Tour of Shimokitazawa's Newest and Classic Spots
Shimokitazawa was voted the second coolest city in the world—come find out why. Located at the crossing of two suburban train lines, it’s packed with cool underground culture spots: independent theaters, live-music venues, comedy houses, and independent cinemas. Within 500m of this station a retail kaleidoscope awaits, with used-clothing stores, cheap and tasty restaurants, cool and retro cafes, vinyl, cassette and CD stores, and eclectic general stores. Shimokita is unique both in Tokyo and in the world.
The Odakyu Line ran aboveground from 1927 until 2013. When the company tore up the tracks and moved them underground, large tracts of land opened. Meanwhile, the area under Shimokita’s other train line was also redeveloped. These two developments drastically changed the town. Fortunately, the new developments are offbeat and original, and fit the town’s original bohemian vibe. A local guide will lead this insider’s tour. Come experience the real Shimokitazawa.
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Tour of Shimokitazawa's Newest and Classic Spots
What's included in Tour of Shimokitazawa's Newest and Classic Spots
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Shimokitazawa is located 7 minutes from Shinjuku on the Odakyu Line and 3 minutes from Shibuya on the Inokashira Line. The Odakyu line used to run above ground, but was converted to newly dug underground tunnels in 2013, and the current station building was completed in 2019. Shimokitazawa is a compact town, roughly the area within a 500-meter radius from the station. But into this area are 10 small theaters, over 20 live houses(venues for live music), and countless second-hand clothing stores, restaurants, and other points of interest. This 90-minute tour will focus on fifteen of these.
“Mikan Shimokita” is a commercial facility that opened in 2022. There are 23 stores including bistros, Vietnamese, Thai, Taiwanese, Korean, Italian, izakaya, monjayaki, and other restaurants, as well as general merchandise stores. Literally under the tracks near the station, it added much culinary diversity to the already bustling food scene in the area.
Honda GekijoPass-by Only
The Honda Theater is one of the most well-known theaters in Shimokitazawa, a theater town with over twenty small independent theatres in just one square kilometer. With 386 seats, the Honda is not a large theater, but it is a favorite venue for theater troupes from all over Japan. Actually it is one of the largest houses in Shimokitazawa, many of which are very intimate venues with only a few dozen seats. Like off-Broadway in New York, Shimokitazawa mostly features original and independent plays, not mainstream commercial productions. Many famous in TV and movies can be spotted in the casts of the many smaller independent productions that show here. The chance to perform in intimate venues for discerning theatregoers is irresistible for true thespians.
Inclusions
- Admission fee
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- In front of Shimokitazawa Station East Exit
