Jalan Jalan Japan: Kichijoji Station - Ocharaka & Harmonica Yokucho Alley

Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ginza etc are usually the areas that pop up in your mind when you think of shopping in Tokyo. There are a couple of areas (Nakameguro, Kichijoji, Koenji, Shimo Kitazawa, Kagurazaka etc) in the outskirts of Tokyo that are rising in popularity among designers, artists, entrepreneurs and restaurant owners. These unique locations have been labelled as the “in” places to visit in Tokyo. Perhaps it will lose its “wow factor” if it gets more densely populated. Make sure you visit them before they lose their shine!

Kichijoji Station

If you have the time, you may like to visit Koenji which is a few stops away on the JR Chuo Line! I think you need at least a day to complete this area. There is an eclectic mix of old and new.

Kochijoji-Honcho is a shopping belt about 15 mins walk away from the station. This street is wide enough for only one car to pass through, enjoy wandering through the clothing stores, stylish cafes and gift shops. Situated just 15 mins walk away from the station, it provides a quaint charm from the hustle and bustle of the crowded shopping district around the station. Do stop at Orcharaka when you are there.

Stephane Danton is a tea maestro who has brought his revolutionised Japanese premium tea to the international stage. When asked which is his best seller, he mentions Natsumikan but adds a word of caution that everyone's taste differs. Using the 4 Ws- who?what?where?when? he will decide on the best tea for you.

He brought to my attention that a common misconception among foreigners is that Japanese Tea is expensive. However he feels that unlike western tea leaves which only gives you one cup of tea, the same amount of Japanese Tea can be brewed a couple of times.

His business revolves around satisfying the demands of consumers for exotic Japanese tea. He perfectly infuses flavorings into the tea and the end product is a tea smelling and tasting like its name! Fancy chocolate houjicha which can be prepared with milk instead of water, aoshisho tea with Japanese basil or lime tea a perfect summer cooler? Alternatively try his special occasion blends like Noel

Noel for Christmas or seasonal flavours like Sakura tea for spring. There is something for everyone.

Ocharaka ( Japanese Tea with a twist)
http://www.ocharaka.co.jp/e_index.html
7 minutes walk from the west side of JR Kichijoji Station, along Nakamichi-dori
3-3-11 Honcho, Nakada Bldg. 1F, Kichijoji, Musashino-shi 180-0004
Opening Hours: 11:00am to 7:00pm
Rest Days: Tuesday, the 2nd and the 4th Wednesday of the month

Fancy a beetle as a pet? You can get one there


Harmonica Yokucho Alley about 5 mins walk from Kichijoji is a very narrow alley, housing izakaya bars, restaurants, and traditional shops. Curious day-trippers will enjoy the surprises housed inside it. Have you seen an old pickle shop before? Who said Beetles/ Stag Beetles are cheap to upkeep? Owners have to feed them jelly which can be bought at the 100 Yen shop.

Beat the heat in Singapore with some of these cooling products from Japan. They are available in most convenient stores. If you happen to be in that area, you can buy the following products from this store, in the shopping arcade beside Harmonica Yokucho.