Historically, the epicentre of commercial frenzy is Tokyo's Ginza, to such an extent that the name has become synonymous with shopping street; you'll find "little Ginzas" all over Japan. However, the mechanics of shopping are the same throughout: all prices are fixed, except in flea markets and some discount electrical stores where bargaining is acceptable. Few shops take credit cards and fewer still accept cards issued abroad, so make sure you have plenty of cash. All except the smallest purchases will be meticulously wrapped.

In general, shop opening hours are from 10am to 7pm, or 8pm. Most close one day a week, not always on Sunday, and smaller places tend to shut on national holidays. Nearly all shops close for at least three days over New Year. If you need anything after hours , you'll find 24-hour convenience stores in most towns and cities, often near the train station. These sell a basic range of toiletries, stationery and foodstuffs, at slightly inflated prices: Lawson, Family Mart, AM/PM and Seven-Eleven are the most common.