For info on motorcycles and touring, please read The Japan Biker F.A.Q. PART THREE CUSTOMS, TIPS and GOING HOME – “Hows Shopping?
Not really different. But if you wear fairly large sized clothes/shoes, you’d better bring all you’ll need with you. Large-sized goods in Japan are scarce, or very expensive, or make you look like a dork. Mail-order shopping is also growing in popularity, but the customs hassles can make it more expensive than you might imagine. Make sure you know ALL the costs your purchase will entail. Having family/friends send it to you might be better. There is also no custom of tipping in Japan — people do not tip waitresses, taxi-drivers, etc. Before you come to Japan, getting a credit card would also be a good idea. Getting one in Japan can be very frustrating, with more trouble of finding a guarantor, $100 annuals, etc. Many people are stunned when they see the prices in Japan. The following are some typical prices : * *Rice: 300-400 yen/kg * *Bread (approx 1/3 loaf) 150-200 yen * *Coca-cola (12oz) 120 yen/can * *Gasoline 125 yen/liter * *Milk: 150-200 yen/ltr * *Domestic Beer (12oz) 225 yen/
