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Shimokitazawa: Top 15 Spots in Tokyo's Trendy Subculture Haven
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Shimokitazawa is a neighborhood known for its excellent shopping with many vintage, second-hand clothing and interior goods shops, theaters, live houses, and cafes. This article introduces the best places to experience the area's vibrant atmosphere and Tokyo's subcultures.
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Shimokitazawa - The Town of Second-Hand Fashion and Vibrant Subcultures
Photo by Pixta
Famous for the unique fashion style of the people in town, Shimokitazawa is a neighborhood with great shopping, with many stores carrying vintage and second-hand clothing, cute interior goods, and antiques.
With plenty of theaters, galleries, live houses, comfortable cafes, and izakaya bars, Shimokitazawa is a must-go place in Tokyo! It has been the center of Japan's subculture scene since the 1970s. Many of the galleries and venues here cater to indie artists and local creators.
Those who would like to visit, but are unsure where to go, could start by checking out some of the places introduced in this article. The end of the article also introduces recommended accommodations for those wanting to base their stay in this hip area.
15 Things to Do in Shimokitazawa
Restaurants and Cafes in Shimokitazawa
1. Brooklyn Roasting Company
2. Sarutahiko Coffee Shimokitazawa
3. Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa
4. Nijiiro CURRY Shokudo
5. B&B Bookstore: Read a Book with a Beer in Hand
6. BOOKENDS COFFEE SERVICE: Enjoy Special Coffee for a Reasonable Price
Shimokitazawa Culture Spots
7. BONUS TRACK
8. Shimokitazawa Tollywood: Watch Films by Indie Directors
9. Flash Disc Ranch: A Must-Visit For Record Lovers
10. Gallery HANA Shimokitazawa: Enjoy Contemporary Japanese Art
11. Honda Theater: Watch Performances by Young, Energetic Actors
12. Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine
Shopping in Shimokitazawa
13. Shimokita Ekiue: Gifts and Local Products, Dining, and Cafes
14. NEW YORK JOE EXCHANGE - A Renovated Bathhouse Turned Into a Clothing Shop
15. Toyo Department Store - Discover the "Shimokita" Style
16. ANTIQUE LIFE JIN - Cute Goods with Animal Motifs
Where to Stay in Shimokitazawa
How to Get to Shimokitazawa
Restaurants and Cafes in Shimokitazawa
1. Brooklyn Roasting Company: Great Coffee and Meals
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Born in New York's Brooklyn in 2009, Brooklyn Roasting Company is committed to providing coffee that not only meets high standards but also considers environmental sustainability and improvements in the working conditions of coffee bean producers. Brooklyn Roasting Company currently has five branches in Tokyo and Osaka.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Brooklyn Roasting Company Shimokitazawa is located within the Mikan Shimokita shopping and dining complex, just a one-minute walk away east of Shimokitazawa Station. It was the first among their domestic and international stores to open as a cafe-restaurant where you can enjoy meals and drinks.
They offer American breakfast in the morning, pasta dishes and hearty meat lunches for lunch, and dishes that pair well with beer and natural wine in the evening. Of course, you can also enjoy delicious coffee all day from Brooklyn Roasting Company.
2. Sarutahiko Coffee Shimokitazawa
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Sarutahiko Coffee is a chain of coffee shops born in Japan that enjoys great popularity among domestic and international users. Sarutahiko Coffee Shimokitazawa is special among its stores in that it operates as a bar in the evenings after 19:00.
The SARUTAHIKO COFFEE Night Session service was initially offered for a limited two-week period in December 2022 but due to its immense popularity, it became a regular service.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
At night, the atmosphere of the cafe completely transforms into a bar with dimmed lights. Customers can indulge in original cocktails made with Sarutahiko Coffee's specialty coffee, as well as non-alcoholic cocktail drinks and a selection of food items that complement them perfectly.
What's best, the operating hours have been extended allowing customers to enjoy their time until 23:00.
3. Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa
Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa is located a 3-minute walk away from Shimokitazawa Station's East Exit. The cafe has gained popularity for its creative and colorful desserts inspired by the seasons.
Their delicious fruit tarts, parfaits, and sodas stand out on the menu, but you can also enjoy here light meals such as omelet rice, French toast, and pasta dishes.
Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa
Location: Tokyo, Setagaya, Kitazawa, 2-29-2 2F MAP
Business hours: 12:00 - 22:00
Website: https://www.sundaybrunch.co.jp/shimokitazawa/
4. Nijiiro CURRY Shokudo
Shimokitazawa is also known as the "curry town," hosting the Shimokitazawa Curry Festival every year in October.
One of the restaurants that shined at the 2023 edition of the festival is Nijiiro CURRY Shokudo, which gained popularity for their exceptional Avocado Chicken Curry (1,380 yen). The dish is made with a generous amount of vegetables and has a mild, soothing flavor.
Their menu offers several other options to choose from such as Beef Spice Curry, Keema Curry, Butter Chicken Curry, and others. All the dishes are priced at a little over 1,000 yen.
A restaurant that values diversity, Nijiiro CURRY Shokudo offers menus in both Japanese and English illustrated with plenty of pictures; you'll be able to order easily and with peace of mind.
Nijiiro CURRY Shokudo
Location: Tokyo, Setagaya, Kitazawa, 2-31-9 2F MAP
Business hours: 11:00 - 19:30 (last order 19:00)
5. B&B Bookstore - Read a Book with a Beer in Hand
B&B stands for Books & Beer. At the B&B Bookstore, you can literally enjoy reading books here with a beer in hand. In addition to alcoholic drinks, you can also order non-alcoholic drinks such as coffee.
The B&B Bookstore is renowned for its book fairs and talk events featuring young authors, writers, and editors who support the current Japanese writing community.
For those who visit Shimokitazawa, why not stop by B&B Bookstore to feel the enthusiasm of contemporary Japanese writers?
The B&B Bookstore has relocated to the second floor of Shimokitazawa BONUS TRACK. It can now be easily reached from both Shimokitazawa Station and Setagaya-Daita Station.
B&B Bookstore
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya City, Daita, 2-36-15 BONUS TRACK 2F
Google Map
6. BOOKENDS COFFEE SERVICE - Enjoy Special Coffee for a Reasonable Price
BOOKENDS COFFEE SERVICE is a coffee shop where you can enjoy really delicious coffee for a reasonable price. The blend coffee is 200 yen with tax, and a coffee ordered to-go costs 180 yen. Inside the shop, you can also find homemade snacks to accompany your drink.
BOOKENDS COFFEE SERVICE
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya, Kitazawa 2-11-17
Google Map
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Shimokitazawa Culture Spots
7. BONUS TRACK
Picture courtesy of PR Times
BONUS TRACK opened in April 2020 as a communal and vibrant shopping street. Situated in the area known as Shimokita Senrogai, which was once the Odakyu Line track, it is located conveniently between Shimokitazawa Station and Setagaya-Daita Station.
BONUS TRACK is home to several shops and dining facilities such as the popular B&B Bookstore, the fermented product specialty store Hakko Department, the used vinyl record shop pianola records, the vegan American Chinese restaurant OSCAR, and many other exciting shops.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Besides its distinctive dining and retail establishments, BONUS TRACK also offers co-working spaces, shared kitchens, and plazas, providing opportunities for visitors to actively participate in events and contribute to the creation of new cultures.
8. Shimokitazawa Tollywood - Watch Films by Indie Directors
Enjoy independent films at Shimokitazawa Tollywood
Shimokitazawa Tollywood is Shimokitazawa's only movie theater! At this venue with 47 seats, you can watch a variety of short films along with movies created by young independent directors.
Shimokitazawa Tollywood
Makoto Shinkai, the director of the animated movie "Your Name" ("Kimi No Na Wa"), first showed his indie film "Hoshi No Koe" right here. Generally, all the movies shown are in Japanese. However, the shorter films and animated films are easy to follow for international visitors.
Shimokitazawa Tollywood
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya, Daizawa 5-32-5
Google Map
9. Flash Disc Ranch - A Must-Visit For Record Lovers
Browse through records at Flash Disc Ranch
At Flash Disc Ranch, you'll go past the pop entrance and up the stairs to find a floor with countless amounts of records of various genres.
The walkthrough of the shop is extremely narrow so you should store your luggage on the shelf next to the stairs when you go up. Heavy luggage can be held onto by the shop staff while you take your time to find your favorites.
Flash Disc Ranch
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya, Kitazawa 2-12-16
Google Map
10. Gallery HANA Shimokitazawa - Enjoy Modern Japanese Art
Appreciate art at Gallery HANA Shimokitazawa
Gallery HANA Shimokitazawa is a gallery with large windows, facing the main Ichibangai Street. You can see artworks on display from the outside as well. This gallery opened in 2006 and has shared its wonders with Shimokitazawa locals and visitors alike.
The gallery provides space for young and active artists to present their work. You can see different pieces of art by various artists on a daily basis.
11. Honda Theater - Watch Performances by Young Actors
Honda Theater
Ever since its opening in 1982, Honda Theater has been one of Tokyo's representative stages. It was created by Kazuo Honda who was once an actor for a company that went bankrupt and couldn't continue acting due to financial reasons.
He wished to provide a place for young actors to perform and give them an opportunity in the world of acting. Thus, he founded ten small theaters and contributed to the current theatrical industry.
The first floor of Honda Theater is occupied by Village Vanguard, a shop that carries a great variety of books and goods. At this shop, you can find a wide range of books, CDs, small goods, and even fancy products you can use in your daily life.
The shop itself is like a maze and you can enjoy searching for the perfect souvenir while treasure hunting here.
The Suzunari
The Suzunari is one of several theaters belonging to the Honda Theater Group. A landmark of the Japanese contemporary theater scene, The Suzunari is a venue where many shows are held each month featuring actors that are now in the public spotlight.
The Suzunari
The first floor of the building houses dining places and bars. Once night falls, you get to feel the laidback atmosphere you can only get in Shimokitazawa.
The Suzunari
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya, Kitazawa 1-45-15
Google Map
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12. Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine
Every September, a famous festival is held at the Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine. On non-festival days, the shrine grounds have a peaceful atmosphere, letting you feel a different, quiet side of Shimokitazawa.
Shopping in Shimokitazawa
Shimokita Ekiue: Gifts and Local Products, Dining, and Cafes
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Shimokita Ekiue is a shopping facility located above Shimokitazawa Station (Odakyu Line). It comprises 16 shops and dining facilities that aim to create a space where the visitors' spirits are uplifted. The complex has been designed with the diverse and free-spirited Shimokitazawa style in mind.
The dining facilities include cafes that offer morning meals, casual eateries for enjoyable lunches, and standing bars for casual drinks, catering to a wide range of needs. The food genres span from Japanese, German, and Thai to Hong Kong cuisine, providing a rich lineup.
Those who look for items that could make excellent gifts or souvenirs should visit the retail stores within Shimokita Ekiue: the first store of the lifestyle brand SOCO thinking GORILLA, green and flower shops that add color to everyday life, a specialized T-shirt store, convenience stores, and more.
Shimokita Ekiue
Location: Tokyo, Setagaya, Kitazawa 2-24-2 MAP
Business hours: vary by shop *most shops open at 11:00 and close at 20:00. The dining facilities operate until 22:00 or 23:00.
Website: Shimokita Ekiue (Japanese)
14. NEW YORK JOE EXCHANGE - A Renovated Bathhouse Turned Into a Clothing Shop
NEW YORK JOE EXCHANGE in Shimokitazawa
Located on the Ichibangai Street in Shimokitazawa, NEW YORK JOE EXCHANGE is one of the many second-hand clothing shops with a line up of high-quality clothes. Located in a former bathhouse that was renovated, the shop is known for its unique store appearance.
15. Toyo Department Store - Discover the "Shimokita" Style
Toyo Department Store, Shimokitazawa
After the end of World War II, Shimokitazawa developed many "black markets" that did business outside of the standard controlled pricing. The area where stalls used to line up randomly created the "Shimokita" style atmosphere, but as the city developed, the markets have gradually disappeared.
The Toyo Department Store is a collection of many shops that wished to preserve the old "Shimokita" style. In a former beer garage, there are many shops that carry vintage fashion, second-hand clothes, goods, and accessories.
All the shops here are known to have "exclusive items" being sold. Why not go and find a personal item while enjoying the Shimokita atmosphere?
Toyo Department Store
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya, Kitazawa 2-25-8
Google Map
16. ANTIQUE LIFE JIN - Cute Goods with Animal Motifs
Shopping at ANTIQUE LIFE JIN
ANTIQUE LIFE JIN is a shop filled with goods where you can find original accessories, small Japanese trinkets, and cute items with animal motifs. You can find plenty of products such as cups, hats, and tote bags.
After walking for about 2 minutes, you will also find ANTIQUE LIFE JIN II, which sells antique furniture. Why not stop by to take a look at this shop too?
ANTIQUE LIFE JIN
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya, Kitazawa 2-30-8
Google Map
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Where to Stay in Shimokitazawa
Picture courtesy of illi Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa has a few lodging options for those wanting to stay a night or two or looking to base their entire Tokyo trip here. The eclectic, laid-back atmosphere of Shimokita is desirable to many, especially after a long day of shopping or sightseeing in Shinjuku and Shibuya.
We recommend illi Shimokitazawa, an apartment-style hotel with spacious floor plans. Suitable for groups of up to six people, the renovated, modern style of these cool rooms are an excellent choice. The room is just a few minutes away from Shimokitazawa Station.
Those interested in learning more can see details on Booking.com.
How to Get to Shimokitazawa
From Shibuya Station, take the Keio Inokashira line to Shimokitazawa. It is the next stop after Shibuya on the express line. The ride costs 130 yen and takes 3 minutes.
From Shinjuku Station, it is the second stop on the express Odakyu Odawara Line (160 yen). It takes around 7 minutes.
Find Tokyo accommodation on Booking.com
Read also
Main image by Pixta
This article is a rewritten version of an article published on July 12, 2017.
Written by
The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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