Shimokitazawa in Tokyo
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Shimokitazawa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Shimokitazawa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Shimokitazawa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Cafe in Shimokitazawa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Shimokitazawa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Small Shrine in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
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Cafe in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
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House in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
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Shimokitazawa Street Scene, Tokyo
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Shimokitazawa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Shimokitazawa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Shimokitazawa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Shimokitazawa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Map of Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
Quick Summary
- Shimokitazawa, a neighbourhood in Tokyo, is one of the best places to live in the city.
- Having survived World War II bombings, it later became a US second-hand marketplace for soldiers.
- This area feels like a bohemian village nestled within the vast city.
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Facts & Figures
The neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa, also known as Shimokita, is one of the best places to live in Tokyo. Downtown Shinjuku is just a short train ride away, but this place feels like a bohemian village within this giant city. What makes this place so lovely are the narrow streets, theatres, funky cafés, small independent fashion shops selling vintage clothing such as Jarmusch or Link Ray, live music clubs, bookstores like Tsutaya, international eateries, and much more. It is known as a popular place for affordable shopping. The shops are usually open from 11:00 am.
Best Places to Stay in Tokyo >
Everything here feels more down-to-earth than the crazy Shibuya or noisy Harajuku districts. It is an amazing place for young, trend-setting people. The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) published the results of a survey among young people in Tokyo asking: Where would you like to live in Tokyo? You probably already know the answer :) Shimokitazawa was among the top three. My tip: Explore one of the excellent jazz bars at night. The music there is really good.
History
Shimokitazawa was originally a small farming community. Its name means lower (shimo), north (kita), and swamp (zawa). In 1921, after the Great Kanto Earthquake, many people had to leave the destroyed centre of Tokyo and settled in this area. The Shimokitazawa neighbourhood survived the World War II bombings and later became a US second-hand marketplace for soldiers. Parts of it can still be found today. When the construction of the Keio Inokashira Line was completed in 1933, a large section of the Shimokitazawa area was transformed into an urban residential zone. During the 1970s, young hip people in Tokyo discovered this place and transformed it into the unique bohemian village it is today. Unfortunately, in 2004 the Setagaya City Council released plans to redevelop a large section of Shimokitazawa, including the construction of several skyscrapers and the extension of Route 54 across the city. Let’s hope this will not destroy the charm of this lovely place.
Location
Shimokitazawa is located in the Setagaya district on the western side of Tokyo at the intersection of two train lines: the Keio Inokashira Line and the Odakyu Line.
Address: 2-23-9 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
How to get to Shimokitazawa?
- 7min from Shinjuku to Shimokitazawa Station served by Odakyu Line
- 3min from Shibuya to Shimokitazawa Station served by Keio Inokashira line
Sightseeing spots
Top:
Ichibangai Shopping Street - On the north side of Shimokitazawa Station you will find a great variety of vintage stores and charming cafés.
Theatres - Check out the Honda Gekijo Theatre, Ekimae Gekijo Theatre and the Tollywood Short Film Theatre.
Live music venues - Shelter and Live House Shimokitazawa Yaneura are two top addresses.
Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)
January/February
Shimokita Tengu Matsuri or Long Red-nosed Goblins Festival (3 days, end of Jan - begin of Feb)
This three-day festival is held to honour Tengu, the Japanese goblin-like spirit and patron of martial arts. The annual ritual of Setsubun involves a lot of bean throwing, so be prepared. The highlight is the Saturday afternoon parade, when a huge red tengu head is carried through the narrow streets while children wear goblin masks.
February
Shimokitazawa Theater Festival (whole month)
Enjoy various plays performed in eight small theatres across Shimokitazawa.
July
Shimokitazawa Music Festival (5th - 9th)
This annual festival features live shows on outdoor stages, streets and indoor clubs. Musical parades and both international and local bands perform throughout the neighbourhood.
August
Shimokitazawa Bon Dance Festival (in early to mid-August)
This two-day festival runs from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Watch dancers in summer kimonos (yukata) performing in a large circle around the central yagura tower to the rhythm of taiko drums during Bon and Awa-Odori dances. The event also includes samba shows and live music.
September
Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine Festival (first weekend of September)
More than 20 portable shrines (mikoshi) are carried through the neighbourhood accompanied by traditional ohayashi music. The mikoshi procession starts at 1:00 pm on Sunday.
October
Shimokitazawa Curry Festival (starting in the second week of October)
The festival runs for almost three weeks, with more than 100 shops offering their special curry dishes. Popular spots include Ponipirika, Rojiura Curry Samurai and Magic Spice.
