2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan in Akihabara, Tokyo Guide + Photos

Aki Oka is one unique boutique shopping center in Tokyo – hidden amongst the railway arches close to Akihabara, 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan is brimming with bouji shops, arty alley-way stalls fine fashion plus some rather charming cafes and coffee shops.

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2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan mall Akihabara Tokyo

We stayed in Akihabara for several days and visited 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan on a couple of occasions, as a nice way to escape the hustle and bustle of all the gaming arcades and anime / manga stores nearby.

Incredibly busy at weekends and an excellent all-weather retail revelation, here is our guide to shopping at 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan in Akihabara, Tokyo.

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Table of Contents

Aki Oka – Why is it called 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan?

Not only is the railway arch location unusual but so is the name. Where does 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan come from?

It actually refers to its distance from Tokyo JR Station (2.54km) – and Aki Oka stems from its location between Akihabara and Okachimachi stations respectively.

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Arriving at Aki Oka

It is easy to spot – just look for the name spray painted onto the pavement by the entrance. It is an easy shopping spot to browse, the only distraction being the rumbling of the train tracks directly above your head.

Such a boutique shopping mall in Tokyo below railway tracks is quite quirky and we can’t recall anything we’ve seen similar – yes, there are huge shopping malls but this is like browsing in an upmarket car-park with windows in sublime salons and charming craft stores.

Often you can see artists and manufacturers at work at 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, creating new works as you pass by their studios. It really is a brilliant place to visit and then grab a coffee afterwards at one of the well-kept cafes.

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How many shops are there at Aki-Oka?

There are around 40 to 50 shops, jewellers and cafes at 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan – all of the shops are located underneath the railway arches so it is protected from the elements.

All of the shops sell incredibly beautiful handmade or Japanese products – from leather bound books to handcrafted jewellery.

In terms of products and designer shops, you can buy the following goods from these stores:

Jewellery and wrist watches – K Craftwork Japan, Two More
Luggage – Blue Trick, conosaki, griffe or Muzika Vita
Art and paintings – Studio Y
Leather wallets and leather goods – mic Okachimachi
Socks and Shoes – Glen Clyde Sock Club Tokyo, Spingle Move
Chinaware and porcelain – Tuku
Umbrellas – Tokyo Noble
DIY goods and gifts – Turner’s Vision

To note this is just a small selection of the 50 or so shops and stalls at 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan – new shops also seem to pop up on a regular basis.

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Coffee shops and restaurants

There are several popular coffee shops at Aki Oka including Yanaka Coffee and Cafe Asan.

There are also a couple of dining places including Boo Halal restaurant – there are also a lot more dining choices in nearby Akihabara Electric Town.

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How to get to 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan

Just a five minute walk from the main Akihabara Electric Town / Akiba area, Aki Oka is a 5 minute walk from Okachimachi JR station / Naka-Okachimachi Metro station or an 8 minute walk from Akihabara JR and Metro Station.

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How much does it cost to visit 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan?

The shopping centre Aki Oka is free to visit (although the price of goods in the shops can be pretty pricey!)

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2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan opening hours

Aki Oka is open Thursday to Tuesday from 11am to 7pm (closed on Tuesdays only).

Public holidays and individual shop opening times may vary.

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Other things to know about Aki Oka

The terrain is flat and paved so it is very accessible and wheel-chair friendly
There is a toilet and baby changing facilities onsite
Snacks and drinks are also available at the Lawson convenience store at the northern end of Aki Oka

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