Shopping In Tokyo

• you will be greeted – you are not special, do not respond
• do NOT sit on the floor (crouching okay)
• do NOT use the stools provided (they are for stepping up to reach shelves)
• “sumimasen” goes a long way
• be aware of others

Hanami crowds — find an obasan and stick to her like glue because, man, can these old ladies book (what does this have to do with shopping etiquette? Um, I’m reaching… crowd etiquette… shopping…)

The wave of greetings that you hear from every bookshop employee upon your entry is musical, but there is no need for you to respond.  They won’t even see or look at you, but they’ll detect the door opening and immediately launch into their automated greetings.

The little stools you see along the aisles are step stools — not sitting stools.  You will be asked to stand up if you are discovered sitting on a stool or the floor.

Depending on the time of day and day of the week (i.e. much busier when school is out), the aisles can be packed.  Everyone has their acquisition mission, and everyone manages to be mindful of one another.  It’s curious to note that as densely populated as Tokyo is, they really have a respect of personal space and endeavour to give everyone as much space as possible.  It will go a long way to be considerate as well and learn the phrase “sumimasen” (excuse me, pardon me).

I leave my basket(s) at the end of the aisle, out of the way, during busy times.  Once my arms are loaded up enough, I make a deposit then return to my spot.  If it’s not too busy, I move the basket along the floor beneath me as I make my way from section section.

This is so important that I’ll mention it again.  Use cash.  Unless you are paying a huge bill (i.e. hotel or you just cleaned out Richards or Body Line in Harajuku), use cash.  This keeps the lineups moving quickly.  Also, try and master the monetary denominations before you go shopping (again, so the lines can move along efficiently).

If you are so inclined, bow to the cashier in appreciation.

Most of the larger shops have elevators.  Be mindful of the lineups in front of the elevators.  The Japanese are very orderly and while it is unlikely they’ll challenge an idiot Gaijin, don’t jump lineup queues or butt in.  Don’t perpetuate the impression that foreigners are rude.