Charges at large stores and restaurants are usually payable by TC or credit cards but absolutely not by personal check . Especially at a small store it is strongly recommended to be prepared to pay in Japanese cash. Shopping For shopping, there is a choice of department stores, supermarkets or specialty shops. Once you get to know them, you will find out which is best for a particular type of shopping. Department stores have a wide range of goods including top-quality, expensive items.
Supermarkets sell mainly food and other daily necessities.
Prices are almost always fixed. Most shops close at about seven p.m., though some stay open later. There are quite a few convenience stores that are open twenty-four hours a day. When all the shops are closed, you can sometimes find what you want in one of the many automatic vending machines on the streets. They sell mainly cigarettes, drinks and magazines.