Tokyo provides fascinating experiences for dining, shopping, entertainment and classic sightseeing spots such as Ueno, Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Shibuya will always be popular, but here are a few lesser-known locations that will give you a glimpse of a different side Tokyo.
Shimokitazawa
If you’re into vintage clothing Shimokitazawa will be like heaven to you. Only a 10-minute drive from Shinjuku or Shibuya, Shimokitazawa is scattered with ancient shops throughout its streets, and a turn around any corner will bring new surprises. Holidays are often celebrated with promotional activities and sales.
But Shimokitazawa isn’t just famous for fashion. It’s not uncommon to find theaters large and small around the neighbourhood, the most famous of which is the Honda Theater, opened in 1982. Local entertainers add an artistic atmosphere to Shimokitazawa, and unique coffee shops and restaurants complete the area’s charm.
In Tokyo, when you talk about soup curry, you definitely think of Shimokitazawa. This is a can’t miss area for soup curry, and each restaurant also has its own distinct flavor. Soup curry differs from traditional curry in that it does not use flour and brings a variety of ingredients to a boil. You must come to Shimokitazawa and give it a try!
・Shopping: NEW YORK JOE vintage, RAGLA MAGLE vintage, NEEDLE handcrafts, Tokyu Department Store, a.m. a store retro toys
・Dining: ROJIURA Curry SAMURAI, Heart, MAJICSPICE, PONIPIRIKA
・Access: Odakyu Electric Railway Odawara Line / Keio Inokashira Line to Shimokitazawa Station
A Day in Shimokitazawa: Fashion Walk Around Tokyo’s Artsy Neighborhood
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
Since 2015, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa has become known as a hotbed for coffee shops. This quiet area’s caffeine-injection of new life has come in the form of numerous shops, each with its own variety of coffee and unique style.
More recently, there have been many clothing stores with independent design brands, as well as grocery stores at home. Each store has a different style, and it also adds more anticipated future development to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, while neighboring Tokyo is modern.
More recently, independent label clothing stores and Japanese-style grocery stores have begun to call Kiyosumi-Shirakawa home. Each brings with it the anticipation of future development in the area.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo reopened in early 2019 after the completion of a major renovation project, If you come to Tokyo, the beauty of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is well worth checking out!
・Dining: Blue Bottle Coffee, iki ESPRESSO TOKYO, ARiSE Coffee, Entangle The…
