Shimokitazawa is one of Tokyo’s newest and most up and coming areas famous for its fashion, cafes and music scene. It has also become one of the most popular areas for the younger crowds of the Tokyo, with Shimokitazawa Fashion becoming highly sought after by locals and tourists! Let's see why it is so attractive and famous.
About Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa, also called “Shimokita”, is located in the Setagaya district of Tokyo, consisting of many small streets that wind their way around the station. Filled to the brim with interesting shops, cafes and restaurants.
Shimokitazawa station is 10 minutes away from Shibuya and Shinjuku on the Keio Inokashira line and the Odakyu line respectively. While the north side of Shimokitazawa leads to many fashion related shops, the south side of the station focuses more on restaurants and cafes.
Shimokitazawa Shopping and Fashion
What makes Shimokitazawa Fashion so interesting, is that most of the shops are all located on street level. Mixed with all the local shops, you are sure to find a few franchise shops, but the main attractions here are the used clothing stores.
“Shimokita” fashion revolves around used goods, from clothing to accessories. Lots of vintage and old clothes are made to look new and interesting. One such store that is very popular for excelling at this is Flamingo!
Flamingo Shimokitazawa Main Store
With a bright neon pink flamingo sign, it’s hard to miss a Flamingo fashion shop. There is a total of 3 Flamingo shops in the Shimokitazawa area, with the main store located right next to the Hard Off used furniture store on the north side of Shimokitazawa station.
Spot information
- Spot name: Flamingo Shimokitazawa Main Store
- Street address: 2-25-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo 155-0031
- Access: 4 minutes on foot from Shimokitazawa Station, North Exit
Shimokitazawa Restaurants
While the north side of Shimokitazawa focuses on fashion and accessories, the south side of Shimokitazawa is where you can find a great variety of restaurants, cafes, and izakaya to grab a quick bite to eat or a full meal.
Hiroki Shimokitazawa
One of our recommendations is Hiroki Okonomiyaki, which is very popular with locals and tourists visiting Shimokitazawa. They offer a decent selection of Okonomiyaki and Teppanyaki dishes for a great price!
Spot information
- Spot name: Hiroki Shimokitazawa
- Street address: 2-14-14 Kitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo 155-0031
- Access: 3 minutes on foot from Shimokitazawa Station, South Ticket Gate
Shimokitazawa Cafés
With so many cafes packed altogether in Shimokitazawa, it would take almost a month to visit them all if you went to one every day. Many of them offer amazing coffee, tea, and quick bites to eat that even include vegetarian and vegan options.
One of our recommendations is Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory. Although it’s a 7-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station, it is worth visiting this café for their iconic Totoro shaped cream puffs.
Almost too cute to eat, they come in different flavors that can be identified by the type of head accessory they are wearing. You can also find Totoro shaped cookies here as well! The Totoro cream puffs can be purchased to go, or you can enjoy them on the 2nd floor café space that Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory offers.
Spot information
- Spot name: Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
- Street address: 5-3-1 Daita, Setagaya, Tokyo 155-0033
- Access: 7 minutes on foot from Shimokitazawa station, West Exit
Shimokitazawa Live Houses and Music
At night Shimokitazawa turns into a relaxed lamp light paradise. If you are someone that enjoys a stroll in the evening, then this is the town for you. There is nothing more relaxing than seeing the streets glow with fairy lights, lanterns and neon signs.
Much like the rest of Tokyo, Shimokitazawa has many izakaya and bars spread all throughout the neighborhood. The real reason to visit Shimokitazawa is for the nightlife that you can find at live houses!
You can usually hear the music coming out of the live houses from the street, so you can keep exploring until you find the right type of genre of music you like, then head on in, grab a drink, and enjoy the music.
About Shimokitazawa Station
Originally opened in April 1927, Shimokitazawa Station, also spelled Shimo-kitazawa Station, is located only 4 stops west of Shibuya Station and 5 stops from Shinjuku Station. It is serviced by the Keio Inokashira Line and the Odakyu Odawara Line.
Spot information
- Spot name: Shimokitazawa Station
- Street address: 2-24-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo 155-0031
- Access: Serviced by the Keio Inokashira Line and the Odakyu Odawara Line
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