Actually, badminton shops (like badminton) is not that popular. Not too many around. But the shops in Jp got full line Yones items, as compare to badminton shops in China, Hong Kong or Thailand. (Full range of Racket size 3u/4u/G345....)
And that got the Yonex and Gosen Stringing machine too, which you will not see in HK and China shops. (Around US$9 for labor) Racket 30% off and String 10% off official Yonex price.
Yup.. all the price is almost the same in everyshops. But there are some shops offer much better price.
I must of spent more than 3 hours in total inside Windsor Racket Shop when I was in Tokyo back in July...
They are two chains in Tokyo, Windsor and Wenbley Stores are close to JR stations. But some of them are up in the building, quite hard to find. (Even with address, Japanese don't know where they are.) There is a Windor is just one block off Shinjuku Prince Hotel. July and Jan is the big sale month! 50% off on some items ! Address: 1-3-15 West Shinjyuku, Shinjyuku, Tokyo. Or the shuttle House in Osaka, Namba.
Everytime I went I spend at least an hour on each chain. I got most of my rackets and verycool shirts there.
The Shinjuku branch is easier to find. Other branches of Windsor is hard to find. I also had a hard time visiting the shops initially. After a while, i got used to the small lanes already. Dont really find it hard anymore.
Or if you are anime fans, and if you would go to Akiba, There is a Wembley next to JR Station and on the 4th or 5th floor up of the Macdonals, Prices is a little cheaper for strings (10%) and cheaper on the accessories too. Even @ Windsor, if you buy rackets from them, ask for discount on string !
Will visit Japan this coming weekend. Would like to know if Shinjyuku subway station have many exit? Windsor very near to this station? Thanks
