Leaving behind the glitz of Shibuya, Shimokitazawa welcomes you with the captivating, “gritty” charm of vintage goods and cool indie music.

If you are already familiar with the skyscrapers of Shinjuku or the bustling crowds at the Shibuya Crossing, let Living Nomads take you to a completely different side of Tokyo: Shimokitazawa—affectionately known by locals as “Shimokita.” It is more than just a neighborhood; it is a mindset—a place where artistic souls, sustainable fashion enthusiasts, and dreamers find common ground amidst narrow alleyways and stacks of vintage vinyl records.

Where Is Shimokitazawa and How Do You Get There?

Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is located in Setagaya Ward, in western Tokyo. Despite its vibe, which feels worlds away from the city’s hustle and bustle, it is actually very close to major hubs. To get there, I usually choose one of these two key railway routes:

From Shibuya: Take the Keio Inokashira Line. If you catch the Express train, it takes just 3–4 minutes to arrive at Shimokitazawa Station. The fare is around 140–150 yen.

From Shinjuku: Take the Odakyu Odawara Line. An Express train will get you there in about 7–10 minutes for around 170 yen.

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A quick tip from my own experience: Shimokitazawa is a neighborhood that likes to “sleep in.” If you arrive before 11:00 AM, you will mostly see closed shop shutters and a few Shiba Inus out for a walk with their owners. The real rhythm of the neighborhood kicks in after midday and lasts late into the night as the indie bars light up.

The Soul of Shimokitazawa: Vintage & Second-hand Culture

Shimokitazawa is synonymous with its cluster of over 200 second-hand shops. Here, “second-hand” doesn’t mean discarded items; instead, it refers to pieces with a story and style—and sometimes even rare, hard-to-find designer goods.

Toyo Department Store – An Artistic Hub in the Heart of the Neighborhood

Don’t let the name “Department Store” fool you. Toyo isn’t a glitzy shopping mall; it’s a gathering spot for lovers of vintage fashion and creative culture in Shimokitazawa.

After the main building closes in March 2025, the Toyo Department Store Annex will continue operating within the Mikan Shimokita complex, just a one-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station. Stepping inside, you’ll encounter stalls with distinct styles—ranging from retro second-hand clothing and band tees to handmade jewelry and unique accessories.

Exploring the stalls at Toyo feels like a genuine treasure hunt. You might stumble upon second-hand items starting at 660 yen at “Sanbiki no Koneko,” browse vintage outfits from the 80s through the 2000s at SMOG, or discover handmade creations by artisans at “Sukonbu.” Each stall is a little world of its own, offering items that reflect a unique personal touch.

New York Joe Exchange – A Public Bathhouse Transformed into a Fashion Shop

This is a spot we absolutely love. New York Joe Exchange is housed in a space that was once a public bathhouse (*sento*). The original tiled walls and floors have been preserved, creating a truly unique shopping atmosphere. A standout feature of the shop is its “Exchange” system, where you can bring in pre-owned clothing to sell for cash or trade for other items in the store, based on the valuation.

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If you’re looking to hunt for vintage and designer pieces at bargain prices, take note: on the first Sunday of every month, everything in the store—including accessories—is discounted by 50%. The shopping atmosphere is incredibly lively on these days, with new items constantly being restocked on the shelves. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a designer jacket, a unique vintage piece, or an accessory that perfectly matches your style—all at a surprisingly low price.

Please note that the store does not accept buybacks or exchanges on discount days. Be sure to plan a separate visit if you want to try out the Exchange service!

Stick Out – A Paradise for Fixed-Price Shoppers

If you’re on a budget but still want to dress stylishly, Stick Out is the place to go. The shop is famous for its fixed-price philosophy (usually 700–800 yen per item). Don’t let the low price fool you into thinking the quality is poor; if you’re willing to dig a little, you can easily find durable denim jackets or trendy retro-patterned sweaters.

The Blend of Old and New: Reload and Mikan Shimokita

In recent years, Shimokitazawa has undergone a spectacular transformation thanks to a redevelopment project on the site of former railway tracks that have since been moved underground. Modern complexes—which still manage to retain Shimokita’s unique vibe—have sprung up, breathing new life into the neighborhood.

Reload – A Minimalist, All-White Space

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Reload is a low-rise complex featuring a minimalist white design, situated along the former railway tracks. It brings together a curated selection of stylish concept stores. Eschewing mass-market brands, Reload features names like Ogawa Coffee Laboratory—where you can experience specialty coffee in a laboratory-like setting—alongside high-end stationery shops and traditional tea houses run by local artisans. Strolling through Reload feels like walking through a contemporary architecture exhibition.

Mikan Shimokita – The Spirit of “Unfinished”

Located right beneath the elevated tracks of the Keio Inokashira Line, Mikan Shimokita takes its name from the Japanese word *mikansei* (meaning “unfinished”). The complex’s philosophy centers on constant change and continuous renewal. It is a hub for global street food, co-working spaces for artists, and unique book-bar hybrids. Mikan exudes a youthful, vibrant energy that feels a bit more “trendy” compared to the area’s traditional vintage clothing alleys.

Bonus Track

A short walk from the station, this mixed-use residential and commercial complex is designed to resemble a lush, green village. Here, you will find independent bookstores, shops selling fermented foods, and communal courtyards perfect for relaxing. Bonus Track offers a peaceful atmosphere, completely removed from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Shimokitazawa – The Capital of Japanese Curry

There is a common saying in Japan: “If you visit Shimokitazawa without eating curry, you haven’t really been there.” The neighborhood is renowned as a battleground for Tokyo’s best curry shops, particularly those specializing in “Soup Curry”—a style that originated in Hokkaido.

Rojiura Curry SAMURAI: This name consistently tops the “must-try” lists. A bowl of curry here resembles a work of art, featuring around 20 types of fresh, delicious vegetables arranged in an eye-catching display. You can customize your spice level (from 1 to 10) and choose your broth base (traditional, soy milk, or coconut milk). Biting into a piece of charred broccoli or tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken steeped in rich, flavorful broth creates a truly explosive taste sensation.

source: foodinjapan.org

Magic Spice: If you prefer a mystical vibe and bolder heat, Magic Spice—with its vibrant red color scheme and spiritual-themed décor—is sure to impress. The curry here has a thinner, soup-like consistency, yet the spice blend is incredibly complex and stimulating.

Ponipirika: Another excellent choice, offering a light, delicate broth and an artsy atmosphere—perfect for a relaxed lunch.

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(*) Notably, if you visit in October, you can take part in the Shimokitazawa Curry Festival. Hundreds of local eateries launch limited-edition curry menus, transforming the entire neighborhood into a massive culinary celebration.

Audio-Visual Culture: Vinyl Records and Small Live Music Venues

As dusk falls, Shimokitazawa takes on a more enchanting allure, illuminated by neon lights and the sound of echoing music. This is when the true soul of this artistic neighborhood comes alive.

Live Houses – Where Legends Begin

In Japan, “live houses” (small venues dedicated to live music performances) serve as incubators for young musical talent. Shimokitazawa is home to dozens of such venues, the most famous being Shelter. It is the place where many renowned Japanese rock bands played their very first shows back when they were still unknown. Recently, Shelter has also become a hot spot for visitors, thanks to the smash-hit anime *Bocchi the Rock!*.

Stepping into this live music venue, you can feel the heat radiating from the stage, the wailing electric guitars, and the passion of young artists pouring their hearts into their music. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, it is easy to immerse yourself in the rhythm and explosive energy of the atmosphere.

Honda Gekijo Theatre – An Icon of Theatrical Culture

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Beyond music, theater is an integral part of Shimokita. Honda Gekijo Theatre serves as a hub for independent theatrical performances. You will often see actors standing outside the station, handing out flyers to promote new plays. It is this unique blend of music, theater, and fashion that creates such a distinctive cultural ecosystem in the neighborhood.

Tips for a Perfect Trip

Bring cash: Although Tokyo has modernized significantly, many small vintage shops and long-standing cafes in Shimokita still prefer cash payments. Don’t miss out on that perfect vintage shirt just because you don’t have enough yen in your pocket.

Know how to evaluate items: Second-hand goods in Japan are often meticulously graded on a scale of S, A, B, and C (with S indicating brand-new condition). Be sure to check these labels to understand the condition of the item you intend to buy.

Embrace getting lost: The street layout in Shimokitazawa is quite complex, featuring winding alleys that follow no particular pattern. Instead of relying solely on Google Maps, allow yourself to get a little lost; you might discover incredibly chill street corners that no guidebook mentions.

Combine your visit: Spend the morning at the nearby Gotokuji “Cat Temple,” then head to Shimokitazawa in the afternoon to start your shopping and dining adventure.

Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Shimokitazawa

To ensure you don’t miss out on anything exciting, we suggest an ideal one-day itinerary:

  • 10:00 AM: Arrive at Shimokitazawa Station and start by browsing the vintage shops near the North Exit, such as New York Joe or Toyo Department Store. This is when shops are just opening, so the selection is at its best.
  • 12:30 PM: Have lunch with a bowl of soup curry at Rojiura Curry SAMURAI. Don’t forget to try the soy milk broth and add the crispy fried chicken leg!
  • 02:00 PM: Head over to the Reload and Bonus Track areas to enjoy the lush green spaces, have a coffee, and shop for some handcrafted goods.
  • 04:00 PM: Continue your vintage treasure hunt in the South area. Make sure to stop by record stores like Disk Union to look for rare indie albums.
  • 06:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Mikan Shimokita, featuring a variety of street food options.
  • 08:00 PM: Buy a ticket to a live music venue (such as Shelter or Liveholic) to experience Tokyo’s indie music scene. If loud music isn’t your style, you can visit a cozy jazz bar to sip a drink and listen to mellow tunes.

Come to Shimokitazawa to slow down amidst the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and find beauty in imperfection. We hope this detailed guide from Living Nomads helps you have a truly memorable time exploring Shimokitazawa. Don’t forget to book your Japan travel services on Klook to enjoy great deals and make your trip even more convenient!

Wishing you an inspiring journey through Tokyo’s coolest artistic neighborhood!

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