mrkent 0 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Hi guys. This will be my first winter in Japan. I want to pick up some new gear. What are some good stores in Tokyo or Kansai (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto) with good selection, and if possible good prices. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
gaijindrifter 0 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 In Japan, people are glad to pay high prices just to have the illusion of quality. I've been boarding here for over a year and I can assure you you won't find a real 'cheap' store anywhere in Japan. You can always do second-hand shopping if you don't care about quality really, but I'll assume you care a bit and recommend you go to stores like Murasaki Sports and Sports Authority, get a feel for what you want (test gear you want), take note of sizes/makes/models, and go online to either yahoo auctions or rakuten and buy your stuff there. I got bindings and a board that were listed for over 100,000 yen in my local murasaki sports for just over 50,000 on rakuten. Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 tokyo - jimbocho. Link to post Share on other sites
noonsa 0 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Yes, go to the store for fitting. Then buy on Rakuten. Prices on Rakuten are easily 30% cheaper than what you get in the stores. If you're lucky the prices can be almost in line with US prices! Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 this same thread exists a page or two back. Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 It appears every year. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 needs a new one each year 'cos the magnetic North changes. I heard it's going to be in Wisconsin in 2012. Link to post Share on other sites
big-will 7 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Will the Chinese be able to consturct those arks in 3 years though?? Link to post Share on other sites
gaijindrifter 0 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Originally Posted By: noonsa Yes, go to the store for fitting. Then buy on Rakuten. Prices on Rakuten are easily 30% cheaper than what you get in the stores. If you're lucky the prices can be almost in line with US prices! yeah, that's about right! too bad if you're big-footed looking for a snowboard you're limited to a handful of decent boards. no matter how hard i try i can't get short/wide boards shipped from the states because of restrictions (stores can't ship certain brands overseas) would kill for a K2 Darkstar in a 154 wide!!!! Link to post Share on other sites
rsser 0 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 There are services in the US that will reship for you. Find gareth_oau (or something) and PM him; he'll tell you about it. Link to post Share on other sites
Mogul1 0 Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Originally Posted By: noonsa Yes, go to the store for fitting. Then buy on Rakuten. Prices on Rakuten are easily 30% cheaper than what you get in the stores. If you're lucky the prices can be almost in line with US prices! But if the store is busy, don't waste the salesman's time. He's trying to make a living. You wouldn't want to be jerked around in your job, would you? If you guys are around next weekend, you might want to check out Big Site on Odaiba for the Winter Sports Festa. A lot of snowboard stuff but skis/ski boots available, too. Click the square on the bottom left. http://www.wintersportsfesta.jp/index02.html Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 the salesmen are seasoned. They see you try it, it fits, it looks good, all OK, then to close it they offer a 10% discount. Great stuff My wife bought her ski boots that way. And she was very happy. Me more so. Just ask for the best price and show that you are ready to go for it. And then suck some teeth. Link to post Share on other sites
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