@SteveXtreme1978 You're in luck because I was just there about a week ago and was asking the exact same questions prior to going.
I did a bit of research and ended up with a list consisting of BookOff, Windsor racquet shop, 846
Here are my thoughts after the trip:
BookOff - there are specific Bookoffs that sell 2nd hand racquets, not all Bookoffs do. If I knew this, it would've saved me a bunch of time exploring bookoffs in my area looking for racquets.
Tennispin (as well as another youtuber that I can't recall atm) on youtube shares those specific Bookoffs that do sell racquets which I would recommend going.
Windsor racket shop - big box retailer, has the majority of the things you need at higher prices because they are a bigger retail store. Only good to visit if you're looking for something specific that is new. The Osaka location was smaller but had 3 Regna 98's when I went, Shibuya location only had Regna 100. I walked away with some Yonex head guard tape and a single overgrip (I later saw these at smaller shops at a cheaper price)
846 /
https://tscshibuya.com/
Smaller boutique stores that I definitely recommend going. They are on opposite ends of the intersection from each other. You have to intercom 846 and the staff will come and get you from outside.
Have a good selection of pre-loved racquets at very fair prices.
They don't carry a lot of new racquets but do have some. I saw the items I bought at Windsor shop for a lower price here.
Ended up picking up two racquets. I think I was very lucky to get a Regna 98 v1 and Ultra 95 v4 tour for very very good prices. I didn't even know that Ultra was a Japan exclusive. The tennis portion of my trip would've been a bummer had I not find those two racquets.
Concluding thoughts:
No point really of visiting the retail stores unless you're looking for a new racquet or just want the experience of looking at new racquets.
I found more joy looking at the pre-loved racquets at the boutique stores. Looks like you can view their stock list (
https://tscshibuya.com/) prior to going but if you're going to go to 846,
https://tscshibuya.com/ is just on the opposite intersection. If I could redo my trip, I would've tried to visit the Bookoff (I believe in TAMA?) based on the YT videos showing their stock. The had more than both of the boutique stores combined.
Also, if you know a local - you can search Mercari JP to find tennis gear for good prices as well and ask your local to purchase it for you
Do not hesitate to ask me questions, hope this helps
