Even as rent has gone up over the years, the owners at Sansato have been active in the local creative scene, not only by sharing their unique handmade gifts, but also by supporting their community in an innovative way.
Sansato is a prime example of one of Shimokita’s shop-as-studio spaces. For over a decade, this store has functioned not only as their business, but also as a meeting space for their handmade craft events, bringing together artists from around Japan. Their past gallery shows have included a live painting which now adorns the walls of their staircase.
The warmly lit windows of Sansato make it glow like a lighthouse – true to its original name “Flash”. Though half of this narrow, multi-story shop is occupied by its glass-enclosed stairwell, no space goes to waste as every step and windowsill showcases their handmade goods.
Here you’ll find hand-embroidered bags with cats or funny faces, painted wooden toys, quirky rubber stamps and magnets, colorfully patterned dresses, stationery, and geometric jewelry - all designed by Japanese artists and personally selected by their staff.
“We never set out to be the ‘coolest shop’, we just wanted to connect people with the artists we like. We chose wood, warm lights, and lots of windows to make a comfortable place for people to come and see the beautiful, interesting things we’ve found – like ‘treasure hunting’,” says the shopkeeper.
Their next plan for bolstering the community speaks to their original goal of connecting people. They soon plan to open their top floor as a public lounge where anyone can enjoy a coffee, browse books, and take in the view above Shimokita’s main street. For a thoughtful Japanese-made souvenir, Sansato is the place to go.
Name: Sansato
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya-ku Daizawa 5-36-14
Hours: 11:00am～20:00pm
☎︎ +81 03-3419-2305