If you know Shimokitazawa, you know Shimokitazawa. For a more laid-back trip away from the hustle of the city, Shimokitazawa is the place to be. Known predominantly for its hip style, vintage fashion and trendsetting abilities, Shimokitazawa is really one of those areas of Tokyo you just can’t miss during your trip to Japan.
Nestled in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, Shimokitazawa, aka Shimokita is a vibrant neighborhood known for its unique blend of alternative culture, artistic flair, and youthful energy. Shimokitazawa, often shortened to “Shimokita,” is situated in Kitazawa, just west of Shibuya. The name is derived from the word for ‘bottom’ or ‘under’ (下 – ‘shita’) and the district name, Kitazawa.
There’s tons of things to do in Shimokitazawa. Shimokitazawa thrift stores have legendary status in Japan, secondhand and vintage items can be found left and right. Of course, there’s dozens of hip restaurants and cafes in the area, and you can also find several music shops and bookstores. In this article, we’ll uncover what the district has to offer from cafes and restaurants to shotengai (local street market) and nightlife. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself adding Shimokitazawa on your Japan itinerary!
An Overview of Shimokitazawa
Image Credit: Toucan Takes Off
Because of its central position within the colossal sprawl of Tokyo, Shimokitazawa is actually easy to access. If you’re actually staying in Shimokitazawa, it’s only an hour’s train ride from Haneda. From Shibuya Station to Shimokitazawa, you can catch the Keio-Inokashira line. Shimokitazawa Station is also just seven minutes away from Shinjuku Station, and you can take the Odakyu line.
Shimokitazawa is known as the ‘bohemian district’ of Tokyo, and for good reason. Most of the businesses in the area are independently owned, attracting tourists and visitors thanks to its commitment to sustainability. Because Shimokitazawa is known for its vintage fashion, there really is no better place to get the latest trendy fashion in Tokyo.
If you’re on a multiple week trip to Japan, Shimokitazawa really is a must-stay, and if you want to explore everything you should devote multiple days to uncovering every nook and cranny. With little traffic passing through its narrow streets, Shimokita exudes a more laid-back charm that really helps it stand out amongst other Tokyo neighborhoods. The vintage stores, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and other establishments reflect this attitude. Most stores don’t open until 11:00 am or later.
Exploring Shimokitazawa’s Fashion Scene
Shimokitazawa is definitely the place to be If you’re a lover of vintage clothing, . While you’re in the area, it really is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on classic, one-of-a-kind clothing pieces you can’t find anywhere else. You’ll definitely come home with treasures from your Shimokitazawa vintage shopping trip!
Here are a few thrift stores in the area that might catch your eye.
2nd Street
Image Credit: Savvy Tokyo
Although they have several branches around Tokyo, 2nd Street Shimokitazawa has a two-story branch that offers a large selection of vintage finds. While their selections aren’t strictly vintage pieces, they offer several sales and campaigns that are definitely worth checking out. You’ll find most of the vintage pieces as well as some general fashion items on the second floor, while designer brands are often placed on the first floor.
It’s a good place to start your Shimokitazawa shopping, since their selections are well-organised by colour and category. Who knows? You might get a good deal on a few designer and vintage pieces if you’re lucky!
Website: 2ndstreet.jp
Instagram: @2ndstreet_official
Opening Hours: 3pm-9pm daily
Visit 2nd Street Shimokitazawa: 2-30-13 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
New York Joe Exchange
Image Credit: The Gate
New York Joe Exchange in Shimokitazawa is a must visit for first-timers and Shimokita veterans alike. Located in what used to be a bathhouse, this unique and trendy spot is sure to be a memorable stop on your Shimokitazawa shopping itinerary. Compared to the other thrift stores in Shimokitazawa, NYJE has a massive amount of clothes coming in and out. Most of the items are secondhand goods, and they offer services ranging from buying, selling, and trading pieces within the store.
For those also looking to sell or trade goods, NYJE is worth taking a look at. Not to mention, on the first Sunday of every month, everything is half-price at New York Joe Exchange. You’re sure to find something interesting in this charming thrift store.
Website: newyorkjoeexchange.com
Instagram: @newyorkjoeexchange
Opening Hours: 12pm-8pm daily
Visit New York Joe Exchange: 3-26-4 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
BEARS’ Tokyo
What’s a vintage shopping trip without denim? Especially knowing how serious the Japanese take their denim. If you enjoy denim jackets and jeans, or just want to assemble your Canadian tuxedo, then BEARS’ Tokyo is the place to be. It’s smaller compared to other denim stores in Tokyo, but it has a good selection of brands that any denim lover would be thrilled to find. While the physical store might be small, visitors of BEARS’ Tokyo in Shimokitazawa are likely to find high-quality denim pieces for good price points.
Website: bears-shimokita.com
Instagram: @bears293
Opening Hours: 3pm-8pm daily
Visit BEARS’ Tokyo: 2-9-3 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Treasure Factory Style
Image Credit: Japan Travel
The Treasure Factory Style branch in Shimokitazawa, or TreFacStyle for short, is known for its affordable prices and stylish finds. There are many items you can find at TreFacStyle, ranging from designer pieces to non-designer items alike, and many of these items often go on sale. While some of the brand name clothes and accessories you can find at TreFacStyle may be a little more expensive, you definitely won’t regret spending your money here.
Website: tf-style.com
Instagram: @trefacstyle.official
Opening Hours: 10am-9pm daily
Visit Treasure Factory Style: 2-3-9 SEEF Building 1F Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Toyo Department
Image Credit: The Gate
Who can forget Toyo Department in Shimokitazawa? It’s only a two-minute walk from the Shimokitazawa Station East Exit, and it’s a mini shopping mall inside a garage with a little over twenty stores that sell vintage clothes, secondhand items, and other handmade accessories that you’re sure to find interesting. Toyo Department is one of the most popular Shimokitazawa shopping spots, and for good reason. Don’t forget to take pictures that show off the iconic photo spots at the Toyo Department!
Website: k-toyo.jp
Opening Hours: 12pm-8pm daily
Visit Toyo Department: 2-25-8 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Indulging in Shimokitazawa’s Cafes and Restaurants
Image Credit: Toucan Takes Off
Not only is Shimokitazawa renowned for its fashion, it certainly doesn’t have a shortage of cafes and restaurants either! The district does not have a signature dish so to speak. Instead, it is better known for its unique, quirky and delicious snacks and treats.
Here are some restaurants and cafes you might want to check out:
Yazawa
Image Credit: From Japan
Who doesn’t love yakiniku? If you’re craving some high quality grilled meat, Yazawa in Shimokitazawa is the perfect place to eat after a long day of shopping and sightseeing. It’s a long-standing and well-known restaurant that’s a 2-3 minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station, and you’ll find a lot of celebrity autographs on display. That’s how popular it is! To be on the safe side, it’s definitely better to make a reservation ahead of time.
Website: Yazawa (Tabelog)
Instagram: @yazawasimokitazawa
Opening Hours: 5pm-3am on Mondays to Saturdays, 5pm-11pm on Sundays.
Visit Yazawa: 2-10-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Rojiura Curry Samurai
Image Credit: Tabelog
Of course, having Japanese curry is a must when you’re on your trip to Japan. Rojiura Curry Samurai Shimokitazawa offers homey and hearty curry that’s sure to warm you up. Their menu also has options for you to choose from, allowing you to personalise what kind of curry you’d like, as well as the meat and vegetables you’d like to have with it. You’ll enjoy your meals here at Rojiura Curry Samurai for sure.
Website: samurai-curry.com
Instagram: @samurai.shimokitazawa
Opening Hours: 11am-3:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm daily
Visit Rojiura Curry Samurai: 3-31-14 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Ogawa Coffee Laboratory
Image Credit: You Could Travel
As the name implies, Ogawa Coffee Laboratory in Shimokitazawa offers a unique experience to learn more about coffee beans and the roasting process. They have coffee masterclasses for coffee enthusiasts out there, and the baristas can walk you through choosing beans and brewing processes.
It’s a personalised experience where you get to discover more about coffee. Ogawa Coffee Laboratory is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts and those who are curious about Japanese coffee culture and the process behind drinking your favourite early-morning coffee.
Website: oc-ogawa.co.jp
Instagram: @ogawacoffee_laboratory
Opening Hours: 9am-8pm daily
Visit Ogawa Coffee Laboratory: Reload 1-1, 3-19-20 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Flipper’s
Image Credit: Shimokitazawa Board
Have you ever heard of the famous Kiseki souffle pancake? If not, then maybe you’ll get to try it for yourself at the popular Flipper’s Shimokitazawa! While Flipper’s is a smaller restaurant with long queues on weekends due to its popularity, the pancakes and sweets that they serve are definitely worth it. They offer a variety of flavours and textures on their menu, so drop by for some soft, airy, and delicious pancakes that will melt in your mouth.
Website: flavorworks.co.jp
Instagram: @flippers.jp
Opening Hours: 11am-8pm Mondays to Fridays, 10:30am-8pm Saturdays to Sundays
Visit Flipper’s: 2-26-20 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Hiroki
Image Credit: Tabelog
Of course, okonomiyaki is a must-have when in Japan, and Hiroki Shimokitazawa offers Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki that draws in more customers than the other okonomiyaki joints in Shimokitazawa. They source their ingredients straight from Hiroshima to offer hungry visitors the most authentic experience of these savoury pancakes. Taking a counter seat means you can even watch as their chefs slice up and layer each ingredient to ensure you have a tasty dining experience!
Website: teppan-hiroki.com
Opening Hours:
12pm-9:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm Mondays to Fridays.
12pm-2.30pm, 5pm-9.30pm Saturdays to Sundays
Visit Hiroki: 2-14-14 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
The Shimokitazawa Music and Nightlife
Image Credit: The Gate
Finally, taking a look at the nightlife! Although the nightlife in Shimokitazawa isn’t as bustling and thrilling as it is in more mainstream districts such as Shinjuku and Roppongi, there is nothing boring about it. Because of the vintage feel to everything, the nightlife here feels comfortable and classic. There’s certainly no shortage of bars, izakaya and social spaces in which events, singers and vendors gather to enjoy late nights. Music and colourful lights are really the forefront of the nightlife in Shimokitazawa.
Shelter
Image Credit: Trip Advisor
If you’ve watched Bocchi The Rock!, then you might recognise Shelter Shimokitazawa, which is a live house that was the inspiration for the show’s Starry, which was Bocchi’s “home venue.” It’s far more than just an anime reference, though. The music scene in Shimokitazawa is alive and thriving, and Shelter is a sacred space for music enthusiasts. If you’d like to pay homage to Shelter, make sure to go down and support the artists playing, since the venue has put up a sign warning visitors against loitering just to take pictures.
Website: loft-prj.co.jp
Instagram: @shimokitazawa_shelter
Opening Hours:
6pm-11pm Mondays to Thursdays,
6pm-4am Fridays, 12pm-4am Saturdays,
12pm-11pm Sundays
Visit Shelter: Senda Building B1F, 2-6-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Shimokitazawa Three
Image Credit: Trip Advisor
Another famous spot for musicians and artists to play, Shimokitazawa Three is another live house and club that’s legendary among the local indie heroes. Shimokitazawa Three is popular for indie-style rock n’ roll, so if that’s the kind of music you enjoy, you should definitely stop by! There are a variety of acts and shows that start pretty early, so make sure not to dawdle to avoid the crowd.
Website: toos.co.jp
Instagram: @shimokitazawa_three
Opening Hours: 7pm-12:30am Mondays to Saturdays, 7pm-10pm Sundays
Visit Shimokitazawa Three: B1F, 5-18-1 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Basement Bar
Image Credit: Komaba Times
As Shimokitazawa Three’s next-door neighbour, Basement Bar Shimokitazawa is yet another stop to add on your list if you’re a local indie music enthusiast. The interior of Basement Bar is far more bare-bones compared to the other live houses mentioned, but it just adds to the intimate feeling of watching an indie artist you enjoy or you’ve never heard of. The shows here are definitely a must-see!
Website: toos.co.jp/basementbar
Instagram: @basement_bar
Opening Hours: 6pm-12am daily
Visit Basement Bar: B1F, 5-18-1 Kitazawa, Setagaya Tokyo
Conclusion
There’s tons of things to do in Shimokitazawa. From Shimokitazawa vintage shopping trips to food trips of famous restaurants and cafes, it’s no wonder that this quaint and unique neighbourhood is known as a trendy spot for students and young adults. If you’d like to stay in the area and explore, then we suggest staying at some popular Shimokitazawa hotels, such as Mustard Hotel Shimokitazawa or Illi Shimokitazawa. A day of wandering around the neighbourhood might not be enough, so why not stay for a while longer?
There are so many more hot spots and trendy places around Shimokitazawa. While this is simply a beginner’s guide to this hip little neighbourhood, we recommend doing your own research and finding more things personal to your own taste. We’re sure you’ll find something to enjoy in Shimokitazawa!
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