The Shimokitazawa district 下北沢
Shimokitazawa
Matt Hanns Schroeter
Shimokitazawa by day
Flick-eerkmans
Shimokitazawa at night
Flick-CaDs
The bobo district of Tokyo
Located a few minutes by train from Shibuya, Shimokitazawa is very popular with younger generations. With its vintage shops, café-theaters and music festivals, "Shimokita" as it is called, is undoubtedly one of the most unique areas of the Japanese capital.
The landmark of fashionistas
Shimokitazawa acquired its letters of nobility in the 1920s , when many local writers settled there. A landmark of pens in search of inspiration, the district then seduced the intellectuals of the time who did not hesitate to invest in its many bookstores.
For book lovers: Hotel-libraries & The most beautiful libraries
Thirty years later, it was fashion enthusiasts who appropriated Shimokita . Imported textile stores, American clothing sales and flea markets, life in the neighborhood is punctuated by the latest trends in clothing. This bobo heritage , the district still maintains it today. And although there are still a few bookstores in Shimokitazawa, it is mainly the second-hand stores that now attract Tokyoites there.
See also: Fashion in Japan
With its thrift shops and vintage stores , the district has become the landmark of fashionistas who want to stand out from contemporary fashion. Whether you are a lover of old charms, a fan of flare legs, or simply want to learn more about the dress codes of the past century , Shimokitazawa is the place to go! Must-visit shops include Chicago to the south and Flamingo Shimokita za wa to the north of the station. Both are known for offering a very large selection of vintage pieces accessible to all budgets.
The Flamingo thrift store in Shimokitazawa
Flick - Ryosuke Yagi
The lair of music and cinema lovers
If shopping remains the flagship activity of the district in the middle of the day, it is indeed the theaters and bars that enliven Shimokitazawa's nightlife.
Since the arrival of the first café-théâtres in the 1970s, many musical genres have come together in the district. Whether for its jazz clubs or its rock bars like the Shelter to the east of the station, Shimokitazawa is a must for all music lovers.
To read: The best bars with a view in Tokyo
Fans of the performing arts will not be left out either, as the area is also famous for its theaters and cinemas. Like the Honda theatre , to the south of the station, created in the 1980s by actor Kazuo Honda, and the Tollywood cinema specializing in short films. Also note that there are several shops dedicated to the world of entertainment all over the district, such as vinyl stores or shops specializing in ventriloquism .
See also: Go to the cinema in Japan
Live concert at the Shelter
Flick - Jim O'Connell
Finally, Shimokitazawa offers festivals throughout the year that combine Japanese tradition and artistic performances: the Shimokitazawa Theater Festival in February, which offers several original performances in various local venues; the Shimokitazawa Music Festival in July, which invites passers-by to visit Shimokita to the rhythm of drums; or the Mikoshi Matsuri in September, a procession that connects the various Shinto temples of Shimokitazawa in music.
To see: The Kanda Festival
Shimokitazawa Music Festival
Flick-calatravamoreno
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
The station is at the intersection of the Odakyū Odawara and Keiō Inokashira lines.
