When I moved to Tachikawa City in 2010, there were no known ¥ 100 shops nor 24-hour/late evening shopping store that I have to take my foreign guests to other cities. Quite a big buzz around when Don Quijote launched one of its discount chain stores here. Together with our Olives Language School teacher from Zimbabwe, we visited the shop late in the evening during its opening day. We bought a bicycle for him at a reasonable price.

Indeed, Don Quijote is the biggest discount chain store in Japan and its mega big branch is right in my city. 

 It has more than 160 branches plus 3 stores in Singapore, 2 in Hawaii, 1 in California and 1 in Thailand. You can buy a wide range of products here from toys to groceries to clothing to electronics to educational materials, etc. Goods are packed “up to the ceiling and down to the floor” as a unique marketing strategy.

For years, I’d been shopping here for school supplies and students’ gifts. It’s only at the end of last year that I learned they even sell “obento” (lunch/meal boxes) and even raw fish and meat. Another one-stop-shop for busy people like me.

So for your last minute shopping for basic groceries and souvenirs late at night or early in the morning, try to visit Don Quijote here: 2-18-18 Akebonocho, Tachikawa-shi Tokyo 190-0012 (about 4 minutes walk from JR Tachikawa Station, North Exit). Phone: 042-540-6431 / 042-540-6433 Website: http://www.donki.com/en/store/shop_detail.php?add=1&shop_id=388&pref=14 Donki Main Website: http://www.donki.com/en/?pre=le

“Japan: where even shopping place can turn into animation”