Excellent list! I can absolutely corroborate your account for vinyl stores. I imported the Japanese vinyl soundtrack to one of my favorite films, The Last American Virgin. That film is from 1982, and the vinyl arrived from Japan looking as if it was pressed and packaged today. Completely mint condition. Can also vouch for Yokohama. Had a blast down there as well as in Yokosuka. The vibe is clearly much more chill than Tokyo. It's immediately noticeable.
I'll have to hit you up next time I'm out that way. Have a great time on your upcoming trip, dude!
Exactly on the combini. I got it in the last video but it is nuanced for a tourist vs. a long term stay or resident… Combinis are great but you go there for convenience and decent snacks. When the supermarket is closed, combini has your milk, bread, and small necessities that other countries’ combinis often do not have at the same quality. And of course, famichiki and a Mitsuya cider…
You are 100% correct in regards to supermarkets. The supermarket next to the station by our house is impressive; we can go there and get a hearty maguro/nigiri set and large pieces of tempura. A somewhat overwhelming selection of beer and green tea as well. Especially impressive is the food market under Ikebukero station. We go there and I don’t where to start.
In regards to second hand markets; there is an interesting small area a block or so from Akihabara station. It’s an indoor multi floor market with many stalls selling obsolete technology. Anything from pieces of circuitry to radios. In one spot it looked there were selling something that looked like a sonar. Not sure if you’ve been there. Kinda cool.
Thanks for the upload, Paul. Would you happen to know of any record stores that are worth keeping an eye for in Tokyo or Yokohama? I'll be travelling for the first time next month, starting in Tokyo, then travelling down to Osaka. Also, the tip on supermarkets makes me all the more enthralled to learn about certain aspects of ordinary life in Japan.
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Excellent list! I can absolutely corroborate your account for vinyl stores. I imported the Japanese vinyl soundtrack to one of my favorite films, The Last American Virgin. That film is from 1982, and the vinyl arrived from Japan looking as if it was pressed and packaged today. Completely mint condition. Can also vouch for Yokohama. Had a blast down there as well as in Yokosuka. The vibe is clearly much more chill than Tokyo. It's immediately noticeable.
I'll have to hit you up next time I'm out that way. Have a great time on your upcoming trip, dude!
Did you visit any Grocery Stores in Singapore?
Were they any different than Japan, besides I guess more English?
Convenient stores are overrated lol super unhealthy 😅
Exactly on the combini. I got it in the last video but it is nuanced for a tourist vs. a long term stay or resident… Combinis are great but you go there for convenience and decent snacks. When the supermarket is closed, combini has your milk, bread, and small necessities that other countries’ combinis often do not have at the same quality. And of course, famichiki and a Mitsuya cider…
You are 100% correct in regards to supermarkets. The supermarket next to the station by our house is impressive; we can go there and get a hearty maguro/nigiri set and large pieces of tempura. A somewhat overwhelming selection of beer and green tea as well. Especially impressive is the food market under Ikebukero station. We go there and I don’t where to start.
In regards to second hand markets; there is an interesting small area a block or so from Akihabara station. It’s an indoor multi floor market with many stalls selling obsolete technology. Anything from pieces of circuitry to radios. In one spot it looked there were selling something that looked like a sonar. Not sure if you’ve been there. Kinda cool.
Thanks for the upload, Paul. Would you happen to know of any record stores that are worth keeping an eye for in Tokyo or Yokohama? I'll be travelling for the first time next month, starting in Tokyo, then travelling down to Osaka.
Also, the tip on supermarkets makes me all the more enthralled to learn about certain aspects of ordinary life in Japan.
Thanks again. Your topics are truly fascinating. I learn so much basic stuff. The answers to questions I never thought to ask. Keep up the good work.
Lived in Japan from 2015-2019. Loved Gyomu Super! Paul, I really like your videos. You give a very fair and contemplative view of life in Japan.