Buy clothes once I get to Japan?

[Tom]

Looking for ways to pack light, I'm wondering if it's possible for me to leave some clothes at home with the intent to buy more once I get to Japan. Is this feasible cost-wise for me (180cm male)? I'm studying at Kyushu University in Fukuoka.

[WCR91]

Hi, Tom. I've never been to Japan, but I've heard that the cost of clothing in Japan is outrageous in comparison to clothing prices in America. Someone (I'm not sure who to give credit to, gomen nasai!) once broke it down like this:

T-shirt:

New - 3000 yen

Used (Secondhand) - 2000 yen

In America - $5

See if that puts it in a bit of a perspective for you.

[Tom]

Pricy

[atomsk]

cheap clothes are cheap. because china is close.
jeans 2000
printed tshirt 1500
2 white tshirts 900

or you can check the 100 yen shops for even cheaper clothes.

next time i go to japan i definitely wont bring much underwear or towels. you can use the space and weight you save for more important things like deodorant (japanese deodorant dont work) or shower gel (cant buy it there).

btw, your lucky your just 180cm. Im almost 2 meter and had problems finding stuff in my size.

[docmac]

I've been lucky enough to go to tokyo twice (and hope to go again this summer), and found the clothes to be REALLY expensive. From the ridiculous (BAPE t-shirts at $125) to the only mildly obscene (reasonable jeans...well, EDWINS...if it's good enough for Brad, you know...$100) to the relatively cheap...well, for japan. I generally like to buy clothes at places I visit (good memories, unique items, save packing on the way there) but Japan probably broke me of that habit. And the size issue can be a problem, especially for shoes (damn big western feet).
But I did find that BRINGING some relatively cheap (hell, Old Navy, $7) American t-shirts (in small sizes) ended up being appreciated gifts for some of the people I met.
Sorry to ramble...I envy you an extended stay...
Glen

[atomsk]

haha, i dont think anyone needs tips for how to spend a lot of money in tokyo. its too easy

[seanolan]

At 180 cm (6'1"?) you will not find a lot of cheap clothes your size, but you can. I am 6'2 and about 230# and can find a little in my size. But it's gonna be a bit tough.

Sean

[JonB]

over 6 foot
or over 200lbs
or over 36 inch waist
or over 17 inch collar
or over 42 inch chest

Then bring it with you! I fail on a number of those categories and am looking forward to my trip to HK next week!

[daynah]

Tom, you may be able to find cheap clothes at Uni Qlo. There's many of them in Japan.

http://www.uniqlo.com/jp/

[Clienad]

I was in Fukkuoka for a little bit they have an FCUK (a British label) there and the sizes ranged from x-small to medium UK size few large. at 186cm and 13st im about between medium and large so the mediums i think would fit. I don't know about the price I got talking to the shop assistant she seemed nice and curious. I wouldn't say it was cheap though America has cheap clothes.

p.s round the corner from there is a sort of weight loss place that gets you on a machine feeds you oxygen and shakes you. First go is free. I haven't laughed so hard in ages!

[Outkast]

If you have unusually long legs or arms (like I do--36" inseam) or strangely shaped feet (like my 13 EEEE) then you might have to bring stuff in. I have trouble finding clothing in my size here in the States as it is...

[Tom]

I'm in Japan now. I decided to bring all the clothes I could carry. Now that I'm getting familiar with the area, though, I may check out the shops I've seen downtown.