Shimokitazawa, Alternative fashion district in Setagaya ward, Tokyo, Japan
Shimokitazawa is a densely built residential neighborhood in Setagaya ward with narrow lanes lined by vintage shops, independent record stores, small theaters, and cafés. Most streets are barely passable by car and create a pedestrian-friendly maze of shops and eateries.
After World War II the area shifted from farmland to residential use when many people relocated from the destroyed center of Tokyo. In the 1970s students and artists were drawn by low rents, leading to the emergence of an alternative scene.
The neighborhood takes its name from the lower reaches of the Kitazawa River, which now flows underground through the area. Many shops and cafés make use of limited space through multi-story buildings, with upper floors often leading to small galleries or bars.
The main shopping streets lie within a few minutes' walk from both station exits and are calmest during weekdays, as evenings and weekends draw more visitors. Many shops open only in the afternoon, so late afternoon works well for a stroll.
Each February the neighborhood hosts a multi-day theater festival where small troupes offer free street performances. The concentration of secondhand clothing is so high that some streets consist almost entirely of such shops.
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