ΤΟΚΎΟ Tales

THE CAPITAL CITY OF JAPAN IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS SUMMER — GET AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND DISCOVER THE CHARMS OF VINTAGE HAVEN SHIMOKITAZAWA AND OLD-SCHOOL OSHIAGE

- JAMIE LEE

SHIMOKITAZAWA, SETAGAYA CITY 

Just a few train stops away from Shibuya in Tokyo (take the Chiyoda Line to Yoyogi-uehara before changing to the Odakyu line to get to Shimo-kitazawa station) lies a quiet neighbourhood right in Setagaya

City: Shimokitazawa. Don’t expect the kind of high-street offerings you’ll find in Harajuku or the upscale boutiques of Omotesando here, but this place is a good alternative for shopping if you’re hoping to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s main hotspots. In the last few years, Shimokitazawa has developed into something of a hub for thrifting, with lots of vintage stores sprouting up near the train station. There are also plenty of other gems to discover in the neighbourhood — from a traditional ryokan located in the middle of a park to a Studio Ghibli-themed cafe.

Stay

If it’s your first time in Japan, visiting an onsen is a must. Book yourself a room at the traditional Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita, nestled in the centre of a park nearby the Inari Shrine and Tolo Coffee and Bakery. The onsen has indoor and outdoor baths, a teahouse and Kappo Tsukikage, a restaurant which serves authentic Japanese fare — everything you need for a quick weekend getaway.

If you’re looking for a more modern alternative, hit up Mustard Hotel Shimokitazawa (they also have a branch in Shibuya) where they have Sidewalk Coffee Roasters, a cafe that serves delicious bagels and coffee. The hotel also has a shochu bar called Kurage, where they play good music.