Shimokitazawa is my favorite place in Tokyo (not Shinbashi or Akiba). It’s the hippest place in the city where people who say NO to the commercialism of Shibuya or Aoyama can come and enjoy the junk and mess that is Shimokitazawa. You won’t see Gucci or Vuitton here. It’s vintage-antique-used-retro-pop-cool-jazz-indies that defines what this town is about. It’s the basement and attic of Tokyo and I’m glad to be back in the neighborhood. If you have never been to Shimokita get on the train and go there now. I dropped by the area on the way home to look for some “junk” and take some photos with the GR (found the battery charger) (1) This is the hiroba at the south exit. On a friday or saturday night there are lots of people partying around here. You can buy beer at the convenience store and hang out in front of the station (2) This is at the end of the shopping street on the south side. Shimokita is a confusing place and everyone will get lost their first time. Don’t come when it’s raining. Trust me.

The Heaven & Earth Music Gallery Bar.

There are some nicely decaying shops mixed in with the used clothes and head shops.

Was that guitar placed there to look cool?

Even this vegetable stand looks like a hip place to visit.

More shops of the “Showa Retro” variety.

I visited this junk shop and considered getting that polar bear for my living room but decided against having a dead animal in the house. The “Be careful or falling rocks” sign was tempting too.

Shimokitazawa is a cafe town. Lots of cafes here. LOTS!! Here are 2 of them. There are also many bars and Izakayas and live houses and used record shops and antique toy shops and…

This is the area at the north side that is going to be demolished soon. They are rebuilding the station underground and will be finished in a few years. Many people are against destroying our beloved Shimokitazawa. While I feel the same way, I’m glad they are rebuilding the station. It’s too crowded and dirty as it is.

Used clothes from ¥100