And here’s the final installment of Tokyo shop visit pictures. I visited a wide range of shops: some large and very similar in format to the big box and department stores we have here, while others were more rustic and eclectic like antique shops (though not necessarily selling antiques). My favorite shops though, were the teeny tiny ones that probably have a maximum capacity of 3 customers for comfortable perusing.

A few examples of these tiny shops are seen here, each between 100SF and 300SF. Shelves were naturally utilized to maximize square footage. Many also used the area outside their front entrance for additional merchandise display space or for signage to bring attention to the shop.

It’s pretty amazing what some shop owners can do with such a small space. They definitely have to keep their product offerings well edited, while maintaining attractive and orderly displays.

I’m going to keep these shops in my inspiration file. For some day.

I noticed many shops had nice big window fronts to let light in. The windows also give you a good peek inside before stepping in. Some shops softened the look of all the glass with natural elements, while others left them as-is and more industrial-looking.

nordic living: one of my favorite shop exteriors with its wall of climbing ivy. small and hidden, this shop carries everyday household goods from scandinavia and the nordic countries.

starnet (site has music): the rustic wood window frame and door with leather door handle were a nice contrast to its neighboring office buildings. a nicely edited shop of ceramics and their own packaged food items on the first floor, and their own line of minimal clothing upstairs.

outbound: the dark gray plastered walls give this shop a cool vibe. the shop felt more geared towards men, with a variety of goods including small housewares, clothing and accessories.

fog linen work: fog linen’s new (since a year ago) location. the shop on the main floor, an exhibition/meeting space upstairs, and offices above that.

designshop: located within a residential area, an office for a webshop with a small showroom area out front.

playmountain: considering how much i had heard about the shop previously, i was a little surprised by its size. nice variety of home goods to look at though.

During the four and a half days I was in Tokyo, I visited many more shops than any one person should. My feet were aching at the end of each day, and everything started to blur together. Next time, I need to either choose fewer destinations or schedule more days. Lesson learned.

It was definitely fun seeing the wide range of shops though. Here are just a few storefronts I thought were neat.

covent garden bazaar: a pretty large french country shop where i almost forgot i was in tokyo

hara donuts cafe: i decided not to go inside since i had already picked up some donuts next door

check & stripe: super cute and bright fabric shop that carries many liberty prints, sewing project kits and has a sewing room for workshops

a-ne cafe: two-story bakery and cafe where i had breakfast upstairs which consisted of 6 different breads, strawberry jam, yogurt, corned beef salad and my drink of choice – milk tea

more shops tomorrow …