Lifestyle and Shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo offers its expats a vibrant, unique and sociable lifestyle.
 

The nightlife is excellent, offering everything from geisha bars to jazz clubs, escort clubs to crazy themed dance clubs. It certainly helps that it’s legal to drink in public and that vending machines stock cans of beer. For listings, grab a free copy of Metropolis. The best party area is Roppongi, which has quite friendly locals well dispose to westerners. Other key nightlife areas are Kabuki-cho, in Shinjuku, and Ginza. Club 99 Gaspanic, Muse and Kissa Ginza are some of Tokyo's best nightclubs.
 

Shopping is another important lifestyle activity in this rabidly consumer culture – in fact for expats it constitutes an essential cultural experience. For one, Tokyo has a at times bizarrely futuristic shopping environment with underwear and watermelons available from vending machines. The city is also at the cutting edge of fashion and design, and of course electronics stores, most famously in Akihabara. Bargains are rare so be prepared to pay for the privilege of shopping here.
 

Shopping malls are a major part of the urban landscape. Shinjuku Station is surrounded by multi-level malls retailing every item imaginable. Major chains like Keio and Isetan can be reached directly from the station. Both have tax-free shopping and European language assistance. Check out Mitsukoshi department stores for a more upmarket shopping experience.
 

Tokyo is surprisingly not that big on markets. Two decent ones are Togo Shrine in Harajuku on the first and fourth Sundays of each month, and Nogi Shrine on the second Sunday of each month.
 

Looking for gifts for your loved ones in the home country? Look out for traditional items like Duruma dolls and crafts such as ceramics and chop-sticks. Kimonos are always good, although quality examples are expensive. An ideal location for souvenirs is the Oriental Bazaar and Omotesando.