Shimokitazawa Shopping: 7 Quirky Stores to Find Unique Treasures

1. mois café *Closed

You might just pass it by thinking that it is another old Japanese house but this building was actually renovated and then turned into a very chic Tokyo cafe. You would be compelled to take off your shoes but you can actually just enter the cafe with your shoes on. The menu here offers yummy creations inspired by families from all over the world. Their desserts are a must try too. It's warm and cozy to take a break from a long week with your friends here.

2. Barashoten Recycle Shop *Closed

3. NEW YORK JOE EXCHANGE

Shimokitazawa is well known for their second hand stores and the streets here are filled with them. It is hard to find the right one that will offer you second hand clothes that are still good and yet super cheap but this store offers exactly that! Plus, on the first Sunday of every month, every thing here is sold at 50% off! That is quite an unbeatable bargain! For a little nugget of trivia, this store used to be a public bathhouse. It has been of course renovated to be what it is today. You'll find the staff very knowledgable about the fashion world and it shows by what they wear. If you are thinking of shopping for your next wardrobe, this would be the place to stop by.  

HP: newyorkjoeexchange.com/index.php (Japanese Only)

Address: 3-26-4 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)

4. CITY COUNTRY CITY

Calling all Sunny Day Service fans out there! This cafe in Shimokitazawa is owned by one of their band members, Keiichi Sokabe. Their pasta dishes here are real good and if you are into collecting records, you'll find some second hand records here for sale. There is a turntable here in the store for you to try out the second hand records here before making the final purchase. 

Address: 4th flr. Komazawa Bldg., 2-12-13 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)

5. Nishinbo

This restaurant has a long history of 35 years with Shimokitazawa and it has stood through the test of time and maintained its popularity because the kitchen here only uses fresh ingredients and makes everything from scratch. You would be shocked to know that the prices here are really low compared to the quality that you are getting. Drink and eat here to your heart's content till 1am. 

Address: 2-9-20 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)

6. Sushi Fukumoto

Although many would think of Shimokitazawa as the place where hipsters hang out but there is a very authentic traditional sushi restaurant too, that is famous for its wonderful rich sushi pieces. The prices are of course a little high but here you'll get a certain type of quality that you won't be able to experience outside of Japan or at conveyor belt sushi restaurants. It would be a waste not to come here to experience a true sushi artisan's masterpiece before leaving Japan. 

HP: sushifukumoto.jp/index (Japanese only)

Address: B1 flr. Hanabu Bldg., 5-17-6 Daizawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)

7. Antiquaille

This is another store to come to if you are in the mood for a scavenger hunt. Here you'll find all sorts of knick-knacks at very reasonable prices. You'll probably fall in love with their Japanese china. If you look clearly, you might be able to find treasures date back to 1800! Come here to get very Japanese souvenirs for your family and friends. 

HP: antiquaille.jp/index.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 2-5-8 Kitazawa, Setagawa Ward, Tokyo (Google Map)

 

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