Shimokitazawa
Tokyo’s laid back, creative center is the perfect antidote to hectic city life. Away from the manic energy of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the neon-drenched hub of Shinjuku, Shimokitazawa is a trendy, laid-back suburb located just minutes from the heart of Tokyo. Known as “Shimokita” by its thriving creative community, this former farming town has reinvented itself while maintaining an authentic connection to its roots. Here, you can find live theater and music, as well as trendy cafes and retro culture.
Shimokitazawa is easily accessible from Shinjuku and Shibuya Stations. If you’re visiting from the Shinjuku area, you can catch the Odakyu line from Shinjuku Station and get off at Shimokitazawa. From Shibuya, you can catch the Keio Inokashira Line from Shibuya Station. This ride is a little shorter, getting you to the station in four to five minutes on the express train.
Shimokita is home to Tokyo’s independent music, theater, comedy, and film scenes. The area has one of the largest concentrations of thrift stores in all of Tokyo. The narrow, winding streets date back to the area’s farming roots before cars were commonplace.
Shimokitazawa as it is today found its start following the devastation of the 1921 Great Kanto Earthquake. Formerly home to the city’s farming population, after the disaster people moved to the district for a little more peace of mind. Following World War II, the suburb became the adopted home and market hub for U.S. Soldiers. Thanks to its now well-connected central location and comparatively lower rent, “Shimokita” has become increasingly popular with young students and creatives wanting to start their own enterprises and live in the city without the pressures of big city life.
If there’s one thing Shimokita is most famous for, it has to be its vintage antiques and retro thrift shopping boutiques. Whether it’s used records or books, high-end vintage or cheap second-hand clothing, if you’re chasing a chance at a deal, you can find it here. The area is home to many independent and chain store thrift boutiques whose abundant wares often overflow onto the well-trodden paths. Given the sheer amount of what’s on offer, it’s best not to plan too much when shopping in Shimokitazawa. However, some names you can’t miss in this thrift-seekers paradise are Flamingo, Joe’s New York Exchange, and Chicago, all of which house carefully organized racks of clothing to suit every style and subculture under the sun. Shimokita is also home to Village Vanguard’s flagship store, where you’ll find clothing, accessories, toys, and more all dedicated to vintage nostalgia and hip counterculture.
Beyond clothing, Shimokitazawa also has some of the best coffee shops in all of Tokyo. Check out some of the specialty coffee hotspots while you’re wandering through the area, including the historic Moldive and the world-famous Bear Pond Espresso. For something a little heartier, the area is also home to an eclectic collection of cafes and restaurants that serve everything from Okinawan Tex-Mex to Canadian fast food, avocado dishes while sitting in hammocks, and of course, plenty of Japanese pub-style dishes. While Omotesando has high-end luxury cafes, this area is all about relaxed, down-to-earth dining with an undeniable eye for quality.
Thanks to the area’s thriving, youth-driven arts culture, Shimokitazawa has also become one of Tokyo’s premier live music hubs. With a collection of different-sized venues dotted across the streets, it has something for everyone. One milestone on many new bands’ must-do lists is a performance at the revered Shimokitazawa THREE, a small and cozy dive bar that features a rotating cast of bigger indie names and new upstarts. Second only to the neighboring suburb of Koenji, the home of Japanese punk, you’ll find in Shimokita a wealth of well-trodden, beer- and whiskey-soaked venues like Club 251, Basement Bar, and Era.
In conclusion, Shimokitazawa offers a unique and laid-back atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo. It is a haven for creatives and those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its thriving arts scene, vintage shopping boutiques, excellent coffee shops, and live music venues, Shimokita has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a music lover, a fashion enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Shimokitazawa is the perfect destination. So, next time you’re in Tokyo, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this trendy suburb and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.
Address And Maps Location:
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo-to
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