How to Get Discounts at Bic Camera

After months of indecision, I finally bought a DSLR Camera. The model is Nikon D3200. I got a really good deal from Bic Camera Hamamatsu. For only 53,000 Yen (530 USD), I have a camera body, kit, lens, accessories- 8GB SD Card, bag and lens protector.

I compared this with the ones in Amazon and Yamada Denki and I am happy to report that I saved a few thousand Yen. The last time I looked at Amazon, the cheapest brand new Nikon D3200 was worth 546 USD without accessories. In Yamada Denki, it was 54000 Yen without accessories too.

my new Nikon D3200 worth 53000 Yen with bag, SD card and lens protector

camera bag

Here's how to get a good deal at Bic Camera: 

1. Canvass for goods. 

I've been to several camera stores comparing prices. When I went to Bic Camera, the printed price on the camera model I was eyeing was 57000. An English-speaking guy approached me and I told him that the camera of the same model at Yamada Denki is cheaper (54000 Yen). He asked me if I'm buying on that day because if I was, he'll give me a discount. I asked for the lowest possible price and quoted 49000 Yen. 

Apparently, Bic Camera has this promo that if you can find a cheaper product in another store, they'll give you a discount so as not to lose you as a customer. An excellent marketing strategy, I believe. You have to take pictures though of the prices for proof. 

2. Wait for a product with 10% point rebate.

Aside from the discount I got, the product I was buying has a 10% point rebate. Since I bought a camera worth 49,0000 I have almost 5000 Yen worth of products. It was my lucky day! I used my points to buy the SD Card, bag and lens protector. Since I also decided buy everything on the same day, the salesguy gave me discounts on the accessories. The SD Card from 3000+ Yen to 1800, the bag from 5000 Yen to 3770. He can't give me a discount on the lens protector which cost 2300. All in all, the accessories cost me 7000 but because of the points I got, I only added 2000. 

3. Get a Bic Camera Card

To avail the points, you have to have a Bic Camera Point Card. I got mine last year when I bought something. I haven't used in a while until I bought this camera. It's really easy to get, you'll just fill up an application. No fees and no waiting. You'll get it after you fill up the form and you can use it on the same day!

If you're planning to buy gadget and appliances, consider buying it at Bic Camera. I hope you get good deals too!

Italian Dining at Jusco, Hamamatsu: Happy Valley

After shopping for almost three hours last Saturday, my friend and I naturally got hungry and tired. We were around Jusco, a few minutes away from AEON Irino when we saw this pasta and pizza place named Happy Valley. It looked homey and inviting we didn't have any second thoughts on having our lunch there.

(More on Dining Places, here)

Happy Valley's lunch menu

We were led to a cozy nook. Happy Valley's design resembles a romantic cottage in the middle of the woods. It was a bit dark inside but not gloomy. Soft music plays in the background.

waiting area

Happy Valley's see-through kitchen 

We decided to get one plate of pasta and one whole pizza. Just like most Italian restos in Japan, an order of pizza or pasta includes access to the salad bar and drink bar.

The salad bar is simpler than most Italian places I've been to. There's a limited selection but the food is flavorful so it's still worth the cost. My favorite was the potato salad. There's a certain unique sweetness to it that I enjoyed.

half of the salad bar

the other half of the salad bar

On the other hand, the drink bar was a little disappointing. The orange juice and vegetable fruits juice were too tangy and strong. I just had the most reliable drinks- water and coffee.

the drink bar

After having salad, our seafood pasta was served. It has pieces of octopus on top which we didn't try. The pasta tasted wonderful. The seafood taste is not overpowering. It was mild in a way that I like.

Seafood pasta with Octopus toppings

We also had Pizza Margharita topped with pesto sauce. It was the best part of the meal. Pizza bread had the right softness with the right amount of cheese and just the right thickness (or thinness).

Pizza Margarita

Both pasta and pizza were good for 3 to 4 people. The pasta, pizza, salad and drink all costs 2500 Yen good for two people.

(More on Hamamatsu, here)

So if you're ever around the area and looking for a some delicious Italian food, visit Happy Valley!


How to get by bus: 

1. Take the #20 Bus bound for AEON Shitoro
2. Get off at the first stop just after the bus turned from the street with Mister Donut Building.
    The fare is 200 Yen.
3. Walk towards AEON Irino. It's just before Shoe Plaza and AEON.

Classy and Private Dining: Lorlan Xiang Chu Chinese Restaurant

A group of retired Japanese invited me to lunch last Saturday. I substituted for a friend to handle her class with them. I guess they enjoyed my class (or they were just being polite) that they treated me to this Chinese restaurant-Lorlan Xiang Chu.

Lorlan Xiang Chu Hamamatsu

Lorlan Xiang Chu is secretly tucked behind Yamada Denki Hamamatsu. It's a few minutes few minutes away from the station just past the Board of Education. I hope that the management make their signage bigger and more noticeable. A passerby wouldn't really notice it. 

(More on Places in Japan, here)

The ambiance was what I loved most. It was cozy but not too casual. Tables were separated by walls and doors giving a sense of privacy. It was the perfect place for business meetings or small intimate gatherings.

My Japanese students for the day and me in one of the private dining areas

Menu is better than the average Chinese Restaurant. They have dishes which I don't commonly see in others.  Inconveniently, they don't have an English menu but there are pictures. Price is mid-range but well worth the money.

(For more on Food, click here.)

my lunch set at Lorlan Xiang Chu

The four of us ordered a set lunch worth 1000 Yen. There were four different types of lunch set- squids, pork, mushroom & potatoes, and tofu & chicken. I had the spicy tofu and chicken. It was a bit on the spicy side because of the sauce but it was really flavorful. Each set has soup, rice and salad. It was more than enough to have a filling and delicious Saturday lunch.