About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Attractions
About
Shimokitazawa is a dense residential, entertainment and shopping area that is known for being hippie, artsy, Bohemian, and hipster. It's very close to Shinjuku (the biggest city in metropolitan Tokyo) and has become a popular and unique neighborhood in the past few decades. Japanese nicknamed the area "Shimokita" when the Bohemian vibe started in the late 1970s and '80s when younger folks moved to the area for more affordable rent and live a free-wheeling lifestyle. Once people found out about it on the internet, Shimokitazawa has really started to boom with Japanese and foreign tourists flocking to the area to check it out.
The main draw to Shimokitazawa is it's second-hand and vintage stores. College kids and people looking for something unique and trendy like to try their luck at one of the many second-hand stores in Shimokita. There are also used book stores, record stores (old vinyl records) and antique shops. Sometimes you can find great deals and other times you may not find a deal but something so cool you just have to have it.
The 2nd main draw to Shimokitazawa it's nightlife. Not as in "clubs" but more like down-to-earth bars and small Live House. You'll find plenty of foreigners along with free-spirited Japanese in the bars as it's a more relaxed and laid back type scene compared to the fast-paced city. Some places have a Happy Hour where you can get a cheap beer before dinner but even later on at night the prices are pretty standard for Tokyo. If you get hungry, Shimokitazawa has plenty of tasty little restaurants and ramen shops scattered among the twisting streets.
Access
From Shinjuku Station: Take the Odakyu Line. It is two stops, 7 min. from Shinjuku and will cost around 160 yen. Get off at Shimokitazawa station.
From Shibuya Station: Take the Keio Inokashira Line. The express train will get you there in 3 minutes and cost 130 yen. Get off at Shimokitazawa station.
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View all Hotels and Lodging in & nearby Shimokitazawa
Attractions
Here is a list of some of the top Attractions in & nearby Shimokitazawa. View all Attractions in Shimokitazawa.
Ghibli Museum
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed: Generally closed every Tuesday. Closed Dates fluctuate and change, please view the Official Website
Cost:
Map: Google Map
The Ghibli Museum is the animation and art museum of Miyazaki Hayao's Studio Ghibli. It is one of Japan's most famous animation studios. Studio Ghibli has produced many world-wide famous feature films such as "My Neighbor Totoro", "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited ... more details
Samurai Museum
Hours: Mon. - Thurs.: 10:30 am - 9:30 pm (Last admission 8:30 pm), Fri., Sat., Sun.: 10:30 am - 8:00 p.m. (Last admission at 7:30 p.m.)
Closed: Never
Cost: Adult (12 years or older): 1,800 yen, 3-12: 800 yen, Under 3: Free
Map: Google Map
The Samurai Museum in Tokyo has become quite a popular attraction with foreigner tourists. Do to it's central location in Shinjuku, easy access and excellent reputation, The Samurai Museum (サムライミュージアム in Japanese) is a quaint private collection museum that you may enj... more details
Hottarakashi Onsen
Hours: 1 Hour before sunrise to 10:00 p.m. (Last Entry at 9:30 p.m.)
Closed: No closing days
Cost: 12+: 800 yen, 0-12: 400 yen
Map: Google Map
Hottarakashi Onsen is a popular "Day Trip" or "One Night Stay" hot springs for those living in Tokyo. It is most famous for it's view as it sits up high on top of a mountain and over-looks a valley below. If the weather is nice and the air is clear you can also see Mt... more details
Mitama Hot Springs
Hours: Open: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Last Entry at 10:30 p.m.)
Closed: No closing days
Cost: Adult: 770 yen, Child (up to Junior High): 500 yen
Map: Google Map
Mitama Onsen (Hot Springs) is another one of the more popular "Day-Trip" type Hot Springs in Yamanashi Prefecture that is popular with Tokyo day trippers. It is slightly farther from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo (+ 30 min.) than Hottarakashi Onsen or the Fruit Spa Puku Puku Onsen AND you ha... more details
Sanrio Puroland - Hello Kitty Land Tokyo
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Closed some Wed. and Thurs. during some months. Please check the websites calendar for closing days.
Closed: Depending on the month, some Wed. & Thurs.
Cost: Adult: 3,300 yen - 3,800 yen | Child (up to 18): 2,500 yen - 2,700 yen
Map: Google Map
Sanrio Puroland or Hello Kitty Land Tokyo is centered around Sanrio's most famous creation, Hello Kitty. There are various kid shows, cute characters walking around, the Hello Kitty House, a boat ride and of course... lots of shops selling an incredible amount and variety of products. Sanrio Purol... more details
Fujiko F Fujio Museum - Doraemon Museum
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. BUT visitation requires a reservation! To buy a ticket from within Japan, you purchase at a Lawson convenience store with the "Loppi" ticket machine. Tickets go on sale one month in advance starting on the 30th of each month.
Closed: Every Tuesday except during Golden Week summer holidays. Also December 30th - January 3rd
Cost: 18+: 1,000 yen | 12-18: 700 yen | 4-11: 500 yen | Under 4: free
Map: Google Map
The Fujiko F. Fujio Museum also known as the Doraemon Museum, is a museum based on the works of Fujiko F. Fujio who is the creator of the Anime character Doraemon. Doraemon is a series about a robotic cat from the 22nd century who travels back in time to befriend a group of kids and is very popular ... more details
