Part four of the series, Kendo Stores of Tokyo

This time I'll be introducing Takeshima Budogu. We will be taking a quick step out of Tokyo into neighboring Kanagawa. 

Part three of the series, Kendo Stores of Tokyo.

In this post I will be giving an introduction to Shokodo, a Kendo and martial arts equipment shop located right in the heart of Tokyo's Shibuya district.

If you are planning a visit to Japan, and more specifically Tokyo, then it is almost a given that you will come to Shibuya.

Known the world over for its giant pedestrian crossing where, surrounded by flashing TV screens and advertisements, literally hundreds of people cross the street every few minutes. This shopping district, transportation hub and entertainment area is a must for anyone coming to the land of the rising sun.

World famous "Scramble Crossing" at Shibuya Station.

The store.

Located right in the centre of the action is Shokodo (home page). A perfect place for someone looking to buy some equipment without going too far out of the way, or while the other half goes shopping. It's also ideal for anyone visiting or living in Tokyo looking for a shinai or protector in a hurry.

The store itself has two floors. With a massive selection of top quality shinai, bokuto and protectors on the ground floor. Uniforms, bogu and Iaido equipment can be found on the second floor.

I have personally never tried their bogu or uniforms, but I have bought a few shinai at Shokodo and the selection is staggering!

Part two of the series Kendo stores in Tokyo. 

This time ill be taking a look at Tokyo Shobudo, located in Gotanda. Shobudo home page.

Tokyo Shobudo has become a big name over the years due to their extremely high quality kendo equipment.

The front of the store. You'll know when you have arrived!

Part one of the series Kendo Stores in Tokyo.

This is the first in a series of blog posts I hope to do over the next month or so, in which I will introduce some of the bogu stores around Tokyo. Ill try get to some of them and take pictures and interview the staff in order to give a better idea of what each store has to offer.

I have been to most of the stores I will be introducing, at one time or another, and Ill try to go to as many as possible, in order to make this a useful guide for anyone looking to buy kendo equipment in Tokyo.

First up is one of my favorite and most visited stores, Eiko Budogu Ueno branch.

Easily accessed from the extremely convenient Yamanote line (the circle line that runs around Tokyo) this shop is great for people who are staying on the east side of Tokyo, you can also pop over to the popular tourist areas Ueno Park, and Ameyoko shopping area. Take the Kesei Skylinner from Narita to Ueno and make it your first stop in Tokyo!

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The popular store Eiko Budogu has a small shop within walking distance from Ueno Station.

You can find their main page here and the online store. The online store is in Japanese, but they do ship overseas. There are some staff who can speak English at the main office.

Eiko make a popular set called "Tonbo" both hand stitched and machine stitched versions are available.

Tonbo bogu - Men line up - Machine stitched.