ROPE — Local services in Tokyo

I've heard a lot of hype on this place over the years, then I finally had a chance to pass by last year. I was thinking on coming again since I'm back in Tokyo for a quick visit this week...... but leaning towards not.

If you are willing to deal with people on Reddit (provided said people are available in your country), you're far more likely to acquire an item with more intensity than whatever you can find here, with potentially greater degree of customization, tailorfit to your preferences.

Nonetheless, as old as it is, ROPE has its unique charm. It's quiet and solemn, with an occasional visitor. The person at the counter mans the desk silently, and efficiently processes your transactions when you're ready to pay. The selections available vary widely, ranging from bargain bins to individually-wrapped packages. It's a store that makes the items it sells easily accessible to everyone who knows about it. No negotiation or human interaction necessary.

When you check out the packaging, you can be assured that all the wares are authentically sourced. I've also read somewhere that the proprietor personally verifies the quality of each product, and so it's a shame that he does not include any descriptors that hint at what you're buying. You'd think that someone who's been in this particular business for nearly 2 decades (or more) would approach product marketing the same way that wineries and breweries do.

Unfortunately, the proprietor (or at least the person at the cashier) doesn't speak much English. His business would've been an interesting thing...

The forbidden zone. This is a Tokyo bingo sheet location....

Great selection and...