Where to buy a compass?

Hey guys!

I am currently in Japan and would like to buy a compass (could also be a vintage one) for a friend. But so far I couldn´t get much information about where I could find them (in and near Tokyo)...

I would be grateful for every response! Thank you very much!

:)

Presumably you mean an instrument for finding direction, right? If so, of which type?
A mariner's compass is somtimes called " 羅針盤 rashin-ban" or " 羅針儀 rashin-gi" in Japanese.
A portable compass composed of a thin magnetic needle and a small cylinder case is often called " 方位磁石 houi-jishaku" or " 方位磁針 houi-jishin" in Japanese.
Or, do you mean an instrument used for drawing circles?

Ahh, didn´t know there were so many meanings to this word. Sorry. I meant 方位磁石. Thank you for that question. I just learned a new word! :)

I assume you mean a compass for finding direction? They are available at outdoor and sports shops such as L-Breath, Wild One, and Sports Himaraya. L-breath has an outlet next to Shinjuku station for example. They tend to carry modern models with the typical North East South West markings, but I've also seen cheap ones at 100 yen stores with kanji markings for the directions.

The last time (last year) i forgot to bring my compass (to find direction). No problem in a 100Yen shop i found an inexpensive keyring with compass and the compass worked quite well (that is getting the general direction of the north).

Also keep in mind that for a lot of smartphones (like Android devices) you can get (free) apps to change your phone (or tablet) into a compass.

B. Slager