Shimo-Kitazawa, Mecca for vintage and used clothing!
The History of Shimokitazawa: From Black Market to Theater Town to Vintage Fashion Hub and 90 shops!
Shimokitazawa station
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 28 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 12 years.
For the people who are interested in and planning trip to Japan ,
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I think many people are interested in Shimokitazawa, thrift shops town in Tokyo .
There are 200 thrift shops gather here, the Mecca of fashion people.
I introduced you to the history and 90 of shops here!
History
• 1940s–50s: Black Market Survival Town
• 1970s–80s: Theater & Music Town
• 1990s–Today: Vintage Fashion & Subculture Hub
1945–1950s: Postwar Black Market
After World War II, like many parts of Tokyo, Shimokitazawa’s station area turned into a black market, with stalls selling food and daily necessities.
It was a place for survival and rebuilding everyday life.
1960s: From Market to Shopping Streets
As Japan’s economy grew, the black markets disappeared and were replaced by organized shopping arcades.
Shimokitazawa became a modest residential and commercial district, not yet famous for art or fashion.
1970s: Birth of the Theater Town
In the 1970s, young theater groups looking for cheap rent and a creative atmosphere moved into Shimokitazawa.
Small theaters (later the famous Honda Theater group) opened, making Shimokitazawa the heart of Tokyo’s underground theater scene.
Live music venues also appeared, attracting students, musicians, and artists.
1980s: Expansion of Youth Culture
With the opening of Honda Theater in 1982, Shimokitazawa gained national recognition as Japan’s “Little Broadway” for experimental theater.
Cafés, record shops, and indie bars grew around the theaters, creating a lively sub cultural district.
At the same time, imported vintage clothing from the U.S. and Europe started to attract young people seeking affordable, unique styles.
1990s: Vintage Fashion Capital
After Japan’s economic bubble burst, vintage fashion became a key identity of Shimokitazawa.
Dozens of thrift shops opened near the station, and the area became known as Tokyo’s number one vintage fashion district.
Combined with its theater and music culture, Shimokitazawa established itself as a hub for alternative youth culture.
2000s–Today: A Mix of Cultures
Today, Shimokitazawa is internationally famous for its vintage shops, small theaters, live music venues, cozy cafés, and bohemian spirit.
Even with redevelopment changing the station area, the town still keeps its charm as a unique blend of art, fashion, and counterculture.
Thrift shops
Shimokitazawa station is the crossroad of Keiko line and Odakyu line.
In this blog I separate north of Shimokitazawa station ( north of Keio line) and South of it.
North area
If you go out the north side of the station, you can see the slope of wheelchair.
Walk along this road, you hit many thrift shops.
The map is here.
North area 48 shops
You go out the sation and turn right to the south.
South area
Also you hit many thrift shops along this area.
South area 43 shops
You can check the north and south areas both.
You can find the favorite one here!
How was it?
Why don’t you try next chance?
I’m Nobu , one heart enjoy together!!
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