(4.5÷5 stars) Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — 81⁄100; Countdown to 2006⁄10 I’ve mentioned this in the reviews of other businesses in this area but just so you know, if you’re not familiar with the Nishi Ogikubo area in west Tokyo, it is definitely worth spending a day or two exploring all of the very unique and interesting shops. The area is undergoing a transformation to include more modern galleries, boutiques and coffee shops, among others. Plus, right next door(next station down the line) is Kichijoi, where even more variety and interesting places await! Highlights(accessories/gifts section): + Atmosphere: 5⁄5 stars(bright, colorful, definitely French/European in feel) + Selection: 4⁄5(very good variety of items not seen at other stores; the owner makes trips to France several times per year to select unique items that appeal to Japanese customers’ tastes) + Value: 4⁄5(depends on what you purchase but you’ll see select items that appeal to your need for cute, practical an/or artistic tastes; not a wide variety or huge volumes, but everything is authentic as direct, hand selected imports from France) + Customer Service: 4.5÷5(very«genki»(enthusiastic!) staff, friendly, happy to explain or comment on anything in or about the shop/café) + Other: 4⁄5(depending on your taste and health, there are two dogs(mini French terriers?) also on premises. Be warned if you have allergies; otherwise, enjoy the companionship of the live mascots.) The second part of this space is a café serving, coffees, teas and wines(French, of course). They’re open in the evenings so it’s good for a lite pick me up after work or an afternoon refresher. Carry in food is allowed — the shop owner recommends the pastry shop across the street(bagels, other) or another bakery down the street. I’ll try the bagels and a café au lait next time and update this review. Keep in mind there are LOTS of traditional Japanese antiques, old/used books and art galleries in the area — these and other businesses have been around for quite a long time, so exploring is fun. photos and an update coming — stay tuned!
