A complete guide to Okachimachi jewelry | Why is it so cheap? A jewelery professional explains how the wholesale district works, how to buy, and how to sell [2026 edition]

Release date: July 17, 2026 / Last updated: July 17, 2026

1. What is Okachimachi's jewelry wholesale district?

The reason is simple: this town has all the processes of jewelry manufacturing and distribution, such as ``buying stones,'' ``handling bullion,'' ``designing,'' ``casting,'' ``setting stones,'' ``polishing,'' ``finishing,'' and ``selling,'' all within walking distance. One ring can be completed within a range of only a few hundred meters. The closeness of this process is a characteristic of Okachimachi's agglomeration.

The core of this area is the jewelry wholesale district.Jewelry Town Okachimachi (JTO)”. According to the history on the JTO official website, the association held its founding general meeting on September 21, 1987, and had 159 member companies at its inauguration. Taito Ward's official tourism website states that it is one of Japan's leading jewelry towns, with approximately 400 wholesalers of precious metals and jewelry gathered in the area east of JR Okachimachi Station, and many stores open to individuals.

Origin of the place name “Okachimachi”

The origin of the place name has nothing to do with jewelry. As the defense of the northern part of Edo Castle, mansions and tenement houses were given to the shogun's vassals such as the Osente-gumi, Goshoin Ochogami, and Okachiji-gumi, and the area where these Okachiji-gumi lived came to be known as ``Okachimachi.'' Although it is marked as Okachimachi and Naka-Okachimachi on maps from the Edo period, it is not known where Okachimachi ends because it was not an official town name. It was adopted as the official town name in 1872 (Meiji 5), and changed on October 1, 1964 (Showa 39).

2. Why Okachimachi became a jewelry town (history)

Edo period: Decoration craftsmen nurtured by temples and shrines and entertainment districts

According to the JTO official website, the area around Okachimachi is home to countless temples and shrines, including Ueno Kan'eiji and Sensoji, so many craftsmen making decorative items for Buddhist altar items and silverware gathered there. Taito Ward also has towns such as Asakusa, Yoshiwara, Yanagibashi, Kuromoncho, Yushima, and Nezu, and one of the reasons for this is that Taito Ward was a convenient base for business that supplies accessories such as hairpins and obidome.

In other words, Okachimachi was not a jewel town from the beginning;"A town where craftsmen who can process fine metal gather"It started as a. This order is important, which is why there are still more ``stone processing workshops'' in the inner parts of the city than ``stores that sell stones.''

Meiji era: Ring mass production technology determined the character of the town

In the middle of the Meiji period, the number of companies making and processing rings increased, and mass production techniques using molds were eventually developed, further enhancing the image of Okachimachi as a jewelry town. This is where the transition from hairpins and obidome to rings, and from Japanese-style accessories to Western-style jewelry, is occurring.

Post-war: From the Ameyoko backyard to the trading center

After World War II, U.S. soldiers began buying and selling watches and accessories in Ueno, and this open-air market eventually became the parent of Ameyoko. Ueno and Okachimachi served as Ameyoko's backyard for repairs and brokerage, and from the spring of 1964, ``markets,'' exchange meetings between watch and jewelry dealers, were also held, establishing the area as a center of jewelry trading. The Naka-Okachimachi Wholesalers Federation, which was formed in 1956 by 11 watch-related wholesalers, was one of the reasons for this.

3. How many jewelry stores are there in Okachimachi?

The reason for including this item is because most of the articles about Okachimachi say ``2,000 houses'' but do not provide any evidence for this. The credibility of jewelry articles depends on whether you can show the source of the numbers. The publicly available information that can be confirmed at this time is summarized below.

4. Okachimachi is not just a "town where you can buy things cheaply" | There are also a number of institutions that support gemstone identification and appraisal.

A major feature of the town of Okachimachi is that it is located not only in the distribution and processing of gemstones, but also in close proximity to functions related to identification, grading, and gemology. This aspect is overlooked when the city is introduced as a ``city where you can buy cheap things.''

The agency issuing the appraisal is also a member of the wholesale district.

The affiliated organizations in the company profile published by CGL include the Association of Gemological Associations (AGL), the Japan Jewelry Association (JJA), and the Gemological Institute of Japan (Japan)."Jewelry Town Okachimachi" is listed.. The organization that issues certificates of authenticity distributed in Japan is also a member of the jewelry wholesale district in Okachimachi.

Furthermore, according to the history published by CGL, during the period of high economic growth in the 1960s, the buying and selling of jewelry became common, but the Japanese jewelry industry at the time lacked clear standards for identification and appraisal, causing problems in transactions. The company's founders began activities to popularize gemmology, and later established Chuo Gem Research Institute Co., Ltd. in Taito Ward, Tokyo. In 1981, AGL was established, where identification organizations from all over the country gather to discuss identification and appraisal issues, and it is said that the founder of CGL served as its first representative.

“Just because you have a certificate doesn’t mean you can feel safe.”

I'll be honest here. AGL's main activities include regularly conducting diamond grading surveys and using the results to investigate grading discrepancies between companies.

Okachimachi is often talked about as a ``city where you can buy things cheaply,'' but in addition to the distribution and processing of gemstones, it is also a town where functions related to identification, appraisal, and gemology are all located nearby. If you only look at the cheap prices, you will miss half of this city.

5. Why is Okachimachi jewelry said to be cheap?

When it comes to jewelry sold at department stores and brand street stores, costs accumulate at each stage: manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and sales. In addition, the price includes interior decoration costs, advertising costs, labor costs, and interest costs for holding inventory for a long time. In Okachimachi's wholesale district, this step is partially omitted, and wholesalers are increasingly selling products directly.

Deconstructing the meaning of “cheap”

This is the most commonly misunderstood point. The word ``cheap'' in Okachimachi has at least three different meanings mixed together.

6. Can the general public buy it? The truth behind “Amateurs not allowed”

Even so, the reason why it feels difficult to get into is because wholesale stores and general retail stores are mixed together on the same street, making it difficult to tell them apart from the outside. Looking at JTO's history, in 1985, with the abolition of the excise tax, it was decided to issue purchasing cards to clearly distinguish between business and non-business businesses, and in 1989, the company began distributing stickers in foreign languages ​​to indicate that it was a wholesaler. In other words, a mechanism to distinguish between ``stores for business owners'' and ``stores that anyone can enter'' has historically existed on the city side as well.

How to tell which stores you can enter and which ones you can't enter

7. 3 things to check before buying [From the appraisal site]

① A certificate of identification and a certificate of authenticity are different things.

These two have similar names, but the content is completely different. The explanation that ``you can feel safe because it comes with a certificate of authenticity'' does not hold true if the object is something other than diamonds.

② Presence or absence of treatment

Many gemstones have treatments to enhance their beauty. The processing itself is not illegal or fraudulent, and some of the processing is widely common in the industry.The problem is that "the value changes greatly depending on whether or not it is processed, but it is not disclosed."It is.

*The above is a general trend in the second-hand market, and the value of individual stones varies greatly depending on quality, size, origin, and identification details.

③ Bullion stamp

The stamp is the most basic information that indicates the type and purity of the bullion. In the second-hand market, the price is supported by the bullion value, so knowing how to read the engravings can make all the difference in determining the appropriateness of the price.

8. Points to note when selling (purchasing) jewelry in Okachimachi

The reason for this is that each store has a different method of calculating the purchase price. The prices offered for the same item will vary at stores that only look at the bullion, stores that also evaluate stones, stores that look at brand value, and stores that calculate backwards based on whether they can sell the product themselves.

What you need when selling

• Identity verification documents:Based on the Secondhand Goods Business Law, identity verification is required at the time of purchase. Please have your driver's license, My Number card, etc. ready.
• Certificate of identification/certificate/warranty: If you have it, bring it with you. However, it is possible to purchase it even if you don't have it.
• Accessories (box/case): Branded jewelry may affect the price.

9. How to walk and access the Okachimachi area

At JTO, streets are named after jewels. In 1988, it was decided that streets would be named after six gemstones: ``Diamond,'' ``Ruby,'' ``Sapphire,'' ``Emerald,'' ``Jade,'' and ``Garnet.'' As you walk around town, you'll find signs and flags with these names on them.

access

• JR Yamanote Line/Keihin Tohoku Line"Okachimachi" station
• Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line"Nakaokachimachi" station
• Tokyo Metro Ginza Line"Ueno Hirokoji" station
• Toei Oedo Line"Ueno Okachimachi" station

Four lines converge, and each station is adjacent to each other either underground or above ground. It is about an 8-minute walk from Ueno Station and about a 10-minute walk from Akihabara Station.

10. About Selby Okachimachi Ekimae store

Selby Co., Ltd. operates a reuse business specializing in jewelry under the umbrella of Komehyo Holdings, which has the highest sales record in the brand reuse industry. The "Selby Okachimachi Ekimae store" opened on May 25, 2026, and is the first store in 13 years, and is characterized by the freshness of its approximately 2,500 products, which are almost all replaced every four months. We carry a wide range of prices, from ``self-reward jewelry'' centered on the 10,000 to 100,000 yen range, to one-of-a-kind items such as the Royal Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka (7.4 million yen, tax included).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is Okachimachi jewelry really cheaper than other places?

Since the distribution stage is short, there is room for comparable products to be cheaper. However, ``just because it's Okachimachi, it doesn't necessarily mean it's cheap.'' There are three reasons for the low price: 1) There is no intermediate margin, 2) The specs are different in the first place, and 3) Inventory turnover is fast because it is a one-of-a-kind item/used item. 2) It is not the same item that is cheaper, but a different item. When comparing prices, consider the grade of the stone, whether or not it has been treated, and the engraving on the base metal.

Q2. Can the general public enter? I heard, "No amateurs allowed."

I'll put it in. Taito Ward's official tourist information also states that there are many stores that are open to individuals. ``Amateurs not allowed'' is not a city-wide rule, but only applies to wholesale stores that only do inter-vendor transactions. It's easy to tell. Stores with price tags in the window, business hours posted, and a "purchase" sign are intended for general customers. The closer you are to the station, the more shops open to the general public.

Q3. Can I negotiate for a discount?

It depends on the store. Stores that sell one-of-a-kind items or reused items may accept consultations on the premise of buying in bulk or paying on the spot. On the other hand, there are some stores that insist on transparent accounting and refuse to negotiate, in which case the negotiated portion is no longer included in the price. If you ask, ``Please tell me the basis for this price,'' instead of ``Can you give me a discount,'' you will end up with a more acceptable purchase.

Q4. What is the difference between a certificate of identification and a certificate of authenticity?

A certificate of authenticity is a document that indicates ``what kind of stone it is'' (whether it is natural, synthetic, or treated) and applies to all gemstones. A certificate is a document that indicates a diamond's 4C grade and is primarily used to evaluate the quality of natural diamonds (a separate report is available for lab-grown diamonds). On the other hand, it is inappropriate to call quality evaluation documents for colored stones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds "certificates," and what is issued for colored stones is a certificate of identification. If it is colored stone and is displayed as ``Certificate of Authenticity'', please check with the store as there is a possibility that the name has been confused.

Q5. Why are "unheated" rubies and sapphires so expensive?

It is very common for rubies and sapphires to undergo heat treatment to improve their color and clarity, and the majority of stones on the market are said to have been heated. Therefore, stones that have beautiful colors without being heated are considered rare, and if an identification organization determines that the stone is ``unheated,'' the price can go up significantly. However, even without heating, the evaluation will not improve unless the color and transparency are present. Not "unheated = expensive", but "unheated and beautiful = rare".

Q6. What is the difference between "K18GP" and "K18"?

It's completely different. K18 is an alloy itself with a gold content of 75%, and has value as a bullion metal. The GP of K18GP stands for Gold Plated, and the base is another metal covered with a thin layer of gold. It has almost no value as bullion. This is the most common misconception at the purchasing site. When purchasing or selling, be sure to check that "K18" is not followed by an alphabet.

Q7. I would like to sell jewelry in Okachimachi, where is the best place?

Be sure to get quotes from multiple stores. Okachimachi is an area where there are many purchasing stores within walking distance, making it easy to get competitive quotes from multiple stores. While it is easy to compare bullion such as gold and platinum based on public market prices, the value of jewelry and the evaluation of brand and design tend to vary depending on the store. Especially for colored stones and design rings, the prices will vary depending on whether a specialty store can identify and evaluate stones or a store that can't.

Q8. What do I need for purchase?

Based on the Secondhand Goods Business Law, identification documents (driver's license, My Number card, etc.) are required. Please bring along any accessories such as a certificate of authenticity, certificate of authenticity, warranty card, box, etc. For branded jewelry, the presence or absence of accessories may affect the price. However, it is possible to purchase items without the documents or boxes. Items that are broken, have only one earring, and have no markings will be subject to appraisal.

Q9. Should I polish it myself before selling it?

Not recommended. In actual appraisals, as a result of polishing with abrasives, there are cases where the brand engraving becomes faded or the surface (patina) of antique jewelry is lost, resulting in a lower value. If you are concerned about dirt, just wipe it lightly with a soft, dry cloth. For full-scale cleaning, it is safe to ask a professional after an assessment. A specialty store can evaluate the condition of your jewelry by subtracting any dirt.

Q10. How many jewelry stores are there in Okachimachi?

What we can confirm from primary information is the number introduced by Taito City's official tourism website: ``There are approximately 400 wholesalers of precious metals and jewelry in the area east of JR Okachimachi Station.'' Furthermore, in the history of JTO, it is recorded that in 1994, there were 600 jewelry companies located within the JTO area located in Ueno 3-5-chome. The number ``2,000'' that you often see on the internet cannot be confirmed at this time as the primary information that serves as its source. The results will vary depending on how you count (whether it includes only retailers or processors).

Q11. Why are the streets named after jewels?

This is because JTO (Jewelry Town Okachimachi) decided in 1988 to name the streets after six gemstones: ``Diamond,'' ``Ruby,'' ``Sapphire,'' ``Emerald,'' ``Jade,'' and ``Garnet.'' In an effort to reflect the district's identity as a jewelry wholesaler's district, in 1989 a small flag, the street's nickname, was created and distributed. They serve as landmarks when walking around town, so checking them along with a map will make it easier to get lost.

Q12. Can I buy bridal rings (engagement rings/wedding rings) in Okachimachi?

You can buy it. There are several bridal specialty stores around the station, and some of them have pricing that takes advantage of the wholesale route. However, the conditions for after-sales service (resizing, re-stone fixing, re-polishing) vary greatly depending on the store. Wedding rings are meant to be used for several decades, so be sure to check not only the purchase price but also whether they can be repaired in 10 years. This is more important than price.

Q13. Is the Okachimachi store open on Saturdays and Sundays?

It depends on the store. Wholesalers that mainly deal with business transactions may be closed on Saturdays and Sundays, while retail stores and purchasing stores that cater to the general public tend to be open on Saturdays and Sundays as well. If you want to see the entire city at your leisure, weekday mornings are the best time to go, especially from 11am to 2pm. During this time, the number of visits by contractors is calm, and you can consult with us while checking the stone in a bright environment. We recommend checking each store's business hours before visiting.

Q14. Have you ever been caught with a fake ticket in Okachimachi?

It's a town with a concentration of specialty stores, and because vendors work closely with each other, it's not an environment where obvious fakes can be openly distributed. However, troubles arise more from ``misunderstandings'' than from ``fake items.'' Cases include mistaking synthetic stones for natural ones, buying treated stones without knowing the treatment details, and thinking that GP (gold plated) stones are 18K. Many of these misperceptions can be avoided by checking the contents of the identification report, whether or not the product has been treated, and the engraving. If you are unsure, please check with the store before purchasing whether the item can be inspected by a third party.

Q15. What should I prepare when I go to Okachimachi for the first time?

Decide what your budget is and what you're looking for (type of stone, ring or necklace, size). There are too many options in Okachimachi, so you can't make a decision without certain conditions. In addition, if you are looking for a ring, please bring your number, and if you are selling it, please bring your identification documents. You don't need a loupe (you can borrow one at the store). It's a good idea to start by visiting a few stores in the station area and get a feel for the price range before heading deeper.

Summary

Okachimachi's jewelry district is an industrial cluster that was formed over 400 years from the decoration craftsmen of the Edo period. The true reason for cheapness is not the quality but the shortness of the distribution stage, and the price is not determined by the city as a whole but by the role of the store in distribution.

In fact, there are not many things that first-time users should know.

• There are many stores where you can enter. You can tell them apart by looking at the price tag, business hours notice, and purchase sign.
• Check 3 things before buying. Identification or appraisal / processing or not / engraving of bullion.
• When selling, get quotes from multiple stores. There is no difference in the value of the bullion, but the value of the jewelry and the product value change depending on the store's evaluation ability.
• If you get lost, go from the station. At the back of the city is a business zone.

If you walk around Okachimachi with the right knowledge, you will realize that there are few other cities where you can choose jewelry as freely as you do. I hope this article will be your first step towards that goal.

Related articles

• Jewelry purchase in Okachimachi | High-priced purchase that can be achieved because we specialize in jewelry
• A gemstone appraiser explains the difference between a certificate of authenticity and a certificate of authenticity | Points to look at
• What does "non-heating" mean for ruby and sapphire? Why the value changes
• List of K18/Pt900/K18GP engravings | How to identify bullion metals
• What is reused jewelry? Conditions for items that do not lose value in the second-hand market

Reference materials

• Jewelry Town Okachimachi (JTO) official website “Learn about Okachimachi (history)”https://jto-net.com/history/
• Jewelry Town Okachimachi (JTO) official website “Learn about Okachimachi (origin of the name)”https://jto-net.com/origin/
• Jewelry Town Okachimachi (JTO) official website “Learn about JTO (organization/history)”https://jto-net.com/organization/
• Taito City official tourist information site “TAITO Outing Navi | Jewelry Town Okachimachi”https://t-navi.city.taito.lg.jp/spot/1160
• Komehyo Holdings Co., Ltd. Press Release "[Tokyo/Okachimachi] The entrance to the jewelry wholesale district will change. Reused jewelry shop "Selby Okachimachi Ekimae store" will open on Monday, May 25th" (May 20, 2026)https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000366.000000884.html
• Central Gem Laboratory (CGL) “CGL’s History”https://www.cgl.co.jp/about/history.html
• Central Gem Laboratory (CGL) “Company Profile (Basic Information)”https://www.cgl.co.jp/cgl/
• Association of Gem Identification Groups (AGL) “Introduction to AGL” “History of AGL”https://www.agl.jp/
• Gemological Society of Japan (Japan) “Society Overview”https://www.gemmology.jp/about
• Selby Co., Ltd. Corporate Sitehttps://www.selby.co.jp/

*The gemological description in this article is based on general gemological knowledge published by GIA, Gem-A, etc., and the appraisal and sales practices of Selby Co., Ltd. The evaluation of individual gemstones varies greatly depending on quality, size, origin, and identification details. Prices and business information are as of July 2026.