オススメ度

外国語対応

About Shimokitazawa

Not a sightseeing town.

However, it is popular with the younger crowd for its play theatres,  live music club, subculture, and fashion.

If you are interested in the above, or a an experienced traveler to Tokyo, then this area is for you, if not then you should skip this town.

Shimokitazawa has many unique stores and fashionable cafes, making it a fun place to walk around, and the inexpensive prices make it a safe place to shop and eat and drink.

However, be aware that it is easy to get lost due to the intricate streets.

Incidentally, Shimokitazawa is ranked in the top 10 of “Tokyo’s Best Places to Live” every year.

Brief History

This area was a farming area throughout the ancient and medieval times.

When the Odakyu line opened in 1927 and the current Inokashira line opened in 1933, Shimokitazawa began to develop rapidly because of its proximity to Shinjuku and Shibuya and its direct train access.

Commercial areas were formed around the station, and the area began to prosper with the development of residential land, which continues to this day.

Shimokitazawa is near and on the same train line as Shinjuku (Odakyu Odawara Line), and Kichijoji and Shibuya (Keio Inokashira Line).

Visiting these areas together will save you time and money.

Recommendation

Plenty of unique shops and restaurants to explore, not to mention cheap.

A fun place to eat and drink while walking around town.

Shopping

There are more than 100 vintage clothing stores in Shimokitazawa.

Japanese second-hand clothes are washed and ironed properly and are in good condition.

And they are cheaper than those from other countries, so if you don’t mind second-hand clothes, this is the place to go.

Eat

Shimokitazawa offers a variety of restaurants, including fashionable cafes, popular eateries, and ethnic food.

There are also many take-out menus, making it possible to enjoy eating and walking around.

Access to Shimokitazawa/ Data

Shimokitazawa Station

  • Odakyu Odawara Line
  • Keio Inokashira Line.

Shopping

Toyo Hyakkaten

Though labeled as a department store, it appears more run-down. Having said that, the garage has over 20 unique shops lined up from used clothing stores, general goods stores, a bicycle shop, nail art salon, and an event space – all with strong individual personalities and selling original goods. Here, visitors can catch a glimpse […]

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DESERT SNOW Shimokitazawa

This secondhand clothing store mainly sells men’s clothing, including a wide variety of Ralph Lauren items. Prices are inexpensive. There are a total of six other stores in the same family in Shimokitazawa alone.

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FLAMINGO Shimokitazawa

This store has the largest selection of American vintage clothing in Shimokitazawa. In addition to vintage clothing, the store features a large selection of leather shoes by Dr. Martens and other brands, as well as accessories, belts, sunglasses, and other small items.

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NEW YORK JOE EXCHANGE

The store is popular for its American-inspired interior with a large selection of merchandise and low-priced brand-name items.

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Eat

Shimokitazawa has a number of cafes with good or unique atmosphere.

CAFE TROIS CHAMBRES

In the retro atmosphere, you can enjoy drip-brewed (authentic) coffee. The cheesecake set menu is highly recommended. Smoking is allowed in the restaurant, so if you do not like cigarettes, do not go there.

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