HiKESHi SPiRiT is a brand that conveys the essence of the spirit of Old Edo exemplified by the hikeshi [fire fighters] and their unique garb. They were the fire and rescue teams of old Edo and their spirit of dedication was the inspiration for the RESCUE SQUAD fashion brand that originated in Harajuku and which has become popular for its Japan-themed design and was the beginning of HiKESHi SPiRiT’s own original brand.

The discharge printed Hikeshi T-shirt (4,860 yen including tax) with the characters “hikeshi” emblazoned on it is the most popular item with both Japanese and foreign visitors, of which there are many in Ameyoko. The navy blue and black colors of this striking T-shirt have an eye-catching design that truly conveys the essence of old Edo in the hikeshi characters boldly written in an Edo script.

It comes in many sizes from S to XL and there is a kids' size (4,212 yen including tax) and rompers for babies making it possible for the whole family to have coordinated outfits. Since the technique of drawing patterns and pictures on cloth by discharge dyeing has long been familiar to Japanese, this is another reason why it makes an excellent souvenir and gift.

Another item we recommend is the 2019 Oka Ranman [cherry blossoms in full bloom] UV T-shirt (4,212 yen including tax). It is made so that it changes color when exposed to sunlight.

In the shade, the navy blue line and white background give it a simple design, but when exposed to sunlight, the picture of the petals of the flower and horizontal stripes at the bottom turn a deep cherry color. The cherry is the national flower of Japan. This is a souvenir of Japan that is certain to please everyone!

Hikeshi T-shirts also include major Japanese entertainment content such as Ultraman and Godzilla. The shop offers many other items such as bags, shoes, and fashion accessories, too, so please feel free to drop in and look around.

Next we will introduce Shimura Candy Shop, an outlet that sells both domestic and foreign brand sweets. This shop is noted for its tatakiuri sales performance and has been featured on TV and in the media.

Tatakiuri is a traditional method in which the vendor hits his bag or a table frequently during his rapid-fire sales pitch while constantly lowering the price of what he is selling in order to gather a large crowd of curious onlookers.

The lively salesman continues to throw chocolate and other sweets into a sales bag being offered at an unbelievably low price. This never fails to stop passersby in their tracks to observe the lively spectacle.

“Gather round! This bag will still hold more! And here's even more to add to the bargain!” The rapid sales pitch is peppered with all sorts of banter like this as he steadily throws boxes of chocolate into a bag with great display.

Every bag is sold at the remarkably low price of 1,000 yen including tax. It is remarkably low because each bag usually contains more than 2,000 yen worth of chocolate and candies, which not only makes it a great bargain, but is entertaining as well.

The shop has many types of sweets in addition to chocolate, too. The soft and chewy daifuku and mochi type of sweets are especially popular with foreigners.

Choco-Daifuku (500 yen including tax) and matcha flavored daifuku are very popular. The Choco-Daifuku and Assorted Mochi Sweets (1,000 yen including tax) make really great souvenirs.

Silk Road Cosmetics has two shops in the Ameyoko shopping arcade. Their motto is “good products at low prices” and in keeping with it they offer top-of-the-line foreign and Japanese domestic brands at very affordable prices.

One might think that such famous brands being offered at such low prices must be fakes; a thought that no doubt crosses the minds of many incredulous shoppers. But that is not the case and you can rest assured that all of the products offered are new and unused!

Made in Japan brand cosmetics are highly popular with foreign tourists. SK-II is especially popular with many of them. For example, a 230 ml bottle of skin lotion that normally sells for 23,760 yen is sold at the discounted price of 16,632 yen. Moreover, the tax-free price is only 15,400 yen. Many foreign customers take advantage of those savings by buying several at one time.

In addition to facial care cosmetics, there is also a wide selection of perfumes and body sprays in many fragrances. This Bulgari Body Spray has been especially popular in recent years. It is sold at the low price of 1,980 yen (including tax) for one bottle, making it a good gift for a friend.

There are so many different fragrances to choose from you may have a hard time making up your mind, in which case, a clerk would be happy to assist you. And even if you can’t speak Japanese, you need not worry because the staff can speak English and Chinese. They will make recommendations depending on how strong or sweet or long-lasting a fragrance you are looking for, so don’t hesitate to ask.

The manager of Silk Road Cosmetics, Mr. Suzuki, also serves as the Director of the Ameyoko Omote Shopping Street Promotion Association. You can get more information on the Association’s website which is also offered in English. http://ueno-ameyoko.jp/

Tokyo Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street is packed with all sorts of shops. Not only do they offer quality goods at low prices, but are also staffed by friendly clerks eager to be of assistance. Their friendly and helpful attitudes make communication easy and your shopping experience a happy one.