Shimokitazawa and Nakano are two neighbourhoods on the west side of Tokyo. They are less crowded than the famous sights. Shimokitazawa has narrow streets, vintage clothing shops, record stores and small live music venues. Nakano has a large shopping complex known for collectibles, and a warren of small shops. Spend a day walking between them, and let the streets set your pace.
Why these two areas
Most first-time visitors see the big districts, such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. Shimokitazawa is a different feel. The streets are narrow and the buildings are low. Many shops are small and run by their owners. You can spend a whole afternoon here without seeing a large chain store.
Nakano is a short ride from Shimokitazawa. It is known for its shops that sell collectibles, comics, toys and rare items. It has a calm feel on weekdays, and it is busier at weekends.
Walk Shimokitazawa
Start at the station and walk into the side streets. Look for vintage clothing shops, bookshops and second-hand record stores. Many shops are small, so go in one at a time and allow time to browse.
Live music venues, called live houses, are common here. Some hold shows most nights. Check the venue's schedule before you plan a night show, because each venue lists its own events.
Go on to Nakano
Take a short train ride to Nakano station. The large shopping complex near the station is known for its collectibles and anime goods. Walk the upper floors for the rare items, and the lower floors for the everyday shops. Many shops have a small section for visitors who collect toys and cards.
Some shops in Nakano close for one day a week. Check the opening days on each shop's page before you visit.
Food and breaks
For food, use Tabelog to find a café or a restaurant in each area. Read the recent reviews, and check the opening days. Small places in Shimokitazawa can fill up in the afternoon, so book a table if the page allows it, or go early.
Take a break in a café between the two areas. Many cafés have a small menu and a quiet seat near the window.
Good manners
- Do not eat while you walk in the narrow streets.
- Keep your voice low in the residential lanes.
- Ask before you take photos of shop staff or customers.
- Do not block the entrance of a small shop with your bag.
- Take your rubbish home, because some streets have few bins.
A relaxed plan
Arrive in Shimokitazawa in the late morning. Walk the side streets, have lunch, and browse the shops. Take the train to Nakano in the afternoon, and spend an hour or two in the shopping complex. Return to your hotel before the evening rush, or stay for a live show if one suits you.
Shopping tips
Bring a bag you can carry on your shoulder, since many shops do not give large bags. Check the return policy before you buy vintage clothing, because some shops do not accept returns. Sizes can differ from shops at home, so ask staff for the size chart. If you want a record, ask whether the shop can play it for you before you pay.
Getting home
Shimokitazawa and Nakano are on different lines, so plan the route before you walk back. Use the planner or your operator's app to find the last train and any change. Late in the evening, some lines run less often, so check the timetable early.
If you want a quieter day, skip the live shows and spend the evening in a small bar or a café instead. The streets feel different after dark, and many visitors say the calm end of the day is the best part.
Check first
Check first: the opening days and hours of each shop, café and live venue on its own page or on the official tourism site for Tokyo. Some shops keep their own hours and do not follow a standard week.
What to do next
Read the Shimokitazawa area guide for the area. For the full city, use the Tokyo page. Use the planner to add this day to your trip.
