Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)

[lolwat]

So after around 17 years of dreaming about going to the land of the Rising Sun, we were finally able to scrape up enough dough to make the trip 

I first heard about Ochanomizu in the jemsite.com forums, and boy, did it get me excited as frack then  It's a station within Tokyo where a lot of musicians hang out, primarily because there are tons of music stores in the area.

Pretty much everything music- and especially guitar-related can be bought here: rare picks, all sorts of parts complete and in stock, awesome high-end models from companies such as Suhr and Anderson, vintage instruments dating as far back as the 1950's, esoteric boutique and out-of-production effect pedals, etc. I'd literally run out of breath talking about this in person 

One really amazing realization I had when testing out some equipment was this: pretty much every store attendant knows how to set up the guitars (and perhaps even other kinds of instruments as well) for optimum playability. I'd imagine each and every one of the instruments on display are constantly maintained, and for good reason: given sir Perf de Castro's experience with our local music stores and their poorly setup floor models, how would one expect to sell any units? Of course the Japanese are more well-off than we are, but this is something I believe our local retailers should at least consider.

Anyways, enough talk. Here are the pics to prove sh*t actually went down!:

Electrics:








okay this isn't a guitar, but it's a cool out-of-production Mesa, so I took a picture anyway:


to be continued...

[lolwat]

...continued

Acoustics:






to be continued...

[gandydancer123]

Awesome! Ill be a followin this thread!

[nepenthe]

keep it coming buddy 

[lolwat]

...continued

this is the last of it, sadly. however, it's the most numerous.

Guitar effects:











It seems Japan has its own share of pedal modders and makers, such as one Boorocks (pretty unfortunate name, IMO ), and some of their products are here.

Enjoy everyone!

[fretboard]

   subscribed!

[gandydancer123]

what the sound of a Guitarist and gear lover  playing with himself while looking at guitar and gear porn?


PAF! PAF! PAF! PAF PAF!!!

great photos! post ka din nice shots of your Japan trip para malibang..hehehe ...nagkalat ba yung mga AV looking girls? or only in the AV movie world yun? hahaha Kawaii!!!

[lolwat]

a couple of bonus pics!

here's how the stores look like from outside (pardon the lacklustre photo skills, I was quite literally shaking in excitement ):
This store's sign reads as "Ishibashi."

This one reads as "Kurosawa."

This one simply says "Karaoke," and sells mostly secondhand instruments.


Sadly, all I was able to buy, guitarwise, were a couple of Ultex Jazz III picks, and some really colorful designer picks my dad intends to collect (we've been doing this since our first out-of-the-country trip 9 years ago). I intended to get a Gotoh Floyd Rose from a custom shop/guitar store in the area, but all they had were Original Floyd Rose units, which I didn't care for too much.

I did, however, get to test a couple of guitars - a Suhr Modern Satin through a Fender Hot Rod Deville, and a Music Man Silhouette through a Diezel (not sure which one, but it's the same as the ones you can see in the photos above). Great guitars, but I guess I just love my guitars back at home a little more, because they frankly didn't feel or sound "right" in my hands. Same with the Diezel actually. Oh well, slice my fingers off and call me "deaf" I guess? (pardon the black comedy) 

Up next, a little video demo of the Silhouette into a Diezel head, with lots of wanking, awkward silences, and Japanese people chatting in the background!

[lolwat]

what the sound of a Guitarist and gear lover  playing with himself while looking at guitar and gear porn?


PAF! PAF! PAF! PAF PAF!!!

great photos! post ka din nice shots of your Japan trip para malibang..hehehe ...nagkalat ba yung mga AV looking girls? or only in the AV movie world yun? hahaha Kawaii!!!

There were definitely a lot of beautiful Japanese women around, pero walang mukhang AV  There were some people wearing weird outfits and face masks (due to the Chinese bird flu outbreak) especially in Akihabara (we went there too  ), and some erotic magazines right at the entrance of some convenience stores (ULTRA WEIRD EXPERIENCE IMHO ), but other than these, Tokyo is pretty normal, if a little cleaner and more organized than what we're used to here.

[throwinshapes]

ALL MY

This is pretty cool, since I'm going to Japan next summer with my siblings, but in Osaka or Kyoto (since Tokyo is just too darn expensive). Hope we run into some music stores there so I can take my own pics of gear pr0nz.

[gandydancer123]

 Ochanomizu, Tokyo, is this the same place some guy posted a thread before? parang may nakita ako parang city or district na puro music shop..parang nandun din yata nakabase yung HQ ng Fujigen and Ishibashi..etc..hmm let me try to find that thread..

Awesome adventure..damn I felt that new music store excitement feeling looking at your pics..hahaha..malamang x10 yan sa actual...hahaha

[lolwat]

ALL MY

This is pretty cool, since I'm going to Japan next summer with my siblings, but in Osaka or Kyoto (since Tokyo is just too darn expensive). Hope we run into some music stores there so I can take my own pics of gear pr0nz.

Osaka has an ESP Custom Shop bro, you might want to check it out 

[coy_2cute]

If there is Heaven, I would like it to be this way..  Nice share Boss!

[gandydancer123]

how are the prices?

same as any JB,PPitch,Lyric,TMS,Crescendo Store?? or cheaper?
pero you really cant beat the selection and variety..WOW..nakakalula..

[gandydancer123]

http://www.musictrades.co.jp/webnews/english/2009/09/take-a-closer-look-at-ochanomizu-musical-instruments-town-in-tokyo-earning-20-billion-yen-annual-sal.html



Ayun found the article I read...^^^

Take a Closer Look at Ochanomizu, Musical Instruments Town in Tokyo Earning 20 Billion Yen Annual Sales

Academies generated demands for music products

Ochanomizu means special to Japan's music products industry. Total sales of the area are estimated to be 20 billion yen* including Internet sales. There are 48 music stores located in an about 70 hector space starting from Japan Railways Ochanomizu Station down to Akihabara which is renowned by shoppers of PC and consumer electric appliances. Majority of them are MI stores with guitar as a main line. More recently specialist stores for used instruments are increasing their existence. (*Total annual sales are an estimate brought by Japan Music Trades in reference to previous data as no sales figures were provided from part of the stores.)


Looking back the history of the area, there are some credible reasons that the mega town for musical instruments was formed and developed to this day. The first point is its historical background dating back to Meiji Era. During the period, Meiji, Chuo, Senshu and other law schools founded one after another, and Tokyo University of Music (then, Toyo School of Music) which is the first music academy in Japan was established in 1907. Japan's first orchestra was organized in the academy to achieve national sensation. (photos above: Holy Resurrection Cathedral, Nicholai-do, a landmark of Ochanomizu, top, and the crossing from where the musical instrument town begins.)

Today extended Ochanomizu area including adjacent Kanda has become one of the largest academic towns having nearly 20 universities, art and language institutes. There existed substantial demands for musical instruments for those schools from earlier times.

The second point is the area also raised book stores of versatile fields serving the needs of the students. Well known Kanda Book Street emerged along with increase of the schools. A town guide book lists up as many as 160 book stores in Kanda.

The third point much relates to prolific music activities by students in the area. From early to middle of the 20th century, mandolin became a popular instrument among university students. Harmonica was another favorite of students and citizens. The music stores mainly sold violin, mandolin, guitar and harmonica. Only a limited number of retailers had piano on their sales floor. With outbreak of The Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, brass bands budded throughout Japan which helped stimulate demands for wind instruments.

The customers for the music stores in Ochanomizu are 73% adults, and 27% students. Despite the origin as academic town, they chiefly serve businessmen today. That reflects fewer youth population and increasing involvement in music making by adults.

The 48 music stores in Ochanomizu have following products displayed at their sales floors:
12,590 electric guitars
4,670 electric basses
4,430 acoustic guitars
320 trumpets
470 saxophones
210 flutes
147 clarinets
1,210 violins

Growth associated with surging demands for guitar
Origin and advent of Ochanomizu as a town of musical instruments are deeply rooted into its peculiar factors much associated with the area. It's ideally located between Japan Railways Tokyo and Ueno mega terminal stations of Metropolitan Tokyo. It budded in early 20th century backed by demands from the schools in the area.

After the World War II, Ochanomizu revived from the ashes relatively earlier than other towns as much of the area survived the raids. As humble shops opened, people flocked, more shops came up, and a good cycle developed to form a larger commercial area.

Such established music stores as Shimokura Gakkiten, Suga Gakki , Kawase Gakki, Miyaji Shokai, Ishibashi Musical, Shimokura Gakki and Taniguchi Gakki prompted further growth of Ochanomizu. Later, guitar boom brought by popular folk and rock music also greatly accelerated their success.



 



 

Electric guitar sales flourished after 1972. Domestic sales in 1972 were 45,000 units which nearly doubled to 82,000 units next year, and reached 103,000 units in l976. After the industry sold 230,000 units in 1978, business successfully expanded.   
 
While, acoustic guitar market enjoyed favorable growth with average annual sales of 650,000 units from 1965 through 1979, however, it went into a downward trend in 1980s. All in all, huge demands for guitar built a solid foundation of music retail business in Ochanomizu.

It was the middle of 1980s that music stores for used instruments began increasing existence in the area. Present structure of the music town forged in this period. It's not a surprise that competition magnifies as more players join the game. At one time, cut-throat discount by music retailers in the area was a major concern for the industry.

Whereabouts of the musical instruments town cast significant influence on performance of music products industry. It's trend and business climate are easily penetrated to other areas. Hopefully, Ochanomizu remains as one of leading powers in music business in the years to come.

Here is a list of 48 music retailers in Ochanomizu.

Shimokura Gakki main store  http://www.shimokura-gakki.com/
Ishibashi Musical main store  http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/
Taniguchi Gakki  http://www.taniguchi-gakki.com/
ESP Technical House http://www.espguitars.co.jp/
G-Club Tokyo  http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_g_club/
Kurosawa Wind  http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_windocha/
PAN Music Used Insts. Center http://www.pan-project.com/pan_used.html
PAN Music http://www.pan-project.com/panmusic.html
Big Boss FREAKS MARKET http://www.bigboss.jp/
Shimokura Violin Co. http://www.shimokura-violin.com/
Shimokura Second Hands Part I http://www.shimokura-secondhands.com/
Shimokura Second Hands Part II http://www.shimokura-secondhands.com/
Kurosawa Violin http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_ocha.v/
Guitar Planet http://www.pan-project.com/guitarplanet.html
Akio Gakki http://www.akionet.com/
Kurosawa Gakki Ochanomizu St. store http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_ocha/
Old Guitar Garage http://www.bigboss.jp/
Big Boss Tokyo http://www.bigboss.jp/
Figaro Guitars
Ishibashi Musical Ochanomizu Annex http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/
Gakki Center Tokyo (Show Room) http://www.gakkicenter.com/
Big Boss Tokyo SOUND LINER http://www.bigboss.jp/
Guitar Workshop Andante http://andante.aki.gs/
Wood Magic http://www.woodmagic.jp/
Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Electric Guitar & Bass)
 http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/
Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Acoustic Guitar) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/
Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Classical guitar) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/
Rankado http://www.rankado.co.jp/
Otofuku http://www.otofuku.net/
Rim Shot http://www.rim-guitars.com/
Sankei Shoten
Suga Gakki
The Dream http://www.the-dream.jp/
Kuroda Gakki
Blue-G Acoustic Guitars http://www.blue-g.com/
Hobo's Trading http://www.hobos-g.com/
Guitar Workshop
Kawase Gakki http://www.kawase.co.jp/
Woodman http://www.woodman.co.jp/
LLuck Guitar http://www.lluck.jp/
Miyaji Gakki Kanda Store http://www.miyaji.co.jp/
Vintage Strings http://www.vintage-strings.co.jp/
Media Calm http://www.media-calm.com/
Ken Guitars
MUSICVOX AKIHABARA http://www.musicvox.jp/
Ikebe Gakki Revole Akihabara Store http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/
Ikebe Gakki Bass Station Revole Akihabara http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/
Ikebe Gakki Drum Station Revole Akihabara http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/

[lolwat]

Ochanomizu, Tokyo, is this the same place some guy posted a thread before? parang may nakita ako parang city or district na puro music shop..parang nandun din yata nakabase yung HQ ng Fujigen and Ishibashi..etc..hmm let me try to find that thread..

Awesome adventure..damn I felt that new music store excitement feeling looking at your pics..hahaha..malamang x10 yan sa actual...hahaha

Thanks gandy Actually super saya ko dito talaga haha

Some helpful phrases!

Shashin o tottemo ii desu ka? (May I take pictures?)
Gitaa o tameshtemo ii desu ka? (May I try [out] the guitar?)
Takai desu ne. (It's expensive.)
(insert thing you're looking for here) ga arimasu ka? (Is there a [thing] here?)
Arigatoo gozaimasu. (Thank you very much.)

[siopao69]

i am moved to tears..

yep some price comparisons would be helpful.

[gandydancer123]

Thanks gandy Actually super saya ko dito talaga haha

Some helpful phrases!

Shashin o tottemo ii desu ka? (May I take pictures?)
Gitaa o tameshtemo ii desu ka? (May I try [out] the guitar?)
Takai desu ne. (It's expensive.)
(insert thing you're looking for here) ga arimasu ka? (Is there a [thing] here?)
Arigatoo gozaimasu. (Thank you very much.)

HAHAHAHA this is helpful!!!
Running the phrases in my head now..hahaha

[lolwat]

I think it's more or less the same pricewise. As some price tags are visible in the pictures, try converting them to Peso by using the current exchange rate between our currency and the Japanese yen: 1 yen = 0.42 pesos

What's infinitely cool is the availability of pretty much every kind of guitar and part, new and/or used. The first few electrics in the pictures are from a used instruments store, and you can already see some sweet Strats, Les Pauls, and Superstrats from pretty much every reputable brand. And they're in really good condition to boot!

[kawayan_strat]

Look at how rediculously low priced T.C. Vintage distortion @ ¥9980, that's Php4190, mura!!!

[gandydancer123]

I guess, when coming back home.. if one would like to experience that Ochanomizu vibe, all you have to do is go to the pier, or those japanese surplus stores (third world setting lang nga) ...hahaha

[gandydancer123]

huhuhu..

[robertshanepascual]

Ito ay isang paraiso para sa atin...     

[lolwat]

There were some places I wasn't able to take pictures, though, probably due to store policy.

But do imagine walking into a room full of all the latest production Strats and Les Pauls, complete with original parts such as potentiometers, switches and pickups. Seriously, if I had the cash and the means to bring a guitar home, I'd have done it

[robertshanepascual]

There were some places I wasn't able to take pictures, though, probably due to store policy.

But do imagine walking into a room full of all the latest production Strats and Les Pauls, complete with original parts such as potentiometers, switches and pickups. Seriously, if I had the cash and the means to bring a guitar home, I'd have done it

a day is not enough to check all the gears there.