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Tokyo Steampunk store: A Story. Harajuku clockwork watches, top hats, retro vintage clothing.

tokyo steampunk, japanese steampunk, a story

This is a story about a Harajuku, Tokyo Steampunk shop, called A Story.

If you’ve seen anime films like Steamboy, you might think that Steampunk is big in Japan. In fact, this boutique hadn’t even heard of the word until about a year ago… even though they had been making clockwork and brass accessories for some time!

batman tshirt, harajuku shopping, clock bag

Kenny and Luke (creators of the party Steam Garden) told me about A Story. On a recent shopping trip in Harajuku, my spooky friends and I were determined to pay a visit.

tokyo street style blog, japan photographer

Said Karlsson, who shot me for my Adone Magazine cover, took a few street snaps along the way. My Alice in Wonderland-like dress is Liz Lisa; the white rabbit bag is from Amavel in Lumine Shinjuku.

a story watch shop, harajuku steampunk store

It took us forever to find it, so let me give you A Story’s address first: Carat Harajuku 103, 3-27-14 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (東京都渋谷区神宮前 3-27-14 キャラット原宿103).

A Story also has a Shinjuku location, and sells items at the regular event Steam Garden.

steam punk jewelry, accessories

The interior felt like a mad Victorian gentleman’s lair. So many handmade accessories, with intricate clockwork parts.

steampunk necklaces, lockets, keys

Antique style lockets and key pendants for the ladies.

steampunk top hat, brass goggles, gears, clockwork

A top hat with brass decorations — oh yes!

steampunk instruments, tuba, music

Behind this antique tuba, an artisan tinkered over mechanical devices.

steampunk purse, tokyo, japan, jewelry

Beautiful the level of detail, purse arranged meticulously

victorian watches, steampunk watches, world clock

The wrist-watches are marvelously made, with a charming old map background. I could see them on a Jules Verne character.

top hats, taxidermy, victoriana

I was charmed by A Story; it’s well worth mapping it out and stopping by, if you’re Harajuku.

batgirl tshirt, ripped tights

The shopping trip continued with improptu dramatic posing. Batman, woo hoo!

cat ears hat, cat-eared bowler hats

Cat-eared hats are all over Tokyo at the moment.

spiky headband, inverted cross, nu goth clothes

There’s also a lot of spiky headbands, inverted crosses and Nu Goth fashion.

scottish fold tshirt, pentagram, new gothic

This Scottish Fold t-shirt design was apparently stolen from Glitter Hell…

pink hair harajuku girl, japanese girls hairstyles

Love this pink hair Japanese girl’s outfit and styling.

japan dog clothing store, designer pet costumes

She’s standing in front of a boutique that sells designer clothes for dogs. (Remember when I visited the swank Deco’s dog cafe?)

harajuku boys, fruits, male fashion japan

Harajuku boys dress marvelously; love the laid-back layers and messenger bag.

h.naoto gramm, h naoto shop harajuku

It was getting darker when we walked by the h.Naoto store, Gramm. (Here are photos of the store interior, from the Hangry & Angry fashion show.)

granny clothing, tokyo vintage store

Secondhand stores are hit-and-miss, nevertheless fun to browse.

japan secondhand shop, thrift store, leather satchels

Vintage pieces are great for putting together a retro-Victorian outfit. That’s what I did for my Ladies of Steampunk magazine cover and spread.

harajuku steampunk watch shop, a story, steam garden

Don’t forget to consult my Harajuku shopping guide, packed with addresses, photos and info on the best alternative stores.

Are you enjoying my Tokyo steampunk coverage? Would you wear the clockwork items in A Story?

For more photos of this underground fashion, see my review of the regular Japanese steampunk party, Steam Garden.

SHARE & COMMENT

28 Comments

  1. Daniella
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 11:21 am | Permalink

    The cat ears hat! ^+^

  2. annie
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 11:22 am | Permalink

    ❤❤❤❤

  3. MelissaR
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 11:28 am | Permalink

    I love that tank top with the kitten in devil horns, and I love your Alice-in-Wonderland-esque dress!

    • Nu-fashion
      Posted September 2, 2013 at 11:47 am | Permalink

      Really Melissar, I also love these two things….
      Looking so beautiful………….

  4. aimee belle
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 11:52 am | Permalink

    my favorite is the photo of the harajuku boys

  5. Amai
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 12:06 pm | Permalink

    I love that shop. Also located in south shinjuku by takashimaya and in the same building as Abllitage.

  6. Yvette
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 9:49 pm | Permalink

    Love’z It!!!! =D! xxx.

  7. Yvette
    Posted August 12, 2013 at 9:49 pm | Permalink

    2CUTE! =)!!! xxx

  8. Jen
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 4:05 am | Permalink

    A Story looks so awesome! I love the hat with the brass decor. It’s subtle but still fancy.

  9. Orient
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 8:01 am | Permalink

    I want it all and now

  10. Logos
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 8:01 am | Permalink

    Kiss

  11. champagne joy
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 12:51 pm | Permalink

    My tattoo artist is right next door to ‘A Story’, so I’ve been there many times on smoke breaks. Beautiful, clever, tiny things.

    • lacarmina
      Posted August 20, 2013 at 1:13 am | Permalink

      Amazing right?? Love them

      • champagne joy
        Posted August 20, 2013 at 1:51 am | Permalink

        I am impressed by how they can work so intricately on such a small scale – like mice making dollhouse curios. :)

  12. Pirate
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 5:29 pm | Permalink

    I love japan always something new to go to

  13. Giana
    Posted August 13, 2013 at 9:04 pm | Permalink

    Coolio!!

  14. sarah
    Posted August 14, 2013 at 9:14 pm | Permalink

    Cool! I knew about Steam Garden, but had not heard of this store.

  15. Dave
    Posted August 14, 2013 at 9:14 pm | Permalink

    LOVIN THE TIME.

  16. Gabriel
    Posted August 14, 2013 at 9:14 pm | Permalink

    You in Tokyo this month? Come see Kozi with me on the 26th! (if youre around)

  17. Niniel
    Posted August 14, 2013 at 9:22 pm | Permalink

    AMAZING DRESS!!!

  18. Kira
    Posted August 17, 2013 at 12:14 am | Permalink

    I love this! <3

  19. Doe
    Posted August 17, 2013 at 12:14 am | Permalink

    I see you on travel channel!

  20. Art Vixen
    Posted August 17, 2013 at 12:14 am | Permalink

    That steampunk shop had lots of goodies. Wish I was there! I’d buy some of the handbags and the t-shirt with Barbie’s face.

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