If you’re heading to Tokyo and want to skip the tourist traps, Shimokitazawa (or Shimokita for short) is where you need to spend your time.
This laid-back neighborhood is Tokyo’s unofficial capital of cool, packed with vintage shops, quirky cafes, and indie vibes. While it’s not as flashy as Shibuya or Harajuku, Shimokitazawa is where you’ll find Tokyo’s young creatives and students hanging out—and for good reason.
What we loved most about Shimokitazawa was how unbusy it was compared to the parts of Tokyo we were used to.
Imagine the crowds of Shinjuku and Shibuya, but cut that down by 80-90%. Yes, that’s how a stroll in this neighborhood felt… calm and relaxing, with 10x the charm.
The neighborhood also got a relatively new level up — there’s now a massive five-story shopping and dining complex built under the train tracks, ripe for exploration.
While Shimokitazawa can no longer be considered a hidden gem, it’s at least drawing in the right kinds of travelers. It’s still flying under the radar for the crowds that overrun places like Harajuku (or worse… Kyoto).
For now, this area feels refreshingly authentic—visited by intentional travelers who are more about soaking up local culture than ticking boxes on a bucket list. This guide will help you appreciate Shimokitazawa’s laid-back charm.
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Things To Do in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
Explore Mikan Shimokita
The new-ish Mikan Shimokita complex, located right under the elevated train tracks, is turning heads for good reason. It’s filled with a large handful of shops, bakeries, restaurants, and even a Tsutaya bookstore — one of the select few in Tokyo that doubles as a co-working space, even offering all-you-can-drink (tea) packages.
For anyone looking for some caffeine, there’s also a big Brooklyn Roasting Co. at the end of the building across the small road.
You could probably get stuck just exploring this complex alone, but don’t! There’s so much more to see throughout the neighborhood.
Shimokita Rokkaku
For hungry folks, Mikan Shimokita is home to the standout Shimokita Rokkaku, where you can enjoy classic izakaya dishes paired with sake.
If you’ve never been to an izakaya, this is your chance to experience an elevated version of one!
Shimokita Rokkaku is open for lunch and dinner. We visited at lunch, drawn in by the crowds of other hungry diners (all of which were Japanese locals). There was a line during the lunch hour, but we waited no more than 10 minutes. Papu ordered a stonepot beef-don set, and I ordered a grilled saba lunch set. Both were absolutely delightful.
From the decor and seating setup, it was easy to imagine how lively the place becomes at night when the dinner-and-drinks crowd rolls in after work.
Get lost in the vintage shops
Shimokitazawa is vintage-shopping heaven. Nearly half of the clothing stores here sell second-hand treasures from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, making it the perfect place to hunt for one-of-a-kind finds.
After walking through the streets of Shimokitazawa myself, I’m convinced you don’t need to prep your visit with a list of must-visit shops. There are vintage/thrift stores literally EVERYWHERE.
With that said, here’s an idea of what’s there to get you started: Treasure Factory Style, Big Time, New York Joe Exchange, Dylan, and Flamingo.
For new clothing, we really enjoyed browsing through Steps (despite things being outside of our price range).
Browse through antiques and quirky finds
It’s not just clothes, though. For antiques, quirky accessories, and fun souvenirs, hit up some of the non-clothing shops like Antique Life Jin, Tokyo Retro a.m.a., or Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa.
Since I wasn’t in the market for clothes, these stores actually drew me in way more than the clothing shops!
My personal favorite for souvenir shopping is Village Vanguard. This quirky store is packed with just about every Japanese character you can imagine, from the ultra-famous to the wonderfully obscure.
Think Studio Ghibli, Sanrio, Doraemon, Anpanman, Woot Bear, One Piece (and a lot more anime than I’m familiar with), just to name a few.
Beyond the character-based products, you’ll also find an eclectic mix of pop culture oddities and bizarre treasures. In fact, this is actually where I first discovered what Fugglers were — so ugly but so cute!
There’s also a huge manga section, an area dedicated to onsen/bathing goods, punk gear, and so many other store sections you would have never expected to find. You can even busy yourself with all the gachapon machines at the entrance.
If you love unique, offbeat souvenirs, this place is a goldmine.
Enjoy a cup of coffee (or two)
Shimokitazawa is a coffee lover’s paradise, with countless cafés dotted around the area. We stopped by Sarutahiko Coffee, but there’s no shortage of great options to choose from, including Bookends Coffee Service, LOOK UP COFFEE, and Ogawa Coffee Laboratory.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick pick-me-up or a lazy afternoon of coffee-sipping and people-watching, I think you’ll have no problem finding a spot that fits your needs (or aesthetic).
👉 COFFEE WITH A SIDE OF JAZZ: Masako Jazz & Coffee -A cozy cafe with an old-school kissa vibe. Jazz tunes, shelves of vinyl records, and vintage furniture create a welcoming atmosphere, and while the food and coffee aren’t the main focus, it’s a great spot to enjoy a quiet hour listening to jazz.
Grab a crepe at Andrea Crepes
If you’re craving a crepe amidst all that perusing and shopping, Andrea Crepes is a must-visit.
When I’m in Japan, crepes are always on my mind. It was late afternoon and upon searching for a crepe spot in Shimokita, Andrea Crepes popped up so we headed there. To my surprise, we stumbled upon the cutest little creperie we’d ever laid eyes on!
This pink-themed hole-in-the-wall is run by the kindest owner, who makes every crepe fresh to order. The shop itself is photogenic as heck—tiny, charmingly decorated, and full of character.
The menu offers a variety of flavor combinations, but we went the DIY route with a strawberry, banana, Nutella, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream crepe. It was hands-down the best crepe I’ve had in Japan, and trust me, I’ve tried many over the years!
👉 PATTISSERIE ALERT: We also stumbled upon a bakery that surprised us both with its French-style pastries: Chez Lui. We’re very particular about our pastries, but Chez Lui passed our pastry test with flying colors. Highly recommend this one!
Live music and drinks
Shimokitazawa is a hub for young people, so it comes as no surprise that the arts and music scene is one of its biggest draws. In 2021, it was reported that 8% of Tokyo’s music clubs were located here.
That’s a staggering number for such a compact area and speaks to its reputation as a hotspot for live performances. Whether you’re into indie rock, jazz, or experimental sounds, this neighborhood is one of the best places in Tokyo to catch a live show.
Unlike the larger, more touristy bar areas like Shinjuku’s Golden Gai—which has become overrun with mostly tourists—the venues here are intimate, laid-back, and attract a more local crowd. Some places may have cover charges, but that’s often because they feature live music.
For a unique jazz-meets-speakeasy experience, check out No Room For Squares, hidden behind a Coca-Cola fridge door. There’s no menu here—just tell the bartender what you like, and they’ll craft something on the fly.
Another cool spot is Shimokitazawa Daisy Bar, a small venue and bar where you can catch independent bands and immerse yourself in the underground Japanese music scene.
Reload Shimokitazawa
Reload is Shimokitazawa’s take on a shopping plaza: so hip and so trendy.
Opened in 2021 on an old railway track, it has a sleek, village-like layout with white walls and multi-level terraces. It’s packed with trendy cafes and niche shops selling cool knick-knacks, as well as a vegan bakery, Apotheke, Ogawa Coffee Lab, a florist, and more.
The upper-level terraces offer great views of the neighborhood—it’s worth a visit if whitewashed walls and minimalist aesthetics are your thing!
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory
This official Studio Ghibli bakery is IG-famous for its Totoro-themed cream puffs and Cat Bus cookies, created under the blessing of Hayao Miyazaki’s sister-in-law, who founded it in 2007.
The ground floor has takeaway treats, and the upstairs Totoro-themed cafe (TOLO) is a hit with Ghibli fans.
We skipped it because we tend to avoid long lines caused by social media virality, but if you’re a die-hard Ghibli fan (and don’t mind waiting), it’s worth checking out.
How to Get to Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
Being just to the west of Shibuya, getting to Shimokitazawa is a breeze. It’s just a 5-minute ride from Shibuya on the Keio Line, or about 7 minutes from Shinjuku on the Odakyu Line.
From Tokyo station, first take the JR Chuo Line Rapid before getting on the Odakyu line to Shinjuku.
Either way, it’s super easy to tack on a visit to Shimokitazawa during your Tokyo trip.
Other Cool Neighborhoods to Explore in Tokyo
While Shimokitazawa has its own charm, Tokyo is full of eclectic neighborhoods to discover. Here are a few you won’t want to miss if you have extra time in Tokyo:
- Koenji: Another vintage lover’s paradise with a grittier, more underground vibe.
- Harajuku and Omotesando: Considered Tokyo’s Fifth Avenue, this area is iconic for its bold street fashion, boutique shopping, and great eats.
- Nakameguro: Famous for its beautiful cherry blossom-lined river and relaxed atmosphere.
- Daikanyama: A stylish, upscale area with boutique shops, trendy cafes, and leafy streets.
Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!
Tokyo
- 15 Super Convenient Hotels In Tokyo (Near The JR Yamanote Line!)
- 2 Days In Tokyo, Japan: Best Things To Do With Your Time
- The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary In Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go
- 12 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan
- 20 Best Things To Do In Tokyo At Night
- 20 Top Things To Do In Shinjuku, Tokyo’s High-Energy District
Near Tokyo
- A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary For Kawagoe, Japan (From Tokyo)
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- 25 Fun Things To Do In Kawaguchiko + Beyond (Fuji Five Lakes Travel Guide)
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