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A Day in Shimokitazawa: Cafes, Dining, and Vintage Clothing Shops
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Experience a day of excitement in Shimokitazawa, a Tokyo district famous for its hip creators and subcultures. Delve into the history of Shimokitazawa and discover the top spots to visit, including vintage shops and cozy cafes.
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The P.A.L. Project is an international exchange project affiliated with the Keio University Welfare Institution’s Institute of International Relations (I.I.R.). It stands for "Promoting Asian Leadership" and aims to deepen understanding of Asia while reflecting on the leadership qualities that students should possess to lead the next generation.
A great place to hang out in Tokyo, Shimokitazawa is a trendy district with a youthful vibe, many vintage fashion shops, live music venues, and cafes.
We introduce a recommended itinerary in Shimokita that includes cafes and restaurants where you can try the best local dishes, as well as unique vintage shops worth visiting.
The History of Shimokitazawa
Photo by Pixta
Shimokitazawa was once a rural area, but around a century ago, with the advent of railways, it rapidly evolved into a bustling commercial district. Following World War II, Shimokitazawa emerged as a post-war black market hub, infusing the area with a new wave of commercial activity.
However, by the mid-1970s, it began to flourish as a "youthful town." The rise of bars featuring rock, jazz, and blues music, coupled with the inauguration of jazz bars and live performance venues, played a significant role in this shift. The establishment of the Shimokitazawa Music Festival cemented the area's reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
A Day in Shimokitazawa: Recommended Itinerary
We suggest arriving in Shimokitazawa before noon and just walking around to take in the laid-back local atmosphere.
Around noon, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the local dining places! We introduce three recommended lunch options for you to consider.
1. Brooklyn Roasting Company Shimokitazawa
Our first recommendation is Brooklyn Roasting Company, located just one minute away on foot from Shimokitazawa Station. The cafe is situated under the elevated Keio Inokashira Line.
This is a New York-style cafe and restaurant. You will be amazed by the height of the ceiling the moment you enter the restaurant. It's a very comfortable space. The food and ambiance are stylish and perfect for lunch!
Address: 2-6-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00 - 22:00
2. Nan Station Cafe & Terrace
Our second recommendation is Nan Station Cafe&Terrace, which is also quite close to the station.
The specialty dish of Shimokitazawa is curry! Nan Station is a highly popular Indian curry spot in Shimokitazawa that has been featured in the media and on social media.
Not only is the taste delicious, but you can also request a message to be written on your curry! They serve authentic Indian curry prepared in an easy-to-eat style, and their freshly baked naan is a huge hit.
The honey cheese naan, in particular, is extremely popular and draws in many visitors, especially on holidays. For lunch at this restaurant, I recommend trying the B set. With this set, you can enjoy two types of curry and the highly sought-after honey cheese naan as much as you desire!
3. This is Curry Planet
The restaurant is a 4-minute walk from Shimokitazawa station. Their curry dishes are full of originality, incorporating elements from various countries, and is a healthy option featuring vegetables and fruits.
One of the most popular menu items is the burnt keema curry. This dish offers a spicy and flavorful experience with the perfect balance of spices and cheese when topped with cheese. For those who prefer milder flavors, they also offer sweet potage curries and lassi (a sweet drink made from yogurt and milk).
Around Noon: Explore Vintage Fashion Stores
Shimokitazawa's vintage clothing stores offer unique selections and distinctive items. They feature a wide variety of styles, abundant recycled and remade items, and reasonably priced garments.
Each store boasts a different atmosphere and a unique interior that adds to its appeal. Nowadays, many young people frequent Shimokitazawa's vintage clothing stores in search of fashionable attire.
3neko Shimokita
Our recommended vintage fashion shop is 3neko Shimokita, located within the Toyo Department Store, just a 5-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station. The store exudes a relaxed atmosphere and showcases a range of vintage clothing and accessories, creating a delightful hunting ground for bargains.
Alongside vintage clothing, the store presents unique styles, attracting fashion enthusiasts and vintage clothing aficionados to this popular spot.
We actually visited 3neko Shimokita and loved it for its authentic appearance. The front of the Toyo Department Store is adorned with numerous wall paintings and posters of movies, some of which were unfamiliar to us (*Shimokita is also recognized as a town of movies).
Initially, upon arrival, we were slightly taken aback; there was a mysterious incense scent lingering inside the shop. Upon entering, we discovered that there were several distinct sections within.
Each section specialized in different types of clothing. For instance, one section focused on glasses while another exclusively sold vintage anime apparel.
As we were capturing a photograph, the owner approached us. "Hey, are you folks photographers? Feel free to take more pictures. We aim to highlight Shimokita's charm and infuse more life into the city."
At this shop, we really felt that Shimokita exudes a cool and refined vibe. Conversely, it also radiates a warm, community-oriented atmosphere that is currently evolving and flourishing.
Around 15:00: Take a Break at a Cafe
Shimokitazawa boasts many cafes, each with its distinctive atmosphere. Here are some of our recommendations:
Jazz Café Masako
This café, situated just a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of Shimokitazawa Station, was established in 1953 in Shimokitazawa.
The establishment is filled with soothing jazz music and boasts a retro-modern ambiance, offering visitors a tranquil respite. Visitors particularly appreciate its traditional Japanese café menu, featuring items like coffee and toast with sweet red bean paste.
Address: Oku Building 2F, Kitazawa 2 - 31, Setagaya, Tokyo
Hours: 12:00 - 22:00 (Closed on Thursdays)
Cafe Viet Arco
Located in a building just 2 minutes away from the West Exit of Shimokitazawa Station on foot, is Cafe Viet Arco. Wrapped in a retro, inviting atmosphere, the café greets weary shoppers, inviting them to unwind on their expansive antique sofas.
The tall, rounded windows allow sunlight to filter in, casting a sparkling glow on the coffee cups, and creating a charming ambiance. The combination of sunlight and soothing music sets a relaxed tone, enticing visitors to linger on the sofas and savor their coffee all day.
A must-try at Cafe Viet Arco is their flan and coffee set. Their hard flan, popular since the Showa years (1926-1989), stands out amidst the trend of smoother flans prevalent today. The caramel sauce, with its bitter yet sweet notes, melds seamlessly with the rich eggy taste of the flan, delivering a delightful flavor experience.
The flan's sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the dark, bitter coffee. Topped with whipped cream and a cherry, the set exudes a nostalgic charm. Priced at 1,000 yen, this dessert offers a taste of old Japan that is truly worth experiencing.
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2−26−6 2F
Hours: 11:30 - 23:00 (weekdays), 12:00 - 23:00 (weekends)
Enjoy Exploring Shimokitazawa
We hope you'll have fun exploring Shimokitazawa on your own and discovering the many charms of this vibrant neighborhood.
The P.A.L. Project is an international exchange project affiliated with the Keio University Welfare Institution’s Institute of International Relations (I.I.R.). It stands for "Promoting Asian Leadership" and aims to deepen understanding of Asia while reflecting on the leadership qualities that students should possess to lead the next generation.
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