Competition in Akihabara is cutthroat but Llaox has managed to be king of the hill for most of the past decade. There are 11 Llaox stores in Akihabara with Duty Free and export models available at the Main Store and the Duty Free Kaikan - both directly opposite the JR Akihabara station.

Prices in Llaox are reasonable and you have the guarantee of a big store name behind every purchase. There will be no quibbling and blame on the customer first if you want to exchange a product and service is excellent. I once had a problem with a new stereo and the shop sent a technician to my home that took only one look before unloading a new one from the truck. Personnel at the duty free floors are knowledgeable and fluent in English and often several other languages as well. Products on sale are the latest available and in Japan new on the market seldom applies to anything older than six months. Products in the duty free sections come with English manuals and international warrantees. It is fun to visit the Japan product floors as well to see what is available there - often the digital cameras will be even smaller and a good indication of what will be available in the international market in the coming months.

It may be possible to find some cheaper deals if you work your way through the myriad of shops in Akihabara especially if you are willing to buy an older model, but the search may be time consuming. By buying at Llaox you can be certain that the product is the latest available and that the price will be very fair.

In the main, duty free and digital kaikan you can buy from kitchen appliances to the latest video cameras and cheap souvenirs. There are also five computer stores - Computer Kaikan, Mac Kaikan, Network Kaikan, PC Outlet and Computer Game Kaikan. In addition there are a smaller Watch & Camera Kan and a Musical Instruments store.

If you have your passport on you and purchases exceed yen 10,000, you will not be charge 5% sales tax. Llaox can ship to your home or hotel or even Narita Airport if you prefer.