There are four stores across Japan (Tokyo/Harajuku, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka). The busiest one (as far as I know) is located in Harajuku, Tokyo. As I have only been to two of the stores I cannot comment on the others. The one in Kyoto is now closed.
The store has a section on Johnny's net that includes pictures of some of the goods you can buy, as well as maps, times, etc.,. They also have the prices for the goods. All pictures are 150-yen a piece.
General Information:
When you get to the store there may be a long line. This is especially true on the weekends on holidays. In Harajuku they will either have you line up outside in a park or give you a ticket. The tickets will be for a later time. In Harajuku it may be up to 8 hours later (if they even have tickets late), but sometimes it can be for just one hour later. In any case, when you do come back show your ticket to the person who gave it to you or another staff member. In Harajuku, even with the ticket you may have to wait in line to get inside. Sometimes if the Osaka store is busy, they will give you a ticket as well.
Once you are inside the store you will want to grab one or more of the pieces of paper they have provided (see an example here and here). They will have a list of numbers, either 1-800 or starting with 801. The numbers will be on the left side and to the right there will be a blank spot (please examine the sheets above if you are confused). Above the numbers there will be a blank spot. You will need to write the name of the corner (either the group or the event) in the box. You can only use one piece for each group. If you want to buy pictures for more than one group you will need to get a few pieces of paper. Countdown is a separate “group.” Also – not all groups have pictures past 801 so you may not need that piece.
Now that you have your paper (and a pen/pencil – the store will have some provided), go to the glass cases. There you will see the pictures with a number on them. When you see a picture you want, find that number on your piece of paper. You will write it in the blank space to the right of the number. Write down the number of copies you want of that picture.
At the bottom of the front side is a place to put the total of the number of pictures you want. Count every picture on the front and back side and then put that number in that box.
At the bottom of the back side is a blank box. If you want convert goods (uchiwas, towels, posters) you will write that in that area. Make sure to label it the same as the item (for example Fall Tour or Countdown) and then the person’s name.
Inside the store you can also buy miscellaneous goods such as CD/DVD holders, ticket holders, penlights, fake nails, and more. These will be sitting out on shelves and you can just grab them (see Johnny's net for pictures).
Depending on when you go to the store there may be a line to check-out. Once you get to the front they will take your sheet and amaze you with their incredible number typing skills. It’s really amazing.
How to get there:
As I said earlier I have only been to the store in Harajuku and the store in Osaka. Maps and more information to come soon.
Harajuku:
The easiest way is to take the JR Yamanote line to Harajuku station. You can take either exit from the station, but it is closest to the Omotesando exit. Go across the street (you will be walking towards the Snoopy’s) and head right. Take a left at that first big street (there will be a pedestrian bridge right there, and it is just a few steps from the station). You will see a tiny tiny park at a subway exit (the Chiyoda line, Meiji-jingumae station, exit 3). If you go on a crowded day there will be fangirls lined up and someone from the store. If that is case go to the store employee (usually a guy, should be in a jacket or noticeable shirt). Otherwise the store is a little ways down on the left side on the tiny side-street there. There is a store called "Play House" at the corner. It is just across from this small Indian-like clothing and goods store.
The hours for the store are 10 am to 7 pm every day.
Osaka:
From Shinsaibashi station, take exit 8 (making sure to go up all of the stairs). This will lead you to be right in front of a hotel. Go to the left and then take a left at that first street. You will be walking beside the hotel. The Johny's store is on that small street there. If you keep walking down the street and see a Mos Burger then you are on the wrong street. You need to go to your right one road. The store is pretty easy to miss, but it is on the right side of the street.
The hours for this store are 10:30-6:30 Monday-Friday and 10-7 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
last updated Feb 21, 2011
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