Make Shimokitazawa Shopping a part of your itinerary for your next trip. Located in Setagaya, it’s a small town that represents Tokyo’s trendy subcultures. Sometimes referred to as ‘Shimokita’, it’s the place to go if you fancy seeking and acquiring unique vintage items, frequenting little cafes and bars, and checking out live music venues.
Shimokitazawa Shopping Guide
With an atmosphere like that of a Bohemian Village, Shimokitazawa has a hipster vibe to it, making it popular with the youth. You can get plenty of shopping done here as it’s filled with loads of independent fashion retailers.
What’s more, it’s an excellent place to visit if you are hunting for bargains, in which brand new and used goods are on offer. Once you are done indulging in retail therapy, have a stroll through this more laid-back part of Tokyo.
Shimokitazawa Vintage Shopping
This lovely neighbourhood will delight vintage lovers as it boasts a plethora of stores selling vintage and antique goods, ranging from clothes and accessories to furniture and even vinyl records.
Whether you are interested in Japanese clothing brands or western imports, here are some recommended stores that are bound to meet your needs:
RAGLA MAGLA
An established and reasonably priced shop that also has a section of items being sold for only ¥990 each. They offer a wide selection of clothes, shoes, accessories, bags and other trinkets.
Spot information
- Spot name: RAGLA MAGLA
- Street address: 2-30-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031
- Access: About 5 minutes’ walk from Shimo-kitazawa Station
Stick Out
Everything here is priced at ¥700 each. A must-visit if you are looking to get one-offs of good quality. Do try to visit on a weekday as it can get quite busy.
Spot information
- Spot name: Stick Out
- Street address: 2F, 2-14-16 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031
- Access: About 4 minutes’ walk from Shimo-kitazawa Station
New York Joe Exchange
They sell an extensive collection of used clothes and various fashion pieces for less than ¥10,000, with the average price being around ¥1,500 - ¥2,000.
What makes them stand out from the rest is that they will buy your used clothes and pay you in cash as well as exchange any item you bring in for store credit. Do take note that you need to make a reservation in advance before bringing your used garments to sell.
Spot information
- Spot name: New York Joe Exchange
- Street address: 3-26-4 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031
- Access: About 5 minutes’ walk from Shimo-kitazawa Station
Shimokitazawa Coffee Shops
If you love coffee, then you will be excited to find lots of cafes serving it barista style. Even if you’re not a fan of the beverage, you can still sit down and have a short rest from all the walking, while enjoying a drink and/or a light meal.
Here are a few options to choose from:
Bear Pond Espresso
A famous espresso bar that serves delectable brew. However, do keep in mind that there is a limited amount of espressos (¥350 each) available per day, and only a few seats. Other coffees are priced from ¥350 to ¥550.
In addition, taking photos is not allowed as you should spend your time focused on relishing your order. If ever you are in the area, be sure to check out this establishment.
Spot information
- Spot name: Bear Pond Espresso
- Street address: 2-36-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031
- Access: About 6 minutes’ walk from Shimo-kitazawa Station
Bookends Coffee Service
If you are after budget-friendly but good coffees, then look into this little place as it costs ¥200 per espresso, ¥280 per latte, and ¥300 per cappuccino among others. They also have an array of cakes, tidbits, and beans for sale.
Spot information
- Spot name: Bookends Coffee Service
- Street address: 2-11-17 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031
- Access: About 2 minutes’ walk from Shimo-kitazawa Station
Ballon D’essai Latte & Art
True to its name, this is a spot well-known for their impressive latte art and the stunning paintings adorning their walls. It’s worth visiting if you are fond of such things. You can even sign up for one of their latte art workshops.
Spot information
- Spot name: Ballon D’essai Latte & Art
- Street address: 2-30-11 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031
- Access: About 4 minutes’ walk from Shimo-kitazawa Station
Shimokitazawa Bike Shop
Looking to purchase a bicycle and/ or related accessories? Then consider le.cyc Shimokitazawa, among many other bike shops within the same vicinity. It stocks numerous types of bicycles - from the standard sort meant for daily use to something more sporty like the mountain bike.
For those who are not keen on spending all day exploring the neighbourhood on foot, consider looking into their rental service. Based on type, rental rates range from ¥1,500 - ¥3,500 per bike, with helmet and gloves for an addition of ¥500 and ¥300 respectively.
Spot information
- Spot name: le.cyc Shimokitazawa
- Street address: 1F, 2-28-6 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0032
- Access: About 6 minutes’ walk from Shimo-kitazawa Station
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