The Musashi Koyama Shopping Arcade is the biggest, longest and most bustling arcade in all of Tokyo.

The entrance of Palm Musashi Koyama
The entrance of Musashi Koyama Palm | Photo by Gregory Lane

Beginning close to the east exit of Musashi Koyama Station, Palm continues to the southeast for a distance of 580 meters.

A junction within Palm
Palm branches close to the entrance (geddit?) | Photo by Gregory Lane

Unlike many covered arcades in Tokyo, Palm is really, really popular. A typical weekend sees thousands of shoppers converge on the arcade.

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Second Street recycled clothing
Second Street recycled clothing | Photo by Gregory Lane

The arcade is mainly populated with chain stores, including the largest 100yen shops and all (!) of the “Off” store varieties.

Daiso Musashi Koyama
Daiso Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane
Can Do 100yen Shop Musashi Koyama
Can Do 100yen Shop Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane

The off stores include Book-Off, Mode-Off, Hard-Off, and the rarer Hobby-Off and Liquor Off (don’t say that out loud).

Book Off Musashi Koyama
Book Off Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane
Mode Off Musashi Koyama
Mode Off Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane
Hobby Off Musashi Koyama
Hobby Off Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane
Liquor Off Musashi Koyama
Liquor Off Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane

Not all the stores in Palm are down-market. Shigezo is an interesting food store that sells different types of tofu, nuts, and dried food.

Shigezo Musashi Koyama
Shigezo Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane

Shinanoya is an import food store. They stock some interesting craft beers at reasonable prices.

Shinanoya Musashi Koyama
Shinanoya Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane
Tansu-ya Musashi Koyama
Tansu-ya Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane

Near the end of the arcade is one of the best bike shops that we’ve come across in Tokyo. Head up to the second store for the city bikes, racing bikes and portable bikes.

Cycle Spot Musashi Koyama
Cycle Spot Musashi Koyama | Photo by Gregory Lane

From the southeast exit of Palm, it’s only a walk of 870m to the entrance of the Nakanobu Skip Road shopping arcade.