[東京] 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.

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.