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Japan Trip - Looking For Shopping MC Cartridge Recommendations

I lived in Japan from 1990-99 and went back there on business 1-2 times/year for several years after that, so I consider it my second home.  
My change in jobs has kept me away from Japan for about 6 years, but this summer I'll be going back for a couple of weeks.  I will be mainly in the Tokyo area, and would like recommendations from those who know where to find great deals on phono cartridges.  
I have read several threads on these forums about the much lower prices on carts in Japan, but I know that not all shops are cheaper than the U.S. pricing.  I'm looking for specific shops I can visit to find good deals.  
I'm very familiar with Tokyo and navigating its trains and subways, so if you're recommending shops I only need to know the shop name and which train station it's nearest to.  Akihabara used to have quite a few high end audio dealers but the last time I was there it seemed to be overrun with Cosplay and gaming shops.  I imagine there are still a few shops there, however.  
I'll be shopping for a new MC cartridge.  I currently have a Lyra Delos and will either move up the Lyra line or look at other excellent cartridges that sell in the U.S. for $4-$7K.  Emphasis will be on getting a much better price than U.S. pricing.  If the savings is not significant I'll just buy it here instead.
Thanks for any help you can give me.  My time will be a little shorter than I'd like on this visit so I need to make a focused plan.
snackeyp
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
chakster, the VAT is deducted at the sales desk when you check out at Yodibashi. You do not have to pay the tax and then rely upon getting a refund at customs. You never pay the tax in the first place. That is perfectly legal and lawful if you have a foreign passport.


good news, this is different system then, japan is so different.

So anyone with not japanese passport can buy without VAT at their store, even if a person living in japan and then can ship it to his foreign friends with declared value of $500 and marked as used or gift). Sounds like a good plan @lewm But are you sure the price is in fact 40% cheaper than in USA ?

After the discounts for passport and using a credit card the net cost would represent a 30 to 40% savings vs US prices. Closer to 40%


SP-10R is $10 000 in USA
So it must be $6 000 for a foreigner if your calculation was correct ?

lewm
13,771 posts
 
See my earlier post. I think I estimated last year, based on the list price at Yodibashi, that I could walk out with a 10R for $6700. But this is based on my memory; it might have been a little less.  And it assumes paying with a Credit Card, which gets you another discount.
You might have trouble using a long term resident of Tokyo who still holds a passport other than a Japanese one, as your purchase agent.  My son is such an example; he still has a US Passport, but he doubted he could get the deal as his home address is in Tokyo. (Although he certainly could use our address in the US as his home.)  But he is employed in Tokyo as well.  I am not sure it will work, but I am not sure it won't, either.
In all of this, I have forgotten to mention the exchange rate.  The actual cost will vary up and down with the exchange rate for your particular currency, of course.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I will ask my friend in Tokyo to check it out soon 
lewm
13,771 posts
 
I remembered why my son could not fabricate and say his address is same as ours in the US:  They check the date of your entry visa into Japan.  His is 10-12 years old.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
This is their website, but Technics SP10R is not available (out of stock)

https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001003856495/
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