2k540 Aki Oka Artisan

If you’re tired of the electronics and cutesy anime characters in Akihabara, head a little further north to 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan. This artisan alley underneath the railway tracks is home to a number of delightful craft shops and cafes - great for souvenir shopping and relaxing.

[2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan - image © Florentyna Leow]

Arts and crafts aren’t usually the first things that come to mind when one mentions Akihabara, but a visit to 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan might just change that perception.

[2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan - image © Florentyna Leow]

Its unusual name needs some explaining: “2k54” refers to the distance from Tokyo Station, i.e. 2.54km; while “Aki-Oka” is an amalgam of “Akihabara” and “Okachimachi,” referring to its location between these two stations. “Artisan,” of course, expresses the arts and crafts emphasis of the stores in this alley.

[2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan - image © Florentyna Leow]

This alley is a whole different world from the anime and electronics-heavy Akihabara Electric Town nearby. Think handmade paper crafts, lacquer goods, contemporary woodblock prints, knitted doodads, and gorgeous accessories. Some of the artisans are at the store, so there’s usually opportunities to watch them at work.

[2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan - image © Florentyna Leow]

2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan is a perfect place for the compulsive gift-giver. There are so many delightful and unique shops that you’ll find yourself doing all your Christmas gift shopping in this alley. Afterwards, head over to Café Asan and eat pancakes while swinging on the hammocks.

[2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan - image © Florentyna Leow]

If you’re visiting, bear in mind that it’s closed on Wednesdays, and almost all the shops will be closed save for a small diner accessible from the outside.

[2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan - image © Florentyna Leow]

English name:
2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan

Japanese name:
ニーケーゴーヨンマル アキ・オカ アルチザン

English address:
5-9 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0005

Japanese address:
〒110-0005 東京都台東区上野5-9

Opening hours:
11am-19pm
Closed Wednesday except national holidays

Price:

Nearest Transport:
Subway: 3-minute walk from exit 2 of Suehirocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line.
Train: 4-minute walk from the south exit of Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote line.

Telephone:
+81-3-6806-0254

Website: Official website (English of the machine translation)

Near To Here:
2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan is located in Tokyo’s Akihabara, Kanda And Jimbocho districts. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo’s Akihabara, Kanda And Jimbocho districts, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Where Is This Place Located?

• Open the Tokyo map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

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