[sdiy] Synth museums/shops in Kanto (greater Tokyo) region?

[Hugh Blemings]

Hi Erik,

On 19/12/2015 13:19, Erik Ribeiro wrote:
> I've got 2 days in Tokyo/Yokohama and was wondering if anyone knows of
> any interesting shops or synth museums in the area. Looks like Roland
> had a pretty extensive showroom, but I can't find any info about where
> it is or how to visit.
>
> Any ideas?

Sure - I've been fortunate to visit Tokyo a couple of times these last 
few years - most recently in October of this year.

Two stores I'd recommend you seek out - neither just strictly SDIY in 
the sense of kits etc. but well worth a look for vintage/modular/quirky;

Five G Music Technology - in Shibuya.  Harajuka nearest station.

https://goo.gl/maps/D8qRrPxB6cs

They have an amazing range of new and second hand gear - last time I was 
in there they had six floor to ceiling racks of Eurorack modules.  Three 
memory moogs, several Prophet 5s etc - vintage galore.

Check the opening hours - from memory they close on Tuesdays, most other 
days only open at midday or so.  As I recall it's not well signposted in 
English - but once you hit the right building it's on the 4th floor, 
turn right out of the lift if memory serves.

Echigoya Music - in Shibuya - Shibuya Station nearest.

https://goo.gl/maps/8cpax451Uqj

Smaller shop - almost tiny actually - but seem to have quirky bits and 
pieces - not so much specifically SDIY or modular though.  9th floor of 
the building, little corner sort of place as I'd recall.

If you start at Five G it's a pleasant walk down the hill - 10 minutes 
or so - to Echigoya.  "Rock On Company" https://goo.gl/maps/sWarxBhzwXn 
isn't Synth specific, but have interesting stuff too.

If you put "Musical Instruments" into Google Maps while centred on that 
area it will show up a few others in the Shibuya area.

Staff in both stores have reasonable skills in English if (like me) 
you're not fluent in Japanese.

One thing I'd caution in closing - if you have poor impulse control 
and/or strict check bag limits, leave all forms of payment at your 
accommodation :)

Hope this helps and they're in the right part of town for you.

Cheers,
Hugh