Instead of wading through the chaos at Akihabara, try Shinjuku West Exit Camera Town for a more manageable electronics shopping experience - and some great deals on cameras.
Shinjuku West Exit Camera Town - image © Florentyna Leow
Most tourists flock to Akihabara to buy appliances and gear, but the sheer number of stores and ground to cover there can be overwhelming. The west exit area of Shinjuku is a smaller, but quieter and more manageable alternative. With thousands of electronic goods available at giant retailers Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera - computers, watches, music players, and so on - you’ll still be able to get all your shopping done. Unless you’re careful, you can wind up spending far more than you intended. Know what you want before going in, or risk being dazzled by the chaos and goods on display.
Shinjuku West Exit Camera Town - image © Florentyna Leow
Shopping for more expensive equipment like cameras is also one of the rare times you can haggle a little, so don’t forget to try asking for a discount. As a tourist, you’ll also get a tax rebate. Check with the staff for the exact minimum spend you’ll need to qualify at each outlet.
If you’re looking specifically for cameras and related goods and already know what you want, Map Camera is the secret haven for photography enthusiasts. This small, unassuming shop is where all the professionals go. You’ll find fantastic deals on secondhand photography gear here. This being Japan, items on sale are usually in excellent condition. Neither English nor Mandarin are widely spoken here. This isn’t Yodobashi Camera, and they cater primarily to Japanese-speaking customers, but don’t let that deter you.
English name:
Shinjuku West Exit Camera Town (cameras/electronics stores)
Japanese name:
新宿西口カメラ街
English address:
1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 163-0023
Japanese address:
〒160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿1
Opening hours:
Varies by shop
Price:
Varies by shop
Nearest Transport:
Train: 4-minute walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station.
Telephone:
Website:
none
Near To Here:
Shinjuku West Exit Camera Town is located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. See our complete list of things to do in Shinjuku, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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