More on Shopping
Oh yeah, I recommend going to Sogo to check out how much things can cost. While you're there, have a look at Mitsukoshi and Fukuya as well to see how the other half lives.

But there are plenty of places that sell cheaper stuff, I'll stick with the same categories listed by HR.

Clothes
UniQlo! It's awesome! It's sooooo cheap! They sell everything from underwear to businesswear! It's awesome!

It's located at SunMall, which is on the west end of Hon-dori. Look for the loud and occasionally obnoxious HMV, that's SunMall. Uniqlo is on the 2nd floor (which, by the way, is the 1st floor for those who speak British English). On the 4th Floor is another cheap clothing store called Wego, which sells 2nd hand clothes as well as new clothes (though it's hard to tell which is which). Everything is in good condition, and there are bargains to be found if you look.

If you've got a bit more cash, there are some decent places in Diamond City, which is the same as pretty much any mall/shopping centre I know of in Sydney. You can get a free bus to Diamond City from the North (Shinkansen) side of JR Hiroshima station, look for the sign that says "Soleil" (can't remember how it's spelt). Be warned, it's normal retail prices.

Electronics
The DeoDeo HR was talking about is the one that's opposite the Sogo department store, get off at the Kamiyacho-nishi tram stop. That does indeed sell everything electronic. There is also Yamada denki, which is next to Parco on the east end of Hon-dori. If you are looking for computer/camera stuff, you can try the DeoDeo CompuMart, which is just south of the big DeoDeo, right on the west end of Hon-dori. Four floors of computers (macs and pc), cameras, MP3 players, computer bits and pieces, and all the other stuff that goes with it.

If you are after cheap (new) camera gear, look for a chain of stores called Saeda. There's one on Rijo-dori, just south of where it intersects Hon-dori. The Cameras and lenses at Saeda are typically cheaper than DeoDeo, they take international credit cards, and also have a photo printing service. The machines immediately next to the main entrance (on both sides) have English instructions. If you like cheap used camera gear, check out the area just south of JR Hiroshima station. There's a few selling some decent looking gear (including medium and large format cameras) and fairly reasonable prices, though I've never had a good look myself.

If you're after a cheap computer, check out a store called PC Net on Chuo-dori, next to a big car park. They specialise in 2nd hand computers and recycling used computers, and there are some very good bargains on offer, as well as 2nd hand computer parts.

Other Stuff
There are 100 yen stores everywhere, and you'd be surprised at the sort of stuff they sell. The biggest I've found is just off Hon-dori, on the top two floors. Walk down Hon-dori until you get to a bakery/cafe/restaurant called Andersens, turn south down that side street until the next block which is another DeoDeo store which specialises in toys.

And now for a shameless plug...

I have been to and taken photographs of all the annual events that HR mentioned (besides the fireworks), so if you're interested please have a look at my website.

/End shameless plug

The Sake Festival costs 1500 yen to enter, and with that you get a tasting cup as well as a guide to all the 900 odd different types of sake. It is as toxic as it sounds.

quote:

Originally posted by Haci Richard:

JohnK is right about public drinking thing though. It's liberating to be able to drink openly.

Is this OK everywhere in Japan?? How much more awesome can this place be??!!

quote:

Originally posted by GoGirl:

quote:

Originally posted by Haci Richard:

JohnK is right about public drinking thing though. It's liberating to be able to drink openly.

Is this OK everywhere in Japan?? How much more awesome can this place be??!!

As far as I remember, the only place you couldn't drink was in the public TV areas in supermarkets and department stores.

One thing to be careful of, though, is that when you buy beer from vending machines, it's a bit shaken up, so it's best to wait a minute before opening it.