[reptilesandsamurai]

Originally Posted by MMM

In my experience, if they don't want photos to be taken, big signs will be displayed saying so.

At the same time, if you ask if you can take photos, the answer will generally be "no".

So I don't ask. I took a ton of photos in manga shops and drug stores. Always turned the flash off (didn't need it anyway). I took pics in front of staff, and never was told to stop. Again, though if I had asked directly, I would have probably been told to stop.

I've had the same experiences. I don't think I was actually told not to take pictures but did get some disapproving looks though. Most places that don't want pictures taken will have signage saying so.