2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan — Local services in Tokyo

Aki-Oka Artisan - This is an artist village underneath a viaduct between Akihabara and Okachimachi Eki, hence its name Aki-Oka using the station names. 2k540 - This is used by railroad terminology expressing distance from Tokyo station, hence this Aki-Oka Artisan is 2km and 540m from Tokyo Station. This place was opened in Dec 2010 and now with over 50 shops and an event space. Interesting way finding markers can be found on the floor throughout the area. A place to buy things and also experience the making in workshops. Products are very good but mind you, prices are "artists" product prices. Interestingly, the viaduct soffit is painted white with reflected lighting provided a very calm environment and a haven from the busy sound of Tokyo streets. It's an experience you might enjoy! Remember it's closed...

What a good idea to use the space under the train tracks for a shopping gallery - but this is not an ordinary gallery selling cheap stuff from China. These are local shops selling handmade and artisanal goods, all made in Japan: leather bags and wallets, shoes, pottery, decoration items, clothes etc. Of course it comes with a price, but what you get is Japanese quality and craftsmanship. Two shops that caught my attention: Spingle Move (that has some unique sneakers) and Blue Trick (Japanese denim clothes from Okayama). Great way to support the local artisans and in return get an authentic good...

"Artisans 'Я Us" (and quite good too!) It's a collection of japanese "artisan" stores from around the country - pottery, fabrics, clothes, shoes, "stuff from nagano", whatever. It's mostly (or all!) really quite good, and is, in typical Japanese style, an excellent use of the space under the train lines up near Akihabara. There is a quite good restaurant/cafe/wine-bar up by the Umaou store too (go check the store out. fun!), where you can happily while away a few hours over a bottle of Umaou-branded wine :-) All in all, an excellent place to visit -...