One of the things Stefan was really looking forward in Japan is " tobacco & alcohol "
Do you know why??
Because cigarette cost average over $20 in Australia!!
I know Japanese can't believe but it's true.
It used to cheaper but as tax went up and up and up...
We also have tax raising for cigaret in Japan and many people say " it's expensive !!! " but look at Australia!
Japanese can't say "expensive" no more! After you know the price in Australia hahaha
When Stefan found out about price Japanese cigaret, he said
" Are you serious? Ahhhh I got heartatack... I wish I could bring back thousands and thousands of cigarettes. Spewing!!! "
Because we are allowed to bring only 50 cigarettes into Australia.
It means just 2 packet!! But lucky Stefan... I brought back 2 packet for him so he enjoyed total 4 packet of Japanese cigarette here.
Now let's talk about alcohols.
There is huge pub culture in Australia.
Therefore I feel it might cheaper in Australia when you drink in pub or restauran.
But Stefan was so surprised the price of spirits and beer at bottle shop.
He took this photo saying " My friends never believe what I say about price so I should show evidence!! "
JIM BEAM 700 ml normally cost $38 in Australia.
It was around $10 in Japan. ( on special though )
After took photo he just whisper " I'd love to bring back for my friends..."
He has got many many friends who love cigarette and alcohol hahaha
Stefan was really happy about price for cigarette and alcohole but he was wondering one thing...
" Why I can't smoke on the street? "
Well...it is banned to smoke on the street in many ward in Tokyo by law. You can only smoke certain " smoking area "
In Australia smoking inside building is almost prohibited everywhere but you can smoke on the streets.
On the other hand drinking on the street is strictly banned. Same as in USA I think.
He thinks it is really weird that can't smoke on the street but can drink.
But I understand the idea of no smoking on the streets.
Tabacco fumes is sometime really annoying for non smoker.
And I heard about accident when people is walking cigarette between their fingers cause burn for little kids...
I think background of no drinking on the street in Australia is to prevent people become crazy with drinking.
Some people can be really crazy and violent with alcohol...I learned that in Australia ( Of course it's not Steffy )
I see man with beer or sake in train sometimes and it's not surprise situation in Tokyo but that story also gave Stefan culture shock.
Someone said on Internet " Japan strict for cigarette but generous about alcohol "
But for Aussie eye, Japan is still tolerant to smoking.
In Australia even though drinking at pub, you always have to smoke outside. Tell you more...after you go through Immigration at Melbourne airport there is no smoking area what soever!!
In Japan we can still smoke most of Izakaya or pub.
Even the place where has sign " we are divided into smoking and no smoking area", it is actually same floor and there is no door or screen between these area.
I don't smoke so it's not big deal these all situation but I think they should have real separate spase at least eating place...
I never pay attention about cigarette and alcohol in Australia
so it was interesting that Stefan discovered many different culture in Japan.
At Shibuya. Of course with beer on his right hand.
