For those who've had a chance to visit Isetan, did you see the same items being sold there elsewhere in Japan for less? In other words, as far as Japanese products are concerned, is it overpriced or is it just expensive? I'm thinking of things like handmade chopsticks, cedar or cypress bento boxes, etc.

As far as Isetan, I was just at Isetan in both Tokyo and Kyoto, but wasn't looking for chopsticks. But, as an overall department store, I didn't find it overpriced for a store in its category. As far as Japan is concerned, shopping can be expensive depending on what one is there to buy. However, I got some good clothing markdowns, although not inexpensive, but for the designers that I was buying I got 50% off prices as summer is a good time to do that kind of shopping as there are big summer sales and merchandise needs to be moved since Japan has seasons. I got better prices in Japan, on the same designers that I buy in Bangkok, as the clothes that I bought are ones that one can wear in Thailand year round, but not in Japan.

I saw a lot of non-department store places selling chopsticks as they were all over. As for bento boxes, there were also a lot of them at the department stores, but I don't remember them being made of cedar or cypress.

I went into the housewares section at Isetan, Daimaru, and Takashimaya and didn't really find a big difference in the prices as to items that I was pricing. The only big difference in prices was when it came to luggage as I went to Takashimaya and bought a carry-on suitcase for around 37,000 yen and saw the same one, at Daimaru, later that day for around 58,000 yen.

One really good thing about shopping in Japan is that one gets the tax refund on the spot. I only had to take my receipts to the tax-free department in stores and then was handed my tax-free money in cash. Then, when I left Japan, I presented the tax-free paperwork to the customs agents as if they aren't presented, then one's credit card will be charged the tax-free money that one received.

Happy Travels!

For souvenirs, the 100 Yen Stores and Don Quijote (aka Donki) will have the best prices.

Wooden Bento boxes are not something I've ever priced in a deprtment store. I've bought one in a shop that made and sold only wooden boxes, and don't remember the price.

Oddly enough, Amazon.com has lots of bento boxes, in lots of pretty woods. I've found many Japanese items like this are cheaper than buying them in Japan, so you might want to do some research before you go.

When you are buying handmade chopsticks, bento boxes, etc at Isetan, you are getting top notch quality and the prices reflect that. I enjoy the hyaku-en stores but that is a totally different kettle of fish. Even if the prices at Isetan are out of your price range, a visit to the homeware section of the Shinjuku san-chome store is a must for anyone interested in craft and design. Don't miss the tea ceremony section tucked in the corner - it is like an exquisite tiny museum gallery.