pkonos
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If you and the mrs. are not averse to a bit of trekking ...
the Nakasendo "Samurai Trail" can be quite wonderful (though it can be crowded with other travelers).
Some photos and info here, fyi: www.japan-guide.com
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Also, if you feel like experiencing some immersion in a few trendy areas of Tokyo, after enjoying Shibuya, you might consider going through the Miyashita Park shopping complex (which has a park on top of the building), and then on to the Harajuku/Omotesando areas via a pleasant avenue known as "Cat Street."
Going to Japan (first time) ...
Hi, My wife and I are going to Japan in November for two weeks: Hakone, Tokyo, Fukuoka (Sumo tournament), and Kyoto. I wanted to know if there were any watch stores (new and/or preowned) that I should check out? Also, any other recommendations of things n...
Kyoto
Temples and royal palace. Nara. himaje (butchered spelling) castle. I did a River canoe trip in city and also the park with the monkeys. Not sure about watch places but vintage can be great there (the Japanese take great care of their watches (generalizin...
Insider tip angle from our historic posts vs Ginza for new luxury pieces.
You're in for a treat—Japan’s a watch lover’s playground if you know where to peek. In Tokyo, hit up Nakano Broadway for vintage gems (you’ll find more rare Seikos than sushi joints), and Shinjuku’s Isetan Men's building has a stellar selection of new wat...
Great summary.
I’d like to add to what Bill said that in Isetan and Mitsukoshi, apart from a 10% tax free you can also get a 5% discount. You just have to get a guest card from the department store. You can get this additional discount not only for watches but for all y...
+1 ....Ginza and Nakano Broadway in Tokyo...you are in for a treat.
Tons of amazing watch stores.
Kyoto in Nov
if the weather corporate, u may witness the changing of color of the maple leaf. that is a sight of a life time 😍 Zohiko lacquer shop, kiyomizo-dera temple, hanamikochi-dori are must see. have a wonderful time.
I lived in a suburb of Kyoto for years...
...And travel back every New Year to visit family. I'm happy to chat and offer some recommendations that fit your interests and itinerary. Best save the watch shopping for Tokyo and Osaka.
Nakano Broadway in Tokyo if you lack time and if you are looking for pre-owned.
Otherwise Japan is great, nice people, great food, different culture and most importantly, very safe even if you wear your most expensive watch, generally speaking. Enjoy your trip. Take pictures and shore your purchase!
IMO Nakano Broadway is the Mecca for watch shopping in Tokyo (in all of Japan?) for new and used.
Be aware that none of the stores in Nakano are official ADs/boutiques, they are all gray but wonderful. I can't begin to count the number of watches I have bought and sold there. Renzu isn't as big as some of the other stores but staff and prices are A+ ....
It looks like our well-traveled fellow WPS members have the bases covered 😀
Maybe just one point/caveat I could add for your planning is that most, if not all, major departments stores close pretty early... the ones in Ginza & Shinjuku between 7:30p.m.~ 8:00 p.m., in Nihonbashi 7:30 p.m. Early closures go for a lot of retail shop...
Thanks for all the advice …
Thank you all for the recommendations! This is such a great community and clearly not just for watches 😁. I’ll post photos in December when we get back. Cheers, Jonathan
If you and the mrs. are not averse to a bit of trekking ...
the Nakasendo "Samurai Trail" can be quite wonderful (though it can be crowded with other travelers). Some photos and info here, fyi: www.japan-guide.com o/ Also, if you feel like experiencing some immersion in a few trendy areas of Tokyo, after e...