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Discover Shimokitazawa: A Trendsetter’s Guide to Tokyo’s Hippest Neighborhood
If you’re looking for where to buy affordable fashion and lifestyle items in Tokyo, Shimo-Kitazawa is the place to be. This vibrant neighborhood is home to some of the best vintage and thrift shops in Japan and is a must-visit destination for lovers of fashion, music, and artisan treats. Read our travel guide to learn all about the best things to do in this iconic area.
Introduction to Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is a fashionable and artsy neighborhood in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo. The name “Shimo-Kitazawa” means “lower Kitazawa” in English and is a reference to the area’s location in the southwestern region of Kitazawa district. You may see people refer to it as “Shimokita,” which is another name for the area. This neighborhood is only a short distance from central Tokyo. Hence, it’s easily accessible from popular train stations like Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station via the Odakyu Line and the Keio Inokashira Line.
Although the neighborhood is not among the largest in Tokyo, it’s famous for the many vintage shops, thrift fashion stores, cafes, live music theaters, and bars that line its streets. The unique blend of vintage charm and modern flair created by these establishments makes the neighborhood popular among young people.
After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1921, the government developed Shimokitazawa as a residential area. But soon after the end of World War II, there was a massive influx of commercial businesses in the fashion, music, and art spaces. Today, the entire district consists of a group of narrow streets surrounding Shimo-Kitazawa Station. And these streets contain both residential buildings and commercial shops; hence, they create a hybrid atmosphere.
Exploring Shimokitazawa’s Thrift Shops
Shimokitazawa has a reputation for vintage and thrift shopping, boasting some of the best independent retailers in the country. Most of these businesses, from standalone shops to fashion chains, sell second-hand and vintage clothing items. The following is a brief guide to the best thrift shops for fashion enthusiasts in Shimokitazawa:
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Chicago: Thrifters have been patronizing Chicago stores in Shimokita for over 25 years. It’s a fashion chain that prides itself on offering rare, American-style men's and women's clothing. Many of their products are vintage, popular streetwear from the 1990s. Thanks to excellent attention to detail and organization on the part of the store owners, you can easily find what you're looking for in the store.
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New York Joe Exchange: This is one of the best places to buy and sell used clothing items. The store sees a lot of customers, so whatever items you see there today may be sold by tomorrow. While this means they don’t offer the cheapest prices, you’ll always find new options whenever you visit the store.
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TreFacStyle (Treasure Factory Style): Owned by popular Japanese chain Treasure Factory, the two TreFacStyle stores in Shimokita are some of the most popular thrift shops in Tokyo. While both shops offer spectacular used fashion items, we recommend that you visit the larger one for more options. TreFacStyle sells interesting brand-name items, including Nike shoes, Louis Vuitton bags, and Ralph Lauren shirts.
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Ocean Blvd: This can be your first stop after leaving Shimokitazawa station because of their close proximity to each other. The store focuses on selling a wide variety of preowned women’s clothing, including chic dresses and trendy streetwear. Some of their fashion items are handmade and highly affordable.
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Stick Out: Stick Out is one of the most unique places to shop in Tokyo. It places a fixed price of 700 yen on all of its items. There are three Stick Out branches in the district and each follows the same pricing model. However, you might find a few exceptional products with higher prices. Of course, the store does not sell the latest trendy items, but they offer a wide selection of vintage products that provide great value for your money.
Café Culture in Shimokitazawa
The Shimokitazawa culinary scene includes several cool restaurants and bars (find them at Bonus Track), but it’s the cafes that offer the most unique experience. Cafes in the area are perfect for leisurely afternoons. They offer a diverse range of treats and beverages in themed settings that make each shop stand out from the others.
Less than a 20-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station lies Hi Monsieur, one of the coziest eateries in the area. The building contains quirky, Western-style decorations that you’ll struggle to find in regular cafes. They sell doughnuts, coffee, cups, plates, and even books. Brooklyn Roasting Company is another famous cafe in the neighborhood. It’s one of the most spacious coffee houses in Shimokita, offers free wifi, and sells various beverages, baked pastries, pizza, and pasta.
Some of the best cafes in the district operate with unique concepts. Ogawa Coffee Laboratory is more of a bean salon than an actual cafe because they offer bean selection masterclasses, host workshops, sell coffee beans, and teach customers how to brew. Sarutahiko Coffee Yoru no B is another great example. In the morning and afternoon, the shop runs like a regular cafe, but in the evening, it transforms into a bar, selling coffee cocktails and craft beer.
Shimokitazawa's Live Music and Theater Scene
The local arts scene consists of live music clubs, record shops, and performance theaters. Every day, numerous small venues host performances ranging from indie band concerts to avant-garde theater. Some of the best spots specialize in hosting live rock events. These loud rock spots include the expensive but spacious Shelter and the more modern, hip Liveholic.
Shimokitazawa Garage, one of the oldest live houses in the neighborhood, is very tourist friendly, offering 50% discounts to people with non-Japanese passports. Its massive event space can host up to 200 different acts in a night. Other popular live houses are Drum Song, 440, Club Que, and Mosaic.
If you’re a fan of the theatrical arts, you should take a trip to Suzunari Yokocho, an alley sandwiched between two of the most popular theaters in the area: Suzunari and Theater 711.
Vintage Vibes: A Guide to Second-Hand Shopping in Shimokitazawa
You’ll never run out of options when shopping for used vintage items. However, you’ll need a guide to navigate the second-hand shopping scene if you want to save time and money without compromising on quality.
The best stores for used vintage clothes include Chicago, Flamingo, and Soma. For retro accessories, we recommend Kinji or Ragtag. When you visit any of these thrift shops and vintage stores, keep in mind that most of their expensive items are displayed on the ground floor or front of the shop. So, if you want to see the more affordable items, you should head to the top floor or back of the store.
Fans of antique treasures can shop for used home goods and furniture at Antique Yamamoto Shōten, Antique Life Jin, or TOKYO RECYCLE Imption Shimokitazawaten.
Fashion and Lifestyle in Shimokitazawa
Although fashion has always been a big part of the local culture in Tokyo City, Shimokitazawa has played a significant role in nationwide fashion trends. People in the city care more about the aesthetics and statement of the outfits they wear than how much they cost. Combine that with their strong dislike for waste, and you will see why the thrift shops of Shimokitazawa are important.
The shops in the district stand out for their stylish fashion and lifestyle items, offering the perfect balance between quality and affordability. Some of the local designers and boutiques in Shimokitazawa have outlets all over Japan and help spread their principles and business models across the country.
Annual Events and Festivals
Despite its hipster nature, Shimokita returns to its traditional roots at some points during the year. This happens during key events and festivals that take place in the district. One of the most famous events in the bohemian neighborhood is the local Shimokitazawa Music Festival, which takes place from July 6 to 9. During the event, locals and tourists of all ages come together to celebrate the district’s musical heritage and enjoy live performances.
Another important event is the Tengu Festival in early February. It features the parade of a demon-like masked character known as a tengu. You can also expect to find lots of food stalls on the narrow streets. Just like the rest of Japan, Shimokita celebrates nationwide festivals, including the Awa Odori Matsuri and Bon Dance Festival in the summer.
Community and Creativity: Art Spaces in Shimokitazawa
Don’t miss out on exploring the local art galleries and creative spaces that contribute to Shimokitazawa's reputation as a hub for artists and creators. Visit Sanzou Tokyo to enjoy restaurant-grade Kashmir curry and view or buy artwork created by local and international artists. You can also stop by Gallery Hana, which specializes in showcasing the work of upcoming artists. Music lovers can check out Pianola Records to explore its eclectic collection of tape and vinyl records.
Green Spaces and Relaxation in Shimokitazawa
The green spaces in Shimokitazawa are not as easy to find as music and entertainment spots. There’s some lush greenery in Reload Shimokitazawa, a complex designed to help people relax and interact with each other. Also, visitors can escape the busy streets for a moment of tranquility in Bajikoen. This is an equestrian park in Shimokita that has been open since 1940. It’s full of lush greenery and you can interact with the dozens of horses in the park.
Conclusion:
Shimokitazawa is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience a different side of Tokyo that blends traditional charm with cutting-edge trends. Next time you visit Tokyo, remember to take a day trip to Shimokita and shop for affordable vintage fashion items. You can also catch any of the many live music performances that take place every day.
While you wait for your chance, enjoy the benefits of having a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription. Every month, we’ll send you a box of unique snacks and sweets from different regions of Japan.
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