Hawaii To Tokyo!: 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?

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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.