Tokyo’s Hipster Capital: Why You Should Get Lost in “Shimokitazawa”
You’ve seen the flashing lights of Shibuya. You’ve seen the skyscrapers of Shinjuku. Now, you want to see where the cool people actually hang out.
Welcome to Shimokitazawa (or simply “Shimokita”).
It is only 10 minutes from Shibuya, but it feels like a different world. There are no giant department stores. The streets are narrow (mostly car-free), filled with coffee roasters, tiny bars, theaters, and more Vintage Clothing Stores than you can count.
It is bohemian. It is laid-back. It is the “Brooklyn” or “Shoreditch” of Tokyo. As your friend, here is how to spend a perfect day in the hipster capital.
1. The “Furugi” (Vintage Clothing) Paradise
Shimokita is the holy land of “Furugi” (Second-hand/Vintage clothes). The quality is incredibly high. Japanese people take good care of their clothes, so “used” often looks brand new.
- Where to start:
- Toyo Department Store: It’s not a department store. It’s a garage filled with tiny, independent vintage stalls. Great for bargains.
- Flamingo: Look for the giant neon flamingo sign. Great selection of American retro.
- New York Joe Exchange: It’s located inside an old bathhouse (You can still see the tiles!).
- What to buy: 90s streetwear, denim, retro dresses, and unique accessories you won’t find at Uniqlo.
2. The Smell of Spices: “Soup Curry”
Shimokita has a nickname: “The Town of Curry.” Specifically, Soup Curry. It’s a dish from Hokkaido (spicy, watery curry with huge chunks of vegetables and a chicken leg), but Shimokita is famous for it.
- Friend’s Recommendation:
- “Rojiura Curry SAMURAI”: Expect a line, but the vegetables are colorful and amazing.
- “Magic Spice”: The decor is crazy (red and psychedelic), and the curry will cure your cold.
3. Digging for Vinyl Records
If you love music, you will love it here. Shimokita is full of small, smoky Record Shops and Live Music Houses.
- Disk Union: Great for digging through crates of J-Pop, Jazz, or Rock.
- City Pop: Want that 80s Japanese City Pop vibe? This is where you find the original LPs.
4. The “Totoro” Cream Puff (A Short Walk)
Remember the Totoro Cream Puffs we mentioned in the Ghibli article? The shop (Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory) is actually just a 10-minute pleasant walk from Shimokitazawa station (Setagaya-Daita station). It’s the perfect detour for a sweet treat.
5. Coffee Culture
You won’t find many big chains here. It’s all about independent roasters.
- Bear Pond Espresso: Famous for its “Angel Stain” espresso (very strong, very limited). The owner is a legend.
- Ogawa Coffee Laboratory: A beautiful, modern space to watch baristas at work.
Summary: A Day Without a Map
The best way to enjoy Shimokitazawa is to put your phone away. The streets are windy and confusing, but that’s the point. You can’t get too lost.
Turn a corner, find a tiny shop selling handmade earrings. Turn another, find a bar that only plays 60s rock music. It is the most relaxing, authentic shopping day you will have in Tokyo.
Want a stylist to help you find the perfect vintage outfit? Or want to see a live band in a local club? Our Walking Tours can introduce you to the hidden subcultures of Shimokita. Let’s go thrift shopping!
