Shopping For Ski Gear In Tokyo
With every snow trip comes the chance to update your gear, that new set of gloves, maybe even a new set of powder skis or a new board - or maybe that jacket in this season’s colours…
We’re often asked whether it is better to buy new kit before you leave, or if you should look to pick-up a deal in Tokyo?
There is no doubt that the current favourable exchange rate between many currencies, including the Aussie dollar, and the Yen means that there are deals to be had in Tokyo, but there are a couple of considerations to factor in to the equation.
Asian fit – while you can find pretty much everything you need in Tokyo, these items may not be in your size. Women’s shoes in particular can be a tough ask, so if you wear a size 7 or over and are planning on picking up a cute pair of après boots, we suggest doing it before you leave home. Asian sizing also extends to goggles, ski and snowboard boots, and helmets, so keep this in mind when shopping. Obviously if you try something on and its comfy and fits you then it doesn’t really matter if it’s Asian fit or not.
Tis the season – everywhere in the world, the best ski gear sales take place in the spring. Snow trips on the other hand (obviously) take place in the winter and sales aren’t that common in height of ski season. Depending on how late in the season you visit there is also a chance that the good stuff may already have been snaffled up.
International pricing – international ski and snowboard brands tend to standardise pricing across regions, based on US prices. This can mean that you’ll pay the same for that new season snowboard in Sydney or in Tokyo. Often the caché of an international brand will mean you can end up paying more for it in Japan than you would elsewhere.
Japanese brands – You will find that the best deals are to be found on Japanese brands (as they are less likely to be subject to international pricing). There are some fantastic Japanese ski and snowboard equipment companies, such as Phenix and Montbell. But you will also encounter many that you won’t have heard of and won’t be able to easily research as labels, tags and websites will be in Japanese.
Specialist gear – If you are after a specific piece of kit, say something a bit more specialist or more niche, then it may not be a great idea to try pick it up in Tokyo, as stores generally cater for the mainstream user. In our experience, ranges of things like powder skis or powder boards for women can be a bit limited.
Where to go – There are two main areas we would recommend for shopping for ski gear:
Omotesando – situated smack bang between Harajuku and Aoyama, this is not only great place for shopping in general but is where you will find the flagship stores for snow brands. These stores tend to offer more high-end international snow-clothing and equipment.
Kanda – the epicentre of snow sports shopping in Tokyo, if you can’t find what you are after here then you probably won’t find it in Tokyo. It may not be obvious but many of the shops are owned by the same company, so save time by asking for what you are after and they can check with their sister stores. The same goes for pricing – don’t bother trying to comparison shop as shops have multiple stores - so there isn’t much point going from shop to shop looking for a better price.
In the ski resort/ town – If all else fails, you will find pretty much everything you are looking for in the ski areas. The prices may be slightly inflated, but it will free your Tokyo time up for sightseeing and, if you are after equipment, you can often demo the gear before you buy.
If you’re not concerned about known brands, this is where the real bargains can be had. As recently as three weeks ago, we saw adult beginner snowboard sets on sale in Tokyo for ¥29,900 (around AU$310) for a snowboard, set of bindings AND boots!!)
So, to answer the question, yes – it can be worth shopping for gear in Tokyo, depending on what you’re after.
As always, feel free to contact us if you need help with planning your next Japan snow adventure.
