Ochanomizu means ‘tea water’. Apparently they used to get water from the Kanda River to make the Shogun’s tea so it must have been a hell of a lot cleaner that it is today
Ochanomizu is a major cheapo destination of note. It is especially famous for its second hand musical instrument shops and for its second hand ski and snowboard equipment shops. Some ski/snowboard shops also offer surfing and other sports equipment so they have something to sell/trade during the hot months. Japan was a major importer of rare musical instruments during the 80s when people could throw away lots of money on their hobbies – so there are a few gems available now that people aren’t quite as filthy rich as they once were.
