By: Peng Jieying
So what’s a hipster? It’s all about embracing the slow life—sipping coffee, reading a book, browsing through a Zakka shop, taking photos, and captioning it with “You made my day!” Being a hipster isn’t hard at all. In Tokyo, there are hipster spots everywhere. Want to spend a laid-back, artsy day? Check out this route!
First Stop: 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN Designers' Street
(Image source: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau)
(Image source:准建筑人手札网站 Forgemind ArchiMedia)
After sleeping in and enjoying a leisurely breakfast, take a stroll around this emerging cultural and creative space.
East Japan Railway Company transformed the space under the elevated railway bridge between Okachimachi and Akihabara into a hub for handmade crafts and creativity. It features galleries, workshops, cafés, and artisan shops. Along with art exhibits, coffee shops, and even occasional craft workshops, it's a popular hangout for many well-known local artisans.
This makers’ street is called “2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN”—sounds long and odd, right? Actually, the name comes from the 2,540-meter distance from Tokyo Station to the space under the bridge between Okachimachi and Akihabara stations, combined with the initials AKI-OKA (from Akihabara and Okachimachi), and ARTISAN, which means “artisan.” That’s how the name came about.
Just wandering around this designers' street can easily fill your afternoon. More details
Second Stop:Former Iwasaki Residence Garden
The Western-style building inside the Former Iwasaki Residence Garden
(Image source: yayayamamamama)
“Grass,” “gardens,” and “nostalgia” are all elements that hipsters just love. After exploring the designers' street, if you have time, you can weave through the bustling streets of Okachimachi, head toward Yushima, and visit the Former Iwasaki Residence Garden, which still retains the ambiance of the Meiji period. Take photos and soak in the historical vibe.
This building was the residence of the Iwasaki family, founders of Mitsubishi, built in 1896. It’s an authentic European-style mansion. Now recognized as an important national cultural property, the site spans over 15,000 tsubo (approx. 50,000 sqm) and houses 20 structures, preserving many significant cultural relics. The beautiful surroundings are truly worth lingering in.
Third Stop: Yushima Tenman-gū (Yushima Tenjin)
(Image source: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Japanese students often write their exam wishes on wooden plaques. (Image source: yukishana)
Plum blossoms blooming in early spring (Image source: yukishana)
Another spot along your artsy Tokyo route.Yushima Tenman-gū. While Tokyo is full of shrines, this one isn’t your average shrine. It enshrines Tenjin, the Shinto deity of learning, who has long been revered by scholars and literati. Many Japanese students visit to pray for success before exams. If you come between February and March each year, you can also admire the white plum blossoms. What makes this shrine especially unique is that it is entirely built from Japanese cypress—truly giving off some scholarly vibes. More details