Your New Favorite Piece in a Fashion Mecca  
A Guide to Thrifting in Shimokitazawa

Your New Favorite Piece in a Fashion Mecca
A Guide to Thrifting in Shimokitazawa

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Written by :  GOOD LUCK TRIP
Supervised by :  Keio Corporation

Shimokitazawa is the trendy district for anything but mainstream located in the Setagaya-ku area of Tokyo. A stroll around will reveal a full lineup of live music houses, play stages and halls, cafes and shops to browse.
Among them, secondhand thrift shops are an especially familiar sight. Keep scrolling for our savvy guide to the best thrift shops, how to get around, and what to expect from Shimokitazawa. Infuse your Tokyo travels with a knack for what’s local or find that special something that you’ll never forget.

3 Big Reasons Drawing Thrift Shoppers to the Streets of Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is a hotspot for secondhand shops that beams with distinct style and eye-catching shops.
Even in the world of thrifting the options here are eclectically vast and ready for you to find a favorite.
Even outside of shopping, there’s relaxing cafes, bookshops, record shops and more to break up your day.
Stroll the trendy district streets for easy shopping and fun. Below are 3 reasons you’re going to live your time in Shimokitazawa.

1. Actual Hidden Gems! Pick and Spot your Personal Style

Shimokitazawa has a large number of vintage clothing shops, offering a wide variety of styles.
To make it even easier, pick a theme to narrow down your search to trends in a certain era or price range.
Having themes like “1990s items,” “one-of-a-kind remade pieces,” or “vintage clothes under 1,000 yen” lets you enjoy choosing clothes as if you were on a treasure hunt.

Run into a gem you never expected
Run into a gem you never expected

2. New Finds Every Season Means There’s Always Something New

No matter when you visit there’s also something new to discover thanks to the quick rotation of each shop by season. For spring and summer, expect a lot of T-shirt and denim while the fall and winter months are your go-to for coats and knit items.
Even across seasons the stock inside sees heavy turnover that never gets boring.
Plan your next trip and time it for chance to spot your next seasonal find.

Get lost in the search
Get lost in the search

3. Reinvent How You Coordinate. Fave Finds for Thirift Shoppers New and Old

Just looking at the styles in-store my inspire a new fashion do-over or how you approach shopping.
The outfits worn by the staff and the displays inside the shop can serve as inspiration for your own outfits.
By learning how to incorporate vintage pieces and combine them well, you can broaden the range of your personal fashion style.

Shopfront displays give styling hints
Shopfront displays give styling hints

Close, Easy Access from Shinjuku and Shibuya! How to Get to Shimokitzawa

Shimokitazawa is an area located in the northeastern part of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.
It is close to major areas of Tokyo and is a very convenient city to access.
Two train lines run through it: the Keio Inokashira Line and the Odakyu Line.
From Shibuya Station, taking the Keio Inokashira Line and using an express train, you can arrive in about five minutes.
From Shinjuku Station, it is about an eight-minute ride on the Odakyu Line’s express train.
Both lines run frequently, making it easy to visit without worrying about timing.
Around the South Exit and East Exit of Shimokitazawa Station you’ll find a number of different shops including vintage clothing options that are all concentrated to a single area.
With shops located within walking distance of the station, the area is very easy to explore on foot.

Shimokitazawa just a 10 minute train ride from Shinjuku or Shibuya
Shimokitazawa just a 10 minute train ride from Shinjuku or Shibuya

Coveted Local Favorites! 5 Top Thrift Shops to Try in Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is home to a wide variety of distinctive vintage clothing shops, ranging from veteran names with a long track-record to the newest, hippest openings.
Each shop carries different types of clothing and accessories.
One of the true pleasures of vintage shop hopping is finding a store that perfectly matches your personal taste among so many options.
Here, we introduce five vintage clothing shops that are especially popular with locals.

1. Flamingo Shimokitazawa Shop: a Haven for First-time Thrifting

“Flamingo” operates a total of five stores in Shimokitazawa: Flamingo Shimokitazawa, Flamingo Shimokitazawa 2nd, Flamingo Shimokitazawa 3rd, Florida Shimokitazawa, and meadow by flamingo.
With the concept of “Vintage clothing worn for 100 years, worn for another 100,” Flamingo presents secondhand clothing in ways that suit the modern era.
Flamingo Shimokitazawa is located a two-minute walk from the west exit of Shimokitazawa Station.
The shop mainly sells vintage clothing collected from the United States and Europe.
It carries both men’s and women’s items, as well as accessories and bags in addition to clothing.
New items arrive daily, and the wide selection is one of its key features.
The original brand FAFATT and remade items are also popular.
Another appeal is that the staff offer styling suggestions, making it easy to ask for advice.
While many customers are in their 20s and 30s, people of all ages visit the shop.
In Shimokitazawa’s relaxed and free-spirited atmosphere, this is a store where even beginners can comfortably enjoy vintage fashion culture.

Flamingo-shaped neon sign marks the spot
Flamingo-shaped neon sign marks the spot
Racks and racks to shop with new pieces added everyday
Racks and racks to shop with new pieces added everyday
Upcycled pieces are especially hot items
Upcycled pieces are especially hot items
Name in Japanese
Flamingo 下北沢店
Address
Lisa Bldg. 1F,2-25-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
(View on Google Maps)
Business Hours
Noon - 9:00pm, Weekends/Holidays 11:00am - 9:00pm
Closed
Open every day

2. Mix and Match Classic Fits That Never Run Out of Style at “memento Shimokitazawa Shop”

“memento Shimokitazawa” is a vintage clothing shop known for its wide variety of options that don’t claim a single genre.

Step inside to find vintage pieces selected to suit the times and that pair well with modern items.
The shop proposes free-spirited styling that mixes different styles without being tied to one category.
A wide range of items is available, including clothing, fashion accessories, and jewelry.
The vintage pieces are carefully sourced based on the intrinsic value of each item, such as quality and design.

While the lineup is mainly menswear, many items can be worn unisex.
Prices vary widely, but the average price range is around ¥20,000-¥25,000.
The staff can communicate in basic English and are happy to offer thoughtful advice when choosing clothes.

The shop attracts a broad age range, with many customers in their 20s and 30s.
In Shimokitazawa, where diverse cultures and people come together, memento is a shop that expresses a distinctive identity of its own.

Fashion freedom with items across all styles and prices.
Fashion freedom with items across all styles and prices.
Accessories are especially hot with lady shoppers
Accessories are especially hot with lady shoppers
Just a mere 3-minute jaunt from the southwest exit of Shimokitazawa Station
Just a mere 3-minute jaunt from the southwest exit of Shimokitazawa Station
Name in Japanese
memento 下北沢店
Address
Kyodo Bldg. A, 5-36-12 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
(View on Google Maps)
Business Hours
Noon - 8:00pm, Weekends/Holidays 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Closed
Irregular holidays

3. Stay in Vogue with Latest Trends and Street Pieces at iroha used&select

“iroha used&select” is a shop that focuses on vintage clothing rooted in mode and street styles.
Here you’ll find vintage selections from the United States and Europe.
Many shoppers come here for the lineup of silhouettes that naturally fit into modern fashion, even though the pieces are vintage.
The store mainly offers men’s items, but also carries some women’s pieces.
Many items are unisex, and in practice, many customers choose clothing without being limited by gender.

The customer base is broad, ranging from middle and high school students to older shoppers, and local residents often stop by as well.

A popular style is wearing tailored pieces such as slacks and jackets in a relaxed, dressed-down way.
In autumn and winter, leather items are especially well received, appreciated for their vintage texture and approachable prices.

For fall and winter items, prices are generally centered around ¥15,000.
This is a shop where you can encounter a piece imbued with Shimokitazawa’s signature free-spirited atmosphere.

Found of the 2nd Floor of the Buliding
Found of the 2nd Floor of the Buliding
Trend-forward finds an elegant, second-hand styles
Trend-forward finds an elegant, second-hand styles
Wide variety of unisex items to shop across the board.
Wide variety of unisex items to shop across the board.
Name in Japanese
iroha used&select
Address
2-29-14 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
(View on Google Maps)
Business Hours
Noon - 8:00pm, Weekends/Holidays 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Closed
Irregular holidays

4. Best of 50s to 70s Vintage at BIG TIME Shimokitazawa

“BIG TIME Shimokitazawa” is the Shimokitazawa branch of BIG TIME, a vintage shop chain with stores across Japan, mainly in the Kanto region.
It is located on a small side street just off Kamakura-dori.

Inside the two-floor store, you’ll find high-quality vintage and secondhand clothing from the 1950s to the 1990s, sourced from the United States and Europe.

Items from the 1950s to 1970s are especially well preserved and come in a wide variety.
In addition to clothing, the shop offers a rich selection of accessories, bags, bandanas, and Mexican rugs.

They also put a strong focus on original items featuring retro-inspired designs.
Most of the products are one-of-a-kind, making it exciting to discover something new each time you visit.

The carefully curated displays, including lighting and interior design, are also highlights.
Across the street is a second store that carries items with a different taste; visiting both together allows for an even more satisfying shopping experience.

Used finds from the 50s to 90s
Used finds from the 50s to 90s
Retro interior and displays to match your thrifted finds
Retro interior and displays to match your thrifted finds
A 2nd floor shop just one street in from Kamakura Dori
A 2nd floor shop just one street in from Kamakura Dori

5. Quirky Shops for Every Style! Toyo Department Store Annex, with Shimokitazawa Vibes in Earnest

Toyo Department Store Annex is located in the “Mikan Shimokita” area beneath the elevated tracks of Shimokitazawa Station.

It’s a place where diverse people gather, capturing the blend of old and new that defines Shimokitazawa.
The annex houses six distinctive shops, with vintage stores, the iconic mainstay of Shimikitazawa, at its center.
At the entrance, “3 Biki no Koneko” primarily sells women’s vintage clothing.
Tops, mini skirts, and other items are displayed in sets that match current fashion trends.
Prices are mainly in the ¥1,000 range, making the items easy to purchase.
“SMOG”, which carries vintage clothing from the 1980s to 2000s, offers a wide variety of T-shirts and denim.
Its most popular items are soccer uniforms from the 1990s-2000s, attracting visitors from overseas who are looking for uniforms of their favorite teams or players.
Other shops include the select shop A `gem, handmade goods at Sukonbu, silver accessories at IBUQUI, and eyewear at eyecon.
This combination of vintage clothing, accessories, and miscellaneous goods creates a space full of Shimokitazawa’s unique charm.

Tucked under the tracks on one side of Mikan Shimokita
Tucked under the tracks on one side of Mikan Shimokita
Accessories galore, great prices and more at 3 Little Cats
Accessories galore, great prices and more at 3 Little Cats
Soccer uniforms lined wall-to-wall at SMOG
Soccer uniforms lined wall-to-wall at SMOG

Done in a Half-Day! Our Recommended Path to Thrift Shopping in Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is a compact area where vintage clothing stores and commercial facilities are concentrated around the station.
It’s easy to get around on foot, making it possible to explore the neighborhood thoroughly even in just half a day.
Here, we introduce a model course for vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa that brings together all the spots introduced so far.

11:50am
Kick off at the north side West Exit of Shimokitazawa Station
12:00pm
Shop originials and refinished pieces at Flamingo Shimokitazawa
12:40pm
swing by BIG TIME Shimokitazawa for vintange picks and retro design accessories to try
1:10pm
Trend-forward secondhand finds at iroha used&select
2:15pm
Pop into a shop for cool and cozy lunch
3:30pm
Ladies picks and soccer uniforms at Toyo Department Store Annex
4:00pm
Discover stylish secondhand goods at memento Shimokitazawa
4:30pm
Pop into an eatery for an early dinner

3 Top Cafes and Food Shops around Shimokitazawa

One of Shimokitazawa’s charms is not just its vintage shops, but also its abundance of dining options.
The area is dotted with specialty Japanese tea shops, cafés, and multi-purpose facilities where you can eat while shopping.
Here, we introduce three cafés and restaurants that are easy to stop by during a vintage shopping trip and are popular among locals.

1. Delicate Japanese teas and tastes at Japanese tea stand TEN

“Nihoncha Senmon Stand ヽ TEN” is a drink stand where you can casually enjoy Japanese tea.
It is a popular spot frequently visited by locals living around Shimokitazawa.
The name “ヽ TEN” represents a comma and carries the meaning of “a little break.”
With the aim of making Japanese tea more accessible in everyday life, the shop offers a variety of Japanese tea drinks.

They serve sencha, matcha, hojicha, and Japanese black tea sourced from across Japan.
Seasonal offerings include refreshing cold-brew teas blended with shiso or sudachi, as well as seasonal blends combined with fruits.
Another specialty is the amazake matcha latte, which is naturally sweetened with the sweetness of koji rather than sugar, giving it a clean, refreshing taste.
Variations of the amazake matcha latte combined with fruits are especially popular among women.
The menu is available in English.

This is a place where you can easily explore the depth of Japanese tea while strolling through the neighborhood.

Just inside a road off the south exit shotengai
Just inside a road off the south exit shotengai
Shop owner prepares select Japanese teas right before your eyes
Shop owner prepares select Japanese teas right before your eyes
High-end “Jonamagashi” Japanese sweets pair perfectly with green tea and matcha lattes.
High-end “Jonamagashi” Japanese sweets pair perfectly with green tea and matcha lattes.

2. Mikan Shimokita, the Latest Hub for Food and Culture

This is a multi-purpose complex located just under the elevated tracks of Shimokitazawa Station on the Keio Inokashira Line.
The facility is divided into five districts, labeled A through E, and its layout gives the impression of a row of street-front shops.
Visitors can enjoy shopping while strolling through the complex, dining at restaurants, or simply spending time as they like.
There are about 20 shops in total, offering a wide variety of goods across fashion, food, and lifestyle categories.
The complex also has many dining options, allowing you to choose depending on your mood that day.
Notable establishments include Chopsticks, featuring Japan’s first fresh noodle pho as its signature dish; Island Burgers, famous for its impressively large burgers; and OHAGI3, known for additive-free ohagi and convenient one-hand warabi mochi.

A full rolodex of eateries to try underneath the tracks
A full rolodex of eateries to try underneath the tracks

3. NANSEI PLUS, Go-to Lounge Vibes and Eats Just by the Station

“NANSEI PLUS” is located inside the multi-purpose complex (tefu) lounge, directly connected to the southwest exit of Shimokitazawa Station.

It functions as a community lounge, bringing together restaurants, a plaza, art galleries, and more.
The dining area features a variety of cuisines, including tacos, ramen, and craft beer.
Other spots include a beer bar serving homemade brews, a coffee stand with freshly roasted beans, and a café attached to a natural foods supermarket.

Many of the shops have large windows or terrace seating, making them perfect for relaxing on sunny days while enjoying the greenery of the plaza.
The complex combines the convenience of a station-front location with a touch of an extraordinary, leisurely atmosphere, offering a unique dining experience in Shimokitazawa.

Lounge-style meet spot in Shimokitazawa.
Lounge-style meet spot in Shimokitazawa.

Frequently Asked Questions for Shimokitazawa Thrift Shopping

Q

What’s the best way to go thrifting in Shimokitazawa?

A

There are multiple shops around Shimokitazawa Station, making it easy to walk around. Drop by whichever shop catches your eye and make your way around as you like.

Q

I want more clean and chic styles. What shops should I check?

A

memento Shimokitazawa and iroha used&select are stocks with multiple styles that easily pair with the latest trends.

Wrap-up

Many know Shimokitazawa as a thrifting haven for the undeniable flair and fashion-forward variety between each and every store. Local Japanese shoppers are no strangers to the area, meaning shopping here feels more like a micro lens into a Japanese sense of everyday. There are shops to browse just by the station so even first time visitors can jump right into shopping.
As an added perk, you can easily squeeze in heaps of shopping in a neat few hours of the day.
Cafes and eateries are dotted across the area for when you’re ready to break up shopping for a bite. Whether you’re ready for a deep dive into the underground cultures of Tokyo or on the hunt for something unique and all your own, there’s something for everyone to love.