All you need to know about Shimokitazawa -Tokyo’s Bohemian District
When it comes to Tokyo travel, many people may be lost in deciding what to do and where to go since there are so many, or even too many options. Staple areas such as Shibuya, Akihabara, Shinjuku, Ginza, etc seem nice, but are there any other places that are more “unique?”
GoEMON’s got the answer for you. In this article, GoEMON will share with you all the things you need to know about Shimokitazawa - a hidden gem that is still unfamiliar to many tourists in Tokyo!
1. About Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is a one-of-a-kind suburb in Tokyo known for its colorful youth subculture scene. The laid-back bohemian street is home to numerous cafes, bars, vintage thrift stores, bookstores, and music shops.
Most of the stores here are open from around lunchtime until late at night, making it perfect for those who are into exploring Japan during nighttime.
2. History
The neighborhood’s antique vibes were constructed along its long history. Originally an agricultural area, Shimokitazawa turned into a residential following the devastation of the 1921 Great Kanto Earthquake when people started to migrate here. The area then became the adopted home and market hub for the U.S. Soldiers following World War II. Remnants of the market still exist until this day.
3. Thrifting heaven
Shimokitazawa is truly a paradise for those who are into antiques and thrifting. The number of vintage antique stores and retro thrift shopping boutiques here is countless. Thus, no matter what the item is and whether they are high-end or not, high chance that you will be able to find them at Shimokitazawa.
As mentioned earlier about the abundance of stores in Shimokitazawa, it is best to not plan too much of your trip here since you are very much likely to go off track. However, some names that you cannot miss when coming here are Flamingo, Haight & Ashbury, and Little Trip to Heaven. There is also New York Joe Exchange where you can resell clothing that you no longer wear or even trade them with other customers.
4. Cafe and food culture
Aside from clothing, Shimokitazawa is also known to be the center for cafe culture in general and coffee culture in particular. The area has some of the best cafes in all of Tokyo. There are also so many cafes here that you can literally find one at every corner. Some famous names include Bear Pond Expresso, Frankie, and Maldive.
The relatively small neighborhood also offers a wide range of food, both Japanese and international. The variety is seemingly endless, from Asian cuisines like Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai; to other options such as tacos, pizzas, kebabs, and many more. Another plus point is that the food prices are also relatively reasonable.
You can also make the most out of your time here by having a drink at one of the many bars and izakaya here.
5. What other things can you do here?
One of the best things to do at Shimokitazawa is to just walk around and explore the area. Try going into the small alleys; you might be able to discover an interesting shop, or a quiet location perfect for chilling!
6. How to get there
Located in Setagaya, Shimikitazawa is easily accessible from Shibuya and Shinjuku.
- From Shibuya: Take the Keio Inokashira Line (10-minute ride)
- From Shinjuku: Take the Odakyu Line (6-minute ride)
For those who love thrifting and are looking for a chill place to explore, Shimokitazawa is definitely for you! GoEMON hopes that the article was of use to you!
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