2K540 Aki-Oka – Japanese Artisan Stores (Akihabara, Tokyo)

Okachi-machi is known by most as the wholesale area for clothing and food, however, there is a hidden jewel of 2K540 Aki-Oka – Japanese artisan stores. 2K540 Aki-Oka Japanese artisan stores and studios are under the elevated train tracks if you walk along the line towards Akihabara. In December 2010 over 25 Japanese artisans gathered in the space called “2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan”. The theme of Aki-Oka is “making things,” and Aki-Oka artisans display and sell their goods across all mediums of leather, wood, ceramic, metals and fabrics. There are also a few galleries and cafes as well to enjoy your time. Also unique about the space is that some stores offer hands-on experience making crafts for a fee. My sons made candles when they went and really had a blast. For more fun in Akihabara, Asakusa and Ueno check our area guide.

You are probably wondering why the space is called 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan. In railroad terminology the numbers express how far the space is from Tokyo Station (which is the beginning of the Yamanote line). 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan is located two kilometers and 540 meters from Tokyo Station; also, “Aki-Oka” refers to the location between Akihabara and Okachimachi.

2K540 Aki-Oka – Japanese Artisan Stores, Akihabara

Just my opinion

Merchandise: Japan made fabrics, leather bags, wooden toys and accessories, jewellery, home goods
Price: very wide spectrum
Service: very knowledgeable and friendly, many of the artists are in the shops
Gift-wrap: available in many shops
Child friendliness: main space is very stroller accessible, but some shops are small
Toilets: acceptable

2K540 Aki-Oka – Japanese Artisan Stores Details

Address: 5-9 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (beneath the elevated railway tracks between Akihabara Station and Okachimachi Station on the Yamanote Line)
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 daily, closed Wednesdays
Tel: 03-3451-0537
URL: http://www.jrtk.jp/2k540//

2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan — Flagship store is the Japan department store

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