Shimokitazawa

In short

Shimokitazawa is an area in Setagaya Ward that spreads out around Shimokitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line and Keio Inokashira Line. It is known as a neighborhood where you can encounter unique cultures such as vintage clothing, music, and theater.

• ​A Town of Theater​​: With venues such as the Honda Theater and The Suzunari, there are about 10 theaters in the area. Every February, the Shimokitazawa Theater Festival, which has continued since 1990, is held.
• ​Vintage Clothing and Vinyl​​: Along the shopping streets extending from the station, specialty vintage clothing shops stand side by side, and there are also many well-known record shops.
• ​Shimokita Senrogai​​: A newly developed district built on the site of about 1.7 kilometers of former railway tracks, created when the Odakyu Line was moved underground. Along paths filled with trees and flowers, commercial facilities housing unique shops, a hot spring inn (ryokan), and other establishments have emerged.

History and Highlights

Shimokitazawa is a neighborhood centered around Shimokitazawa Station, which is served by the Odakyu Line and the Keio Inokashira Line. Although surrounded by quiet residential neighborhoods, a stroll through the shopping streets leading from the station brings you to one specialty shop after another selling vintage clothes and records, as well as distinctive cafes.

Shimokitazawa is also known as a "town of theater." The Suzunari opened in March 1981, followed in November 1982 by the 386-seat Honda Theater. Today, there are around 10 theaters in town. Since 1990, local neighborhood associations, shops, and theater professionals have joined together to hold the Shimokitazawa Theater Festival. For the entire month of February each year, plays are staged somewhere in the neighborhood every day.

Around the station, new urban development is also underway. The section of the Odakyu Line between Higashi-Kitazawa Station and Setagaya-Daita Station was moved underground, and the approximately 1.7-kilometer stretch of former railway tracks was developed as "Shimokita Senrogai." Commercial facilities gathering unique shops, a hot spring inn, student dormitories, and other spaces have been created.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Watch a Play at a Small Theater​​: The area is home to numerous small theaters, including the Honda Theater, The Suzunari, and Ekimae Gekijo. Diverse groups, from professional troupes to amateur companies, take part in the theater festival.
• ​Vintage Clothing and Vintage Goods​​: Specialty vintage clothing stores line the shopping streets of Shimokitazawa. There are also many specialty shops dealing in vintage goods, making it a fun neighborhood to walk through while hunting for rare finds.
• ​Music and Books​​: There are many record shops with selections unaffected by passing trends, alongside theaters, bars, and live music venues scattered throughout. Bookstores with their own distinct styles can also be found across the neighborhood.

Strolling Tips

It is about 7 minutes from Shinjuku Station on the Odakyu Line. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shopping streets around the station, exploring the side alleys. Shimokitazawa is also known as a town of curry, and savoring spice-rich dishes is one of the pleasures here. Shimokita Senrogai, built on the former railway site, features paths lush with trees and flowering plants, allowing you to spend pleasant moments just walking along.