Shimokitazawa, or Shimokita to locals, is hipster central in Tokyo. Think quirky vintage shops, cool street art and heaps of fashionable folk. Easily accessible from the main train stations in Shinjuku and Shibuya.

What is so likeable about Shimokitazawa is that it's full of unique stores. There are no big brands that you would readily find in other shopping districts such as Harajuku. The area has a lively energy about it, which is even more pumping at the weekends. Students and arty folk line the narrow streets of this much-loved neighbourhood. On its north side, Shimokitazawa boasts underground music, theatre joints, restaurants and bars. It is south-side where you will find cafes and those fashionable secondhand shops that are so famous to the area.

Below you'll find a few of the beloved spots in Shimokitazawa:

Ballon D'Essai

The place you go to find coffees on your menu at home — like a good espresso or a white flat — if that's what you're after. This cool little coffee joint has an arty, but not pretentious, interior to it. And it's great value for money, giving you good-quality coffee, which can be quite hard to find in Tokyo. There is also outdoor seating, which is always a plus. For more info, visit the cafe's official site.  

Cafe Normale

There is a homeware shop called Noce in Shimokitazawa which expanded and opened a coffee shop in 2013. But it is the grand panini choices that people go here for. There are 20 different varieties and are excellent for Tokyo standards. At night, the place turns into a bar serving drinks, snacks and even more sandwiches. Cafe Normale displays Noce's furniture, so if you like the interior, pop in there too. You can check out their menu here. 

Tokoi Udon Shimokitazawa

Tokoi Udon is a great spot in Shimokitazawa for eating. The original branch is in Koenji and the owners decided to hit this up-and-coming neighbourhood too, and are doing a damned good job at it. Their speciality is thick, chewy noodles in a meat-based soup, which is flavoured with green onion. Tokoi Udon ticks all the boxes — a perfect little foodie find at 2-39-13 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo.

Garage

Garage is a popular place to see live music in Tokyo. Garage is good to you in that it doesn't charge sky-high cover charges, like many other places throughout the city do. There is a schedule of upcoming and previous musical acts on their website. See the events schedule here. 

Learn more about Shimokitazawa's bohemian bars and nightlife hangouts. 

New York Joe Exchange

This trendy little neighbourhood is full of those quirky secondhand shops and this one in particular is not to be missed. New York Joe Exchange is a spacious location (it used to be a public bathhouse) — meaning there is lots to find. The store sells imported and non-branded used clothing and buys items from customers too. On the first Sunday of every month, everything is sold with a 50% discount! Knowledgeable and most importantly fashionable staff on hand to help you out, New York Joe Exchange may very well be your next shopping spot. Hours, location and buy-sell-trade info here. 

Antiquaille

Antiquaille is the type of store where if you want to buy something, you might have to dedicate some quality time to find the perfect purchase. It is basically the type of place you go to if you're in a scavenger hunt mood. There is all sorts here, with their Japanese china being a popular buy. This is a great place for Japanese gifts for your family and friends or a random treat for yourself for the house. Very reasonable prices here. See here for location and store hours. 

Shimokitazawa is one of those rare Tokyo finds. It is cosy and has a raw boho vibe about it, which you most likely won't get in other neighbourhoods. It is original for the capital, with unique shop finds and funky good-quality coffee joints. With its narrow streets — so narrow, cars can hardly drive past comfortably — getting lost in this place is half the fun of this hip and trendy area of Tokyo. Perfect for something a little different.

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