Visit Japan Web Shimokitazawa
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Shimokitazawa, a youthful and trendy area. The opening of new stores, as reported in the media, attracts many customers. It led to a mix of old and new storefronts in the area. Its proximity to the campuses of Kokushikan University Setagaya and Umegaoka, Meiji University and its Izumi campus also attracts a large student clientele.
The Shimokitazawa Station is located between small hills. The narrow local streets are home to many long-standing general stores, vintage clothing stores, and fabric shops, often referred to as “Cotton Town”. Additionally, the area near the north exit used to be the location of the post-war black market. Today, the scale of the “black market” has significantly reduced compared to the 1980s.
Shimokitazawa is not just a hub for vintage clothing, but also a thriving center for literature and music. The music shops are filled with rare releases, and bookstores are stocked with lesser-known tomes. At B&B, you can enjoy a cold beer while browsing through a wide selection of books.
With a café on practically every corner, Shimokitazawa embraces its relaxed, alternative vibe. Many of the cafés have unique interiors and are tucked away in interesting locations. If a café has a terrace, take a seat and enjoy some quality people-watching. Most places offer lunch and afternoon tea, and many stay open late. If you’ve had a bustling day in Shibuya or Shinjuku, unwind in the evening at one of Shimokitazawa’s cafés with a glass of wine or a draft beer.
