An Unforgettable Treasure

Walking through the 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan mall, little did I know that we would not only be able to find Japanese handmade treasures, but we would also experience the kindness of the workers there.

One of the shops that we enjoyed there was called, "Megurite."  This store featured traditional Japanese crafts from artisans across Japan.  Five artists display their beautiful handmade crafts which include the prettiest hair pins.  The art of "Mizuhiki", which is cord made from twisted paper, was used to create these pins.  Before leaving the store, we purchased 4 of these wonderful pieces of art.

Throughout the rest of our stay in Japan, we spoke of how we were glad to have visited the 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan mall and how special those pins were that we bought from Megurite.

When we returned home to Hawaii, we were unpacking our suitcases and realized that we didn't have the hair pins that we spoke so highly of.  We had left them somewhere in Okachimachi and now we had left Japan! We thought back to our visit to the 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan mall, and tried to remember where we could've left the package.

I decided to first contact Megurite where we purchased the pins.  They replied the same day and wrote that they searched the entire store and could not locate our package.  Next, I wrote a shoe store that we spent a good amount of time in at the mall.  The shop owner answered through messenger and said that he did not find our hair pins.  He did send me the email address to the main office of the 2k540 Aki-Oka mall.

This was my first message sent through email:
Subject: Lost Bag
We recently purchased items from 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan.  We were wondering if anyone turned in a bag that has 3 hair pins made from wire in the shape of flowers.  One pin was wrapped as a gift.  We also bought one hair band that had a smaller flower from the same store.  We would appreciate it if you would let us know if you have it in your lost and found.

This was their reply:

Thank you for coming to our shopping mall "2k540".

It's very unfortunate that I couldn't find your bag now.

I'll contact you again as soon as I find it.

I'm sorry I couldn't help for you.

We accepted the fact that we had lost our beautiful pins and went on with our daily lives.

Seven days later, I received this email:
I think I found a bag you lost.
I want you to see the picture.
Please reply.

And much to our surprise, there were our pins.  One in a precious gift bag, prepared as a present to a loved one, just as we had described it to them.  It was a truly remarkable moment.

I wrote her back confirming that this was our lost package and sent them my mailing address.
This was her reply:

Yes, I would like you to pay shipping fee.
It corresponds to other people so.

I will tell you the amount and bank account.
Can you deposit?

Sorry it took us a while.

The last line in her email left me stunned.  The fact that someone had actually turned in the package in the first place was simply amazing.  And after seven days since our last exchange, she had still kept us in mind and worked towards locating our small package.  By ending her letter in saying, "Sorry," made me realize that this was truly an act of kindness in its rarest form.

I sent her a thank you card with the money that she could use for postage.
A little over a week later, I received this cute message:

I received a letter from you.
Thank you, Thank you！

I will treasure this letter

The pins arrived untouched in the same bag that they came from the Megurite store.  Needless to say we will treasure these pins forever.  They not only represent the work of an artisan from Japan, but they also symbolize the beautiful spirit of the Japanese people.  Their kindness and honesty is a gift that carries no price tag.

This is just another example of why I love Japan!

2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan

Beneath the elevated rail line that runs between JR Akihabara and Okachimachi stations, you'll find a special area where you must visit.  After walking through Ueno and browsing through jewelry in Okachimachi, head for Akihabara and you'll find the entrance to the 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan mall under the tracks. 

 Please note that the mall is closed on Wednesdays!  We found that out the hard way!

2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan is located in the 2k540 area, which is two kilometers and 540 meters from Tokyo Station.  In addition, “Aki-Oka” refers to the location between Akihabara and Okachimachi.

Inside, you'll find various shops that feature the work of skilled craftsmen and women.  Their work is displayed in galleries, studios, cafes and shops. What makes this area even more unique is that most of the artists are in the store as you explore each one! 

In this shop, "Nijiyura," the artist gives demonstrations and also teaches classes on using the dye technique known as "chu-sen."  Items for sale in the stores are used as towels, Japanese wrapping, place mats, scarves and wall hangings.

Samples of hand dyed fabrics at Nijiyura.

There were so many beautiful samples to choose from.

Kiriya Tanaka sells furniture and other interior items.

Japanese children can find school backpacks at this store.

A wide selection of various backpacks line the walls.

There are also pop-up shops near the end of the mall.

Amazing light features

Visitors are also allowed to sign up for classes and demonstrations in some of the shops.  Unique cafes also allow shoppers to relax.

We were able to purchase fabrics, shoes and hair pins at the 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan mall.

We will definitely return to this area during our next trip to Tokyo!

The People of Japan

Aside from the delicious foods, endless shopping streets and breathtaking views of gardens and temples lies the beauty of the Japanese people.  For this is the main reason why we return to Japan again and again.  The country holds a special culture where human beings put forth their best efforts in everything they do.  That in itself, is the true Japan experience.

An elderly couple walking down a narrow Tokyo street.

The Japanese people are extremely thoughtful in everything that contributes to their daily life.  This is evident in their transportation system that works like clockwork that allows their people to travel without worry each day.  It is also apparent in their ability to keep high traffic areas clean as workers sanitize toilets with toothbrushes, wipe scoff marks left on floors and cleanse escalator handrails every half hour.  Laborers are constantly working in their attempt to keep everyone comfortable.

There are other destinations in the world that boast first class service, but I have yet to see any place that can come close to what we experience in Japan.  Employees work tirelessly to provide this first class service without expecting a tip from their customers.  Tipping in Japan remains an insult.  When asking for directions, some workers may even leave their post to show you the way.  The assistance given is all done without expecting anything in return.  In fact, they are the ones who show gratitude for being able to provide help in any way possible.

Business men and women stand in orderly lines as they wait for the train to arrive.

Everyone is silent while riding the trains and subways. No one bothers others by having public conversations on their phones.  Announcements on the train also remind everyone that their cell phones must be on silent mode.  People wear face masks if they have a cold, in order to keep others around them from catching their germs.

The Japanese will bow to their customers in order to show appreciation.  They bow as they greet you at the door, bow to thank you and bow as you leave their establishment.  Some workers will even walk you to the door and wait until you are out of sight before they go back into their place of work.  If you happen to look back, they will bow again and again.

Throughout my blog entries I've talked about the endless landmarks and businesses that Tokyo has to offer.  All of these sites are places you must visit.  However, it is the people who work there each day that make these experiences memorable.  It is extremely difficult to describe in writing the behaviors that are exhibited by the Japanese people.  You must visit Japan in order to understand it yourself.

Okachimachi

The next stop after Ueno on the Yamanote Line is Okachimachi Station.  At the end of our walk through Ameyoko Street, we found ourselves in the jewelry district of Okachimachi.  No wonder we love Tokyo so much!  We can go from a shopping street full of Japanese goodies and snacks to browsing through wholesale jewelry all in one area!  What more can a girl ask for? 

http://jpninfo.com/27401 

When walking below the train tracks on the left, Okachimachi jewelry district will be on the right.

On our first trip to Okachimachi three years ago, we exited the station tried to figure out what direction would lead us to the jewelry district.  We walked around the area and then luckily someone from our group noticed the rows of jewelry stores lining one of the streets.  

During our most recent visit to Okachimachi, I realized that we could see the area from the tracks as we exited the Yamanote line!  

Another view of the streets in Okachimachi

There were stores that specialized in gold, silver or platinum.  I also noticed other shops that sold loose diamonds, pearls and other jewels.  If you're serious about the quality of your jewelry, this is definitely a Tokyo destination for you!

Our group revisited one store where we purchased a variety of gold earrings.  We bought 18K white and yellow gold pairs for about $20 each.  There was also a discount for paying in cash and an additional discount for showing our passport (tax free).

It's so much fun to browse through all the beautiful pieces of jewelry!

On each visit to Okachimachi, we eat lunch at Ootoya.  This was a restaurant that we just happened to find as we were walking through the narrow streets of the jewelry district.  The most memorable eating places are the ones we stumble onto by accident!

Look for the blue signs.  You'll have to climb up a narrow staircase to find the entrance to the restaurant.  You can also read the menu and look at the pictures before going up the stairs.

Every dish we've ordered from Ootoya has been absolutely delicious.  I especially love the tempura!

Like most restaurants in Japan, you have the option of ordering a "set."  This set comes with rice, miso soup, pickled veggies and dipping sauces.  Some sets also come with a dessert.

This chicken katsu salad set comes with rice, miso soup and pickled vegetables.

Hot soba noodles, chicken katsu, miso soup and pickled vegetables are included in this set. 

This set included a sashimi rice bowl, miso soup and cold soba noodles with dipping sauce.  

Make Ootoya and the Jewelry District a stop when visiting Okachimachi!

Ueno

If may also choose to explore the Ueno area, rather than passing through the crowded station.  The same can be said with any area in Tokyo.  One thing is for sure, you'll never be disappointed with what the streets of Tokyo has to offer.  Ueno is no exception.

 http://www.gotokyo.org/en/tourists/areas/areamap/ueno.html

 Outside view of Ueno Station

As we walked across the street from the station we immediately saw a Pachinko Parlor.

Many people use bikes to travel the streets of Tokyo.

There were also character shops for children.

A huge line of toy vending machines caught the eyes of my children as we walked along the outside of the character shops.

On another visit to Ueno, we strolled down Ameyoko Shopping Street.  As we walked through this area, we noticed that we were walking along the tracks of the Yamanote Line.  We were actually trying to get to Okachimachi, but decided to take the walking route to our destination.  

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3012.html

 Vendors selling fresh seafood

As we reached the end of Ameyoko Street, we found ourselves in Okachimachi!

This would be the next stop on the Yamanote Line.

Ueno Station

Ueno Station is another stop on the Yamanote Line!  From Asakusa, you can easily get to Ueno by subway which will then lead you to other stations on the Yamanote Line. 

One of the reasons why we also like to use Ueno Station as a transfer to the Yamanote Line is because of this fabulous bakery!  As you're finding your way up to the ground level of Ueno Station, you'll pass this bakery near the stairwell.  Hokuo was popular stop for us as we stopped to buy a quick snack.

 The bakery is also a nice rest from the busy subway area.

 I know I already posted a blog devoted to the bakeries in Japan, but it's these little places like this that make Tokyo so special!

Every pastry we tried was so delicious.  In fact, I wish I had one right now!

The kids especially liked the bread shaped like little characters!

Cute panda bears!

How can you eat this little guy?

After climbing up the stairs from the subway, walk towards the green JR signs to enter the train gates for the Yamanote Line.

It is, of course, very busy in every train station at all times of the day.  

We also made a stop to add more money to our Pasmo card.  There is an English language option on these machines.  Notice the map of the train lines above the Pasmo and Suica machines.  Don't depend on this map as there are usually lines of  busy travelers all around you.  You will want to have your route mapped out before you are in the station.

http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-city-guides/japan-stations/ueno-station

Make Ueno Station a stop on the Yamanote Line!