“Shimo Kitazawa”, a very popular tourist destination in Tokyo, has many live houses and theaters, and is also a famous antique shopping destination. It combines various cultural characteristics into the characteristics of Shimokitazawa, and is suitable for all ages. The retro and unique atmosphere of Shimokitazawa makes people want to come back again and again. In this center of Japanese subculture, there are also many delicious foods. This time we have selected 6 Shimokitazawa cafes. We highly recommend going to Shimokitazawa. Find out when you travel!
1. Pabrik Puff Creamy Shirahige
Famous for selling Totoro-shaped puffs, “White Beard Puff Factory” originally only had a shop in Kichijoji, but now you can also buy them in Shimokitazawa!
The cute Totoro puffs will provide different filling flavors according to the season, and the Totoro shell also has a special decoration. Not only cute and delicious, “White Moustache Novel Puffs” is the only coffee shop officially certified by Ghibli. The forest-style shops are also quite Ghibli-style, and “White Moustache Studio” not only offers Totoro Puffs, but also offers a number of limited-edition Ghibli desserts. Friends who like Ghibli must put it on their pocket list!
■ Location: 5-3-1 Daida, Setagaya, Tokyo
■ Transportation: About 2 minutes on foot from “Setagaya Shirota” Station on the Odawara Line
■ Business hours: 10:30~19:00, closed on Tuesdays, and will be postponed if it is a national holiday
2. Look Up Coffee
“LOOK UP COFFEE” which opened in January 2021 is located in a somewhat remote area next to a residential area. The two shop owners are from Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu. To bring greenery and a hometown atmosphere, the spacious shop is mostly made of wooden furniture. , There are many plants, and there is a large grass area in front of the shop, so in addition to the indoor seating area, there is also a garden area to sit. The relaxed atmosphere makes many regular customers consider “LOOK UP COFFEE” a secret place.
“LOOK UP COFFEE” uses coffee beans and related foods roasted by a shop in Kagoshima Prefecture. In addition to tasting delicious coffee, it is highly recommended to eat it with honey toast spread with butter!
■ Location: 2-36-14 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
■ Access: About 3 minutes’ walk from the east exit of “Shimokitazawa” Station, Keio Inokashira Line
■ Working hours: 8:00~19:00 (LO 18:30), no regular holidays
3. Cafe Negura
“NEGURA” is very popular among young people in Japan. When you enter the store, you will first be attracted by the outer wall covered with vines, then you will see the sign and door full of Showa retro feel. Inside the store Coffee-colored decorations create a retro atmosphere. In addition to selling coffee and floating soda which are very popular because of their photogenic nature, the store also sells vintage clothes and lots of food ingredients!
■ Location: 26-2-13 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
■ Access: About 4 minutes walk from Keio Line Shimokitazawa Station
■ Working hours: 12:00~20:00, adjusted according to season and activity, no fixed holidays.
4. 8 Jours
“8 Jours” specializes in black tea drinks. The shop only sells black tea, but there are 13 types of black tea to choose from. The 8 black teas are also recommended for making fresh milk tea. The desserts at this shop are also famous, as the name suggests. 8″, a new dessert menu will be launched on the 8th of every month, and the usual chiffon cake flavors will also be updated. Many foodies are secretly returning!
“8 Jours” is open every day until the desserts in the shop are sold out. Since there is no reservation, you will be very lucky if you can get in and try the professional black tea and delicious desserts of the day.
■ Location: 2-37-17 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
■ Access: About 5 minutes’ walk from Shimokitazawa Station on the Keio Inokashira Line
■ Working hours: 11:08 until snacks run out, no fixed holidays.
5. Kirusha
In the unique subculture atmosphere of Shimokitazawa, the spirit embraced by “気流戎” is a “confrontational culture” that is different from the mainstream culture. The interior and exterior decorations are designed and built by the store’s employees themselves, and this beautiful store Except for the wall of books that almost reaches the top of the books, all the books on the shelves are for sale and are non-profit. They also sell coffee, alcohol, and snacks. If you want to buy a special book in Shimokitazawa, you can consider this “気流舎” that allows you to drink coffee and shop at the same time!
■ Adress: 29-5-17 Yozawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
■ Access: About 7 minutes’ walk from Shimokitazawa Station on the Keio Inokashira Line
■ Working hours: 18:00~22:00 on weekdays, 14:00~22:00 on weekends, no regular holidays.
6. W/O Stand SHIMOKITA
“W/O Stand”, a takeaway coffee shop that started in Kobe, not only serves delicious coffee and releases limited-time coffee drinks according to the season, but “W/O Stand” is also characterized by fashion and music. The illustrations are drawn by famous illustrator Jin Anliang, and each branch has a logo of a musician representing it. The avatar used by the Shimokitazawa “W/O Stand” shop is rapper Nas. If you like collecting special takeaway cups, and you like music, I’m sure you won’t miss “W/O Stand SHIMOKITA”!
■ Location: 26-2-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
■ Access: About 3 minutes’ walk from Shimokitazawa Station on the Keio Inokashira Line
■ Working hours: Weekdays 11:30-18:00, irregular holidays.
Lunch at Shimokitazawa cafe
After reading the introduction above, are there any shops on your bucket list? Shimokitazawa, the center of Japanese subculture, is a mix of various cultural characteristics. In addition to shopping for vintage clothes, antique bookstores, and attending various exhibitions, it is also highly recommended to experience the unique culture of Shimokitazawa at a cafe!