Nestled in the capital city of Japan - Tokyo, Shimokitazawa is a charming neighborhood that showcases the relaxed Japanese lifestyle. Set slightly far from the bustling Shibuya area, this neighborhood reflects a balance of modern and old Tokyo. You’ll see artistic colorful murals at every corner of the area as you explore Shimokitazawa. Just like the major districts in the city, it has a fair share of trendy boutiques, souvenir shops, excellent restaurants, laid back cafes, and a lot of recreational activities. Interestingly, this side of Japan has become a favorite film shooting location, and it is considered one of the most popular hangout spots among the younger generation. If you are planning to explore this captivating district anytime soon, here is a list of the best things to do in Shimokitazawa, Japan.
1. Visit the remarkable Shinganji Temple
Japan is not only known for upscale retail stores, high-end automobile companies, delicious Japanese food, and manga but also, it is home to sacred shrines that reflect the country’s connection to their faith. Tokyo has a fair share of sacred temples and shrines that are worth a visit, and some of them are located in Shimokitazawa Japan. The Shinganji Temple is one of them. Erected in the Edo era, Shingani Temple is a Buddhist place of worship that has been standing for four centuries now. This temple belonged to the Tokugawa Clan, Japan’s rulers in the 19th-century, and one of their members was buried on-site. Aside from its majestic architectural style, you will be mesmerized by a statuesque Ginko tree that is believed to have been in the temple since the 17th century.
Shinganji Temple
Address: 3 Chome-27-1 Daizawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0032, Japan
Website: Shinganji Temple
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 5 USD
2. Score some affordable quality items at BIG TIME Shimokitazawa
Once you’re done with all the luxurious shopping in Tokyo’s vibrant districts, you might want to check out BIG TIME Shimokitazawa next. It is an affordable vintage shopping store where you can find valuable items that will surely give you a bang for your buck. BIG TIME Shimokitazawa offers items for any gender, from women’s clothing to men’s apparel. Also, it sells other goods, such as furniture, home decor, jewelry, toys, and a lot more. If you like preloved imported goods, this store should be on your itinerary.
BIG TIME Shimokitazawa
Address: Japan, 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−26−15 １F・２F
Website: BIG TIME Shimokitazawa
Opening hours: 11am - 9:30pm (daily)
3. Gorge on delicious Japanese food at The Usual Cafe
After scoring some delightful quality finds from BIG TIME Shimokitazawa, you might want to take a quick break and fill your tummy with delicious eats that will replenish your lost energy. The Usual Cafe is a fantastic place to do so, especially if you’re a tourist. This dining spot serves both Japanese and English fares. Although traditional tea is big in Japan, customers come to the Usual Cafe for a warm cup of Txpresso - a shot of tea from an espresso machine that is latte-like in appearance. Other than that, you can enjoy a cup of coffee, bagels, cakes, and other pastries in the Usual Cafe.
The Usual cafe
Address: Hayashi Building 1F, 2 Chome-27-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Website: The Usual cafe
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 9pm (closed on Tue)
4. Watch an entertaining short film in Shimokitazawa Tollywood
Being a popular cultural hub in Japan, Shimokitazawa has a plethora of attractions that charms tourists who visit the land of the rising sun. One of them is Shimokitazawa Tollywood. The only movie theatre in the whole neighborhood, Shimokitazawa Tollywood is an ideal destination for film buffs. This little entertainment venue houses 47 seats only, and they feature indie films that are directed and produced by budding directors. Most of the films that are screened in Shimokitazawa Tollywood are in Japanese, but some of them have subtitles that tourists find helpful.
Shimokitazawa Tollywood
Address: 5-chōme-5-32-5 Daizawa, Setagaya, Setagaya City, Tōkyō-to 155-0032
Website: Shimokitazawa Tollywood
5. Admire art in Gallery Hana Shimokitazawa
If its art you’re after on your most-awaited trip to Tokyo, you must add Gallery Hana Shimokitazawa to your itinerary. Showcasing a quaint architectural design, this lovely little art gallery is a venue for budding artists to showcase their craft. Additionally, it is available for rent for people who are looking for a venue for their special events. Other than traditional Japanese paintings, you’ll find vintage items, clothing, structural models, and clothing in Gallery Hana Shimokitazawa. To know more about the schedule of exhibits, you should check out their official page.
Gallery Hana Shimokitazawa
Address: 3 Chome-26-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Website: Gallery Hana Shimokitazawa
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
6. Shop souvenir items in Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa Store
Situated within walking distance from Shimokitazawa Station’s south exit gate, Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa Store is a fantastic shopping mall where you can buy pleasant souvenir items. It carries a huge selection of goods, from clothing to accessories to toys, home decors, comic collectibles, books, perfumes and a lot more. Shopping in this affordable mall is convenient for tourists as well, as the staff speaks English, and each row in the store is well-labeled and categorized.
Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa Store
Address: Japan, 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−10−15 Marche Shimokitazawa 1F
Website: Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa Store
Opening hours: 10am - 12am (daily)
7. Experience the traditional Japanese nightlife in Shirubee
Want to go on a gastronomic adventure while in Tokyo? Head over Shimokitazawa’s Shirubee and indulge in delicious Japanese dishes that will make you fall in love with Japan even more. Shirubee is an “Izakaya”, a small traditional Japanese restaurant and bar that offers palatable eats within an affordable price range. Also, Izakaya restaurants, such as Shirubee, serve alcoholic beverages, which makes it an after-hour hangout among businessmen and young professionals. Shirubee is ideal for any occasion, whether a casual get-together with friends or a private birthday party with your family as it offers banquet rooms.
Shirubee
Address: 1 Chome-11-5 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
Website: Shirubee
Opening hours: 5:30pm - 11:30pm (daily)
8. Unleash your inner social butterfly in Apollo
In the mood to experience a low-key party adventure in Shimokitazawa that is true to the Japanese culture? If you like the idea, start dressing up in your night-out clothes, and unleash your inner social butterfly in Apollo for a wonderful night of drinking and entertainment. Apollo is a laid-back entertainment venue and a bar that features an artsy interior design. Its walls are decorated with musical tools, old photographs, graffitis, and lots of creative details. Additionally, talented performers showcase their musical prowess in Apollo by singing their hearts out and playing available musical instruments.
Apollo
Address: 2-chōme-9 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tōkyō-to 155-0031, Japan
Website: Apollo
Opening hours: 8pm - 3am (daily)
9. Try Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory's cute and delicious pastries
Another charming cafe that is worth a visit in Shimokitazawa is Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory. Japan is a country that is big on anima, and it is seen through various themed attractions in the country. Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory is one of them. This delightful cafe is popular for its sweet and flavorful cream puffs. What makes these creampuffs different than regular ones is that they are shaped into figures that resemble the protagonist in a popular Japanese cartoon - My Neighbor Totoro. Aside from pastries, Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory offers mouthwatering pasta dishes. Plus, aside from its specialty meals, the relaxed interior of the cafe with lots of natural light is another reason to love the place.
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
Address: 5 Chome-3-1 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan
Website: Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10:30am - 7pm (closed on Tue)
10. Spend quality time in Tokyo Kinema Club
A store and a bar in one, Tokyo Kinema Club is a laid-back hang-out place that showcases an artistic interior design with lots of crafty decorations. It is well-lit with colorful dim lights that add charm to it. Aside from a variety of local and international beers and light plates of Japanese delicacies, Tokyo Kinema Club sells used vinyl. If you are into old school music, Tokyo Kinema Club will surely impress you with its offerings. If you are not into alcoholic drinks, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the bar and appreciate the music and the ambiance.
Tokyo Kinema Club
Address: Japan, 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−9−21 ２F
Website: Tokyo Kinema Club
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7:30pm - 5am (closed on Sun)
11. Walk around to see shutter art / street graffiti
Shimokitazawa is popular for its bohemian vibe and its streets that are highlighted with graffiti art. Almost every corner of the neighborhood is Instagram-worthy. Low-key street arts can be seen as you walk around Shimokitazawa, but if you are looking for the best place to take pictures of these eye-catching graffitis for your Gram, head over Shimokitazawa Station. On the northern side of it is the most popular IG spot among millennials. Plus, you can check out fantastic affordable retail shops nearby, after you take your feed-filler.
Shimo-kitazawa Station
Address: 2 Chome-24-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
12. Down some bottles of premium beers in Cona
Thinking of going on an exciting palatable culinary adventure? What are you waiting for? Try out the food, the drinks, and the vibes in Cona. Just like Shirubee, Cona is a superb Izakaya restaurant in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. This bar has a stunning rustic interior design, illuminated by a multitude of fairy lights. Aesthetically pleasing and cozy, Cona is a fantastic hang-out nook that reflects Japan’s traditional bars with a touch of contemporary influences. Aside from a wide array of premium drinks, this excellent bar serves delicious Italian fare.
Cona
Address: 2 Chome-11-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Website: Cona
Opening hours: 5pm - 12am (daily)
13. Buy rare vinyl pieces in Flash Disk Ranch
Whether you are a musical performer or you have a deep appreciation for music, but is not gifted with the talent, be sure to swing by Flash Disk Ranch on your tour to Shimokitazawa. The whole district where it nests is filled with shops that sell vinyl records and CDs, but Flash Disk Ranch is the most popular of them. It is spacious in size, allowing customers to move comfortably with ease as they browse to the sections of the shop. From jazz to rock to newer genres and vintage classics, Flash Disk Ranch has everything you can possibly want.
Flash Disk Ranch
Address: Misuzu Bldg. 2F, 2 Chome-12-16 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Website: Flash Disk Ranch
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 12pm - 10pm; Sat: 3pm - 9pm; Sun: 2:30pm - 9pm (closed on Wed)
14. Enjoy British beer at Good Heavens British Bar
If you’ve tried all the traditional Izakaya bars and restaurants in Shimokitazawa and you wish to luxuriate in a social scene that reminds you of home, Good Heavens British Bar might be a good choice for you. Owned by British nationals, this hangout spot is your go-to if you want to enjoy cold premium British beers in a laid back setting with a cozy atmosphere. Also, Good Heavens British Bar does not only serve excellent drinks and delicious fares, but they serve entertainment as well. Some nights they hold comedy skit events, film-viewing, and scheduled live music from talented performers.
Good Heavens British Bar
Address: 5 Chome-32-5 Daizawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0032, Japan
Website: Good Heavens British Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6pm - 1am; Fri: 6pm - 2am; Sat - Sun: 12:30pm - 2am
15. Buy cheap at New York Joe Shimokitazawa
There are many reasons why Millenials love spending time in the neighborhood of Shimokitazawa. It has lots of cafes, recreational areas, and most especially, affordable shops. Although luxurious boutiques are a hit among Japanese people, especially women, they also patronize thrift shops. New York Joe Shimokitazawa is a wonderful clothing store in the area that sells preloved goods that came from various parts of the world, mostly from western countries. Aside from trendy clothes, you can buy vintage finds too. Besides purchasing, you can also sell your goods or trade them with in-store products.
New York Joe Shimokitazawa
Address: 3 Chome-26-4 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Website: New York Joe Shimokitazawa
Opening hours: 12pm - 8pm
16. Shop quality antiques in Antique Life Jin
Planning to go on a furniture shopping spree? Antique Life Jin is the place to go. Just like New York Joe Shimokitazawa, Antique Life Jin reflects Japanese people’s love for thrift shops, but unlike it, this store sells quality home decor. There is a wide assortment of goods here, and you will surely find an item that you like as you browse through sections of items. There are chandeliers, figurines, cookware, creative mugs, porcelain plates, accessories, bags, toys, bicycles, and even valuable antiques.
Antique Life Jin
Address: 2 Chome-30-8 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Website: Antique Life Jin
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 8pm: Sat - Sun: 11am - 8pm
17. Catch a live rakugo in Honda Theatre
A traditional performance art theatre in the Shimokitazawa neighborhood, Hona Theatre is an old-school entertainment venue that features live performances from local artists. Built in the year 1982, Honda Theatre has been providing the Japanese people for decades now. Aside from the drama genre, this place is a venue for “rakugo” - skits from classic Japanese comics. Also, it serves as a venue for musical concerts, occasionally.
Honda Theatre
Address: 2 Chome-10-15 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Website: Honda Theatre
18. Enjoy a cup of coffee while reading in Darwin Room
A paradise for book-lovers, Darwin Room is a superb book store that nests on the southern corner of this neighborhood. It houses a wide collection of books, featuring various genres, from science and fiction to fantasy, from thriller, suspense, and mystery to romance. Not only that, but Darwin Room is also a charming cafe that serves excellent coffee and small bites.
Darwin Room
Address: Japan, 〒155-0032 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Daizawa, 5 Chome−31−8 Green Sawa 101
Website: Darwin Room
Opening hours: 12pm - 8pm (daily)
19. Go on a food trip in Sendai-ya Shimokitazawa Shop
Sendai-ya Shimokitazawa Shop is a simple dining place and grocery store in the Shimokitazawa neighborhood. It is small in size, but its wide array of delicious offerings make up for its lack of space. Here, you may enjoy your food on-site or have them on-the-go. Sendai-ya Shimokitazawa Shop is popular for its natto kobo (fermented soybeans dish), along with other classic Japanese delicacies. The food here is wrapped in disposable containers, and they are priced affordably, ideal for people on the go.
Sendai-ya Shimokitazawa Shop
Address: 3 Chome-25-1 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Website: Sendai-ya Shimokitazawa Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 4pm; Thu - Sun: 11am - 6pm
20. Pray for protection and good health at Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine
Another fascinating landmark that you should not miss out while in the vibrant bohemian neighborhood of Shimokitazawaa is the Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine. This sacred site is a Shinto shrine - a place that treasures divine objects. It is a vast holy place with more than seven mini shrines within its grounds. Additionally, Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine serves as a venue for traditional Japanese events, including the annual Kitazawa Hachiman Festival in September.
Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine
Address: 3 Chome-25-3 Daizawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0032, Japan
Website: Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine
Discover Shimokitazawa's old-Tokyo charm
Surely, Tokyo is a vibrant city that is characterized by its luxurious boutiques, high-end flagship stores, fascinating anime souvenir shops, excellent restaurants, chic cafes, hip bars, and other upscale tourist attractions. Everywhere seems such a busy place in Tokyo, but there’s a side to it that’s a little more relaxed - Shimokitazawa. If you want to discover Tokyo’s low-key neighborhood when you visit the city, use this list as your guide in planning an itinerary.
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