I had learned about this place from Nekrodave, or at least he had told me it was one of the first sites online that he had found.. Regardless looking over the site I knew I had to make the journey out there.
Kusou (http://www.kusou.co.jp/) is described as Fancy Goods (Secret Nostalgia for old toy). It's about 15 minute walk to the Asakusa Kannon shrine, which can easily be mapped out by punching this address into google maps:
東京都台東区千束2-30-1
The store is unassuming from the outside, but inside is like nostalgia has exploded. It's everything a little boy could want, albeit 40 years ago, in Japan.
The store is mostly paper goods, but there is a huge selection of vintage vinyl and a few Jumbo Machinders. Most things to not appear to have prices on them.
Its almost as if the owner is satisfied with the place being a collection rather than a store.
The store is made up of two rooms, the main room is the area where you can walk around in, but to the left is another raised room, made out to be like a fantasy nostalgia bedroom. It is insane. You could spend hours in there and not see everything.
If you are a fan of the culture of the Showa period, look no further, this is a must-see.
The owner appears to speak no english, but is a very nice man. He's written a few books, been featured on TV and his shop was used in a few movies.
Worth the trip.
Check out the vintage Calpis Bottle:
Vintage motorcycle:
Giant vinyl Redking:
Special bonus - Right click on any image and select view image to view a 1024 x 768 version!
The store is unassuming from the outside, but inside is like nostalgia has exploded. It's everything a little boy could want, albeit 40 years ago, in Japan.
The store is mostly paper goods, but there is a huge selection of vintage vinyl and a few Jumbo Machinders. Most things to not appear to have prices on them.
Its almost as if the owner is satisfied with the place being a collection rather than a store.
The store is made up of two rooms, the main room is the area where you can walk around in, but to the left is another raised room, made out to be like a fantasy nostalgia bedroom. It is insane. You could spend hours in there and not see everything.
If you are a fan of the culture of the Showa period, look no further, this is a must-see.
The owner appears to speak no english, but is a very nice man. He's written a few books, been featured on TV and his shop was used in a few movies.
Worth the trip.
Check out the vintage Calpis Bottle:
Vintage motorcycle:
Giant vinyl Redking:
Special bonus - Right click on any image and select view image to view a 1024 x 768 version!