disposal of old tyres. Buy your winter tyres in the summer. In fact you can run on "studless" tyres year round.
-PC, printer, keyboard (a Windows keyboard will run with a Mac except for the kanji function). Often brand new. The ink elements are the rip-off so see if your 100 yen shop stocks after market (non-OEM) elements if you do a lot of printing.
-Optical/camera: Can be a deal if you know what you're doing. The major camera manufacturers offer servicing for a nominal price.
-Furniture: Bulky, but some shops will lend you a vehicle to get it home.
-Bedding can be good, but be aware that running through a coin laundry can cost you as much as the bedding item. Hence the expression: "Cheaper to replace than wash"
Jack, the Japan Alps Brit