2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN: shopping under the Yamanote line

There is a hidden street under the Yamanote line tracks near Ueno's Ameyoko Shotengai between Okachimachi and Akihabara. Follow the elevated JR train tracks to 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN and you will find a quiet place filled with the best handcrafted Japanese goods.

There are about 50 small stores and workshops inside, all with a focus on well-made handcrafted items. Shop for Japanese printed textiles, handmade leather bags and wallets, bamboo cooking utensils, order made furniture, and try one of the very relaxed cafes. Other items include sold here are umbrellas in every color, glasses, tea cups, cushions, hats, and toys.

You could spend a rainy afternoon window-shopping and drinking coffee. For more shopping walk from 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN past Okachimachi and towards Ueno through the crowded streets of Ameyoko Market.

The "2k540" in the name denotes the distance from Tokyo station and the other parts stand for AKIhabara and OKAchimachi.

http://www.jrtk.jp/2k540/shop/